Poultry farmers lose Tk 20b in six months: BPA

Poultry farmers across Bangladesh have suffered a huge financial loss -- about Tk 20 billion -- over the past six months due to a sharp fall in prices of eggs and chickens, said Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA).

Approximately 10,000 small and medium farms have shut down during the period, they said. This information was shared at a press conference held by the BPA at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday.

At the event, the BPA demanded the formation of a Tk 10 billion emergency fund to support the struggling farmers and sustain poultry production. The association also called for clear policies on corporate production and contract farming, as well as the establishment of a Poultry Development Board.

Speaking on the occasion, BPA President Suman Hawlader said a syndicate is controlling the poultry market. He claimed that they can raise or lower prices whenever they want.

He said that when prices go up, the government tries to intervene, but when prices drop, small farmers suffer, while the government does nothing. He said consumers may be happy with lower prices now, but asked if this relief would lead to bigger problems later. The current situation is destroying the capital, labour, and dreams of small farmers.

He said the cost of producing one kg broiler chicken is Tk 150-160, but farmers are forced to sell it for Tk 110-120. Sonali chicken costs Tk 230-250 per kg to produce, but is being sold for just Tk 180-200 a kg. On the other hand, producing one egg costs a minimum of Tk 10, but farmers are selling each of them for Tk 6.0-Tk8.0.

Every day, Bangladesh produces 5,200 tonnes of broiler, Sonali, and layer chickens, and around 40-45 millions of eggs. He said small farmers produce 3,000 tonnes of chicken and 30 million eggs a day and have incurred losses worth Tk 20 billion in the last six months. While small farmers sell at low prices, consumers still pay high prices, and market middlemen benefit the most, he said. If it continues, small poultry farmers may disappear, as hundreds of farms are closing down daily.

Other BPA leaders who were present include Vice-President Bappi Kumar Dey, General Secretary Ilyas Khandaker, Organising Secretary Iqbal Hossain, Office Secretary Mezboul Haque Marufi, and Joint Secretary Kawsar Ahmed.

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