After including milk in the midday meal scheme, the State government is examining a proposal to provide eggs to children in government schools.
Addressing a convention of poultry farmers organised by the Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders’ Association here on Saturday, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Animal Husbandry T.B. Jayachandra stressed on the nutritional value of eggs.
Association treasurer Naveen Pasuparthy said they had earlier submitted a memorandum to the government requesting it to include eggs in midday meals.
The convention was organised to discuss the alleged harassment poultry farmers faced from local bodies. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a committee would be formed to look into their grievances. The government would then evolve a policy based on the committee’s recommendations, he promised.
Mr. Pasuparthy pointed out that even though poultry farming is an agricultural activity, out of ignorance, many local panchayats insisted on issuance of licence to start a poultry farm. “Panchayats have also been collecting building taxes from poultry farms. Some farmers, not knowing better, end up paying these taxes.”