- Poultry farmers face feed shortage due to drought.
- Grain prices surge, maize doubles to GH¢800.
- High costs force farmers out of business.
- Poultry industry in crisis, needs urgent support.
Poultry farmers in the Northern region are facing a severe shortage of feed for their farms, exacerbated by the ongoing dry spell in the area.
The drought has significantly reduced grain production, leading to a scarcity of key ingredients such as maize and soya beans, essential in poultry feed production.
Mark Kwaku Abobra, Vice Chairman of the Northern Regional Poultry Farmers Association, highlighted the devastating impact of the shortage on farmers.
According to Abobra, the shortage has led to a surge in grain prices, further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.
He noted that the price of maize, a crucial ingredient in poultry feed, has doubled in recent times. In Tamale, a bag of maize now sells for GH¢800, up from GH¢400, making it difficult for farmers to afford.
The price increase has forced many farmers to reduce feed quality or quantity, putting their businesses at risk. Abobra stated that many farmers are being forced out of business due to the high cost of ingredients.
Despite the challenges, some farmers, like Abobra, are struggling to keep their businesses afloat by inadequately feeding their birds.
The situation highlights the need for urgent support for poultry farmers in the Northern region to mitigate the effects of the drought and grain shortage.
