The Ghanaian poultry industry faces a critical juncture, teetering on the edge of collapse due to a soaring maize crisis. Maize, a primary component of poultry feed, has seen a staggering 80% price increase in just eight months, primarily driven by the ongoing drought. This escalating cost has sent shockwaves through the feed milling industry, significantly impacting production capacity and driving up feed costs for poultry farmers.
The Association of Feed Millers of Ghana (AFMOG) has raised the alarm, emphasizing the industry’s problems in sustaining production levels. With feed costs soaring, several mills are running at reduced capacity, raising the possibility of chicken feed scarcity. This, in turn, jeopardizes the viability of chicken farms, which rely primarily on low-cost feed to operate.
Poultry growers are caught in a challenging cycle. When feed costs rise, companies have to raise prices for poultry products, which might lead to lower consumer demand and harm the firm even more. This situation is complicated for small-scale poultry farmers who may not have enough money to handle rising prices.
The Ghana Poultry Farmers Association (GPFA) has called for urgent government intervention to address the maize crisis. The association has urged the government to issue import permits for maize, allowing poultry farmers to supplement domestic supplies and alleviate the price pressure. This would relieve the industry and ensure a more stable supply of poultry products.
However, relying only on imports is not a sustainable strategy. The government should also invest in long-term efforts to increase domestic maize production. This could include offering incentives to farmers, improving agricultural infrastructure, and encouraging the use of improved maize varieties. By expanding domestic output, Ghana can lessen its reliance on imports and strengthen its chicken industry.
The maize crisis presents a significant challenge to Ghana’s poultry industry. If not addressed promptly and effectively, the consequences could be severe, including job losses, food insecurity, and a decline in export earnings. It is imperative for the government, industry stakeholders, and consumers to work together to find sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.
