In wake of ‘sky-rocketing’ prices on the local market…
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad has threatened to begin issuing importation licenses for chicken should the price for the commodity not be significantly reduced across the country. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday at his office on South Road, Georgetown, Prashad said he was “very concerned about the sky-rocketing prices for chicken on the local market.”
He advised that producers of local chicken ensure that their businesses are managed properly so that there would be an adequate supply of chicken on the local market.
Prashad said David Fernandez of the Guyana Poultry Producers Association, who also holds a portfolio at Bounty, disclosed that the price for a pound of chicken at Bounty is currently below $300 and gave the assurance that their customers are benefiting from a constant price.
However, the Minister said he is more concerned about the price for chicken at all the markets throughout the country and he is adamant that they must be reduced soon.
Prashad mentioned, too, that the said Association is contending that the price went up due to the shortage of eggs on the world market. This situation has, however, improved considerably and within six weeks, the prices ought to come down, he said.
The Minister said he also spoke with David Singh of DIDCO who gave the assurance that the Company’s chicken are already hatching and that an adequate supply will be available at a reduced price.
He said he feels encouraged to hear from key players that the rise is temporary and will shortly go back to normal, adding that he is still concerned and will monitor the situation closely. “I will also intervene and grant license to import chicken if the situation does not improve soon,” he said.
Prashad remarked that the Tourism Ministry has always encouraged growth in the local industry and that it will continue to contribute to its production.
Though the Ministry is responsible for consumer affairs, it also has to care for the interests of the consuming public, he said, adding that while the Ministry desires to protect the industry, this will not be done at the expense of consumers’ dissatisfaction.
In his presentation of the 2010 budget debate before the National Assembly in February, Prashad said in 2009, the prices of chicken at the markets were relatively stable and there were no instances of shortage.
He said in 2009, Guyana for the first time, did not have to import chicken even during the Christmas season, adding, “I have been assured by all the stakeholders, including the Guyana Poultry Producers Association, that in 2010, we will have a surplus for export for the first time, and we are currently eying the Trinidad market”.