In a bold step to combat the widespread issue of adulterated day-old chicks in Nigeria’s poultry industry, agritech firm Afrimash has launched a dedicated USSD code 349791# to help farmers verify the authenticity of chicks before purchase.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with global non-profit organization Acumen, is aimed at protecting poultry farmers especially those in rural areas from financial losses caused by substandard or fake chicks.
Speaking during the launch, Afrimash CEO Ayoade Oyedotun described the service as a breakthrough for smallholder farmers.
“Poultry farmers have endured enough losses due to counterfeit and substandard chicks. This USSD platform gives them control, confidence, and access to quality — all from the comfort of their phones,” he said.
Accessible via any mobile phone, the USSD platform allows farmers to:
Verify the source of chicks from certified hatcheries
Place and track orders for high-quality chicks
Compare prices
Access poultry vaccination guides
Orders made through the USSD code qualify for free nationwide delivery to Afrimash’s 80 designated pick-up centers across Nigeria. Additionally, home delivery is available for a fee.
To complement the launch, Afrimash introduced a Farmer Ambassador Program, urging individuals and agricultural enthusiasts to promote the platform within their communities. Interested participants can register by emailing [email protected].
As an incentive, first-time users who dial the code and use the referral tag ‘2025’ will receive a ₦1,000 discount on their first purchase.
Afrimash’s broader goal is to digitize access to farm inputs and enhance farmer productivity through technology. The company also provides mobile agricultural consultancy services and hosts monthly webinars on best poultry management practices.
With this innovation, Afrimash is redefining poultry farming in Nigeria — empowering farmers, restoring trust, and ensuring quality at the grassroots.
