May 21, 2008

Pakistani poultry industry despairs at wheat purchase ban
 

The Pakistani government has banned the purchase of wheat from farm and open market, a move that is likely to further hurt the already troubled poultry industry.

Pakistan's poultry industry is riddled with problems, including bird flu, feed shortage and rising grain prices. Wheat is currently used as a feed substitute due to the unavailability of other feed grains but even that have been deprived due to the government's ban.

The government has also warned that anyone found purchasing wheat from the open market would be put behind bars yet it is not providing the much needed wheat to the industry, according to Mian Abuzar Shad, chairman of the Pakistan Industrial Traders Associations Front (PIAF).

Shad said he is unable to comprehend the government's treatment to the Rs200 billion (US$2.9 billion) poultry industry that provides employment to 1.5 million people. Such moves are reversing the government's efforts at bringing economic prosperity in Pakistan, said Shad who added that he has appealed to the government to ensure the provision of wheat to the poultry industry to help it come out of crisis.

Poultry meat is the cheapest source of protein in the country and the industry needs the government's support, Shad said.