“There are sectors that are already paralyzing activities” in Cochabamba, and poultry farmers will have to sacrifice 9 million birds due to lack of food

The economic situation worsens in Cochabamba. This Monday, the former president of the Federation of Private Entrepreneurs of that department, Luis Laredo, reported that many companies have paralyzed their activities due to the indefinite blockade maintained by sectors related to former President Evo Morales. The most affected sector is the poultry sector, which is left without inputs, so many poultry farmers will have to sacrifice 9 million birds due to lack of food.

In an interview with Bolivia TV, the businessman offered an analysis of the negative consequences generated by this extreme measure of pressure. He argued that this situation affects to more than 50,000 companies and threatens the stability of 2 million people in the country.

“We have declared ourselves in a state of emergency,” he told state media.

For the businessman, the blockades, which respond to political demands and affect the supply of raw materials, have put vital sectors in check, such as agriculture and gastronomy. “There are sectors that are already paralyzing activities,” he noted.

In addition, he warned about the risk of losses of perishable products and possible closures of small businesses that cannot absorb more costs.

The businessman maintained that One of the most affected sectors is the poultry sector. He explained that this activity faces a severe crisis due to the blockades, which prevent the adequate supply of food for the birds, which could lead to a food emergency.

Laredo warned that, if the situation does not improve, 9 million birds could be sacrificed due to lack of food, affecting the supply of chicken meat in the region.

The situation is critical, since poultry farmers planned to repopulate 1.5 million birds before November 5 to meet end-of-year demand; but due to supply restrictions, they have only managed to incorporate 100,000 birds so far.

This would generate a notable shortage of chicken in the market and a significant increase in its price, directly affecting the traditional Christmas dinner of thousands of Bolivian families.

“If this blockade continues, there will be no chicken by the end of the year. There will be shortages, there will be shortages, and in some cases the prices of this product will rise,” said the businessman.

In the 15 days of blockades, losses amount to Bs 4,500 million and this situation could cause massive layoffs and greater informality, which already reaches 83% in the country.

For Laredo, “we have to start looking for alternatives to these blockadeswhich are harming all Bolivians.” The demand of businessmen is clear: that the government guarantee the free movement and order is restored to avoid further damage to the national and local economy.