August 02, 2006	Wednesday	Rajab 6, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: The health ministry on Tuesday asked the Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) to bring poultry prices within the reach of the common man. Expressing concern over the sharp increase in rates of poultry products in the country following the bird flu outbreak, the health ministry requested the PPA to take immediate steps to reduce the prices of poultry.

Soon after the request was made, the PPA convened a meeting and decided that the association representatives, traders and the district government would supervise the daily auction of poultry at Tollinton Market, Lahore, and would set an average price to which Rs5 would be added for the retailers. Besides, a rate list would also be issued.

Meanwhile, PPA Chairman Raza Mehmood said two months back the poultry industry was badly hit by the bird flu crisis which resulted in a loss of Rs10 billion to the poultry industry and closure of around 40 per cent of poultry farms across the country.

He attributed the sharp rise in prices to decreased production resulting from the bird flu crisis. The production has gradually picked up and prices would stabilise soon, he hoped.