KARACHI (March 08 2004): A large number SME poultry farmers and leaders of several trade associations participated in a walk held here on Sunday to show support to the poultry industry.

The walk began from Boat Basin in the morning and terminated peacefully at Schon Chowrangi, Clifton. The participants chanted slogans and carried placards, banners and wore chicken embossed T-shirts to urge the government to take steps for the rehabilitation of poultry industry.

The walk was organised by the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) in collaboration with Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) to highlight the issues confronting the poultry industry in the wake of bird flu virus.

Former chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) Abdul Rahim Janoo, led the walk.

Several other associations including Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), Hawkesbay Association of Trade and Industry, Date Producers and Exporters Association, Kiryana Merchants Association. Speakers including Rahim Janoo, PPA chairman M.H. Patel, convenor Unisame Zulfikar Thaver urged the government to take steps for the rehabilitation of poultry sector to avoid a meat shortage in the country.

They said that prices of beef, mutton and fish will rise exorbitantly if poultry sector was not rehabilitated with the financial and technical support.

Chairman PPA Mohammad Hussain Patel said there was no virus, no flu in the chicken and eggs and these can be consumed without hesitation.

Courtesy Business Recorder