‘Energy crisis pecking at poultry production’

LAHORE: Pakistan Poultry Industry has the capacity to double poultry meat production- from 1.50 billion broiler birds to three billion- in five years, provided the government ensures an enabling business environment.
The statement was made by Pakistan Poultry Association Chairman Dr Mustafa Kamal while addressing members of the Lahore Economic Journalist Association on Wednesday.
“We do not want any subsidies,” he said. All poultry farmer’s desire from the government is to ensure 24/7 power supply to poultry farms, most of which are located in rural areas where load shedding duration is very long. He said this would substantially reduce the cost of electricity, as farmers are now forced to produce high cost power from diesel generators to keep the temperatures low in their poultry farms.
He said government should also realise that poultry is a perishable commodity and its rate fluctuates according to supply and demand. He said the farmers dispose off their stock most of the time when it is below cost and supplies are high.
Further, Dr Kamal informed that the poultry farmers increase rates when the demand exceeds supplies and recoup their losses. He said most of the time the government intervenes when prices are high, but it would be better if the government fairly fixed the rates for the entire year. Otherwise, he added, let the market forces determine the rates.
Dr Kamal, who is a renowned poultry researcher, said that poultry meat is the most scientifically produced meat in Pakistan. It is produced in controlled conditions ideal for the health of the poultry stock, he said, adding the poultry feed is healthy and halal.
He deplored the import of poultry meat under FTA with China cautioning, consumers that the there is no guarantee that birds in China are fed halal feed.