The surge in chicken prices in Pakistan has been attributed to a severe shortage of chicks, the fundamental building block of the poultry industry, according to industry sources.
Initially, soaring chick prices put a strain on the market, but today even the most expensive chicks are in short supply. In Punjab, prices of chicks have reached record levels, causing disruption in poultry production.
Farmers are struggling to replenish stocks as a lack of chicks delays new production cycles, raising concerns about future chicken supplies.
Monopolistic control of private companies has further worsened the crisis, some sources say. “Without reducing chick prices, it is impossible to bring down chicken meat prices,” said a poultry industry insider.
Chicken meat in Lahore on Monday soared to Rs 700 per kilogram, significantly above the government rate of Rs 595. Meanwhile, calls from poultry farmers for a reduction in animal feed costs were rejected during a recent meeting of the Animal Feed Committee.
Despite a fall of Rs 50 per kilogram in soybean prices from Rs 230 to Rs 180, poultry feed costs have not reduced.
Soya is a key part of poultry feed, and farmers say this should have meant lower costs.
The crisis reflects broader challenges related to stabilizing poultry production and prices amid supply shortages and rising costs in the industry.