Ostrich farming slowly dying out in Punjab
More than 35% of farms in province have closed down
PHOTO: File
LAHORE:
Due to the apathy of the government, ostrich farming in the province has suffered. More than 35% of ostrich farms in the province have closed down as the government has not been able to enforce any policy regarding ostrich farming.
In comparison, the previous government had issued subsidies worth Rs14.5 million. The subsidy on each ostrich was Rs10,000 and was given in three instalments. However, the current government has not enforced any such policy.
Moreover, the dues of 240 farmers, from the subsidies provided by the former government, were cleared after one year. As a result, ostrich farmers have become disheartened and have closed up shop.
Raja Tahir, an ostrich farmer, says that the real issues plaguing ostrich farming in the country is monitoring the meat and the lack of a clear government policy. “Previously, there used to be around 500 farms in the province. Many of these have now closed down as farmers cannot see a sustainable future for their businesses,” he said.
He maintained that traders are ready to import ostrich meat from different countries but their export quality has not been cleared. Ostrich meat, which was once sold between Rs1,500 and Rs1,800, cannot even be sold for Rs1,000.
Rana Muhammad Mubashir, another farmer, maintains that no official from the livestock department has visited farmers during the past year. Ostrich are also counted among livestock, not just cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, he says.
Farmers involved in ostrich farming, import the birds from South Africa, Belgium and Australia. Importing a month old bird costs between Rs15,000 and Rs17,000. When the bird reaches maturity, the cost of its food, medication and other expenses come to a grand total of Rs50,000.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 08th, 2019.
Due to the apathy of the government, ostrich farming in the province has suffered. More than 35% of ostrich farms in the province have closed down as the government has not been able to enforce any policy regarding ostrich farming.
In comparison, the previous government had issued subsidies worth Rs14.5 million. The subsidy on each ostrich was Rs10,000 and was given in three instalments. However, the current government has not enforced any such policy.
Moreover, the dues of 240 farmers, from the subsidies provided by the former government, were cleared after one year. As a result, ostrich farmers have become disheartened and have closed up shop.
Raja Tahir, an ostrich farmer, says that the real issues plaguing ostrich farming in the country is monitoring the meat and the lack of a clear government policy. “Previously, there used to be around 500 farms in the province. Many of these have now closed down as farmers cannot see a sustainable future for their businesses,” he said.
He maintained that traders are ready to import ostrich meat from different countries but their export quality has not been cleared. Ostrich meat, which was once sold between Rs1,500 and Rs1,800, cannot even be sold for Rs1,000.
Rana Muhammad Mubashir, another farmer, maintains that no official from the livestock department has visited farmers during the past year. Ostrich are also counted among livestock, not just cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, he says.
Farmers involved in ostrich farming, import the birds from South Africa, Belgium and Australia. Importing a month old bird costs between Rs15,000 and Rs17,000. When the bird reaches maturity, the cost of its food, medication and other expenses come to a grand total of Rs50,000.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 08th, 2019.