Higher rates of poultry feed and chick are main problems for the poultry industry not only in Punjab but also in the whole country. Chairman Pakistan Broiler Farmers Association (PBFA), Rana Abdul Sattar, expressed these views while talking to APP on Sunday.
He said the cost of a one-day-old chick was only Rs 20 but the companies were supplying it at Rs45 to 50 per bird to farmers. He said the feed rate was very high but the quality was not up to the mark.
The companies are earning billions of rupees. For the reasons, broiler meat is being supplied at high rates to people. He said the price control committee was doing a good job and it was the only body to control high prices of feed and chicks.
To a question, he said around 30,000 poultry farms had been closed down due to the problems. He said that 50 percent protein needs of the country were being met by white meat which was low priced and cholesrol-free.
Responding to another question, he said that poultry contributed six percent of the total 12 percent share of livestock to national gross domestic production (GDP).
Rana Abdul Sattar proposed formation of a board of all departments of the poultry industry i e feed, hatchery, medicine, Broiler Farmers Association and Brokers. Set up an office for the board in the office of director general livestock office. Poultry matters should be settled in board meetings under the supervision of director general livestock. Major production of broiler farming, feed mills, hatcheries etc are in the surrounding districts of Lahore and the office of poultry director should be in Lahore instead of Rawalpindi.
