The Hindu Business Line : Pawar calls for restraint in bird flu reports

REQUESTING the media not to create panic by "covering the bird flu (outbreak) issue disproportionately", the Union Minister for Agriculture, Mr Sharad Pawar, today said the Department of Animal Husbandry is likely to complete its responsibility of culling birds today evening.

"Media has raised the issue disproportionately which is likely to affect our rural economy. The outbreak is limited only to a 10 km radius (in Maharashtra)," said Mr Pawar when asked to react on various States within India banning poultry exports from Maharashtra.

On reports of various airlines and Indian Railways not serving chicken, he said, "I have read such reports. I would take up the issue with Railways and airlines today."

"I would request the media not to create panic. This is a Rs 35,000-crore industry witnessing 17 per cent growth, providing employment to about three million people directly or indirectly," he said.

Wheat production, exports

On wheat production, Mr Pawar said, "The situation is good. We are getting good reports from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The procurement in the ensuing season is likely to be higher by 20-25 lakh tonnes (lt) vis-a-vis last year." In 2004-05, the Government had procured 148 lt of wheat.

On whether more wheat imports are required, he reiterated, "The situation would be reviewed. To meet the country's food security requirement, no imports are needed. But the buffer stocks, which are maintained to meet emergency requirement of the country, need attention."

"Tender documents have been prepared keeping no specific country in mind. We will not change the guidelines we have issued for wheat imports. We will not compromise on sanitary standards while importing wheat. The US embassy has asked us for suggestions on certain specification regarding presence of weeds," he said.

Sugar

On sugar output, he said, "Till three days back, sugar production was at 134-135 lt (for the period starting from October 1, 2005). The production would be in the 180-185 lt range... It would definitely be 185 lt." He also said that he would be talking to the Railway Ministry to ensure availability of wagons to ensure sugar exports to Pakistan.

On whether the country plans to stop sugar exports, he said, "If sugar exports are happening let them happen. Pakistan asked for 50,000 tonnes and we told them happily to buy it from us. We have to establish ourselves in the international market. We have to change the perception in the world market that we don't honour our commitment to the international market," said Mr Pawar, adding that if we have shortage here we will import from anywhere.

On the proposed amendments to Forward Contracts (Regulations) Act, that would allow options trading in futures, Mr Pawar said, "We plan to introduce it in the current session of Parliament."

Rlys not to serve eggs, chicken in any form

THE Indian Railways on Tuesday said it has decided to ban serving chicken dishes and eggs in any form from any of the catering units of Railways.

"In view of the incidents of bird flu (avian flu) the Railways have decided to ban serving of chicken dishes and eggs in any form from any Railway static catering units and mobile catering units until further orders," said the Railways, adding that instructions to this effect have already been issued to all zonal railways and to Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd.

The decision has been taken in public interest, it added.

The infection occurs through contact with poultry (chicken and eggs) and chances of infection among the catering staff handling raw meat and eggs, and the passengers in the present circumstances are very high, said the Railways.

A close watch is being kept on the progress of the disease in other parts of the country and further orders will follow depending upon the progress of the disease, it added.