Poultry business incurs loss in Punjab

Poultry farmers of Punjab are incurring a loss of Rs 1.5 lakh daily due to the ban on the entry of curled hen (old hen) into Jammu and Kashmir.

The farmers alleged they had not received any help from the state government, and the ban had further aggravated the problem.

According to experts, there was a daily demand of 15,000-20,000 curled hens in Jammu and Kashmir. But due to the ban, the farmers have no option but to sell in the domestic market at a lower price.

With the outbreak of bird flu, the Jammu and Kashmir government imposed ban on the import of broiler and chicken on February 20, this year. However, the ban was partially lifted on March 16, when the state government allowed the entry of broiler and chicken, but only from 6 am to 8 pm.

Subsequently, on June 26, due to surge in demand, the restriction was further relaxed and the trade was opened for 24 hours. The restrictions on curled hen remained unchanged, and the curled hen was not allowed in the state.

Talking to Business Standard, Jammu and Kasmir Animal Husbandry Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din said the entry of curled hen from other states was not allowed as the technical committee of the state put a ban on the imports due to some reasons.

Amritsar Poultry Industry Association President G S Bedi said, "Already, Punjab and Haryana have suffered huge losses of about Rs 600-650 crores, on account of bird flu, which never occurred in these two states. Further the restriction have broken the backbone of poultry industry."

He added consumers were also facing the brunt of the state government's decision, as poultry products were being sold at high prices in the state.

He said, "We are in need of help from the Punjab government." Bedi demanded that the poultry farmers should be given free electricity for two to three years only (Each year will cost around Rs 10 crores to the state government) and VAT rebate on vaccines , medicines and disinfectants (which is to cost Rs 25 lakhs a year). And, also, pending subsidies since 1996 (which will cost not more than Rs 50 crores )."

He added more than 300,000 people are directly and indirectly dependent on the poultry industry and, approximately, Rs 5,000-6,000 crore had been invested in the poultry industry of Punjab.

Around 4,000 poultry farmers are running in loss since February 18, this year, because of bird flu fear and the ban on poultry bird's entry to Jammu is still prevailing, he said.

"In this situation, if the state government extends its helping hand, it will definitely boost the poultry industry of Punjab," he added.