August 18, 2011

Guyana poultry producers get short-term licences to import chicken

The domestic poultry producers of Guyana have acquired short-term licences to import chicken to ease the current shortage in the local market, Commerce and Industry Minister Manniram Prashad revealed.

The imports are expected within the next three weeks.

"We have granted some importers to bring in chicken in the short term though we are ensured by the poultry producers association that this situation will be back to normal by the end of September. However, it is important that this government that consumers are not ripped off in any way by unscrupulous people who want to hoard in this short term." Minister Prashad said.

He said the decision to import chicken will ensure consumers are not exploited because of the current shortage, while ensuring there is an adequate supply for the Christmas holidays. Minister Prashad is urging other interested producers to come on board.

"We are looking at the situation carefully and if there are people interested in importing chicken you can come into the ministry and we will look at their request and take the necessary measures as seen fit not only for this short term, but we want to be assured that there is adequate supply of chicken and eggs for the Christmas season," the Minister added.

On August 5, Minister Prashad said that the output expected by of one of the big hatcheries did not materialize leaving a short fall. The price of chicken on the local market currently stands at GYD440 (US$2.17) and according to Minister Prashad Guyanese consume in excess of one million pounds per week.  

The price of chicken started to increase in June and the ministers of industry and commerce and agriculture met with poultry producers who had assured that this will be corrected by the end of September.  Minister Prashad also indicated that his ministry will continue to work closely with producers to ensure there is an adequate supply for the end of year demand.