Poultry farmers in parts of Kaduna State have slashed prices of chicken and eggs, for fear of incurring losses, following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has grounded businesses across the globe. A survey conducted recently by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna revealed that a full-grown chicken which sold for between N2,500 and N3,000 is now going for as low as N1,500, while a crate of eggs now attracts N700, as against N1,000 previously.

A cross section of the farmers, who spoke with NAN, disclosed that the development resulted from the need to avoid further losses on their investments, since they have continued to spend money on procuring feeds.

Mrs. Veronica Ishaku, who owns a poultry farm at her residence in Sabo, said she was demoralized, as she did not record much sales during the Easter period, adding that the birds are still remaining in their numbers.

She said: “I bought about 300 broilers ahead of Easter and barely sold 100 for N2,500 then. Now, I still have close to 200 chickens and I have been spending money on buying feeds for them. As a result, I had to slash the price to N1,500 so as to avoid incurring further expenses on them.”

Also, Mrs. Irene Gabriel, a poultry famer at Karji settlement, told NAN that she had to resort to showcasing her chickens for sale on the social media to attract buyers. “In fact, even at the giveaway price of N1, 500, patronage has been very poor. The economy is really biting hard on Nigerians, so much so that to eat chicken now in some homes is a luxury,” she said.

 Mr. Raphael Nwabueze, a resident of Narayi, and a major eggs seller in the neighborhood, told NAN that if the lockdown persists, egg sellers may be forced to further slash prices, or otherwise run at loss. Sun News