GUNTUR: The future of the chicken hatcheries in the capital region is uncertain with the state government yet to take a decision in view of the ongoing land collection for new capital establishment under LPS. Owners of hatcheries have made many requests to ministers and officials to announce a policy for hatcheries, but to no avail. The Singapore team would submit the seed capital plan in a few days. Hence, the hatcheries have sought permission for continuing in the new capital Amaravati on grounds that chicken is the favourite food of many.
There are 30 hatcheries in the capital region villages of which 15 are situated in and around the Tullur Mandal. These hatcheries are doing business worth over Rs 2 crore by producing 5 lakh chickens. Every hatchery provides employment to 10 to 20 people directly and 200 to 300 people indirectly. A hatchery owner N. Venkateswarlu said that the government is stressing upon the need of consuming eggs on a daily basis for a healthy living and hatcheries are doing good business. He suggested that the Capital Region Development Authority can allot an area in the new capital plan to hatcheries.
Speaking on the issue, New Capital Hatcheries Association leader G. Appa Rao said, “We have to spend Rs 30 lakh to Rs 1 crore to start a hatchery according to various production capacities.” Mr Rao explained that hatcheries will borrow 75 per cent money through bank loans. He said that these hatcheries supply chicks and eggs to all villages of Tullur and Amaravati mandals, Guntur and Vijayawada cities and the adjacent areas.
Mr Rao added that they have given representations to CRDA and ministers P. Pulla Rao and P. Narayana seeking continuation of the hatcheries. “The ministers and officials assured us of resolving the issue by bringing it to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. However, no action been has taken yet,” added Mr rao. Mr Rao and other hatchery owners appealed the government to let them continue with their business in Amaravati.
