Lahore — Provincial Minister for Finance, Excise & Taxation Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that the poultry sector’s role is substantial in economy of the province, elimination of unemployment and provision of cheaper protein to the masses. He said that government is providing all possible cooperation for the uplift of poultry sector and Rs. 8.93 billion was allocated in the present budget for livestock sector.
He said the government is committed to resolve the issues of poultry industry.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of three-day “Pakistan Poultry Expo IPEX 2014” in Lahore on Saturday, he added the government was determined to enhance export of Halal processed food to Muslim countries as poultry sector could play an important role in uplifting the country’s economy. PPA Central Chairman Dr. Aslam and North Zone chairman Raza Khursand also addressed on this occasion. Acknowledging the role of poultry industry in job creation and strengthening the economy, he said that government would support industry as thousands of people are attached and it ultimately affects the lives of citizens.
He urged poultry farmers to streamline the operations and develop poultry sector on modern lines. Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman said that a veterinary university is being set up in Bahawalpur for promotion of livestock sector for which one thousand acre land and Rs. 1.28 billions have been provided. He said that poultry sector is of great importance in livestock and vast opportunities of its development exist. He said that government is providing required funds to the concerned departments for organizing poultry sector on modern technical lines. The Provincial Minister said that Rs. 1.87 billions have been provided for converting 20 thousand agri tube-wells running with electricity and diesel to biogas.
Pakistan Poultry Association North Zone chairman Raza Khursand highlighted the growth, challenges, potential and bureaucratic hurdles faced by poultry industry. He said Pakistan was the 11th largest poultry producing country in the world with huge potential to benefit from growing demand of Halal food world over. He added that poultry sector was playing key role in poverty alleviation and provided approximately 1.7 million jobs to skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers deep into the rural areas; thereby reducing chances of huge urbanisation.
He said in Pakistan poultry industry faced several setbacks in past including bird flu influenza, GST, taxes and duty incentives for imported chicken products which encouraged imported processed chicken.
He also demanded removal of anomalies and added that import of machinery, equipment and implements should be free of advance income tax to reduce cost of investment. He highlighted examples of other countries where government support and incentives revived the industry.
Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman visited various stalls in the exhibition and distributed shields among those showing best performance.
Originally published on nation.com.pk
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