Pakistan Poultry Association on Monday expressed its fear of reduced supply of products if the lockdown continues and urged the government to look into the matter urgently.

PPA Chairman (North Region) Chaudhry Fargham said the demand for chicken will shoot up after the reopening of schools, hotels, restaurants and wedding halls. The prices too will eventually rise due to the reduced supply, he added.

He requested the government to allow the poultry shops to remain open 24/7 to facilitate the general public.

Chaudhry said the prices had decreased due to the reduced consumption and poultry farms were refusing to produce more, forcing the hatcheries to stopped functioning.

“Until last week, one-day-old chickens were being sold at Rs 2-3 each against the production cost of Rs 38-40 per," he added.

“We are providing 40 percent of total demand and around 1.5 million people are associated with this industry,” Chaudhry said.

“In the current environment, we do not expect the government to reopen marriage halls, hotels, restaurants others, as we fully understand that lives of citizens are more important but it is our responsibility to inform the government about the likely scenario."

In order to avert the losses, the association has requested for reduction in electricity tariffs and deferring recovery of loans.