Growing Poultry Industry in Sindh, Pakistan

The poultry industry plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy, contributing over 70 billion rupees annually and standing as the second-largest industry after textiles. This sector includes 280 hatcheries, 139 feed mills, and more than 20,000 farms specializing in layers, broilers, and breeding. Since the onset of commercial poultry production in 1962, Pakistan has grown to produce approximately 1.94 million tons of chicken, and the country now ranks as the eighth-largest poultry producer globally. With more than 1.5 million people employed in the sector and an annual growth rate of 10-12%, poultry has become essential to Pakistan's agricultural landscape.

Growth and Significance of the Poultry Sector

Poultry farming has experienced rapid modernization over the past few decades, with large-scale farms developing alongside small operations. This development has created a more competitive market, prompting improvements in both infrastructure and technology. The demand for poultry products continues to rise due to the growing population and the shift toward more affordable protein sources. Moreover, poultry is the most consumed animal protein in Pakistan, and its affordability makes it accessible to low-income households.

Sindh, a key region in this industry, exemplifies the potential and challenges of poultry farming in Pakistan. The province is home to thousands of farms that cater to the growing demand for poultry products, both locally and in neighboring regions. In recent years, Sindh's poultry industry has seen investments in modernization, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is underdeveloped. The absence of cold chain management and unreliable electricity supplies impact the quality of poultry products, leading to wastage and food safety concerns.

Challenges of Transportation and Storage

The transportation and storage of poultry are critical components in the supply chain. Without proper handling, the quality of poultry products can deteriorate, impacting both market value and consumer safety. In Sindh, these issues are compounded by poor infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where roads are often unpaved or in poor condition. This leads to delays, increased stress for the birds, and sometimes high mortality rates during transit.

Pre-Transportation Preparation

Prior to transporting poultry, it is essential to ensure that the birds are in good health. Thorough health checks can prevent the spread of diseases and avoid contamination of the entire flock. Birds that show signs of illness should be treated or isolated. Additionally, poultry feed is usually withdrawn 6-12 hours before transport to minimize waste and contamination risks during transit, though water should still be provided to avoid dehydration.

In the rural areas of Sindh, particularly in districts like Badin, Umerkot, and Tharparkar, access to quality veterinary services is limited, which can lead to the transportation of unhealthy birds, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. This is particularly problematic in regions where biosecurity measures are not strictly enforced, further highlighting the need for investment in healthcare infrastructure for livestock.

Transportation Infrastructure and Handling

The design of transportation vehicles is also critical. Proper ventilation, non-slip flooring, and enough space for the birds to avoid overcrowding are key elements for ensuring the welfare of poultry during transit. Overcrowding can lead to stress and suffocation, further affecting the quality of meat. In Sindh, smaller poultry farmers often lack access to modern transportation vehicles, relying instead on makeshift trucks that lack the necessary features to ensure the birds' safety.

Rural road conditions further exacerbate the problem. Poorly maintained roads increase transit times, subjecting the birds to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, especially in the hot summer months. Overheating and stress during transportation can lead to higher mortality rates, which is not only a loss for the farmer but also a waste of resources in a province already grappling with economic challenges.

Efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure in Sindh must consider the specific needs of the poultry industry. Investments in better roads and transportation vehicles designed specifically for poultry can reduce these risks. Moreover, there is a need for training programs aimed at educating farmers and transporters on the importance of proper handling techniques. Poor handling, such as rough treatment during loading and unloading, can result in broken bones or bruises, which reduce the market value of the poultry.

Importance of Cold Chain Management and Storage

Cold chain management, which ensures that poultry products are stored at the right temperatures from farm to consumer, is crucial for maintaining food safety and quality. In Sindh, particularly in rural areas, cold chain infrastructure is either inadequate or nonexistent. This has serious consequences, as any break in the cold chain can lead to spoilage, bacterial growth, and foodborne illnesses.

For fresh poultry, the recommended storage temperature is below 4°C, while frozen poultry must be stored at -18°C or lower to prevent spoilage. However, unreliable electricity supplies in rural Sindh, especially in areas like Thatta and Khairpur, make it difficult for small-scale farmers to maintain these standards. In some cases, poultry farms rely on diesel generators to power their refrigeration units, but the cost of fuel makes this solution unsustainable for many.

One example is the poultry farms in Mirpurkhas, which face regular power outages. Farmers in these areas struggle to maintain the required temperatures for storage, which leads to a higher incidence of spoilage, especially in the hot summer months. Without proper cold chain management, the economic losses can be significant. This also raises public health concerns, as spoiled meat can still find its way to the market, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Regulatory Standards and Compliance

Ensuring compliance with both national and international standards is vital for the growth of Pakistan's poultry industry, particularly if it wants to expand its export potential. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is responsible for enforcing food safety standards. Compliance with these standards is essential for maintaining food safety and quality, but enforcement is inconsistent, especially in rural areas of Sindh.

For instance, while larger poultry farms in Karachi and Hyderabad may adhere to international standards like HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) or ISO certifications, smaller farms in the interior regions often lack the resources to meet these standards. There is a need for increased regulatory oversight and support for smaller farmers to help them improve their practices. This could include subsidies or financial assistance for farmers who invest in cold chain infrastructure or modern transportation vehicles.

The Animal Health Act also plays a role in ensuring the humane treatment of poultry during transportation and storage. However, enforcement of this act remains weak in many parts of Sindh. This can be attributed to a lack of awareness, inadequate training, and insufficient resources for regulatory bodies tasked with monitoring compliance.

Addressing the Challenges: Investment in Infrastructure and Training

To address these challenges, significant investment in infrastructure is required, particularly in rural Sindh. Improved roads, better transportation vehicles, and reliable cold chain systems would not only reduce poultry losses but also ensure the safety and quality of the products reaching consumers.

Moreover, training programs are crucial for improving the skills of farmers and transporters. Awareness campaigns on proper poultry handling, the importance of maintaining temperature controls, and the benefits of adhering to food safety standards can make a substantial difference in reducing losses and improving the overall quality of poultry products. Workshops and seminars could be organized in partnership with agricultural universities and research institutions to provide hands-on training for farmers.

An example of a successful initiative can be drawn from a public-private partnership in Sindh, where the government collaborated with private sector companies to improve cold chain management in the fisheries sector. A similar approach could be applied to the poultry industry, with the government offering incentives for companies that invest in cold chain infrastructure and modern transportation vehicles. Such initiatives can also create job opportunities, further contributing to the local economy.

Conclusion

The poultry industry in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, holds immense potential for growth. However, the challenges associated with transportation, storage, and compliance with regulatory standards need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability and profitability of this sector. By investing in modern infrastructure, providing training and education, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards, the poultry industry can continue to thrive, providing affordable, high-quality protein to the population while also contributing to the economic development of Sindh.

As the industry grows, it is imperative that both the public and private sectors work together to overcome these challenges. This collaborative effort will not only help the poultry industry reach new heights but also ensure that it remains a sustainable and reliable source of income and nutrition for millions of people in Pakistan. The future of poultry farming in Sindh, with the right investments and regulatory frameworks, looks promising, offering a pathway to increased productivity and enhanced food security.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Syed Ibtihaj Ahmed is a final year Student of BS (Hons), Specializing in Livestock. Department of Agriculture & Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.

Related Stories