Pakistan Poultry Industry has the capacity to double the poultry meat production from 1.50 billion broiler birds to three billion in five years that would totally address the animal protein deficiency in Pakistan. This was stated by Dr Mustafa Kamal, Chairman Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) while addressing the members of Lahore Economic Journalist Association. PPA Chairman Abdul Basit and Senior Vice President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mian Nauman Kabir were also present on the occasion.
He said that government should ensure 24/7 power supply to poultry farms mostly located in rural areas where loadshedding duration is very high. 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 they increase rates when the demand exceeds supplies and recoup their losses. He said most of the time government intervenes at times of high price. He said it would be better if the government calculate the fair price of poultry meat and fix the rates for the entire year or let the market forces determine the rates. Dr Kamal who is a renowned poultry researcher said that the poultry meat is the most scientifically produced meat in Pakistan produced in controlled conditions ideal for the health of the poultry stock.