MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) has raised concerns over the scarcity of fundamental supplies for poultry farming, including feed, yellow corn, and hatching eggs, which are driving up production costs and undermining the domestic poultry industry’s competitiveness.

In a statement released on Friday, PRRM emphasized that this deficit is challenging the sector’s capacity to sustain efficient and profitable operations. The group urged government intervention to boost local production by enhancing agricultural infrastructure, reducing tariffs on corn, and ensuring equitable access to vital inputs like feeds and hatching eggs.

"Tackling the shortage of these essential resources will empower farmers to maintain efficient and sustainable production practices. This will help secure a steady supply of locally produced chicken and minimize reliance on imported processed chicken," the statement read.

Furthermore, the PRRM highlighted the impact of a significant oversupply of imported dressed chicken, which has contributed to a decline in farmgate prices, placing additional pressure on Filipino poultry producers.

Data provided by the movement indicated that frozen imported chicken stocks reached nearly 36,000 metric tons, marking a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. This volume represents roughly one month’s worth of excess supply beyond the local market’s ongoing production capacity.

The PRRM’s call for comprehensive measures aims to strengthen the local poultry industry, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and support self-sufficiency amid evolving market challenges.