Photo: Xinhua

China's poultry industry may be eased when the Zhejiang Provincial government launches a temporary subsidy policy for key enterprises that purchase and process poultry, to ensure stable production during the epidemic, an industry expert said.

Zhejiang's agriculture and rural affairs authority said on Tuesday that if leading poultry breeding enterprises and designated slaughtering enterprises in the province purchase more than 100,000 live birds according to their original orders, they shall be given one-time, temporary subsidies according to the actual purchase amount, which would include 2 yuan (28 cents) for each chicken, duck and goose, and 1 yuan for each pigeon.

Zhang Cun, a senior research fellow with the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday that governmental subsidies may alleviate pressure on poultry farmers, at least in the short term.

"The epidemic has had a great impact on different breeding enterprises," Zhang said. "Currently, the main problem is that feed stock is consumed every day but cannot be transported due to road blockades. Even if it could be shipped out, poultry cannot currently be sold as no one will collect it, even at a lower price."

"The policy will help stabilize large poultry companies, while smaller ones could remain uncertain," Zhang added.

As Zhejiang is one of the worst-hit areas in the country, its government has been launching corresponding measures to support local key enterprises during the epidemic.

According to the provincial government's report, eligible enterprises should submit applications to local agricultural and rural authorities within 10 days of the completion of the emergency response for epidemic prevention and control. Local government may pay subsidy funds in advance, corresponding to the need to stabilize capacity and ensure supply, the report said.

Global Times