BATN Foundation, Lagos deepen partnership with poultry initiative

BATN Foundation and the Lagos State Government have launched the “Chicks to Plate” poultry development project in Lagos, marking a key expansion of their long-standing partnership. The initiative aims to train 200 prospective and existing poultry farmers, offering them practical instruction in modern poultry production, farm management, and agribusiness. This new program follows an eight-year collaboration that began in 2018 with the “Fingerlings to Fork” aquaculture program, which trained over 1,436 fish farmers in modern practices and provided essential production assets such as fish-smoking kilns and tarpaulin ponds. The “Chicks to Plate” project is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, 40 of the participating layer farmers will receive additional enterprise support to assist in scaling up their operations. The initiative reflects the Lagos State Government's ongoing efforts to boost local food production, aiming to increase the proportion of food consumed within the state that is locally sourced from approximately 25 percent to 50 percent. This goal was highlighted by Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, who emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in enhancing access to animal protein, generating employment, and reinforcing agricultural value chains. The project also addresses operational challenges faced by farmers through training in modern production methods and agribusiness management. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, noted that the project extends the successful model established by the earlier aquaculture program, which laid the groundwork for diversifying into poultry production. He was represented by Bukola Idowu, who underscored the significance of the transition from aquaculture to poultry in supporting agricultural growth. Executive Director of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, stressed that sustainable agricultural development involves more than just training, it requires equipping farmers with practical tools and access to opportunities that enhance the commercial viability of their enterprises. He explained that the “Chicks to Plate” initiative aligns with the foundation’s commitment to fostering food security and agricultural livelihoods. The program includes specialized training on biosecurity and modern poultry production, both of which are critical to improving productivity and ensuring the resilience of poultry businesses. Programme Manager at LSADA, Aderonke TojuTubi, added that the project strengthens agricultural extension services by imparting practical knowledge and modern production techniques to farmers. This approach is part of a broader strategy to improve farmers' productivity and income levels, as well as to ensure greater self-reliance in food production. The shift from aquaculture to poultry production underscores the evolving nature of the partnership between the Lagos State Government and BATN Foundation, which continues to prioritize innovation and sustainability in agricultural development. As Lagos works to enhance local food availability and reduce reliance on external supply chains, the success of programs like “Chicks to Plate” could play a vital role in achieving these objectives. The continued collaboration between the state government and BATN Foundation highlights the growing emphasis on empowering local farmers through education, resources, and market access. With the new initiative set to begin, the focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to the community and contributing to the state’s broader goals of economic and agricultural advancement.