Govt plans to set up emu processing plants

With the rising number of emu-rearing centres in the state,the Centres Department of Animal Husbandry is keen on developing emu-processing plants here under the 12th Five Year Plan.

Officials from the Government of India are planning a meeting with state government officials as well as industrial stakeholders by next month to discuss the matter,Sanjay Bhoosreddy,joint secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry,Dairying and Fisheries,GoI,said on Thursday. Of 16 lakh emu birds being reared in the country annually,2 lakh are in UP, said Bhoosreddy.

Emu farming is still in its early stage with farmers only breeding the bird as of now. Soon processing plants would be needed. As of now,there are no processing plants in the state. We are keen on setting up at least four or five processing units in the state in the eastern,western and central regions, he said.

Bhoosreddy said that all major stakeholders,including GoI officials,state government officials,representatives of banks,NABARD,RBI and the industrialists interested in emu farming would be called to interact and come up with a final plan in July.

Emu is an Australian bird which is fast gaining popularity in poultry farming,given the fact that its meat is lower on fat than other meats,said Bhoosreddy. Its egg weighs around a kilogram and costs Rs 1,500.

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