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Support for poultry growers
8/11/2005
THE country's poultry growers are in an upbeat mood as the finance minister recently assured them of waiving the interests on their classified loans. According to them, this will give the industry a big boost.
The growth rate of the poultry industry in the country reportedly declined substantially over the last one decade. It is reported that during the period from 1992 to 2000, the growth rate of the domestic poultry industry was between 40 and 50 per cent. But that robust growth did not last long. Presently, the growth rate is between 15 and 20 per cent.
In addition to the fears of various diseases including Alfa toxin, bird flu, high rates of interest on bank lending and natural calamities over the years have been cited as the main reasons for the declining growth in local markets of the poultry (mainly broiler). Another reason is the high price of chicks. According to growers, chicks are much cheaper in India and local growers cannot compete with the importers.
The annual demand of poultry (broiler) birds in Bangladesh is between 400 and 500 million pieces against the current production between 150 and 160 million pieces. From 1992 to 1993, the annual production of broilers was more than 250 million pieces. The farmers involved in this sector produce six billion eggs annually. At present, 75,000 to 80,000 layers and broiler farms are in operation throughout the country.
Under the banner of this sector, hatchery, breeder, farmers, cage making, poultry feeds, medicine and so on have grown up locally as the backward and forward linkage industries.
Poultry operators are happy with the decision to waive interests on their classified loans. But at the same time they feel that the rate of interest on loans should be lowered to support the industry further.
Zareen Rafa
Gulshan,
Dhaka
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