Amid mounting losses and alleged corporate manipulation, the Bangladesh Poultry Association has announced a nationwide shutdown of egg and chicken production from May 1, demanding government intervention to protect marginal farmers.
The Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), representing marginal poultry farmers, declared in a statement on Thursday that all farms under its umbrella will suspend production starting May 1. According to BPA President Suman Hawlader, farmers have suffered an estimated Tk 1,260 crore in losses over the past two months.
He explained that despite increased demand during Ramadan and Eid, farmers incurred massive losses—selling broiler chickens at Tk 30 below production cost and losing Tk 2 per egg. Farmers reportedly produced 20 million kilograms of chicken daily and 30 million eggs, leading to financial distress.
Hawlader accused corporate entities of creating artificial crises to force farmers into “contract farming slavery.” He claimed these companies control the entire supply chain—feed, chicks, medicine, and even market prices—forcing independent farmers out of the industry.
The association has issued a 10-point demand, which includes forming a National Poultry Price Regulation Committee, banning contract farming, regulating the poultry market, offering compensation packages, issuing farmer ID cards, and establishing a Poultry Development Board.
“If our demands are not met, we will continue this shutdown and escalate our protest,” warned Hawlader.
LND/BG
