KOCHI: The recent directive of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on culling of quails and sale of quail meat might hit hundreds of quail farmers in the state. Along with the ban on sale of rabbit meat, the ministry has ordered that rearing and culling of quails, listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, is a punishable offence. If the directive is enforced strictly, quail farmers will not be able to renew their licences nor will new ones be issued.
Quail meat and eggs are a popular delicacy served in eateries in the state and there has been a growing demand for them. Quail meat items top the menu in wayside shops and health experts have been promoting the nutritional values of quail eggs. Hundreds of farmers and self-help groups are engaged in quail farming with the Animal Husbandry Department's support.
However, even after the prohibition order there has not been any decrease in the demand and sale of quail meat in the state. “We’ve been engaged in farming of Japanese quails for the last several years. Though we’ve got an order regarding prohibition on rearing and culling of quails, it has been contended that Japanese quail doesn’t come under the purview of the Act. And the order was stayed,” said an employee of Manuel Hatcheries, Vellarappally, Kalady, which has a large quail farm.
Meanwhile, the State government has already taken up the matter with the Union government. “Several farmers in the state rear Japanese quails, which have been exempted from the purview of the Act. Like rabbit farming, the government is also supporting quail rearing by self-help groups and individuals,” said a source at the Animal Husbandry Department.
