Stating that poultry farming was the most dynamic and fastest growing segment of agricultural sector in the state, animal husbandry minister P Viswarup said it has become an important component of rural economy that provides additional income and job opportunities to a large number of people, especially the weaker sections of the society.

The minister said egg production increased from 1,834.7 crore in 2008-09 to 1,940 crore in 2009-10 with a growth rate of 6 per cent. The egg production in 2010-11 (till December 2010) has been recorded as 1,547 crore, according to The Times of India. "Similar measures would be taken in 2011-12 to maintain the current growth rate," he said.

The animal husbandry minister attributed the steady increase due to safeguards taken against bird flu, strict surveillance and biosecurity measures and conduct of Ranikhet disease vaccination in village poultry.

Mr Viswarup said milk production increased by 9 per cent from 95.69 lakh Mts in 2008-09 to 104.30 lakh mts in 2009-10, while this financial year (up to December 10) it has been recorded as 86.94 lakh Mts.

"This increase is due to protection of the existing livestock through health related activities, foot and mouth vaccination, enhancing productivity through artificial insemination, fodder development and induction of animals from outside the state," he said and added that they intend to induct 40,000 milch animals under the CM's package in 2011-12.

Similarly, we hope to maintain a growth rate of 13 per cent in meat production which was 6.04 lakh Mts in 2008-09 against 6.8 lakh Mts in 2009-10, he said. During 2010-11 (up to Dec 10), meat production was recorded as 5.64 lakh Mts. The increase is due to sheep de-worming, supplying of breeding rams, intensifying neo-natal lamb care, training sheep growers and preventive care through PPR mass vaccination (against acute, contagious viral disease of small ruminants) and ET vaccinations, he said.