Home ›› 20 Jan 2023 ›› Front
The findings of a recent government study that broiler chicken is safe have not yet impacted demand in the market while prices rose by Tk 10 per kg in the capital’s kitchen markets this week.
The prices of fish and some vegetables also increased while that of rice, flour, edible oil, and several other essential items remained unchanged.
Although broiler chicken is an accessible and affordable source of meat for a large part of the population, there are long-standing concerns about the presence of harmful antibiotics and heavy metals in it. But a recent government study said broiler chicken is safe and poses no risk to public health.
The study was conducted by the agriculture ministry, and the findings were published on January 12. It said the presence of 10 types of antibiotics and three heavy metals in broiler chicken is far below the level of risk for humans.
Insiders said misconceptions still prevail about broiler chicken as the research findings have not been widely disseminated.
Retailers said broiler chicken supply fell a little as many farms were shut down due to winter and increased feed prices, which pushed up chicken prices slightly.
Khandaker Mohsin, a farmer and general secretary of Bangladesh Poultry Farm Protection National Council, said many people still have misconceptions about broiler chicken despite huge campaigns.
“The government should beef up campaigns in various ways. If people’s misconceptions can be removed, further development of the industry is possible. We have already provided biosecurity training for around 800 poultry farm leaders across the country,” he said.
He also said the government’s research findings have nothing to do with the recent price increase. “Many farms have closed due to rising feed prices. This reduced the supply of chicken.”
Visiting various kitchen markets on Thursday, including the Mohammadpur Krishi Market, it was found that broiler chicken was selling for Tk 160-170 per kg, up from Tk 150-160 per kg a week ago. Farm chicken egg prices remained unchanged at Tk 40-45 per hali (four pieces).
The prices of fish, including big rohu and katla, went up by Tk 10-20 per kg. Big rohu sold at Tk 530-580 per kg, which was Tk 520-560 per kg a week ago.
Katla sold at Tk 470-500 per kg, up from Tk 460-480 per kg a week ago. Big hilsha (1-2kg) sold at Tk 1,200-1,400 per kg, which was the same last week.
Meanwhile, the prices of sugar and edible oil have not come down yet despite government measures. Sugar sold at Tk 110-115 per kg, though the government had fixed it at Tk 108 per kg. Soybean oil sold at Tk 190 per litre, though the government had set it at Tk 187 per litre a couple of weeks ago.
Besides, the prices of different vegetables, including potato, pointed gourd, okra, and bean, increased by Tk 10 per kg. Potato sold at Tk 30-35 per kg, up from Tk 25-30 per kg one week before.
Pointed gourd sold at Tk 80-100 per kg, which was Tk 70-90 per kg, while bean prices were Tk 40-70 per kg, up from Tk 30-60 per kg a week ago. Okra sold at Tk 80-120 per kg, which was Tk 70-110 per kg last week.
