History & Development of Poultry Industry in

Pakistan

Prior to 1963 the native breed "Desi" was mainly raised which produced a maximum of 73 eggs per year under local conditions. An improved breed "Lyallpur Silver Black" was evolved in 1965-66 in the department of Poultry Husbandry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

The layers of this breed are capable of producing 150 egg/year and gaining 1.4 kg weight in 12 weeks of age under favorable management and feeding conditions.

Poultry in Pakistan was kept as backyard business for household needs. In early sixties the need of commercial poultry was felt which resulted in 1963, in the form of a national campaign to enhance the production of feed products in the country.

Under this campaign the government announce a tax exemption policy on the income derived from poultry farming.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in collaboration with Shaver Poultry Breeding Farms of Canada started first commercial hatchery in Karachi. Simultaneously, a commercial poultry feed mill was started by Lever Brothers (Pvt), Pakistan Ltd., at Rahim Yar Khan, which was followed by other pioneers like Arbor Acres Ltd.

Special emphasis was laid by the Government on development of poultry industry in the country during 1965-75. The Government made major policy decisions to provide all possible facilities to poultry industry in the annual development plans. The incentives provided to poultry farmers/poultry industry included.

1. Tax exemption on income derived from poultry farming.

2. Import of flock and incubators was permitted under free list.

3. Allotment of state land on lease for poultry farming at very nominal rates.

4. Established poultry research institutes at Karachi and Rawalpindi through Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to facilitate research services specifically concerning disease control programs.

5. Two meatless days were announced to encourage poultry meat consumption.

6. Subsidy on grains to form low cost quality ration, through UNDP-grains.

7. Loan through ADBP for the construction, of poultry sheds.

8. Established directorates of Poultry Production in Karachi and Punjab to provide extension services to the poultry farmers.

9. Establishment of Federal Poultry Board to coordinate government and industry activities in the poultry business.

10. Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA)