The investors of 100 billion taka (about 1.47 billion U.S. dollars) in Bangladesh's poultry industry were concerned about their business after detection of avian influenza here, UNB news agency reported Monday.

All the hopes of 200,000 poultry farm owners have been shattered as selling price has dropped lower than the production cost due to the bird flu panic.

Different loan distributing organizations including banks and non-governmental organizations are also facing uncertainty in realization of their loans.

Farm owners and businessmen said the poultry industry is going through a critical phase after the outbreak of bird flu. The farm owners have been incurring huge losses since last month as prices of chickens and eggs have dropped sharply.

Production cost for per 100 eggs is 320 taka (about 4.7 dollars), but farm owners are selling it at between 250 taka and 260 taka in the wholesale market against its previous price of 350 taka to 360 taka.

The price of per kg chicken has also decreased by 20 taka to 25 taka.

Moreover, export of eggs and dressed chickens abroad has been halted after the avian influenza outbreak in the country.

About 5 million people are involved in the industry directly and indirectly.

While contacted, President of Bangladesh Egg Producers' Association Taher Ahmed said most of the farm owners are burdened with huge debt due to bird flu as the industry is running mostly on loans.

Source: Xinhua