HURDLES FACED BY SMALL SCALE POULTRY INDUSTRY Ayesha Abbas, Mahwish Zeeshan Department of Anthropology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi

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1 The Explorer Islamabad: Journal of Social Sciences ISSN: (E), (P) Vol-1, Issue (9): HURDLES FACED BY SMALL SCALE POULTRY INDUSTRY Ayesha Abbas, Mahwish Zeeshan Department of Anthropology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi Corresponding Author: Ayesha Abbas PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Abstract: Small scale poultry industry faces many hurdles. The study investigates the hurdles or constraints which are faced by the small scale poultry industry which hinders its growth. Data was collected using purposive sampling technique from the 50 respondents. To collect valid data a semi structured questionnaire was developed through which data was collected. It was revealed that for the development of the poultry industry it is necessary that the government should take responsibility and facilitate them for the effective growth of the industry. In Pakistan there is lack of training institutions, lack of proper infra structure, lack of skilled labor, difficulties to access the veterinary services, improper communication, lack of government support and inadequate research that hurdle the small scale poultry industry. Key Words: Hurdles, Poultry, Poultry industry, Small scale poultry industry, Poultry farm INTRODUCTION Pakistan is basically an agricultural country and over 67 per-cent of the country s population is living in the rural areas. So, major part of the population is highly dependent on agriculture but due to lower rainfall agricultural production is not up to the mark. Animal husbandry is normally found to be functional along with agriculture and plays a significant role in in the house economies of the people living in rural areas. Poultry farming is one form of livestock production; people are related to it at every level. Poultry farming in Pakistan plays a significant role in rural agricultural economy (Butt, et al. 2010). In 1947 six poultry farms were setup in the different areas of country for supplying hatching eggs and chicks. Until 1964, poultry production was a cottage industry in Pakistan. In 1964, PIA in collaboration with Shaver Poultry breeding farms of Canada started the first ever commercial hatchery in Karachi. Feed manufacturing was started in 1962 by another multinational, Lever Brothers under foreign tutelage. The Government also exempted the industry from income tax and sales tax, and allowed export of table eggs or returns has been low and was not considered as paying enterprise (Maqbool, et al. 2005). Poultry sector is an organized and vibrant segment among agricultural industry of Pakistan. Approximately for 1.5 million people this sector generate indirect and direct source of income and employment. This sector contributes in livestock and agriculture 11.5% and 6.4%, respectively. The turnover of poultry industry in Pakistan currently is approximately Rs. 564 billion. From to export of poultry meat and live poultry from Pakistan increased from Rs.27 million to Rs.1.08 billion but it decreases in to Rs. 365 million. Due to its inherent potential poultry sector shows growth of 8% to 10% annually. In last few decades this industry flourished. Now it s the second largest industry of country next to textiles with the turnover of approximately Rs 300 billion ($3 billion) (Memon 2012). In Pakistan, there is lack of poultry training institutions; it should be more than that otherwise unskilled labor will never be able to meet up the future demand of protein through poultry sector (Rahman, et al. 2003). In spite of the potential benefits of the small scale poultry industry different challenges are faced by this industry which includes lack of government support, high cost of feed and veterinary services, lack of proper infra structure, lack of access to reliable markets, predators, diseases and housing. In small scale poultry production proper housing is another important factor. Proper house/shed is essential to protect the chickens against rough or harsh environment; predators, thieves and it provide shelter to broody hens and safe place for egg laying (Dwinger, et al. 2001). Production of small scale poultry industry is also affected by diseases attack and Predators (Hoyle 1992). In the growth of small scale poultry industry providence of sustainable support to all services is also a 328

2 constraint. Over the time cost of services has increased but the lack of investments by the public sector or government has affected their survival. Lack of local trained and skill trainers is also a hurdle, in proper distribution of training materials (Hilmi, et al. 2011). As for the growth of any industry infrastructure is very important in the same way for the growth of poultry industry. Lack of proper infrastructure is a hurdle for the development of small scale poultry industry (Alemuand and Tadelle 1997). Non efficient marketing system is always a problem (Yadeta, et al. 2002). There is need to improve infrastructure like roads and market stalls and need to have a good communication system. There is no adequate research for the development of poultry industry. And there is no consistent feedback regarding research (Alemuand and Tadelle 1997). To remain in the business there is need that poultry industry generates profit over a time. There is lack of proper legislation system for small scale poultry industry. Typically numerous problems are faced by small scale farmers regarding legislation related to health and food safety standards (Hilmi, et al. 2011). MATERIALS AND METHOD Data was collected from fifty respondents through semi standard questionnaires. Participant observation was used for collecting qualitative information and the information was written in observatory notes. Study was conducted in Chakwal city. The sampling units were purposively selected; while the sampling frame included small scale poultry farmers of the surrounding area. Interviews were conducted with not only the owners but also from the workers. Results of the study and findings are explained below in results and discussion. RESULT AND DISCUSSION Poultry sheds 98.1% of the respondents out of the total sample size shared that improper sheds influence the production of the poultry. According to the respondents sheds influence the production just as other living things are influenced by their habitat. For good production it is necessary that a proper and clean environment is provided to the chickens. Different types of sheds are used for domestic poultry, depending upon the resources of the person. In houses there is no proper system of shelters/shed for chickens. According to the respondent shed should be clean, away from the reach of the wild animals and dogs. It should be airy and sun light should be able to pass through it. It should be safe for chickens during rain. Shed should be cleaned regularly which is necessary for chicken s health. In the farms sheds are properly managed, adult chickens and chicks are kept separately. Sheds are properly cleaned before the new stock of chicks. It is cleaned with the help of sprays and medicines in water with which floor is washed. Proper housing provides mesoenvironment or micro-environment that helps to moderate the environmental impact but also provides adequate ventilation, comfort and security (Kusina and Kusina 1999). Poultry mortality 100.0% of the respondents stated that death and loss of chickens occurred because of diseases, predators and theft. Respondents viewed that if sheds are not proper or not cleaned properly it becomes a cause of diseases among flocks. If a single chicken develops a disease it must be separated from the whole flock otherwise the disease will spread to the whole flock and cause a big loss. If there is any suspicion regarding spread of disease medicine must immediately be given to the whole flock. Cleanness of the sheds after regular intervals is helpful in the prevention of the diseases. Before the arrival of the new stock of chicks flock shed should be prepared again separately for them. If the sheds are not properly maintained different wild animals e.g. dog, cat etc also lead to loss. Theft also causes loss however the respondents shared that that the chance of thievery is low at farms than at houses. In houses chickens wander outside the whole day to scavenge their feed thus the chance of theft is more. There is need to maintain the bio-security at farms so spread of diseases and infections can be controlled, so mortality and loss would be lessening (Mukhtar, et al. 2003). Veterinary services Out of the total sample size 17.3% of the respondents view that access to veterinary services is a problem for the small scale poultry growers. Respondents stated that difficulties are faced by the growers in the start of the business because they do not have many contacts. On the basis of references or contacts it is easier to work in a new place. If the owner is not a local person than it is also difficult for him to access the veterinary services as he does not have sufficient information about the area. Although, 82.7% of the respondents out of the total sample size view that there are no issues in accessing the veterinary services for the small scale poultry growers, yet the area does not have proper facilities. There are not enough doctors, clinics etc. in the area. Over all it was observed that access to veterinary services is a problem for small scale poultry growers (Moreki 2011). 329

3 Lack of Local Proper Trained People 55.8% of the respondents out of the total sample size were view that lack of proper trained people is a constraint in the development of the small poultry growers. According to the respondents if people are fully trained for this profession more profit can be earn by investing less capital. A proper trained person can handle the things in a good and proper way. If workers are trained professionally it is easy for an honor to communicate with them and they easily understand each other also helps in each other s works. Proper training also influences the production positively. Proper education regarding the field have a positive effect overall. Education and training both with each other gives good results. While, 44.2% of the respondents out of the total sample size was view that lack of local proper trained people is not a constraint for small scale poultry growers. According to the respondents it is necessary for owner that he should be educated and proper trained more than the workers. In the farms there is need of more physical power than the physical power. An uneducated person can do physical in a good way than an educated person (Mapiye, et al. 2008). Communication Barriers 61.5% of the respondents out of the total sample size were view that lack of proper communication or communication gap exist and it is a problem for small scale poultry industry. As the workers works at poultry farms are not educated even some of never goes to school even for a single class for getting formal education. They does not use their own minds to do any work just follow their landlord instructions. As one of the respondent who are the owner of a farm that if workers are educated they could easily communicate with each other. They could have more good relation with each other and can understand each other problems or may be helpful for solving the problems. The working environment is not comfortable and non adjustable then no one can perform fully and cannot shows his abilities. Ultimately all this affects the working, production and profit. Although 38.5% of the respondents out of total sample size were views that lack of proper communication is not a problem for small scale poultry industry. According to the respondent to work at poultry farms man/physical power is needed more than the mental work. So it is necessary for an owner to become educated and trained to handle and managed all the things in a good way. As one of the owner said that in summers especially at the time of crops cutting like wheat cutting all the workers leave the farms. And it is difficult for an owner to find out labor work. As the labor workers are not educated so there is need to have moderate behavior with them for taking work from them. If an owner is too strict or too leant these two conditions goes against the owner (Jamali, et al. 2011). Improper Transportation System 88.55% of the respondents said that transportation problem is serving as a constraint in the development of the small scale poultry industry. As respondents said that distance to the market from the farms increased the transaction cost which affects the profit of the farmers. Due to the bad roads during transportation sometimes eggs are ruptured which cause loss. As the transaction cost is increased as same overall market prices are also increased for a lay man. If there is a proper transportation system chicken cost would be minimized and amount of profit could be maximized. At the same time market prices become less. 11.5% of the respondents out of all sample population said that improper transportation system is not a constraint for poultry growers. As said by the respondents who are the labor workers at farms that transportation is not a problem. As due to transportation cost there are no influences on their wages (Jamali, et al. 2011). Lack of Government Support 65.4% of respondents said that lack of government support is a hurdle for small scale poultry growers. Due to lack of government support there are no rules and regulations which are followed by the all farmers. Everyone do his own work and earn his profit depends on his resources. Poultry industry also needs government support, which made some policies and legislation system for the development of the small scale poultry industry. In these rules the profit share of all bodies involve in business should be lemmatized or confined so no one cause loss to other or earn profit more than his share. 34.6% of the respondents out of total sample population were view that lack of government support is not a problem for small scale poultry industry and its development. As the respondents said that it is the business that depends upon resources. And any one made progress according to his resources and contacts. Everyone can easily works according to his own rules which are feasible for him. A respondent share his opinion that if government associated with this industry fully chicken all farmers have to pay taxes to government. But this taxes not used by government for the welfare of poultry industry. Due to government negligence industry cannot fully flourished (Ja afar-furo and Gabdo 2010). 330

4 Inadequate Research on Poultry Industry 90.4% of the respondents out of the total sample population were if the view that inadequate research on poultry industry is a constraint in the development of poultry industry. Just like other industries poultry industry also needs research to solve problems and to find out the ways which should be human environment and human friendly for the maximum production and profit. Find the ways which are helpful in diseases preventions and also in treatments. Research provides the new ways to handle issues and is essential for the growth and development of an industry. If someone want progress then by using his resources purchased new technologies for the development in his business (Mapiye, et al. 2008). CONCLUSION In Pakistan the role of poultry industry in poverty alleviation, food security, overall in the development of human resources is significant. There is need to develop this sector so it would be able to meet the high demands of protein for rapidly increasing population in an efficient way. Only skilled labor would be able to contribute in the development of the industry. For the development of the industry government should take responsibility and take quick action on large scale. There is need to have proper training institutions, training programs, technical education, and proper infra-structure, legislation system and marketing system for the development of industry. REFERENCES Alemu, Y., and D. Tadelle 1997 The Status of Poultry Research and Development in Ethiopia, Research Bulletin No. 4, Poultry Commodity Research Program Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center. Alemaya University of Agriculture, Ethiopia. Butt, Tahir Munir, Zakaria Yousaf Hassan, Khalid Mehmood, and Sher Muhammad 2010 Role of Rural Women in Agricultural ddevelopment and their Constraints. Journal of Agriculture and Social Sciences Pakistan. Dwinger, R. H., J. G. Bell, and A. Permin 2001 A Program to Improve Family Poultry Production in Africa. In Aciar Proceedings. Hoyle, E Small-scale Poultry Keeping in Welaita, North Omo region. Technical pumpblet No.3 Farmers Research Project (FRP). Farm Africa Addis Ababa. Hilmi, Martin, Frands Dolberg, and Brian Clarke 2011 Products and Profit from Poultry. Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. Jamali, Muhammad Bachal, Hassan Jawad Soomro, Ali Hassan Halepoto, Muhammad Amir Hashmi, and Faiz M. Shaikh 2011 Problems faced by the Poultry Industry in Pakistan.Australian Journal of Business and Management Research 1( 8): Ja afar-furo, M. R., and B. H. Gabdo 2010 Identifying major Factors of Poultry Production as Sustainable Enterprise among Farmers using Improved Methods in Rural Nigeria. International Journal of Poultry Science 9 (5): Kusina, J. F., and N. T. Kusina 1999 Feasibility study of Agricultural and Household Activities as They Relate to Livestock Production in Guruve District of Mashonaland Central Province with Emphasis on Poultry Production. Household Agricultural Support Program Report, Harare, Zimbabwe. Mukhtar, Nasir, Sohail Hassan Khan, Syeda Anum Hadi, and Muhammad Farooq Khalid 2013 Use of Mobile Phones and its Accessories at Poultry Farms A Stern Breach of Biosecurity. Rev. Vet. Anim. Sci 1: 1 6. Moreki, John Cassius 2011 Challenges in Small-scale Broiler Production in Botswana. Journal of Agricultural Technology 7(6): Maqbool, A., M. N. Sarwar, and K. Bakhsh 2005 Modernization of Poultry Farming. Dawn. Economic and Business Review 3. Memon, Noor Ahmed 2005 Poultry: Country's Second-largest Industry Dec-2012/Nov-Dec-2012-PDF/Exclusivearticle-Dr-Noor.pdf 331

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