Farmers to get subsidised egg-laying hens

Programme aims to improve egg production, make them affordable for consumers

RAWALPINDI:

Egg-laying hens will continue to be provided to farmers at a subsidised rate under the Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute programme as per the directions of the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Dairy Development.

During his visit to the Institute, Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated, "We are committed to supporting our farmers and promoting the poultry industry in the province.

Resuming this programme will help reduce the cost of production for farmers and increase egg production, making eggs more affordable for consumers."

He also directed the institute to take steps to increase the growth of egg-laying hens, including improving breeding and nutrition programs and emphasised the need for continued research and development in the poultry sector to ensure sustainable growth and development.

Ashiq Kirmani said that the farmers’ welfare is the government's priority and that poultry farming is a profitable business, in which there are many opportunities for farmers to succeed, especially given the increasing demand for 'desi' (free-range) eggs in urban areas.

He further said that a plan should be enacted to meet the demand for eggs in the winter season, and the farmers should be given modern training in poultry farming, for which the government is willing to provide all possible support.

Last year, 91,000 sets of chickens were distributed among the farmers by the Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute.

The minister revealed his aim to increase this number this year. He shared that 450,000 eggs were produced in the institute and 240,000 chicks successfully hatched from them.

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock planted a sapling at the premises of Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute and prayed for improved yield.

As part of his campaign, he also visited the chicken farm and reviewed the feed given to the chickens.

He also visited the poultry, hatchery and disease labs and inquired the farmers about the facilities’ conditions.