Mawlamyine, March (17)
Due to the economic downturn in Mon State a year after the military coup, at least 60 % of the livestock industry has been shut down, livestock farmers said.
In the wake of the coup, due to the devaluation of the Myanmar currency, more than twice the price of livestock raw materials, disease on the farms and the high cost of transportation, the livestock industry showed losses and stopped the operations.
If this situation continues, livestock farming will soon be suspended again, said the livestock farmer.
“The business didn’t turn out as expected. Another problem is disaster. Recently, almost all the pigs in the village died of the disease and stop our business’ operation. Some ceased their works because of the high price of the food and production costs. During this year, more than 60% of the livestock sector closed down.
If the current situation continues, a large percentage of businesse industry will soon be shut down,” he added.
Currently, the livestock industry is declining due to the continuous rise in raw material prices and some entrepreneurs are turning to other businesses.
One breeder said, “Efforts were being made to keep the business afloat despite the unprofitable prices of inputs such as livestock feeds and medicine.”
“There is no profit. Just a profit of Ks 2 000 or Ks 3000 a day for us. But we did it to keep the business going. Poultry farms are damaged if they do not have chickens. We invested a lot, so we have to keep it running,” the other said.
On the other hand, as result of smuggled livestock products, they also face losses.
In Mon State, livestock farming is practiced in all 10 townships and mainly, the cattles, poultry, broilers and pigs, goats and quail are raised.
News –Than Lwin Times