June 5, 2015

 
Indian state eyes poultry feed plant to boost self-sufficiency

The state of Jammu and Kashmir which imports US$16 million worth of poultry products annually from other states, is urged by the state minister to "redouble their efforts" to achieve self-sufficiency.

The imports include ten million stable birds worth US$10 million and 35 million day-old chicks worth US$6 million.

Sajad Gani Lone, the state minister for animals, sheep husbandry and fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir, said that he has directed his officers to formulate a plan for establishment of a poultry feed farm.

Stressing that the new feed plant will revolutionise the sector, the minister said there is a need for augmenting the existing poultry industry so that landless and marginal farmers can make their living out of poultry rearing.

While Lone said that the new feed plant will be built in the Kashmir valley and have a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, he did not reveal information about the proposed plant capacity.

The minister also did not reveal whether the state will fund the feed plant or if they are considering other funding.

However, sources in the animal husbandry department said that funding will be from the central government under the agricultural promotion schemes.