He said that maize was major cereal component in poultry feed. The availability of maize within the country is not enough to meet the requirements of poultry sector. Pakistan Poultry Association appealed to the government not to allow export of maize. Around 2.5 lac metric tons of maize has been exported, which has again enhanced shortage of maize in the country.
Dr Aslam said that during 2008-2009 there has been shortfall of 14 percent of area used lesser for cultivation of maize and consequently 10 percent lesser production of maize was obtained. Beside this, 25 percent regulatory duty has been levied on import of maize. During the current year 2009-2010, it is estimated that there would be overall decline of (-) 6.2 percent in maize production due to the area for cultivation of maize declined by (-) 11.9 percent as compared to last year.
Poultry sector requires 3.5 million metric ton of maize for poultry feed manufacturing at inclusion rate of on average 60 to 70 percent. Poultry stocks are increasing at an average rate of 10 percent, particularly maize component, is likely to further increase, he added. He stated that 82 percent of feed is manufactured in Punjab whereas 18 percent is manufactured in Sindh. Feed requirements of the provinces of NWFP and Balochistan are mainly met from Punjab.
It is a matter of serious concern that price of maize during the month of October, 2009 was Rs 550/- per 40 kg whereas it has jumped up to Rs 850/- per 40 kg which implies that price of maize has increased to 55 percent up in the month of January 2010.
In view of the prevailing situation manufacturing of poultry feed has been subjected to difficulties. The price of poultry feed will be increased and as a result the prices of chicken and Eggs will increase which will badly affect the consumer, he added.
Dr Muhammad Aslam apprehended that if this situation continues poultry sector would have to use wheat for producing poultry feed. whereas wheat is already in short supply in the country.
He said that the poultry sector was a vibrant segment of agriculture sector in Pakistan as it was providing employment to 1.5 million people. Beside this, contribution of poultry sector to agricultural growth was 4.81 percent and to livestock growth 9.84 percent. Poultry sector provides poultry meat, the proportion of which was 19 percent of total meat production in the country. There was an investment of Rs 200 billion in poultry sector during the year 2008-2009. Growth rate of poultry sector was recorded to be 8 to 10 percent per annum, he added.
In production of eggs and poultry meat, feed contributes 60 to 70 percent in the cost of production. During the year 2008-2009 there was population of 28.42 million layers, 448.55 million broilers and 7.99 million breeding stocks. In order to feed 484.96 million poultry stocks about 5.0 million metric ton poultry feed was produced in the country.