The Opposition People’s National Party, PNP, is calling on the government to address immediately the challenges facing the poultry industry.

The country is reportedly facing a chicken shortage.

The Agriculture Ministry says it is undertaking a rapid assessment of the poultry industry, following reports of the chicken shortage.

The report of the findings is to be submitted today.

In a statement this afternoon, Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture, Dr. Dayton Campbell,  said some businesses have been forced to increase the prices of chicken meals due to the rising cost of chicken owing to the shortage.

He also called for egg farmers to receive post Hurricane Beryl relief support.

Noting that the storm caused a nearly 30 per cent decline in egg production across the island, Dr. Campbell said this has impacted the livelihoods of farmers and the availability of eggs, for consumers.

He said while Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has acknowledged reduced supply, the PNP is calling for more than assessments and meetings.