Dodo is one of the last two surviving poultry owners in Kabesa, Punakha today. From eight poultry farms few years ago only two have remained. Even he is thinking of shutting down his business for good. The reason, according to him, is ‘no longer profitable’.
Dodo said prices of feeds have skyrocketed over the years and it is not sustainable any more. “In a day, I spent about Nu. 1450 for feeds and get the same amount by selling my eggs,” he added. Other operational costs that he incurs is a loss to him, he said. Dodo has about 50 chickens and daily his chickens can lay only a carton of eggs.
The other poultry owner, Dechey, also blames the rising feed prices. “Our business has now no option, either we have to close down or we have to run on loss.”
Both the poultry owners said that prices of feeds have gone up four times in the last five years. It was only Nu. 750 in 2008, according to them. They said that lack of outlets and dealers in their town could be one reasons why shop owners are hiking the price.
Meanwhile, as both of them contemplate closing the business Dodo is worried that he might not be able to pay back his loan that he availed himself of from Bhutan Development Bank.
