An expert and stakeholder in the agriculture sector has raised alarm over the skyrocketing price of eggs, saying as one of the commonest sources of protein, it has become unaffordable to average Nigerians.
In a media interaction, the expert pointed out that other sources of animal-based protein such as beef, pork, chicken and fish have likewise become expensive, stating that inaccessible forex for fish importation further contributes to its high price.
Specifically, the Provost, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Dr. Olatunde Owosibo, described egg as an important part of the human diet because it contains essential amino acids in the right proportion.
According to him, egg is still the cheapest source of protein considering its nutritional profile, adding that an increase in its price called for concern as it might also go out of reach for the common man.
Furthermore, Owosibo attributed the increase in the cost of eggs to rising prices of basic ingredients of animal feed.
He said, “The cost of maize, soya meal, groundnut cake and other feed ingredients are much responsible. Farmers are seriously lamenting and suffering because they cannot pass the huge cost of production to consumers.
“At the moment, there is high competition between man and his livestock over basic ingredients such as maize, soybean and groundnut.”
Also, Owosibo informed that intensive research has been ongoing over the years to see viable alternatives to these crops, noting that some successes have been recorded, but most substitutes are not available in commercial quantities, but could only sustain backyard poultry.
Source: AgroNigeria
