Bangladesh: A tough 2008 ahead for the poultry sector

Last year Bangladesh experienced turmoil with an avian flu outbreak, floods and a cyclone; all which were weighed down by higher feed costs. 2007 saw the previously booming poultry industry shrink. Recovery in 2008 is needed from last year's occurrences.

In recent years the poultry industry has been growing at an annual rate of about 15%, recording a turnover of Tk 7,000-8,000 crore

(€69 million - €79 million) in 2006.

According to initial estimates by industry experts however, this figure is likely to have fallen to below Tk 7,000 (€69 million) crore in 2007.

"The industry is undergoing a silent form of famine. I do not see anything good in the coming days," said MM Khan, technical adviser and spokesman of Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association.

Causes of the declining industry
Avian flu was the industry's main problem in 2007. According to the livestock and fisheries ministry, some 2.85 lakh of poultry were culled since the outbreak of bird flu early last year.

But the twin floods and the cyclone Sidr also killed lakhs of poultry in the affected areas.

The price of maize is the main problem currently for the industry. As maize is the main feed for poultry, this is causing difficulties.

Mr Saleque, general secretary of World Poultry Science Association, Bangladesh, was however hopeful that bird flu is almost under control.

"The price of maize is increasing continuously," said Saleque. He added that prices of maize per kg were selling in the range of Tk 16-17 (€0.15 - €0.16) during December 2007, up from Tk 11-12 (€0.10 - €0.11) a year before.

"If we fail to improve the situation by the next couple of months, many farms will shut down," said Saleque.

For the latest news via email, click here

Editor WorldPoultry