RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Saqib Rafiq and Pakistan Poultry Association Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Ashraf have demanded that the government should abolish the 35 per cent tax imposed on grandparent chick, which was a seed in the poultry industry.

Tax on import of mineral vitamins should be reduced so that poultry and eggs can be made affordable to the masses.

Mr Rafiq while speaking at a ceremony regarding World Egg Day in collaboration with SB Eggs in Rawalpindi chamber said the volume of poultry industry in Pakistan had exceeded Rs1,200 billion. The poultry sector generates employment and provides source of income to more than 1.5 million people of Pakistan directly and indirectly, he added.

He said Pakistan was included in countries where severe stunting (44pc) in young children was found, and an increased consumption of eggs can help overcome this issue.

Poultry industry can be developed by reducing the tax imposed on feed and machinery, he added.

Chaudhry Ashraf said that the poultry industry was suffering due to the increase in production costs and heavy taxes. He said the poultry sector is playing an important role in alleviating malnutrition in the country.

A presentation was also given on the benefits and nutritional importance of eggs.

At the end of the event, certificates and cash prizes were given to the winners of egg dish and painting competitions among schoolchildren.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2022