Double digit growth for poultry sector

It is really promising that the poultry industry of Bangladesh will grow by an average of 16 per cent a year for the next five years. Poultry entrepreneurs have expressed this optimism in the opening day of 9th International Poultry Show and Seminar organised by World's Poultry Association -Bangladesh Branch (WPSA-BB). 

According to poultry owners, higher investment and increased consumption of protein will lead this growth. Total investment in this sector is expected to be double at Tk 50,000 crore by 2020. This will enhance the sector's total employment, including indirect employment, up to one crore. The current per capita protein consumption in Bangladesh is 3.74 kg which is much below the global average of 18-20 kg. With rising incomes and steady population growth, it is expected to reach 8.42 kg by 2020. 

Despite this immense opportunity, there are also some hurdles before the poultry sector to overcome of which political instability is the major one. As the ongoing violence has disrupted the industry's tight supply chain, the industry is incurring loss worth around Tk 18.28 crore a day on average. 

There are also issues of non-availability of low-cost loans, inadequate government support and weak marketing infrastructure which hinder expected growth. The government should take all supportive measures to ensure the sustenance and growth of this vital source of animal protein. Political parties should work together to create an ambience of growth where the nation will prosper both in physique and mind.