Islamabad/Lahore (HRNW)- The poultry industry in Pakistan is facing a severe crisis, with fears of a shortage of chicken and a significant increase in prices due to heavy taxes of up to 65 percent on chicken and its meat.
The Broiler Farmers Association has warned that if the current tax policy continues, chicken meat will become almost scarce in the market within the next two months. According to the association’s general secretary Asif Gondal, the actual price of a chick is less than Rs 20, but taxes of up to Rs 10 are being collected on it, while additional taxes and alleged fake rate lists have put farmers under severe financial pressure.
Asif Gondal says that many poultry farmers have been forced to close their businesses, as a result of which the supply chain is being badly affected. He demanded immediate intervention from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying that the food and protein sector is subsidized all over the world, while in Pakistan, basic food is being snatched from the poor people and children by imposing double taxation on the cheapest protein.
The Broiler Farmers Association has given the government an ultimatum for negotiations and abolition of taxes, warning that if the demands are not accepted, it will lead to nationwide protests and complete closure of poultry farms. According to the association, in such a situation, the country may face a new and serious food security crisis.
Farmers and experts have demanded the government to immediately review the tax policy so that not only the poultry industry can be saved but also the public can be ensured of affordable and quality food facilities.
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