Agriculture Secretary Wants To Include Chicken In COVID-19 Aid

Agriculture Secretary wanted to include chicken in COVID-19 aid.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Friday said that he was working with some agencies to include chicken in the government’s COVID-19 pandemic aid and reduce its oversupply.

The chicken supply, according to him, swelled after “institutional buyers” — including restaurants and homegrown fast-food chain — cut down operations during several months of lockdown meant to combat the spread of coronavirus disease.

Agriculture Secretary Chicken
Photo Source: ABS-CBN News

William Dar told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo that by the end of the year, there would be an “oversupply” of chicken that was good for 3 months if no government intervention was made.

According to United Broilers Association president Elias Inciong, the oversupply had brought down chicken farm gate prices to PHP 50.00 from PHP 70.00 about two weeks ago.

Dar also said that there had been “initial talks” among broiler groups and the social and welfare department so that chicken could be included in food packs for indigent families.

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In addition, Dar said that he will encourage the labor department to make chicken as part of its aid for displaced workers. Also, Inciong encouraged the government to decrease imported poultry which competed with the local supply.

Meanwhile, Dar encouraged the public to watch out for spots of blood that appeared on pork, which was a sign of African Swine Fever (ASF), and ensure that pork sellers have a meat inspection certificate.

Moreover, Dar said that the lean pork supply could be augmented with imports, if needed.

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