March 22, 2006

Vietnamese poultry prices increasing sharply

Poultry prices have continued climbing since Tet (Vietnam's new year holiday). Prices of Vietnamese small breed fowl have risen 50 percent over pre-Tet days.

In Hanoi, small breed fowl costs VND50,000/kg (US$3.14), while chickens from industrial farms cost VND35,000/kg (US$2.20).

Poultry egg prices have also increased at least four-fold.

According to the Vietnam Trade Information Centre, poultry prices are rising sharply nationwide.

In some cities, supposedly "safe chickens" are offered at VND70,000/kg (US$4.40).

The main reason for the price increase is a shortage caused by the time lag needed to resume poultry breeding after massive culling during bird flu outbreaks last year, said Nguyen Thanh Son, deputy head of the Husbandry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The nation's two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have not allowed poultry breeding to resume inside city limits yet. Ho Chi Minh City has a one year ban until February 2007. Shortages are expected to last for the next three months.

The Ministry of Agriculture has asked local authorities to order the resumption of poultry breeding and increase disease prevention activities.