Poultry farmers in Bangladesh suffer huge financial loss

Market manipulation

BPA President Suman Hawlader claims a syndicate is controlling the poultry market—raising or lowering prices at will.

He explained that when prices go up, the government intervenes, but when prices drop, small farmers suffer while the government does nothing.

“Consumers may be happy with lower prices now, but this relief would lead to bigger problems later. The current situation is destroying the capital, labor, and dreams of small farmers,” he warned.

Production costs vs market prices

Mr Hawlader said that producing 1kg broiler chicken costs USD 1.23-1.31, but farmers are forced to sell it for USD 0.90-0.99.

• Sonali chicken costs USD 1.89-2.05 per kg to produce, but is being sold for just USD 1.48-1.64 per kg.
• Producing one egg costs a minimum of USD 0.08, but farmers are selling them for USD 0.05-0.06 each.

Production data

Bangladesh produces 5200 tons of broiler, Sonali, and layer chickens, and around 40-45 millions of eggs daily.

Mr Hawlader said small farmers account for 3000 tons of chicken and 30 million eggs each day and have incurred around USD 164 million in losses over the last six months.

While small farmers sell at low prices, consumers still pay high prices, and market middlemen benefit the most, he said.

“If this continues, small poultry farmers may disappear, as hundreds of farms are closing down daily,” he added.