Eggs, chicken to be sold at fair prices during Ramadan: Poultry traders 

As in previous years, eggs and chicken will be sold at fair prices during the upcoming Ramadan, according to the poultry industry leaders.

"Under the supervision of the Department of Livestock Services, we will sell eggs and chicken through mobile sales centres throughout Ramadan, ensuring reasonable prices," said Moshiur Rahman, president of World's Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB), at a seminar at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) today (13 February).

The seminar was jointly organised by the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF), WPSA-BB, and the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC).

Moshiur, also the joint convener of BPICC, noted that 2024 was a challenging year for the poultry industry due to excessive rainfall, droughts, disease outbreaks, and abnormal market price fluctuations.

"Many farmers were left bankrupt, and several large corporate entities were forced to downsize their operations. The domestic poultry industry is now working on a long-term plan with a vision towards 2050," he added.

In the keynote presentation, Biplob Kumar Pramanik, general secretary of WPSA-Bangladesh, said feed production declined significantly after 2020.

"However, production saw some growth last year, and we expect further increases this year, which should lead to higher egg and chicken production. But food must be safe and healthy," he added.

Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Breeders Association of Bangladesh (BAB), highlighted the difficulties poultry farmers faced during the previous government's term.

"Even though farmers incurred losses, they could not voice their concerns. Many leaders of the poultry association faced lawsuits, and several cases remain unresolved. We do not want to see a recurrence of such situations," he said.

Mahbubur added that while the government set the retail price of eggs at Tk11.87, they are currently being sold for only Tk10.50 in the market.

"There is a risk of further price declines during Ramadan, and small-scale farmers will not be able to cope with these losses. We urge the government and other stakeholders to step in and support them," he said.

Mohammad Nazrul Islam, general secretary of the Feed Industries Association, stressed the importance of preventing the exodus of farmers and entrepreneurs from the industry.

"We need to build a sustainable and strong foundation for the poultry sector," he said.

The event was chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF) President MA Jalil Munna Raihan, with DBC News Editor Loton Ekram, RTV Head of News Ilias Hossain, and FLJF General Secretary Zahidur Rahman also speaking.

13th Int'l Poultry Show

At the seminar, representatives from WPSA and BPICC announced that the 13th International Poultry Show will be held in Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal from February 20, for three days.

Over 200 companies from 17 countries will showcase their latest technologies and products. The poultry fair will be open to the public from 10am to 6pm, with free shuttle bus services available from Kuril Bishwa Road's 300-feet area throughout the day.

Additionally, an international poultry seminar will be held at a Dhaka hotel on 18-19 February.