Alarming Poultry Production Inputs Shortage Hits Philippines
Local leaders have raised urgent concerns about the poultry production inputs shortage that is increasingly burdening farmers and producers nationwide. This scarcity includes critical materials such as feeds, yellow corn, and hatching eggs, which are essential for sustaining poultry operations.
“Currently, the shortage of farm inputs is raising production costs, thereby weakening the local industry’s competitiveness,” community members said, emphasizing the direct impact on the sector’s viability.
Rising Costs and Weakened Competitiveness
The shortage of these vital poultry production inputs has led to increased expenses for farmers. As a result, the local poultry industry’s ability to compete against imported products diminishes, threatening livelihoods and food security.
Officials reported that without immediate intervention, this trend could worsen, forcing producers to rely heavily on expensive imports and undermining domestic production sustainability.
Calls for Strengthening Local Production
Experts and advocates have urged the government to implement measures that would strengthen local production. Suggested actions include upgrading agricultural infrastructure, reducing tariffs on corn imports, and ensuring equitable access to feeds and hatching eggs.
“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,” sources said, highlighting the long-term benefits of such reforms.
Impact of Imported Chicken Oversupply
Meanwhile, the local poultry industry faces additional pressure from an oversupply of imported chicken. This influx has driven down farmgate prices, further squeezing local producers’ margins.
Community representatives noted that imported dressed chicken in cold storage has reached nearly 36,000 metric tons, marking a 17 percent increase year-on-year. This stockpile equates to roughly one month’s worth of extra supply beyond current production levels.
Ensuring Sustainable Poultry Production
To safeguard the future of poultry farming, stakeholders emphasize the need for coordinated efforts that address both input shortages and market imbalances. Strengthening local production capabilities will help stabilize prices, improve farmer incomes, and reduce reliance on imports.
Local leaders remain hopeful that targeted infrastructure improvements and policy adjustments will revitalize the poultry sector, securing food supply and supporting rural economies.
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