June 28, 2024

Punjab, Pakistan farmers to continue getting egg-laying hens at subsidised rate

Egg-laying hens will continue to be provided to farmers in Punjab, Pakistan, at a subsidised rate under the Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute's programme as per the directions of the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Dairy Development.

During his visit to the institute, minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated: "We are committed to supporting our farmers and promoting the poultry industry in the province (Punjab).

"Resuming this programme will help reduce the cost of production for farmers and increase egg production, making eggs more affordable for consumers."

Kirmani also directed the institute to take steps to increase the growth of egg-laying hens, including improving breeding and nutrition programmes, and emphasised the need for continued research and development in the poultry sector to ensure sustainable growth and development.

Kirmani said that the farmers' welfare is the Pakistani government's priority and that poultry farming is a profitable business, in which there are many opportunities for farmers to succeed, especially given the increasing demand for 'desi' (free-range) eggs in urban areas.

He added that a plan should be enacted to meet the demand for eggs in the winter season, and the farmers should be given training in poultry farming, for which the government is willing to provide all support.

Last year, 91,000 sets of chickens were distributed among the farmers by the Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute. Kirmani revealed his aim to increase this number this year. He shared that 450,000 eggs were produced in the institute and 240,000 chicks were successfully hatched from them.

- The Express Tribune