Pakistan Poultry Association (North Zone) Chairman, Dr Arshad Hanif, has said that Pakistan Poultry Association is celebrating World Egg Day by organising seminars at different places to make the general public aware about the nutritional value of egg and its importance in human diet.

The Nation of Pakistan reports that the need is to understand that egg is a complete diet and replete with the best kinds of protein, vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, the importance of protein in the growth of human body and brain also highlights the real value of egg as an essential item of daily meal.

During a press conference, he said that poultry sector is one of the most organised agro-based sectors of Pakistan. Poultry sector has been serving the nation since 1962 and providing affordable poultry products to the masses to fulfil the requirements of animal protein. He said that poultry at present contributes 40 percent of the total meat consumption and generates employment and income for about 1.5 million people.

It is also pertinent to mention here that poultry is the cheapest available meat protein source for our masses and as such, is an effective check upon the spiraling animal protein prices also.

Dr Hanif said: "We are producing 10,710 million table eggs and 1074,000 metric tons chicken meat annually. In our country, per-capita consumption of meat is only 6kg and 65 to 70 eggs annually. Whereas as per standard requirement, 25 to 28kg meat and 250 to 300 eggs are required to be consumed by each person. Therefore, we are already consuming less protein as per required standards. Poultry sector generates employment and provides source of income to more than 1.8 million people of Pakistan."

According to the experts, the annual consumption of 300 eggs per person is important for human health, reports The Nation. The consumption level in the developed countries meets this requirement adequately However, the annual egg consumption is not satisfactory in Pakistan. Dr Hanif said that the country produces 10,710 million table eggs annually and the annual egg consumption in Pakistan is 55 to 60 per person per annum. He concluded that efforts should be made to make people aware of the above facts to increase egg consumption and to ensure the good health of our people since only a healthy generation can take a country to the pinnacle of progress and prosperity.