November 6, 2006

North India's poultry farmers protest chicken projects

Poultry associations in Punjab and Haryana have staged rallies last week to protest the intended mega projects of large poultry companies, as they believe these would mean trouble and the end for small-scale poultry farming in the two states.

The mega projects were launched by large poultry companies like Saguna, Godrej and Japha to cash in on Punjab's market, but the government has pointedly overlook the effects these projects would have on poultry farmers, they said.

DV Dhanda, general secretary of the North Zone Broiler Breeders Association said that while these companies claim they provide employment for the poor, they are actually forcing them into a bonded labour system. Farmers are forced to come under the contracts of these companies and prices were dictated by them. Meanwhile, any losses would be incurred by the farmers, which is unreasonable.

Punjab is one of India's most important chicken consumption and production base and thousands of families are involved in the industry, either directly or indirectly. Dhanda said.