July 9, 2007

Reluctance to renew leases threatens Pakistan's poultry industry

Pakistan's poultry industry, already reeling from the 1.8 million birds that died in recent weeks due to rains and heatwaves, now faces another threat to its survival - the government now appears to be reluctant to extend poultry leases for 1,100 poultry farms.

The refusal to renew the leases, which normally lasts for 30 years, would prove to be a heavy blow to the industry, said Central Convener of the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), Maroof Siddiqui.

According to Siddiqui, almost 1.8 million square feet area of chicken sheds have been completely destroyed in the recent heavy rains and total losses to the industry were said to amount to Rs 670 million (US$11 million).