Ramadhan could increase poultry demand

The current bird flu outbreak would not reduce demand for poultry products in the upcoming Ramadhan fasting months and Idul Fitri holidays, a minister has claimed.

Despite the fact that four people had been confirmed as dying of bird flu since July, and two children dying from symptoms similar to the disease, Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu said that demand for poultry products remained high and she expected higher demand during the fasting month and Idul Fitri.

The poultry industry suffered significant financial losses in June and July this year when sales declined by 20 percent because of bird flu scares.

"The bird flu outbreak is still new and the trade ministry has yet to see any decline in the sales of poultry products. The industry is likely to get the advantage of the upcoming fasting month and Idul Fitri celebration," said Mari at the Presidential Palace on Friday.

Muslims around the world are scheduled to perform the month- long fast starting Oct. 5, ending with the Idul Fitri celebration on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4.

Most Muslims on the island of Java celebrate Idul Fitri by cooking ketupat (rice cake) with side dishes including opor (chicken cooked in coconut milk).

Poultry businesses were hit hard in June and July, following the death of three people due to the bird flu virus.

Mari said the government was now in the process of launching a campaign to ease public's fear over consuming poultry products, in order to help stem decline in demand.

The country's poultry industry is estimated to be worth some US$2 billion. -- JP