22 Aug Lockdown effect: Low consumption of milk, poultry worries ministry

New Delhi: The animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries ministry is concerned over the low consumption of milk and poultry products due to the lockdown, even though they come under essential services. Union minister for animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, Giriraj Singh along with ministers of state, Sanjeev Balyan and Pratap Sarangi, have been taking stock of the situation on a regular basis. Ever since the lockdown, both the items have witnessed a decline in consumption largely due to supply and demand issues. Initially, many people didn’t buy chicken because of rumours that Covid-19 might spread through poultry. However, the ministry has been regularly clarifying that there is no harm in having chicken. Post the imposition of the lockdown, poultry shops have remained closed. After receiving complaints, the ministry wrote a letter on March 23 to the chief secretaries of all the states to issue necessary directions to include chicken, egg and meat in the...