The sudden and significant increase in chicken meat prices in Pakistan is a complex issue driven by a confluence of factors, as reported by various sources. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons: 1. Soaring Input Costs, Especially Poultry Feed: Feed as a Major Expense: Poultry feed accounts for a suRead more
The sudden and significant increase in chicken meat prices in Pakistan is a complex issue driven by a confluence of factors, as reported by various sources. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
1. Soaring Input Costs, Especially Poultry Feed:
- Feed as a Major Expense: Poultry feed accounts for a substantial portion (70-80%) of the total production cost for farmers.
- Soybean Import Issues: A major contributing factor has been the ban or severe restrictions on the import of genetically modified (GM) soybean, a critical ingredient in poultry feed, since October 2022. While non-GM soybean is imported from African countries, it’s often of lower quality and more expensive due to container shipping rather than bulk shiploads.
- Global Commodity Price Fluctuations: Pakistan’s reliance on imports for key feed ingredients like soybeans and corn makes the poultry industry vulnerable to global price shifts.
- Increased Local Feed Prices: The price of poultry feed has skyrocketed, with reports of increases up to 82% in the recent past.
2. Cartelization and Market Manipulation:
- Hatchery Cartel: There are strong allegations of a “hatchery cartel” that has artificially inflated the price of day-old chicks. These chicks are reportedly being sold at significantly higher prices than their actual production cost.
- Control by Large Companies: A few large breeding companies that also own their farms are accused of manipulating supply. When live broiler prices drop due to supply-demand dynamics, these companies reportedly do not pass on the lower prices to consumers. Instead, they use the breed for their own farms, and in some cases, restrict breeders for extended periods, leading to closures of smaller poultry farms.
- Unregulated Market Structure: The lack of robust regulatory frameworks and oversight allows for price manipulation and inconsistencies across different regions.
3. Decline in Production and Supply Issues:
- Farm Closures: The unbearable production costs, primarily due to high feed and day-old chick prices, have led to the closure of a significant number of small and medium-sized poultry farms (over 50% according to some reports). This directly reduces the overall supply of chicken.
- Reduced Grandparent Stock Imports: The import of “grandparent stock” (GPs), which are birds that produce parent stock, has dramatically decreased. This has a cascading effect on the number of broilers available for consumption, leading to a projected significant drop in chicken production.
- Poultry Diseases and Mortality Rates: Outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza can devastate flocks, leading to mass culling and further reducing supply. Increased vaccination and veterinary costs also add to the overall expense.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Inefficiencies in the supply chain, including high transportation costs, poor storage facilities, and the involvement of multiple intermediaries and commission agents (whose fees can be substantial), contribute to increased prices and spoilage.
4. General Inflation and Economic Conditions:
- Wider Inflationary Pressures: Pakistan has been experiencing high general inflation, which impacts all aspects of the economy, including transportation, labor, fuel, and electricity – all contributing to the cost of chicken production.
- Currency Depreciation: The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against major currencies makes imported inputs (like feed ingredients) even more expensive in local currency terms.
- Increased Energy Costs: Poultry farms often rely on diesel generators in areas with unreliable electricity, and rising fuel prices significantly add to their operating costs.
5. Government Inaction and Regulatory Loopholes:
- Weak Enforcement of Price Controls: Despite government-imposed rates, chicken and meat are often sold far above official prices, indicating lax enforcement and regulatory loopholes. For instance, the Punjab government might set prices for live chicken but not for processed broiler meat, allowing sellers to exploit the gap.
- Lack of Support for Farmers: Small farmers often lack access to financial credit, modern equipment, and proper training, making it harder for them to sustain their businesses amidst rising costs.
In summary, the high cost of chicken in Pakistan is a result of a perfect storm of rising input costs (especially feed), alleged cartelization and market manipulation, reduced production due to farm closures and import issues, general economic inflation,
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It's common to experience increased hunger and cravings after quitting smoking. This is due to a combination of factors: * Nicotine's effect on metabolism: Nicotine speeds up your metabolism, so when you stop smoking, your body burns calories more slowly. * Appetite suppression: Nicotine also acts aRead more
It’s common to experience increased hunger and cravings after quitting smoking. This is due to a combination of factors:
See less* Nicotine’s effect on metabolism: Nicotine speeds up your metabolism, so when you stop smoking, your body burns calories more slowly.
* Appetite suppression: Nicotine also acts as an appetite suppressant, so when it’s removed, your appetite can increase.
* Improved senses: Your taste and smell improve after quitting, making food more appealing.
* Behavioral replacement: You might unconsciously replace the habit of smoking with eating, especially when you’re stressed, bored, or in situations where you used to smoke.
* Cravings overlap: Nicotine withdrawal can lead to cravings for high-fat, high-sugar, and salty foods.
Here’s how you can control cravings and increased hunger after quitting smoking:
1. Healthy Eating Strategies:
* Plan your meals and snacks: Don’t wait until you’re ravenous. Having healthy options readily available can prevent you from reaching for unhealthy, high-calorie foods.
* Eat regular, smaller meals: Instead of 3 large meals, try 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar steady and prevent extreme hunger.
* Focus on nutrient-dense foods:
* Fruits and vegetables: Keep them handy for snacks. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and can satisfy the urge to chew. Examples: carrots, celery, apples, berries.
* Lean proteins: Help you feel full and satisfied.
* Whole grains: Provide sustained energy.
* Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day. Herbal tea or sparkling water with fruit can also be good options.
* Mindful eating:
* Eat slowly and savor your food.
* Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Are you truly hungry, or are you eating out of habit, boredom, or stress?
* Avoid distractions while eating (like TV or your phone).
* Limit unhealthy foods: Reduce processed foods, sugary drinks, high-fat snacks, and excessive salt. These can contribute to weight gain and may even trigger cravings.
* Be aware of portion sizes: Use smaller plates and measure out snacks. If you’re still hungry after your meal, wait 10 minutes before getting seconds to see if the hunger passes.
2. Manage Cravings (The 4 Ds):
* Delay: Cravings usually pass within a few minutes. Tell yourself you’ll wait 5-10 minutes, and often the urge will subside.
* Distract: Engage in an activity that takes your mind off the craving.
* Call a friend or family member.
* Go for a walk or do some light exercise.
* Chew sugar-free gum or suck on a hard candy.
* Do a short relaxation exercise or deep breathing.
* Engage in a hobby.
* Drink Water: As mentioned, sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
* Deep Breathe: Take several slow, deep breaths to help calm your mind and body.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments:
* Exercise regularly: Physical activity not only burns calories but also helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and can suppress cravings. Even short bursts of activity can make a difference.
* Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger.
* Find alternative coping mechanisms: Identify what triggers your desire to eat after quitting smoking (e.g., stress, boredom). Develop healthy ways to cope, such as:
* Engaging in hobbies.
* Practicing mindfulness or meditation.
* Spending time with supportive friends and family.
* Taking a relaxing bath.
* Keep your hands and mouth busy: If you miss the oral fixation of smoking, try chewing gum, sugar-free mints, healthy crunchy snacks (like carrot sticks), or even a straw or toothpick.
4. Seek Support:
* Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or medications: Products like nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or prescription medications (like bupropion or varenicline) can help manage withdrawal symptoms, including cravings and potentially hunger. Talk to your doctor about these options.
* Talk to a healthcare professional: If you’re struggling significantly with hunger or weight gain, consult your doctor or a dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and support.
* Support groups or quitlines: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.
Remember, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, even if you experience some temporary weight gain. Focus on building healthy habits, and be kind to yourself during this transition.