KARACHI (March 15 2004): Poultry industry needs immediate support in the form of finances on low mark-up to enable it to re-stand on its feet.

The Union of Small & Medium Enterprises (Unisame) considers it an opportunity and has requested the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) to focus on its development on modern lines.

As this industry is to be re-established it is important that it should be reconstructed on modern lines and every aspect, right from its initial step to the final marketing and cold storage, needs to be thoroughly developed.

Chicken is an important item on the menu and if it is in short supply the prices of meat and fish will jump further up.

Having examined the requirements of SME farm houses, Unisame has recommended the following to the authorities:

Leasing facilities on no equity basis and 6 percent mark-up be provided for purchase of plant including cold storage and vehicles.

Insurance cover for the birds.

Finance at 6 percent mark-up be provided to enable new comers to enter and also old hands to re-establish.

Leasehold land in areas where there is space and needs to be developed

Vocational guidance to be provided.

Supply of medicines and feeds at economical rates by associations and institutions.

Monthly magazine to be distributed in Urdu. Compulsory membership of Chicken Health Clubs.

Zulfikar Thaver, Convener of Unisame has pointed out that there is vast scope and this industry will give employment to many SMEs and moreover it will fulfil a nutritional requirement of the masses and is profitable also, especially when SME investors are looking out for investment.-PR.

 Courtesy Business Recorder