Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), on Saturday, announced an initiative to sell eggs, poultry, and other agricultural products at fair prices at 100 locations in Dhaka ahead of Ramadan.
The egg market remained unstable for much of the past year, with prices soaring to as high as Tk180 per dozen.
Despite government intervention to cap prices, the market did not stabilize. However, in November, the situation eased somewhat after permission was granted to import 180 million eggs.
As the new year begins, egg prices have risen by Tk5 per dozen, alongside an increase in broiler chicken prices. So, BPA took the initiative.
BPA President Suman Hawlader shared this information at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
He said: “Starting January 12, as part of a smart market management system for Ramadan, we will commence selling eggs, frozen poultry, and other agricultural products at fair prices at 20 locations in Dhaka, gradually expanding to 100 points.”
He added: “Skilled individuals and entrepreneurs, including a group of enthusiastic students from Dhaka University interested in the agricultural sector and consumer-producer interests, will join BPA’s supply chain. Their expertise and energy will help make this initiative more effective, benefiting the agriculture sector and improving market management.”
Highlighting challenges in the market, Suman Hawlader said: “Corporate companies make an additional Tk6,000 crore annually by selling feed and poultry chicks at inflated prices. Their control over the market keeps egg and poultry prices high, perpetuating a syndicate that cannot be dismantled.”
He further said: “Although global feed prices have decreased, the local market has not followed suit, impacting poultry prices. We urge policymakers to include small-scale farmers in decision-making meetings.”
The BPA president also called for ensuring affordable supplies of feed and poultry chicks for farmers. The press conference presented a 10-point demand to the government to protect small-scale farmers from syndicates and ensure fair market practices.
