Heatwave causes Tk 2b poultry losses in 10 days

Around 100,000 chickens are dying each day due to heatstroke during the ongoing heatwave, according to poultry farmers, causing firms to incur Tk 200 million loss per day.

These losses translate to Tk 2 billion worth of birds being lost in the past ten days, said the Bangladesh Poultry Association.

They warn that this could lead to a price rise for eggs and white meat in July and August.

In a press release, the association said poultry production could fall by 4-10 per cent if the heatwave continues. "If the situation continues, a severe supply shortage could hit the poultry and egg market."

The association claimed corporate groups and traders in Dhaka have begun stockpiling eggs in cold storage.

There are currently between 60,000 and 65,000 poultry farms operating across Bangladesh. Of these, nearly 20,000 farmers produce eggs and chickens under contract farming agreements with big businesses.

The statement signed by the association's president Md Sumon Howlader warned that unscrupulous actors may attempt to raise poultry product prices by capitalising on the potential shortage.

Therefore, the association urged the government to take appropriate steps to address the crisis.

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