‘Poultry industry to see growth during Xmas period’

By CLARISSA MOI
SMALL businesses in Papua New Guinea’s poultry industry are expected to see growth with strong supply from the commercial operations leading up to Christmas, the Poultry Industry Association (PIA) says.
President Chris Prestwood told The National yesterday that the surge in Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases and new measures being placed had not affected the industry, however, any prolonged national lockdown would greatly impact the poultry industry.
“Roads are clear and products are moving through to their intended destination,” Prestwood said.
“With regards to the industry, favourable numbers of day-old chickens are available now and the second half of the year leading up to Christmas should see plenty of chicken available on the market.”
There has been a shortage of day-old chicks last year and early this year due to the difficulty in getting breeders out of New Zealand.
“The challenges of last year with parent stock movements from New Zealand are much improved now thanks to careful and strategic planning and a focus on our growing industry’s needs,” Prestwood said.
“I expect to see plenty of chicken grown in the small-to-medium enterprise sector and strong supply from the commercial integrated operations leading up to Christmas.”
The association was concerned about rumours of a potential lockdown in the country.