Amid the continuous entry of imported chicken into the country and the threat of local raisers to cut their production, the Philippines' chicken output during the first nine months of the year went down by 1.4 percent to 425,890 metric tons (MT) liveweight.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that from July to September, the country's total chicken production fell by 1.4 percent from 431,770 MT, liveweight to 425,890 MT, liveweight year-on-year.
Among the regions, Central Luzon was the top producer of chicken during the quarter with a production of 152,040 MT, liveweight. This was followed by CALABARZON and Northern Mindanao with corresponding productions of 66,410 MT, liveweight, and 36,050 MT, liveweight. These regions accounted for 59.8 percent of the country’s total chicken production.
Relative to their levels in the same period a year ago, five regions posted decrements in production during the quarter, with Ilocos Region posting the highest annual decline of 21.2 percent, from 18,600 MT, liveweight in the same period of the previous year to 14,650 MT, liveweight.
As of October, the country’s total chicken population was estimated at 190.74 million birds, which is 2.4 percent more than the previous year’s same period count of 186.33 million birds.
Of the total chicken inventory, native/improved chicken contributed 42.9 percent, followed by broiler chicken with 34.0 percent share and layer chicken with 23.1 percent share. Inventory of broiler chicken and layer chicken grew by 5.5 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively. On the other hand, native/improved chicken stocks declined by 1.9 percent.
In terms of inventory, Central Luzon reported the highest total chicken population of 29.77 million birds.
The average farmgate price of broiler chicken in commercial farms for July to September 2021 was quoted at P92.65 per kilogram, liveweight. This was higher by 2.9 percent higher than the previous year’s same period average price of P 90.00 per kilogram, liveweight.
Last week, United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) has threatened to cut their production if the government will not act on the crisis they are currently experiencing, which was brought about by low demand, high production cost, and high levels of importation.
“Poor demand, high input costs, and high levels of importation and frozen inventory would compel corn, chicken, and pork producers and even importers to take a conservative stance in the coming months,” UBRA said in an open letter to Agriculture Secretary William Dar.
“This is a very difficult time for consumers and producers. Input costs are at 5-year highs. Consumer demand is still low because of the effects of COVID 19. Import arrivals and frozen meat inventories are disproportionately high in relation to the demand situation. We are on dangerous ground,” the group added.