Punjab Poultry Traders Association Strike Sparks Pricing Dispute

The Punjab Poultry Traders Association has initiated a strike, causing disruptions in the supply of poultry products in the region. This move has led to a shortage of chicken in meat shops, prompting closures due to inadequate stock.

The strike was triggered by concerns raised by protestors regarding the pricing of broiler chickens. They argue that the government-set rate is significantly lower than the actual market price, making it financially unsustainable for poultry traders. The current government-fixed price for live broiler stands at Rs 463 per kg, while the market rate has surged to Rs 495 per kg, creating a gap of Rs 32.

Tariq Javed, President of the Punjab Poultry Association, emphasized the inability of traders to absorb such losses and urged the government to address the pricing disparity. The Retailers Association of Rawalpindi Division has responded by announcing the suspension of broiler chicken supply for April 17 in solidarity with the strike. However, the Rawalpindi Poultry Association has distanced itself from the protest actions.

The poultry traders are seeking a resolution to the pricing issue, aiming to find a compromise that benefits both producers and consumers. The strike underscores the challenges faced by the poultry industry in balancing costs and ensuring economic viability.