By Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi
ISLAMABAD: A kilogram of chicken flesh now costs between Rs. 700 and Rs. 705, which is an all-time high for the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
In addition, breeders believe that more than half of their farms have been forced to close due to a lack of feed, leading to a severe chicken crisis and soaring costs.
Public outcry over this has been significant, and people are now pleading with the government to act quickly to stop the rise in chicken prices.
Breeders are concerned that chicken production may soon halt if the feed situation continues, driving up expenses even further.
The government’s refusal to permit the import of genetically modified soybeans, a key component of chicken feed, led to a ban on broiler feed mills, which is the root cause of the feed issue.
Wholesalers worry that chicken meat may cost up to Rs 1,000 per kilogram if the authorities do not take swift action.
Chicken price in twin cities
According to a regional survey, the price of chicken meat is higher in Rawalpindi and Islamabad than in other towns, with prices in Lahore reaching Rs. 575 per kilogram and Rs. 580 in Gujranwala.
In addition, breeders lament that a lack of feed makes it difficult to meet the demand for eggs over the winter, increasing egg costs and raising concerns about a future supply shortage.
In light of these circumstances, citizens have urged the government to address the poultry issue and make products more widely available and reasonably priced.
