The Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) strongly objects to the government’s decision to maintain a Federal Excise Duty (FED) of Rs. 10 on day-old chicks. This measure is punitive, threatening both the vital poultry sector and Pakistan’s national food security. Consequently, experts warn of an imminent chicken shortage Pakistan faces in the coming weeks.
PPA officials highlight how this levy significantly increases production costs at the initial stage of the poultry cycle. As a result, many breeders are choosing to sell fertile eggs as table eggs, rather than allowing them to hatch into chicks. This shift directly impacts future poultry supply.
A reduction in chick placement could severely impact chicken meat availability within six to eight weeks. Furthermore, this scarcity would undoubtedly push retail prices higher, thereby limiting access to affordable protein for countless low-income households across Pakistan.
Economic Impact: Rising Costs and Looming Chicken Shortage Pakistan
The PPA specifically warned that Punjab, Pakistan’s primary poultry hub, would experience particular hardship. Small and medium-sized farms face an elevated risk of closure, potentially leading to significant job losses. This could cause declining rural incomes and widespread economic distress within vulnerable farming communities.
PPA Chairman Abdul Basit characterized the FED as a regressive tax, harming both producers and end consumers. Dr. FM Sabir, moreover, emphasized the industry’s ongoing struggles with high electricity and exorbitant feed costs. He warned that this new levy could transform chicken and eggs into “luxury items,” making them unattainable for average Pakistani families.
Call for Action: Securing Pakistan’s Poultry Future Amid Shortage Warnings
The association urgently demands the immediate withdrawal of the FED. They further urge the government to engage proactively with all stakeholders. The goal is to develop a stable, growth-oriented policy that not only secures affordable protein but also supports the long-term sustainability of the entire poultry sector in Pakistan.
