BGN Boss Admits Chicken Prices Skyrocketed Due To Free Nutrition Eating Program

Head of BGN Dadan Hidayana (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Dadan Hindayana acknowledged that there was a surge in the price of chickens at the consumer level in line with the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program.

Dadan said the price spike was triggered by the high demand for chicken meat in line with the operation of thousands of kitchens for the organizers of the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program or the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG).

"The Deputy Head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that now the price of chickens is rising and increasing, because of MBG's needs, I think this is true," said Dadan at the Food Zone event, in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 7.

Dadan explained that one Nutrition Fulfillment Service Center (SPPG) requires a large supply of chickens and eggs every day to meet the nutritional needs of 3,000 people.

"Because every time you cook chicken for 3,000 people, 350 chickens are needed, if 1 kilo 1 chicken, it takes 350 kilos, 350 chickens if it's only 2 times a week, it takes 700 chickens for 1 month, it's close to 2,800 chickens," he said.

In addition to chicken meat, Dadan said the demand for chicken eggs also increased. He said that to produce 3,000 eggs per day, at least 4,000 laying hens were needed, so it had to be prepared around four large cages.

Then, he continued, about 50 percent of laying hen feed came from corn, most of which were supplied from within the country. Thus, 10 hectares of land is also needed for corn plants.

Therefore, according to Dadan, it is necessary to add new breeders so that the MBG program does not lack the supply of chicken and eggs. Including, land needs for feed.

"Our need for chickens will soon increase and if it is not followed by new breeders, I think we will lack the supply of chickens and eggs," he said.