NECC's plea to govt

The zonal meeting of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) decided to adopt 'forced molting' of layer birds to restrict the egg production with a view to minimising losses being caused to the poultry industry due to bird flu scare.

Nearly 70 big poultry traders from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari districts participated in the meeting held at Tanuku in West Godavari district. The traders felt that the 'forced molting' was the only possible alternative to bring down the losses and stabilise egg prices.

As many as 50 lakh of the 1.6 crore layer birds will be subjected to the 'forced molting' method in two Godavari districts.

NEEC former regional secretary M Veerabhadra Reddy said the current losses were unbearable. He said the move was intended to check losses and give some solace to poultry farmers.

The traders expressed their disappointment over lukewarm response to chicken and egg melas from the general public. Nobody but poultry farmers, their families and workers turned up at the melas, they said.

The meeting appealed to the state government to allow resumption of egg sales at railway stations and airports. They also urged the government to supply eggs to students in schools as part of its mid-day meal programme.