Concerns about the impact of an escalating drought on livestock products are mounting, with state authorities vowing to closely monitor price movements and supply daily for the next three months.
After meeting livestock and poultry operators yesterday, Internal Trade Department director-general Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa said authorities were concerned about higher production costs caused by a water shortage in the farm sector.
The price of animal feed could also increase because of drought conditions, she said.
“We have found there are yet to be any problems about livestock and poultry production, while water supply remains sufficient as most farmers have already prepared their water resources at their farms,” Ms Wiboonlasana said.
“However, authorities promise to keep a close watch on the prices and supply of livestock products, pork and poultry on a daily basis.”
About 30 million broiler chickens are supplied to the market each week, with 5 million for domestic consumption and 25 million for export.
Pork supply remains unaffected for now, with 35,000 pigs sent to the market every day. About 75% of pig raisers are small or medium-sized operators who are feeling the pinch from water shortages, particularly in Chon Buri and Ratchaburi, which rely on water from the Pa Sak Jolasid and Srinagarind dams.
“We are now afraid that the drought will last until June. This will definitely affect pork supply over the next 4-6 months,” Ms Wiboonlasana said.
Sanee Naiyanete, chairman of the swine farmers' cooperatives in Chachoengsao, said the drought conditions were critical this year, prompting many farms to sell young breeding stock. Water normally accounts for 30% of swine farming costs.
“We are afraid that if the drought continues, swine production will definitely be affected over the next two months and tight supply is expected in October,” Mr Sanee said.
Santi Wirojborisuth, chairman of Padriew Layer Farmer Cooperative in Chachoengsao, said the drought had already raised egg production costs by 10-20 satang per egg.
He predicted egg prices will remain strong after increasing to 2.90 baht.