Tk 100 mn plan to buy hatching machines approved

The government plans to install new hatching machines at the hatcheries it runs to meet the growing demand of poultry on the local market.

The fisheries and livestock ministry has endorsed the proposal to purchase seven hatching machines at a cost of around Tk 100 million.

Minister Abdul Latif Biswas okayed the proposal on Monday.

As per the ministry's statistics, the country has 10 operational government-run poultry firms – six for hen and four for duck – which can hatch around 5 million chicks every month.

The monthly poultry production will stand at 14 million after the purchase of the seven new hatching machines and overhauling three old ones. The country has a monthly demand for around 30 million.

Bangladesh Poultry Breeders Association and Bangladesh Poultry Farm Protection National Council welcomed the government move.

Confirming the decision, the livestock minister told bdnews24.com: "The government was forced to invest in this sector as it failed to reduce the price of poultry even after frequent discussions with the owners of poultry farms and hatcheries."

A ministry spokesman said the government has taken initiative to make 17 government hatcheries operational in the wake of continuous hike in poultry price.

Currently the 17 hatcheries have 28 hatching machines--eight are operational, while the others will come into operation after the purchase of seven new machines, he said.

On top of that, non-operational machines would be overhauled, the spokesman said.

"The government has initiated a Tk 100 million project to this effect," he said.

BPFPNC secretary Khandaker Mohammad Mohsin said, "The marginal farmers will benefit from this initiative but the government will have to take a firm stand on its implementation."

BPBA secretary Saidur Rahman Babu said, "The government's move will in no way harm us. Rather it will help meet the growing demand."