The poultry industry has warned of a potential chicken shortage in markets over the next two months. Industry leaders blame high taxes on producers as the main cause.
Asif Gondal, General Secretary of Broiler Farms, said taxes on chicken and related products now total around 65 percent. He added that this unsustainable burden is pushing the poultry industry to the brink.
“Even though the cost of a chick is under Rs. 20, producers pay nearly Rs. 10 in taxes per chick,” Gondal said. “With such heavy taxation, maintaining supply is becoming impossible.”
Gondal warned that the rising tax rates could lead to a severe chicken shortage in local markets. He urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene before the situation worsens.
He noted that Pakistan once exported chicken but is now struggling with domestic supply. “Before 2014, there was no sales tax on poultry products, and production levels were higher,” he said.
The poultry industry has requested the government to form a committee to meet with farmers and reduce excessive taxes. Gondal also criticized fake official price lists, saying they prevent consumers from buying chicken at government-set rates.
“If our demands are not addressed, farmers may stage peaceful protests or even temporarily close poultry farms,” he added.
The industry highlighted that, unlike Pakistan, other countries subsidize food production. “Globally, poultry is supported, but here it is being taxed heavily, which could worsen the chicken shortage,” Gondal said.
Consumers are being advised to prepare for possible price hikes and limited availability of chicken if the government does not address the issue. Poultry farmers continue to stress that urgent action is needed to prevent a serious market crisis.
With high taxes and rising costs, the warning of a chicken shortage is becoming increasingly urgent, signaling potential disruptions in supply for both retailers and households.
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