Farms closing daily as prices sink below costs, Poultry Association warns

Hundreds of poultry farms across Bangladesh are shutting down every day as prices of chicken and eggs have fallen far below their production costs, warned Sumon Howlader, president of the Bangladesh Poultry Association.

He made the statement at a press conference held at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday.

Howlader said that at least 10,000 small and medium-sized farms have ceased operations in the past six months alone, pushing countless farmers into financial ruin.

"The production cost for broiler chicken ranges from Tk150 to Tk160 per kg, yet farmers are forced to sell them for Tk110 to Tk120. Similarly, Sonali chicken costs Tk230 to Tk250 per kg to produce but fetches only Tk180 to Tk200 in the market. Eggs, with a production cost of Tk10 each, are being sold at the farm level for a meagre Tk6 to Tk8," he said.

"Over the last five to six months, farmers have been incurring losses of Tk30 to Tk50 per kg for both broiler and Sonali chickens, and Tk2 to Tk3 per egg," he added.

Howlader pointed to the broader consequences of farm closures, saying, "When a farm shuts down, it doesn't just mean a reduction in chicken or egg production. It means a family is losing its income. A young person is becoming unemployed. A household is sinking into debt. We have seen many farmers break down mentally. Many have gone bankrupt. This situation cannot continue any longer."

He also stressed the importance of marginal farmers in national food security. "If marginal farmers survive—if they are supported—it is possible to deliver protein to every household in the country," Howlader said.

To help save the poultry industry, the poultry association has made a comprehensive 10-point demand to the government.

These demands seek policy support and financial aid, including collateral-free, low-interest loans and subsidies. They call for a national poultry census, digital databases, and inclusion of marginal farmers in government policymaking.

The poultry association also wants transparency and regulation of prices for feed, vaccines, and medicines, along with government-run feed mills and hatcheries. They highlight the need for modern technology, training, labs, and cold storage facilities at the local level. Sustainable and safe production methods are also urged, along with measures to promote poultry exports.

Lastly, the association requests a fair contract farming policy and the formation of a National Poultry Development Board to oversee the sector.