ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar assured the poultry industry on Saturday that some relief would be provided to the poultry sector in the federal budget for 2016-17.
Pakistan Poultry Association, led by its Chairman, Khalid Salim Malik, held a meeting with Ishaq Dar.
During the meeting, Ishaq Dar emphasised that while the government was willing to extend all possible facilitation to poultry sector, it also expects poultry farmers to provide maximum relief to the general public in terms of poultry prices, especially during Ramazan.
The PPA delegation assured the finance minister that the association would keep prices of poultry items stable throughout the year and provide maximum possible relief to the public during Ramazan.
The delegation shared with the finance minister some issues faced by the sector and presented proposals for consideration in the upcoming federal budget.
When contacted, Mr Khalid Malik told Dawn that the association was seeking some relief from the government, saying that poultry be considered as a food item.
The food ministry has already submitted its proposals to the finance ministry to give relief to agricultural sector, and among the proposals is that the poultry machinery be treated on a par with agricultural machinery for tax concession at the rate of 2 per cent import duty and 7pc sales tax.
The delegation apprised Ishaq Dar about the current trends in the poultry market and added that encouraged by economic stability in the country, the sector was exhibiting growth with increasing trend towards adoption of modern farming techniques, ensuring hygienic methods for rearing chicken and value-addition.
The finance minister appreciated the proactive approach of poultry farmers aimed at growth of the poultry sector as well as endeavours for value-addition in line with international standards.
Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016