If things go according to the plan by the Kwara State government, then by next year the state should be producing more soyabean than it had produced in the past. Already the state is one of the leading producers of soyabean in Nigeria, which means that it is one of the states that has put Nigeria on the world map in Soyabean production. Other states are Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Niger, Jigawa, Oyo and Plateau. Currently, Nigeria is number 12 in the world, while it is number two in Africa, following South Africa. A concerted effort on the part of the state government, if replicated across the soya producing states in Nigeria could result in Nigeria causing an upset, and probably displacing South Africa on the world stage.
Production of soyabean in Nigeria has risen progressively from 350,000 metric tonnes in 2015 to 688,000 metric tonnes in 2023. This impressive progression gives confidence that the tally could be increased in the coming year enough to make Nigeria cause an upset and also increase its foreign exchange earning from the product. The state government has signed an agreement with Amo Byng Nig Limited, an agricultural firm known for the production of poultry feeds and concentrates to assist it in enhancing the production of soyabean. The increase in foreign exchange earnings, much as it is good news, has robbed the local users of the products, thereby creating a crisis for another part of the agricultural sector.
This is because primarily soyabean is used in the production of poultry feeds and has been largely scarce of recent thereby leading to a hike in the price of poultry feeds will also assist in solving food insecurity which has created apprehension in the polity. Success in this venture would also help mitigate the challenge of poultry farmers, some of whom have abandoned the sector due to the rising cost of feeds, which has negatively impacted on the gains by farmers.
The collaboration marks a crucial step towards revitalising the soybean industry and strategically addressing a critical shortage that has significantly impacted poultry feed production across Nigeria. To combat the lingering challenge, Amo Byng Nig Ltd. is stepping in to support local farmers by providing essential farming inputs and committing to purchase their soybean harvests. This initiative aims to stimulate local production, improve raw material availability, and ultimately reduce production costs for poultry feed.
As part of this pilot programme, the company has equipped 300 farmers with the necessary inputs to cultivate soybeans across 1,500 hectares in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The programme spans four communities within the local government area. In a further boost to the initiative, the Kwara state government has allocated tractors to assist farmers with land preparation, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the farming process.
The Group Managing Director of Amo Byng Nig Ltd., Dr. Ayoola Oduntan emphasised the partnership’s significance: “Addressing the soybean shortage is crucial for the poultry industry, as it directly impacts feed production. This partnership is vital for providing farmers with the necessary inputs and ensuring the purchase of their harvest. Our goal is to stimulate local production and alleviate the raw material shortage.”
Dr. Ayoola Belgore, Managing Director of Amo Byng Nig Ltd., elaborated on the broader vision of the initiative: “While this pilot program marks a significant step forward, our vision extends beyond this initial phase. We are committed to expanding its reach and bringing its benefits to other states in the near future.”
Adedamola Adeyeye, Head of Business at Amo Byng Nig Ltd., highlighted the comprehensive support provided to farmers: “Alongside providing essential inputs, we are dedicated to offering technical support and training throughout the production period to ensure farmers are well-equipped for success.”
Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development expressed her appreciation to the company and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the project and local farmers.
The partnership represents a significant advancement in agricultural collaboration and holds great promise for revitalizing soybean production in Nigeria. By ensuring a stable supply of locally produced soybeans, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective poultry feed industry, ultimately benefiting the entire agricultural sector. The collaborative effort between Amo Byng Nig Ltd. and the Kwara State Government is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth and agricultural development
Top 10 Soybean Producers in Africa- Marketing Year 2022/23
South Africa- 2,755,000 MT. …
Nigeria – 1,180,000 MT. …
Zambia – 475,000 MT. …
Benin – 295,000 MT. …
Ghana – 215,000 MT. …
Uganda – 200,000 MT. …
Ethiopia –150,000 MT. …
Zimbabwe – 75,000 MT.