Feed mills, which rely on corn for 60 percent of poultry feed, are facing shortages. Poultry farmers have urged the government to allow corn imports to stabilize chicken feed and chicken meat prices. They also called for corn stockists, other than feed mills, to release their stocks immediately.
Industry stakeholders, including Seatrade Group Chairman Muhammad Najib Balagamwala, warned that with floods disrupting crop output, corn prices could reach Rs3,800 per maund. This would push chicken prices in Pakistan higher, especially in cities like Karachi, where chicken meat already sells between Rs630 and Rs1,050 per kg.
Balagamwala pointed out that the 30 percent regulatory duty imposed on corn imports by a former federal minister is a key factor behind rising rates. He suggested that at least 300,000 metric tonnes of corn should be imported immediately and the regulatory duty on corn imports should be removed to control poultry feed prices.
Progressive growers said that 90 percent of corn is produced in Punjab, 7 percent in Sindh, and the remaining 3 percent in other provinces. Since corn sowing requires temperatures of 35–40°C, any disruption in crop patterns due to floods or climate impacts further reduces availability.
Poultry Feed and Soyabean Prices
Although soyabean meal prices have declined, the relief is limited as soyabean only contributes 14–15 percent to poultry feed in Pakistan. Corn remains the dominant ingredient, making its rising rates the main concern for poultry farmers.
Farmers and feed mill operators warned that if immediate steps are not taken to ease corn shortage through imports, poultry feed prices will rise sharply, leading to further increases in chicken prices in Pakistan.
