Corn prices in Pakistan have surged to an alarming level, putting immense pressure on the poultry feed industry and raising concerns about chicken meat affordability. In Punjab, rates have spiked to nearly Rs. 3,600 per maund, compared to Rs. 2,200 at the beginning of the harvest season, marking a sharp increase of almost 64%.
This drastic rise in corn rates, which make up around 60% of poultry feed, is creating panic among feed mill owners and farmers alike.
Industry insiders reveal that during the early harvest period, corn was available between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 2,200 per maund. Now, even at Rs. 3,600, quality corn remains scarce. Feed mills, which process agricultural raw materials into balanced poultry feed, are facing a severe supply crunch.
Poultry producers are urging the government to open corn imports immediately to stabilize feed prices and ensure chicken remains affordable for consumers. They also suggest that private stockists holding large reserves should be directed to release their stocks without delay.
Muhammad Najib Balagamwala, Chairman of Seatrade Group of Companies, highlighted that the 30% regulatory duty on corn imports, introduced during the tenure of ex-federal minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, has worsened the situation.
With recent floods damaging crop yields, stockists who purchased corn early are now selling at inflated prices, pushing rates higher. Market speculation suggests corn may soon touch Rs. 3,800 per maund, which will inevitably drive chicken meat prices even higher.
Balagamwala stressed the urgency of reducing import duties and allowing at least 300,000 metric tonnes of corn into the country to stabilize feed supply. He added that if the government delays action, poultry feed mills may run out of stock, leading to further inflation in chicken prices. He believes sustainable corn rates should not exceed Rs. 3,000 per maund to ensure industry survival.
Although soybean meal prices have eased slightly, offering minor relief, it only contributes around 14–15% of poultry feed, making corn the key ingredient for cost stability.
Progressive farmers also pointed out that nearly 90% of Pakistan’s corn is produced in Punjab, 7% in Sindh, and only 3% in other provinces. With corn cultivation requiring high temperatures of 35–40°C, disruptions in weather patterns have further worsened yields.
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The shortage of corn is already translating into higher chicken prices for consumers. In Karachi, chicken meat is currently being sold between Rs. 630 and Rs. 1,050 per kg, and experts warn that prices could climb further if supply issues persist.
