Chitwan. Kathmandu: The Nepal Hatchery Industry Association has stopped the production and distribution of chicken chicks from today till July 15.

The association has imposed a complete ban on the production and sale of broiler and color broiler (coiler) chicken chicks. According to the association, the production and distribution has been stopped for a week as the poultry farmers did not get the price as per the cost.

Rajendra Lamichhane, senior vice-president of the association, said that the production of chicken and meat has been stopped for a week due to non-payment of price. He said, “We have stopped the production of chicks after the current situation came after the businessmen had to sell the chicks at less than the production price and could not be sold.” At present, there are 53 hatchery industries operating in Nepal.

Around 370 industries were in operation before covid- 19. Although the current market consumption in Nepal is only Rs 2 million to Rs 2.2 million per week, the production ranges from Rs 3 million to Rs 3.5 million per week. The problem has arisen due to more production than demand.

Hatchery industries operating due to lack of sale of chicks have also been disrupted. The factory has been shut down as the chicks produced have to be sold for Rs 10 to Rs 15. The cost price of broiler chicks is Rs 60. Broiler and coiler chicks are produced every Sunday and Wednesday.