Dwindling sales: 950 poultry farms closed in Kunduz

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Following a sharply fall in the business, 950 poultry farms have been closed in northern Kunduz province, owners say.

The Poultry Farm Owners’ Association called the increase in the value of the afghani against the Pakistani rupee and chicken imports from neighboring countries the main reasons behind the decline in the business.

Abdul Wali Sarhadi, head of the association, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “In Kunduz, there are 1,200 farms. The reason behind the closure of the farms is that consumers in the provincial capital use imported items and this has affected our business.”

He urged the officials concerned to stop poultry imports from neighbouring countries and support local products instead.

Meanwhile, some poultry farm owners complain about slumping sales. Juma Gul, one of them, blamed drop in their sales on poultry imports from Pakistan.

Public health official Najibullah Hassan said: “We acknowledge the problems of farm owners and are striving to find a gainful market for them.”

He said the department would request the Agriculture Ministry to impose taxes on meat imports and support local products.

ja/sa/mud