SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Poultry Farmers’ Welfare Association (MPFWA) has opposed the move of All Meghalaya Poultry Suppliers’ & Retailers’ Association (AMPSRA) to force all poultry shops to down their shutters from May 1-7.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, vice president of the association, Augustine Lyngdoh said AMPSRA has demoralized the ‘enterprising youths’ of the State who have chosen poultry production as a means of livelihood “at the behest of outside forces from Assam.”
“If they (AMPSRA) work together with broiler (chicken) producers from within the State they would not face any shortage and there will be consistency in prices,” Lyngdoh said while asking AMPSRA to change their mode of operation and sell only broiler chicken produced in Meghalaya.
The MPFWA also urged the State government to put a stop to import of live broilers from nearby states by levying tax on them. Taking strong exception to the ‘forced shutdown’, Lyngdoh said, “If there is any person or group trying to forcefully shut down poultry shops, they will be dealt with accordingly. We also request the aggrieved shop owners to call us immediately at 9615309070 /9863093833 in case of any problems.”
Stating that five jobs are created in the State for every 1000 poultry birds produced, the MPFWA said that at a time when employment generation tops the government agenda, poultry and animal husbandry enterprises should be given priority in order to make the State self reliant.
According to the MPFWA, Meghalaya’s current requirement is around 20,500 tons of broiler chicken per year and this figure is increasing by the day.
