PNG imports 24pc of chicken

ABOUT 24 per cent of frozen chicken consumed locally is imported, according to Farmers and Settlers Association Inc president Wilson Thompson.
Thompson said the country’s poultry industry generated more than K930 million per annum.
“Livestock in PNG is more or less associated with cows, goats and sheep and pigs,” he said.
“Ducks, chicken and even apiculture, or bee farming, is under livestock.
“The Farmers and Settlers Association is looking at the importance of live chicken farming in PNG starting with day old chicks that we find right across in most districts .
“Poultry industry is part of livestock sector that is often not addressed in PNG.
“Total market size is K936,163,776 annually.
“Connected to that is the stock feed industry which is another K338,152,359.”
Thompson also highlighted interest by local businesses to produce poultry products.
“It’s important to know that there is currently a new producer preparing to produce in Port Moresby,” he said.
“He has historically been an importer, however, he will be a local producer very shortly. There is also one other significant operation looking to finalise their plans and commence their own local PNG production as well.
“These two new entrants and the normal organic growth of the existing producers enables the industry to reduce the disease risk of imports by producing locally.
“We have so many of our people farming chicken and selling at K30 to K40 per live bird in our local communities buying day-old chicken and using feeds to grow and sell after eight weeks.
“It is source of readily available protein in many communities.
“We need to establish the exact size of this activity and its reach into most or all districts in PNG.
“Thirty-six tonnes are produced locally and 11,652 tonnes are imported.”