Agrilife24.com desk:Stakeholders in the poultry sector have expressed serious concern over the decision in the final draft of the “National Poultry Development Policy–2026” to ban the import of day-old chicks for commercial poultry farming. They claim that if the policy is implemented as it stands, the country’s poultry industry worth nearly Six hundred billion taka will face major risks. They also fear that such a decision could disrupt national food security and harm consumer interests.
These concerns emerged from discussions with several individuals involved in the poultry industry, including the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association (BPIA). On the 13th of this month, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock published the draft of the National Poultry Development Policy–2026 on its website.
Clause 5.8.1.2 of the draft policy states: “The import of day-old chicks for commercial poultry farming will not be permitted. Only day-old grandparent stock may be imported, and in cases of chick shortages, parent stock may be imported under special circumstances.” According to the Department of Livestock Services, the primary objective of this policy is to gradually reduce import dependency by increasing domestic production capacity.
However, industry stakeholders argue that in reality, the production of day-old chicks in Bangladesh is still dependent on a limited number of companies. If avian influenza or any major disease outbreak occurs at one of these establishments, production could come to a sudden halt. This could severely disrupt the daily supply of chicks, leading to reduced broiler and layer production.
Experts note that keeping the option of chick imports open prevents a few companies from monopolizing the market during crises. Moreover, in emergency situations, importing grandparent stock on short notice is not feasible, as the process requires a significant amount of time.
The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association warns that implementing this decision without ensuring adequate preparation and alternative production capacity could disrupt the supply of eggs and poultry meat, directly affecting national food security and market stability. Eggs and poultry meat are the most accessible and affordable sources of animal protein for the general population. If a shortage of chicks occurs, production costs will rise, and those costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers. Higher prices for eggs and poultry meat could reduce protein intake among low- and middle-income groups, posing a serious threat to food security.
Even in urgent situations, importing chicks or parent stock involves lengthy and complex administrative procedures. As a result, stabilizing the market quickly through imports during sudden crises is often not practical. A complete ban on day-old chick imports could therefore lead to supply shortages, with marginal farmers suffering the most.
Poultry production and supply chain specialist Agriculturist Anjan Majumder said, “If this policy is implemented, it will create a three-dimensional crisis. Marginal farmers and consumers will suffer the most. Before implementing such a policy, a public hearing should be held where all stakeholders can share their views. Only after incorporating expert opinions should it be approved. A policy that invites controversy should not be imposed on an industry worth BDT 600 billion, especially if it negatively affects farmers. Instead of focusing on import bans, attention should be given to market management and marginal farmers.”
Poultry entrepreneurs also noted that during several meetings held with the participation of the Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and other relevant officials, they had expressed opposition to banning day-old chick imports. Most participants emphasized food security and consumer interests, yet the final draft still included the ban, leaving them disappointed.
The government, however, maintains that implementing the National Poultry Development Policy–2026 will help organize and strengthen the domestic poultry industry and enhance food security in the long term.
Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Department of Animal Production and Management, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, said, “Before stopping imports, it is crucial to assess whether there is a risk of crisis and, if so, what alternative measures are in place. It is equally important to ensure that all stakeholders have a positive consensus before making such a decision. Without adequate preparation, increased production capacity, and an effective emergency response framework, this policy could put pressure on the poultry industry, farmers, and consumers instead of achieving its goals.”
Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury, President of the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association (BPIA), stated, “The poultry industry is not just a business sector; it is a vital part of national food security. Any decision taken must prioritize marginal farmers. Ensuring that farmers receive chicks at fair prices and at the right time should come first.”
Professor Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University and a poultry expert, said that there is a consistent daily demand for day-old chicks in the country. Before making any decision, it is essential to realistically assess whether domestic production can fully meet this demand and whether chicks are being supplied regularly to farmers at fair and affordable prices.
According to him, legally banning imports is a sensitive issue that requires extreme caution. At present, the government does not operate any large state-owned institutions for producing day-old chicks. As a result, the scope for immediate and effective government intervention during crises is limited. Since the sector largely depends on private initiatives, it is vital to listen to all stakeholders and move forward through dialogue before making major policy decisions.
He added that if there are differing opinions or concerns within the sector, they must be taken seriously. Rather than rushing into decisions, a more responsible and prudent approach would be to allow sufficient time for discussion and review to determine a solution that is acceptable, realistic, and sustainable for all.
Regarding the matter, Dr. ABM Khaleduzzaman, Director (Production) of the Department of Livestock Services, said, “The draft policy has been finalized with the overall development of the poultry sector in mind. I believe its implementation will further enrich the country’s poultry industry.”
Stakeholders point out that the policy provides no clear guidance on poultry market management. There is also no specific strategy to address potential syndication by a handful of companies if day-old chick imports are banned. Overall, they argue that the policy offers little benefit to marginal farmers or sector stakeholders. Instead, the ban on day-old chick imports—along with conditional import provisions—has sparked criticism and created uncertainty in chick supply. For such a large industry, they stress, the policy must be modern, inclusive, and forward-looking above all else.
