Chicken Prices to go High
Poultry farmers in Zambia are bracing for a potential increase in chicken prices as concerns mount over the soaring cost of feed, which has led to significant losses for the industry.
According to reports, farmers and traders within the poultry sector are feeling the pinch of rising input costs, prompting urgent calls for action to mitigate losses and ensure profitability.
The Poultry Association of Zambia has taken a proactive stance, advising poultry farmers to adjust chicken prices to reflect the escalating cost of doing business.
Dominic Chanda, the Executive Manager of the association, emphasized the necessity of passing on input costs to consumers to avoid continued financial losses.
In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, Chanda highlighted the disparity between the rising prices of poultry inputs and the stagnant chicken prices in recent times.
He stressed that failure to adjust prices accordingly could result in sustained losses for poultry farmers.
Chanda pointed out that while input costs, particularly feed prices, have surged, chicken prices have remained static, exacerbating the financial strain on farmers.
He urged farmers to consider passing on the increased costs to consumers to maintain profitability.
The Executive Manager further explained that feed prices have risen significantly, with the cost of various feed ranges now ranging between k500 to k600, depending on the location. He underscored the importance of adapting to these changes in input costs to ensure a sustainable poultry industry.
Moreover, Chanda advised poultry traders to recognize the evolving market dynamics and adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between farmers and traders to navigate the challenges posed by the high cost of living and inputs effectively.
As input costs continue to rise, the poultry industry in Zambia faces mounting pressure to sustain operations and remain profitable.
Farmers and traders are urged to proactively address these challenges to maintain the viability of the sector.
Additional source: Zambia Business Times
