Afrimash, an agritech company, has introduced the USSD code 349791# to enable Nigerian poultry farmers to verify the authenticity of day-old chicks via basic mobile phones, aiming to combat the widespread issue of adulterated and low-quality poultry.
Developed with support from Acumen, the service empowers farmers, particularly those in rural areas, to confirm chicks are from certified hatcheries, preventing significant financial losses.
Ayoade Oyedotun, Afrimash CEO, highlighted the service as a “breakthrough moment” for the sector, providing farmers with “control, confidence, and access to quality.”
The platform also allows farmers to order quality chicks, track purchases, compare prices, and access vaccination guides. Orders receive free nationwide shipping to Afrimash’s 80 pick-up centers, with home delivery options available.
Afrimash’s Farmer Ambassador Program encourages community awareness of the USSD service. Interested individuals can register via chicksmart@afrimash.com. First-time users receive a ₦1,000 discount with the referral code ‘2025’.
Oyedotun emphasized that this initiative aligns with Afrimash’s mission to digitize farm input access and enhance farmer productivity. The company also offers agricultural consultancy and monthly poultry management webinars via mobile channels.
Afrimash’s initiative aims to restore trust and improve access within Nigeria’s poultry industry.