Nigeria: February 5, 2016: Tuns Farms Nigeria Ltd, one of the leading producers of broiler meat in Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to the nation economic growth by sustaining the state of Osun agriculture Public Private Partnership program, Osun Broilers Out-growers Production Scheme (OBOPS) despite current economic challenges.
The agricultural scheme which was initially established by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration in December, 2011, in his quest to create jobs for the citizens and boost food security, recorded such a huge economic feat in Osun State.
OBOPS operated on a tripartite basis and spurred a joint venture between the State Government, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Tuns Farms Nigeria Ltd. and Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).
The scheme which took off with only 9 Farmers but now have over 570 Farmers in participation and created over 20,000 job opportunities for citizens both directly and indirectly on a yearly basis. The scheme also afforded most morbid Farms to be resuscitated.
At inception, the scheme started with a monthly stocking of 100,000 Day Old Chicks, then increased to 200,000 DOC monthly in the 2nd year and due to more farmers interest. The Day Old Chicks stocking is now between 300,000 to 350,000 monthly and with a target to increase to 500,000 within the next 10 month.
Speaking at an interactive session with the poultry farmers, the Chairman of Tuns Farms Ltd, who is also the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus explained that government participation in the Meat program which was launched by the state government in December 2011 has ended but the program will continue based on the agreement between Tuns farm and Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).
Asiwaju Badmus, said that farmers recorded a huge economic feat through this Scheme like no agricultural intervention program in the country.
Acccording to Asiwaju Badmus, “The State Government partnered with TUNS Farm Nigeria Limited and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) to jump start and promote broiler production to empower poultry farmers and create jobs under the Osun Broilers Out-growers Production Scheme (OBOPS).
While advising farmers not to be frightened about the future of the program, Asiwaju Badmus said the company has considered the financials assure the famers that the usual profit margin will not be reduced in as much farmers ensure good management on their farms.
The scheme which as at date has paid profit in excess of N550,000,000 to Farmers within four years and made over 80 farmers millionaires, has also seen poultry farmer contributing voluntarily to the state’s Internally generated revenue through tax payment.
Asiwaju Badmus, who said the scheme has boosted the production of broiler meat in Nigeria, noted that Osun state has become one of largest producer of broiler meat in the country.
He said the chicken produced is also used to support the elementary school feeding program of Osun State while other production also goes to organizations such as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), catering outfits servicing the oil industries and multinationals, retail market leader ShopRite(MasterMeat) among others.
The meat program is a practical example that if government support/intervention for agriculture is channeled through industrialist with proven track record of expertise and passion for excellence, Nigeria would within few years be self-sufficient in food production.
