In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a drop in demand earlier this year forced poultry farmers to cut their production, which has resulted in a shortage.
David Fernandes, Assistant Managing Director of Bounty Farm Limited, told Stabroek News that following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, chicken sales dropped by 50 per cent.
Fernandes explained that after the first two weeks following March 11th, when Guyana recorded its first case of the virus, sales continued to drop at a rate of 30 to 40 per cent. As a result, producers were left with a surplus and farmers took the decision to cut production after the price started to drop.
He pointed out that while those in the fishing or lumber business can stop and restart if the demand drops, those engaged in the poultry business cannot stop producing unless they cut the production. He said, “You can’t expect farmers to keep losing money.”
He shared his concerns about farmers not knowing when to produce chicken at the pre-pandemic rate without being informed by those in the positions to share that information.
He further noted that when short notice is given, it puts a strain on poultry farmers who are forced to catch up on production. He told this newspaper that Bounty Farm has already started to ramp up on production, but it will take a few weeks, because everything happens in phases.
He said for the next few weeks there will continue to be a shortage in chicken until production gets back to where it used to be.
Fernandes disclosed that that sales are picking up, but production needs to catch up.
He also told this newspaper that Bounty Farm Limited did not increase their prices, and was able to keep all of their employees on staff.
He added, that COVID-19 measures were immediately put in place, including the wearing of face masks, sanitising, washing their hands and practicing social distancing to stay safe.
Meanwhile, Richie Sawh, owner of Richie Poultry Depot, told this newspaper that presently chicken is scarce. He said he believed that there would have been a higher demand if the COVID-19 pandemic had not hit. The business owner, who said his business was affected by the pandemic, shared that he was force to downsize his team from 5 to 3 persons.
He also said the cost of chicken has increased from $300 to $340 per pound.
A representative from Toucan Poultry Farm, who asked not to be named, said they are not affected by a chicken shortage. The representative said they operate on a smaller scale and noted that no price increase or downsizing of employees was instituted.
