Skyrocketing chicken prices in Pakistan have been attributed to a severe shortage of chicks, the lifeblood of the poultry industry, according to industry sources.
Initially, a rise in chick prices strained the market, but now even the most expensive chicks are in short supply. In Punjab, chick prices have reached record levels, causing disruptions in poultry production.
Farmers are struggling to replenish stocks as the lack of chick availability delays new production cycles, raising concerns about future chicken supply.
According to sources, the monopolistic control of private companies has further exacerbated the crisis. “Without a reduction in chick prices, it is impossible to lower chicken meat prices,” said a poultry expert.
Chicken meat in Lahore rose to Rs 700 per kilogram on Monday, well above the government rate of Rs 595. Meanwhile, poultry farmers’ calls to reduce feed costs were rejected at a recent feed committee meeting.
Despite a drop of Rs 50 per kilogram in soybean prices, which fell from Rs 230 to Rs 180, poultry feed costs have not decreased.
Soybeans are a key component in poultry feed and farmers argue this should have translated into cost reductions.
The crisis reflects broader challenges in stabilizing poultry production and prices amid tight supply and rising costs in the industry.
