ISLAMABAD – Despite high prices of beef and mutton, it’s consumption has sustained a rising trend due to consumers’ inclination. In order to decrease pressure on beef and mutton, output of white meat, particularly poultry, seems easier both time-wise and cost-wise.
The poultry industry in the country has, during the past two decades, made rapid strides transforming its rural unorganised stakes into a modern industry. However, it is still characterised as a ‘wet’ agri-business. Although the poultry processing industry, as against ‘wet’ poultry venture, has obvious advantages yet consumers in general do not realise this and make purchases from “wet” markets which exercise least care for a hygienic environment.
Processing industry, on the other hand, fulfils all quality obligations, cleanliness and price parity. Unfortunately, no viable steps have so far been taken, either at pubic or private level, to encourage poultry processing in the country. It is still passing through a transitory period of gestation, typical of any agri-business or agro-industry.