Gov't urged to stop chicken importation due to low demand amid COVID-19

The government should stop importation of chicken amid the COVID-19 pandemic because of oversupply due to lack of demand, an official from the United Broiler Raisers Association said Monday.

UBRA chairman Gregorio San Diego said the demand of chicken has nosedived since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) has been implemented on March 17—a measure that banned mass transport and prohibited mass gathering to prevent COVID-19 transmission that resulted in work stoppages in many industries and businesses.

“Hirap na hirap na kami simula nung nag-ECQ tayo kasi lumiit ang demand eh. Ang malaking consumption ng manok ay galing sa hotels, restaurants, fastfood. Eh sarado lahat bigla,” San Diego said in an interview over Dobol B sa News TV.

“Sa US, Europe, pinatitigil na nila ang importation to protect their own, sana ganun rin tayo. Ang projection po ng DA, magrerecover by fourth quarter, at magkakaroon ng 256 kilos na sobra. That is already worth one year of supply,” he added.

DA is the Department of Agriculture.

“Parang may gripo na nawalan ng tubig eh. Hindi napaghandaan eh. Ine-expect pa naman natin na lalaki ang demand sa manok dahil sa kakulangan ng baboy [dahil sa African Swine Flu],” San Diego pointed out.

“Malaki na ang binagsak. Lugi talaga,” he added.

San Diego then warned that continued importation of chicken amid a low demand could prompt breeders to stop production.

“Sana masolusyanan kasi natatakot kami baka tumigil ang mga breeders. Kung walang sisiw, mas matagal na makakarecover ang production,” he said.

“Kailangan mapataas natin ang consumption,” he added.

On the brighter side, San Diego said the demand for egg has remained strong amid the ongoing lockdown.

“Iyong itlog, okay naman kasi pinakamadaling source ng protina ito eh. Madaling iluto. Puwedeng boiled, scrambled…hindi mo na kailangan ng ibang sangkap,” San Diego said.

“Napakaconvenient rin po ng presyo, kaya hindi po nababawasan ng consumption,” he added.—AOL, GMA News