Refrain from overpricing for profit

Poultry farmers and feed makers should refrain from over-profiteering by hiking prices indiscriminately, according to Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.

"The poultry industry should be profitable for all stakeholders, including consumers," he said.

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Razzaque went on to say that although demand and supply mainly determine market stability, there are other factors that could influence it.

He yesterday made these remarks while addressing the opening session of the 12th International Poultry Show-2023 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka.

The three-day event was jointly organised by the World Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB) and Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council.

Speaking as chief guest, the agriculture minister slammed poultry breeders and feed makers for overpricing.

Citing how farmers spend about Tk 40 to rear a single chick, Razzaque questioned why they end up selling it for Tk 70.

"They must sell each chick at a reasonable price of around Tk 45," he said.

Razzaque then said feed producers never incur losses as prices for their products are always adequate.

On the other hand, poultry farms, including layer and hatchery farms, and consumers usually incur loss.

So, the government should have a strong regulatory board or forum to monitor the market, he added.

Regarding the recent price hike of poultry meat, Razzaque said the cost might not come down for the next six to seven months. Prices are still high due to inadequate supply in the market, which was not expected.

However, Razzaque said poultry prices would not increase during the upcoming Ramadan.

"The prices have already increased though and this is not a good thing," he added.

As per data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, chicken is currently selling for around Tk 240 to Tk 250 per kilogramme.

Moshiur Rahman, president of the WPSA-BB, said poultry prices have become costlier due to price corrections by farmers.

"Many farmers have left the business or are under producing for incurring loss," he added, citing how the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war mainly drove up input costs.

Rahman also said poultry farmers should not sell premature chicken alluring to higher prices as it could lead to a supply shortage in the market.

Among others, Nahid Rashid, secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md Emdadul Haque Talukder, director general of the Department of Livestock Services, and Md Rafiqul Islam, a professor at Bangladesh Agricultural University, also spoke at the event.