Poultry industry in Pakistan producing 11.2 billion table eggs, 1.34B kg of chicken meat annually, industry official says; per-capita consumption of meat at 7.4 kg, egg consumption at 60-65 eggs

Nevin Barich

PAKISTAN , October 11, 2013 (Nation) – The local poultry industry is producing 11.2 billion table eggs and 1.34 billion kgs of chicken meat annually. In Pakistan, per capita consumption of meat is only 7.4kg and 60-65 eggs annually, whereas developed world is consuming 25-28kg meat and over 250 eggs per capita per year.

This was stated by the newly-elected Pakistan Poultry Association North Zone Chairman, Raza Mehmood Khursand, while emphasizing the need for understanding that egg is a complete diet and replete with the best kinds of protein, vitamins and minerals.

He said that Pakistan Poultry Association is celebrating World Egg Day on Friday (today) by organizing seminars at different places to make the general public aware about the nutritional value of egg and its importance in human diet. The importance of protein in the growth of human body and brain also highlights the real value of egg as an essential item of daily meal, he added.

“As per standard of World Health Organization, daily requirement of animal protein for a person is 27 grams whereas our public is consuming 17 grams only. Therefore we are already consuming less animal protein as per required standards.”

During a press briefing, he said that poultry sector is one of the most organised agro-based sectors of Pakistan. Poultry sector has been serving the nation since 1962 and providing affordable poultry products to the masses to fulfill the requirements of animal protein.

Quoting the experts, Raza Khursand said that the annual consumption of 300 eggs per person is important for human health. The consumption level in the developed countries meets this requirement adequately, however, the annual egg consumption is not satisfactory in Pakistan.

The PPA chairman concluded that efforts should be made to make people cognizant of the above facts to increase egg consumption and to ensure the good health of our people since only a healthy generation can take a country to the pinnacle of progress and prosperity. He said that poultry at present contributes 40 percent of the total meat consumption and generates employment and income for about 1.5 million people. He said that poultry is the cheapest available meat protein source for our masses and as such, is an effective check upon the spiraling animal protein prices also.

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