Poultry products to witness 15% rise in prices ahead of Christmas – farmers warn

The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association predicts a minimum 15 percent increase in poultry prices leading up to Christmas, citing the rising costs of feed and imported production inputs as the main drivers. Mohammed Ali, the Association's Chief Executive, detailed to Joy Business during a visit to schools in Dansoman for World Egg Day that the sharp rise in maize, soya, and other essential feed ingredients, combined with higher freight costs, is straining poultry production expenses.

Consumers can anticipate some price adjustments by the holiday season, Mr. Ali warned. Most feed ingredients are imported, leaving local farmers vulnerable to international price fluctuations and escalating transportation expenses, he explained. He urged the government to assist by boosting local production of maize and soya, as having these crops readily available will undoubtedly decrease feed costs.

Without these measures, the Association cannot mitigate poultry feed prices, Mr. Ali emphasized. The Association is also advocating for more robust measures to alleviate the significant price gap between poultry farmers and retailers, especially in the egg market. Mr. Ali criticized the substantial disparity, with some traders adding up to GH¢20 to the price of a crate, claiming that farm-gate prices currently range between GH¢40 and GH¢45. He argued that retail prices should not exceed GH¢50.