Farmers Raise Alarm on Poultry Inputs Shortage
A farmers group urgently highlighted the inadequate supply of essential poultry inputs, a situation they say is threatening the local poultry industry. The shortage of feeds, yellow corn, and hatching eggs—critical components for poultry production—has raised concerns among agricultural communities.
According to community members, addressing the inadequate supply of poultry inputs is crucial to sustaining production and ensuring competitiveness. The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) emphasized the need for faster accreditation of input suppliers to provide farmers with more affordable and dependable resources.
Rising Costs and Industry Challenges
Officials reported that the scarcity of farm inputs has driven up production expenses, weakening the local poultry sector’s ability to compete effectively. They explained that resolving this shortage will enable farmers to operate more efficiently and sustainably. This, in turn, would stabilize the local supply, reducing the industry’s reliance on imported, fully processed chicken.
Local leaders noted that the poultry industry experienced nearly 10 percent growth earlier this year. Yet, paradoxically, it now faces pressure from an oversupply of imported chicken, which is pushing farmgate prices down without lowering retail prices.
Import Oversupply and Market Impact
Data shared by agricultural experts revealed that as of the end of June, cold storage contained almost 36,000 metric tons of imported dressed chicken. This figure represents a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. The current stockpile equates to about one month’s worth of additional supply, adding strain to the ongoing domestic production.
Calls for Policy and Infrastructure Support
In response, the PRRM urged the government to strengthen local production by upgrading infrastructure and reducing tariffs on corn. They also emphasized ensuring fair access to feeds and hatching eggs as vital steps to support poultry farmers.
“Addressing the shortage of essential inputs would allow farmers to produce more efficiently and sustainably, ensuring a stable supply and avoiding dependency on finished chicken imports,” community advocates stressed.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth for Poultry Sector
With the poultry industry at a crossroads, local stakeholders call for decisive action to balance supply and demand. Tackling the inadequate supply of poultry inputs will be key to securing the sector’s future and protecting farmers’ livelihoods amid growing import pressures.
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