In a fervent plea, small-scale poultry farmers across the nation are calling for a fair pricing system for broiler chicken and eggs. The outcry comes as they express concerns over the current pricing structure, which they deem unrealistic and detrimental to their livelihoods and the industry as a whole.
The farmers argue that the government’s pricing, set at Tk10.50 per egg and Tk175 per kg for broiler chicken at retail, doesn’t reflect the true market dynamics. They assert that such rates heavily favor middlemen and large wholesalers, leaving small farmers at a significant disadvantage.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, farmers from regions like Dhamrai, Rajshahi, and Kishoreganj lamented the potential losses they face under the current pricing scheme. They highlight the meager returns they receive compared to the substantial profits reaped by intermediaries.
Demanding a revision, the farmers advocate for egg prices ranging from Tk10 to Tk10.50 each and broiler chicken prices between Tk75 to Tk80 per kg. Such adjustments, they argue, would ensure a fairer distribution of profits and safeguard their economic viability.
Kawer Ahmed, a concerned poultry farmer from Rajshahi, warns of dire consequences if their demands are not met, foreseeing the domination of multinational corporations in the market, resulting in escalated consumer prices.
The farmers attribute the market’s instability to a combination of factors, including the influence of large poultry farms, unscrupulous middlemen, and lax government oversight. They fear that without intervention, many marginal farmers will be forced out of business, paving the way for monopolistic control by corporate giants.
While the Department of Agriculture Marketing defends its pricing methodology, stakeholders argue that the prices were determined without adequate consultation and consideration of the farmers’ plight. They emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive review to ensure a sustainable future for small-scale poultry farming in Bangladesh.
