Trinidad and Tobago poultry production drops due to extreme heat

Consumers in Trinidad and Tobago are facing a shortage of chicken at various retail outlets due to a 20 percent decline in local production. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries attributed the decline to extreme heat and heavy rains, noting that the issue stems from weather conditions rather than a lack of production capacity.

To protect bird welfare and minimize heat-related mortality, poultry farmers have proactively reduced the number of birds placed on farms. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram stated that this is a prudent measure to ensure healthy growth during the heatwave.

The ministry expects relief in the coming weeks. Hatchery projections suggest an increase in chick availability within two weeks, with poultry supplies expected to progressively increase and return to full levels approximately three weeks after that.