12 Questions on Eastern India Poultry Development Forum’s “setting holiday” in Assam

Despite sharp criticism by the media, the Eastern India Poultry Development Forum (EIPDF) is all set to begin its proposed “setting holiday” from the midnight of May 26. The EIPDF claimed the decision has been taken after taking into account the “interest of the broiler farmers”.

Assam Commissioner and Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Mukti Gogoi has clarified that there is “nothing wrong” with the EIPDF decision.

Northeast Now would like to raise 12 questions on the issue:

1. As 95 percent of poultry production in Assam is through “contract farming”, how will the “setting holiday” help the Assamese farmers?
2. If day-old chicks are not available in the market between June 17 and 23, how will it benefit the Assamese farmers?
3. As farmers get Rs 7 to 8 per kg as “growing charge” from the companies or the integrators, who will pay for the loss for the week?
4. If there is “over production” of broiler chicken in the market (as claimed by EIPDF), what is the economics of “setting holiday”?
5. Isn’t cutting down of the production of day-old chicks a solution (if there is excess production in the market)?
6. Isn’t the proposed setting holiday by EIPDF violation of the Competition Act 2002 as a cartel?
7. If the decision is violation of the Competition Act 2002, why is the government silent on the decision of EIPDF?
8. What is the legal association of the EIPDF? Is it registered as under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or is it a non-profit company?
9. Does the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allow a non-profit company to violate the Competition Act?
10. Hatcheries in Bihar, Jharkhand and some parts of West Bengal decided not to go with EIPDF on “setting holiday”? Why is EIPDF trying to enforce it in Assam?
11. How can EIPDF guarantee that day-old chicks will not be imported to Assam between June 17 and 23 from other states?
12. Will the Assam government punish EIPDF under Competition Act if there is rise in retail price of broiler chicken from July 27 because of “setting holiday”?