Pakistan’s poultry industry hit by floods and corn crop losses

Pakistan’s poultry industry has faced serious challenges due to flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains. Since late June, rainfall in the northwestern regions of the country has caused significant damage to the corn harvested in May and June. Open-air storage was particularly affected: feed mills estimate that at least half of the harvest was lost.

According to Allah Baksh, CEO of M Wali Group, the moisture content of the damaged corn reached 5-10%. This material is practically unsuitable for use in poultry feed, but it can be used in cattle rations.

As a result, corn prices have risen from $0.18 per kg in May and June to $0.36-0.39 per kg. Meanwhile, limited quantities of the old crop are being sold on the market at inflated prices.

For poultry farmers, this means a significant increase in feed costs. Even with the expected sorghum deliveries from the US starting in October, the shortage won’t be able to compensate. “Since corn accounts for approximately 50% of the cost of feed, the price increase for rations could reach 20-30%,” Baksh noted.

The increase in feed costs will inevitably lead to higher chicken prices for the end consumer.

The next corn harvest is expected in December. Its volume will depend on how quickly farmers can resume planting after the floods.

Tags: corn, Pakistan, Poultry