Poultry farm closures spark price rise fears in Pakistan

A rise in poultry meat prices is feared in Pakistan due to a decline in production caused by closure of over 35% farms and more closures are on the cards, the Pakistan Poultry Association has warned.

Addressing a press conference, PPA (North Chapter) Chairman Dr Mustafa Kamal said: “Chicken meat is being sold at prices below cost of production. As the result, over 35% of farms have been closed down and if government fails to help out the poultry farmers it may lead to decline in production, rise in prices and closure of more farms.”

Flanked by former PPA chairman Abdul Basit, Raza Mahmood Khursand and Khalique Arshad, he further claimed that chicken meat prices had crashed and the situation had been tough for the last year. The government should come forward to support the ailing industry as it does in case of price hikes.

The speakers demanded that the government should realise the hardships of the poultry farmers and announce a support package for the industry which should include interest-free loans to farmers who want to restart their business.

Source: Dawn.com