TAO Kickstarts 1,000-Broiler Production Pilot Project at Aquatech

News in Brief:

-TAO has launched a 1,000-broiler pilot project at Aquatech College of Agriculture to give students hands-on agribusiness training supported by strong biosecurity measures.

-The company is also progressing with its catfish project as it continues driving youth participation in modern farming through end-to-end support and financing.

The Agriculture Option (TAO), a youth-focused agribusiness company in Nigeria, has launched a pilot programme to produce 1,000 broiler birds at the Aquatech College of Agriculture, Ibadan.

Hands-On Agribusiness Training for Students

In partnership with the institution’s management, TAO aims to give students practical agribusiness experience. Ahead of the arrival of the day-old chicks, the company delivered production equipment and materials, including feeders, drinkers, coal pots for temperature control, wood shavings, and 40 bags of Ultiman feed. The college provided the project site in line with its agreement with TAO.

The project targets an average market-standard weight of 4 kg per bird.

Biosecurity and Pre-Stocking Preparations

“Our approach focuses on ensuring high-quality stock, nutritious feed, and strict biosecurity measures both inside and around the pen,” said Aniedi Essien, the project lead.

Essien explained that six weeks before the arrival of the equipment and chicks, the team carried out a formalin-based disinfection exercise to eliminate potential pathogens. “We’ve created a safe, pathogen-free environment ahead of stocking, especially given the long interval between the initial disinfection and the arrival of the birds,” he added.

A second round of disinfection using Morgard further reinforced the project’s biosecurity measures. TAO says its priority is to raise the birds under optimal health conditions to ensure strong performance throughout the production cycle. Scheduled veterinary services and medication are also planned.

Progress on Aquatech Catfish Project

TAO’s earlier catfish production project at Aquatech has also advanced, with several rounds of sorting completed, and the stock is about four months away from being market-ready.

Students participating in the programmes expressed excitement about applying classroom theories in real-world agricultural projects. "I am really thinking deeply about starting my own fish farm as soon as I graduate," one student said. "Funding, which used to be my biggest worry, now seems like something achievable."

TAO continues to drive youth engagement in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, positioning it as a viable and attractive career path. With its financing model, the company provides end-to-end support that helps young people develop confidence and capacity in modern farming.