Prior to 1963, the native "Desi" breed of chicken in Pakistan produced a maximum of 73 eggs per year. In 1965, the Lyallpur Silver Black breed was developed that could produce 150 eggs per year under favorable conditions. In the early 1960s, the need for commercial poultry farming was recognized to boost feed production. The government provided incentives like tax exemptions for poultry income and subsidized land and loans to encourage commercial poultry farming. Major policy changes from 1965-1975 facilitated research, extension services, and industry coordination to promote growth of the poultry sector in Pakistan.

1. History & Development of
Poultry Industry in
Pakistan

2. Prior to 1963 the native breed
"Desi" was mainly raised which
produced a maximum of 73 eggs
per year under local conditions.
An improved breed "Lyallpur
Silver Black" was evolved in
1965-66 in the department of
Poultry Husbandry, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad.

3. The layers of this breed are capable of
producing 150 egg/year and gaining 1.4
kg weight in 12 weeks of age under
favorable management and feeding
conditions.
Poultry in Pakistan was kept as
backyard business for household needs.
In early sixties the need of commercial
poultry was felt which resulted in
1963, in the form of a national campaign
to enhance the production of feed
products in the country.

4. Under this campaign the government
announce a tax exemption policy on the
income derived from poultry farming.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in
collaboration with Shaver Poultry
Breeding Farms of Canada started first
commercial
hatchery
in
Karachi.
Simultaneously, a commercial poultry
feed mill was started by Lever Brothers
(Pvt), Pakistan Ltd., at Rahim Yar
Khan, which was followed by other
pioneers like Arbor Acres Ltd.

5. Special emphasis was laid by the
Government on development of
poultry industry in the country
during 1965-75. The Government
made major policy decisions to
provide all possible facilities to
poultry industry in the annual
development
plans.
The
incentives provided to poultry
farmers/poultry industry included.

6. 1. Tax exemption on income derived
from poultry farming.
2. Import of flock and incubators was
permitted under free list.
3. Allotment of state land on lease for
poultry farming at very nominal rates.

7. 4. Established poultry research
institutes at Karachi and Rawalpindi
through Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations to facilitate research
services specifically concerning
disease control programs.

8. 5.
Two
meatless
days
were
announced to encourage poultry meat
consumption.
6. Subsidy on grains to form low cost
quality ration, through UNDP-grains.
7. Loan through ADBP for
construction, of poultry sheds.
the

9. 8. Established directorates of Poultry
Production in Karachi and Punjab to
provide extension services to the
poultry farmers.
9. Establishment of Federal Poultry
Board to coordinate government and
industry activities in the poultry
business.
10. Pakistan Poultry Association
(PPA)