Maize, wheat bran, soya beans short in supply?
Information available to Akuafo Kye Fa show on (Oyerepa 100.7 fm) has it that there’s maize scarcity in the country.
Maize constitutes 70% of poultry feed. There’s also a shortage of wheat bran and soy meal.
This was revealed by Poultry farmers in some parts of the Ashanti region.
Due to this the farm gate price of Chicken (layer or broiler) will be sold at ¢35 cedis per bird.
This means the final consumer is likely to spend @¢40-50 for one bird.
This is as a result of the rise in the price of maize and soybeans.
Within a space of one month, there has been an astronomical increase in the cost of both maize and soybeans and poultry farmers are struggling to get feeds for their birds.
According to the poultry farmers, 150 kilos of maize which was trading at ¢150 has shot up to ¢280, while soybean has jumped from ¢135 to ¢200.
If the situation persists, we may not get some for human consumption.
Speaking on Akuafo Kye fa show on Saturday 28th November 2020, the situation was attributed to the exportation of the commodities to neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso and Mali.
Some are also hoarding theirs for better future prices.
The middle and southern part of the country was unable to produce enough maize following the bad weather. There is therefore huge pressure on maize from the north, which neighbouring countries are also clamouring for.
They are therefore appealing to the ministry of food and Agriculture to step in and help resolve these challenges. There are fears consumers may have to pay more for the product. There are also fears their agenda to cut down the importation of frozen chicken into the country may not be attained.
