Beef and mutton, at present, are selling at prices
higher than white meat (Fish and POULTRY). Even then
consumption of beef and mutton is increasing because of
consumer's food habits.
In order to decrease the pressure on beef and mutton, the
production of which is time-consuming and more expensive,
the output of white meat, particularly of POULTRY seems
easier both time-wise and cost-wise.
POULTRY industry itself be distinguished as "wet" POULTRY
and processed POULTRY. An over view of processed POULTRY
industry viz-a-viz 'wet' POULTRY industry is given below.
The POULTRY industry in the country has, during the past two
decades, made rapid strides transforming its rural
unorganised stakes into a some what-modern industry. But it
is still primarily characterised as a 'wet' agri-business.
Although the POULTRY processing industry, as against 'wet'
POULTRY venture, has obvious advantages yet consumers in
general do not realise this and make their purchases from
the "wet" markets which exercise the least care for a
hygienic environment. Processing industry, on the other
hand, fulfils all the obligations of quality, cleanliness as
well as price parity.
Unfortunately, no viable steps have so far been taken,
either at pubic or private level, to encourage POULTRY
processing in the country. It is still passing through a
transitory period of evolution or of gestation which is
typical of any agri-business or agro-industry.
As such, no appreciable investment into his field has so far
been coming forth. However, a multinational company has
recently ventured to invest $1300 million in the hope
establish a viable POULTRY processing unit.
Instead of providing some attractive incentives for
encouraging this important industry, recently GST has been
imposed on processed chicken. This would certainly hamper
the development of ingrated POULTRY units (INPUS).
According to market reports the sale of branded POULTRY
products has dropped by about 50 percent owing to the
imposition of GST.
The consumer at large is the least aware that the chick
purchased from the wet market invariably weigh 15 to 20
percent less of the price paid for. Moreover, the scales
used in the wet market are also tempered with, to weigh
defectively in favour of the sellers.
This malpractice may be checked with the introduction of the
universally accepted device of electronically weighing at
all levels.
Despite such a set-back, mostly short lived, the POULTRY
industry must prosper if the government provides a special
incentive package to attract expatriate investment.
The cost of raising/processing POULTRY in Pakistan is not
competitive with our next door neighbour, India. In India,
per kg cost of chick is 30 to 40 percent less than ours. It
is due to adequate to availability of corn at reasonable
prices there.
This important POULTRY feed ingredient, being scare here, is
much more expensive in Pakistan. The import of soyabean and
other inputs does not help much to the POULTRY feed to
become cheaper.
It is understood that an association of
POULTRY processors has recently been formed by the name of
Pakistan Association of POULTRY Integrated (PAPS). It is a
good omen to work collectively in this somewhat virgin
field.
For accelerating the development of integrated POULTRY units
a few suggestions are made for the consideration of the
government and the processors, as under:
1) To achieve the economy of scale, the level of production
needs to be raised through the rationalisation of input cost
and maintenance of quality.
2) A well knit marketing infrastructure may be planned and
established for popularising the sale of quality branded
POULTRY products.
3) In order to build up a fool-proof tax mechanism, cash
transaction should be replaced with payments duly
documented.
4) Contract Farming may be introduced whereby the sponsor
company should supply the farmers day old chicks, feed, farm
supervising services, and technical support with the
assurance of lifting 100 percent output.
With the development of POULTRY industry on scientific lines
quality produce would be available to the consumers at large
at competitive prices ridding them of the unhygienic wet
markets, and we shall also be able to build up an export
trade for our products particularly to the gulf states where
tremendous potential exists.
Ecologically, Pakistan has an edge over many South Asian
countries in developing her export trade of vet products.
On the management side also the country has world class
business schools which are producing high calibre managers
to cater the needs of the private sector ventures in this
field.
Courtesy:
Business Recorder
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