Jigawa Signs $10m Deal with Indian Firm to Boost Day-Old Chick Supply

News in Brief:

— Jigawa State has signed a $10 million investment deal with India’s Srinivasa Poultry Farms to address the high cost and unreliable supply of day-old chicks.

— The hatchery could reduce transportation distances for northern farmers, improve chick delivery, technical assistance and youth participation.

Jigawa State has signed a $10 million investment deal with India’s Srinivasa Poultry Farms to address persistent shortages and high costs of day-old chicks facing poultry farmers.

The state Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Abdurrahman Lawal, described the agreement as a 'major achievement' during a joint press conference with visiting company officials in Dutse over the weekend.

Hatchery to Reduce Transport Challenges

Lawal said poultry farmers in northern Nigeria often receive chicks transported between 1,200km and 1,500km from production centres in southern Nigeria. According to the commissioner, the long journey often affects the chicks’ condition and feeding response, creating additional challenges for farmers.

The proposed hatchery in Jigawa is expected to reduce transportation distances to about 150km, making deliveries more accessible to poultry producers in the region. The initiative will include delivery facilities, youth participation and a state support scheme for farmers.

Srinivasa Farms Vice President, Senthil Kumar Krishnan, said the joint venture would support rural communities and increase poultry production through technical assistance and the supply of quality products.