RAWALPINDI: Seminars and walks were arranged here on Friday in connection with International Egg Day to highlight the importance of using eggs for a healthy life.

However, citizens complained that the prices of eggs had hit the highest ever level of Rs160 per dozen.

Last year this month, eggs were selling at Rs110 to Rs120 per dozen.

Moreover, prices of live chicken have also jumped to Rs160 per kg and chicken meat to Rs230 per kg.

The citizens criticised the government for failing to control the poultry sector due to which prices of eggs and chicken have gone up. They said mutton and beef were already beyond the reach of the common man and now chicken were also becoming unaffordable for them.

When contacted, Dr Hassan Sarosh, former chairman Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), said there was a gap between demand and supply which increased the prices. He said demand was not increasing and the production remained slow.

“The production remained slow due to the increase of feed prices,” he said.

However, he said the production has now started increasing and the situation would improve in two to three months.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) organised an awareness seminar in connection with the World Egg Day.

Dr Hassan Sarosh, who was chief guest on the occasion, told the participants that the poultry industry was playing a crucial role in ensuring food security in the country. He said use of poultry products should be promoted in order to tackle the problem of stunted growth among children.

RCCI President Nasir Mirza said concrete steps must be taken to promote the poultry sector as it contributes for 40pc of total meat consumption.

The poultry sector generates employment and provides a source of income to more than 1.5 million people of Pakistan directly and indirectly, he added.

To promote poultry sector being a vital segment of livestock the government should reduce taxes and revise import duties, additional import taxes and sales tax on poultry feed ingredients, plants and machinery, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2020