Punjab likely to ban chick export to reduce prices of broiler chicken

The Punjab Food Ministry has taken a significant step to address the soaring prices of broiler chicken by opting to prohibit the export of chicks.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Livestock Department has drafted a proposal for this embargo, which has been forwarded to the Punjab government for consideration.

Insiders suggest that this move could potentially lead to a substantial reduction in chicken prices, estimated at around Rs 200 per kilogram.

The decision stems from a critical observation: despite local shortages, there has been a consistent export of chicks, exacerbating the scarcity and driving prices upward.

Attributing the surge in chicken prices to flawed policies under the previous administration in Lahore, proponents of the ban argue that it is imperative to address this imbalance.

Despite the demand-supply gap at the local level, exports have persisted, aggravating the affordability crisis across various cities in the country.