Agritech company Afrimash has launched a USSD solution that enables farmers to verify the authenticity of day-old chicks before making a purchase, using just a basic mobile phone.

In a statement on Monday, the new service was developed with support from the global non-profit organisation ‘Acumen’ to enable thousands of poultry farmers, especially those in rural areas, to identify adulterated and poor-quality products.

The platform gives farmers the power to confirm that their chicks are sourced from certified hatcheries, potentially saving them from devastating financial losses caused by fake or sick birds.

Afrimash Chief Executive Officer, Ayoade Oyedotun, described the launch as a breakthrough moment for the agricultural sector. “

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.

In addition to verification, the platform allows users to place orders for high-quality chicks, track their purchases, compare prices, and access vaccination guides. Every order made through the platform qualifies for free nationwide shipping to any of Afrimash’s 80 pick-up centres across Nigeria — 35 of which are directly managed by the company.

Afrimash is also driving awareness through its newly launched Farmer Ambassador Programme, encouraging individuals and agri-enthusiasts to spread the word about the USSD platform.

According to Oyedotun, the innovation is part of Afrimash’s broader mission to digitise access to farm inputs and provide farmers with tools that enhance productivity. The company is also using mobile channels to deliver agricultural consultancy services and offers monthly webinars on poultry management and best practices.