ISLAMABAD (Hayat News): The Government of Punjab is reviewing proposals to extend interest-free financing to investors in the commercial poultry industry, with special emphasis on value-added ventures such as meat processing facilities and cold storage infrastructure. Authorities are also examining measures to ease the import of modern, high-tech equipment to upgrade industry standards.
Dr. Sajjad Hussain Kashfi, Director General (Research) at the Punjab Livestock Department, stated that consultations with industry stakeholders are underway to frame a comprehensive policy. He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the sector through supportive regulations and research-driven solutions.
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Punjab continues to dominate Pakistan’s poultry landscape, accounting for over 70% of total poultry farming, 80% of egg production, 85% of feed manufacturing, and hosting all poultry processing units nationwide. Given this central role, the department is actively conducting studies to resolve operational challenges and maintain a conducive business environment.
Dr. Kashfi emphasized that poultry meat is vital in maintaining price balance among other protein sources such as mutton, beef, and pulses. Any instability in poultry production, he warned, can impact broader food markets and national food security.
The Poultry Research Institute (PRI) in Rawalpindi is playing a pivotal role by offering diagnostic services to farms across the province through its wide network. The institute also provides training in flock management and delivers extension services focused on disease prevention and treatment.
Dr. Abdul Karim Bhatti, former central chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association, highlighted that the poultry industry in Punjab has attracted investments exceeding Rs700 billion and created approximately 1.5 million jobs, particularly benefiting rural communities.
According to Dr. Bhatti, Punjab is home to nearly 4,866 layer farms and 17,405 broiler farms, along with numerous environmentally controlled sheds. This extensive infrastructure ensures a steady supply of affordable white meat and eggs to Pakistan’s population of more than 250 million.
He stressed the need to promote documented and hygienic meat processing, adding that policies encouraging branded and processed poultry products would enhance food safety standards and improve public health outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Bhatti underscored the importance of implementing a transparent, market-driven pricing system. Such a framework, he noted, would boost investor confidence and enable producers to better navigate price fluctuations. “As a demand-and-supply-driven industry, poultry requires stability and supportive policies to sustain its contribution to food security, employment generation, and economic growth,” he remarked.
He concluded that with consistent government backing and fair competition, Punjab’s poultry sector is well-equipped to expand further, support rural livelihoods, and meet the nation’s increasing demand for affordable protein.
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