April 29, 2008

Pakistan poultry sector suffering from feed trouble
 

Pakistan's poultry industry has suffered heavy losses due to a combination of bird flu, feed shortage and rising grain prices.

So far, about 40 percent of poultry farms have closed down.

Poultry feed has shot up by about 50 percent, dealing a blow to the poultry sector which is already struggling with grain shortages, according to Abdul Basit, chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA).

As a result of these factors, chicken prices have also risen considerably, said Basit.

Wheat is partially used as a feed substitute as the corn crop is expected in the first week of June. However, wheat shortage means that there will be a lack of feed supplies, which would lead to the closure of farms, causing mass unemployment in Pakistan. Furthermore, there are wheat hoarders that only serve to worsen the situation.

Immediately rehabilitation measures for poultry farmers are required in order to help the industry and to save investments that amount to billions of rupees, according to Basit.

The poultry sector is one of the most organised branches of Pakistan's agriculture industry, said Basit. Poultry currently contributes 40 percent of the total meat consumption and it is also the cheapest available protein source. It is also a cheaper alternative in view of rising meat prices.