Retail broiler sellers earn over Tk7 more per kg than wholesalers: BB survey
The report details the cost and price dynamics, seasonal factors, and underlying reasons behind price changes
Retail broiler sellers in Bangladesh earn more than Tk7 per kg after covering operating costs, significantly higher than the profit margins earned by wholesalers, according to a Bangladesh Bank survey published today (21 January).
The survey found that retail sellers make an average profit of Tk12 per kg on broiler chicken, with a selling price of Tk137 per kg. In comparison, wholesalers earn an average profit of only Tk5 per kg at the same selling price.
The survey team visited 61 upazilas across 18 districts to examine five key agricultural commodities—rice, potatoes, onions, broiler chicken, and eggs between 15 June and 7 July 2025. Later, data was collected from large corporate companies, including Paragon, Nourish, ACI, and Akij, at their head offices in July and early August 2025.
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The report details the cost and price dynamics, seasonal factors, and underlying reasons behind price changes. For example, the retail price of coarse rice rose to Tk61 per kg during the surveyed period, up from Tk55 last year, reflecting a 10.9% increase. The cost of production increased by 35%, driven by higher labor wages and greater use of fertilisers and pesticides.
Cultivated paddy land decreased by 0.31%, as some farmers shifted to more profitable crops such as potatoes, onions, maize, and mustard. Late paddy varieties, coupled with monsoon-related disruptions, also contributed to a 1.91% reduction in yield and higher labor costs.
Potato production increased due to expanded cultivation, but limited storage forced farmers to sell early at lower prices. Onions were surveyed in Pabna, Faridpur, Rajbari, and Rajshahi districts producing 55.1% of the country's onions. Among 115 respondents, including 66 farmers, 22 beparis, 16 aratdars, and 11 retailers in Dhaka, the average production cost was Tk33 per kg, with a selling price of Tk43 per kg, yielding a gross margin of roughly 30%.
Egg production was surveyed in Gazipur, Narshingdi, Cox's Bazar, and Chattogram, covering farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
The survey findings were presented at a briefing at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters on Wednesday, attended by Chief Economist Akhtar Hossain, Spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan, and other senior officials. The report also offers an outlook on these commodities in the near future and provides policy recommendations based on the survey's findings.
