THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If you are one of those who loves to binge on chicken dishes, the Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation (KEPCO) has good news for you.The Corporation, which is on an expansion mode, is all set to open a snack counter selling value-added products of chicken at its poultry complex at Pettah. So very soon, chicken sausages, chicken cutlets, chicken lollipop and marinated chicken - all made from hormone-free chicken - would be available at this counter at rates which would not loosen your purse strings.The KEPCO restaurant, which had begun operations on a low key note last year, has slowly gained momentum and is now a profit-earning business for the Poultry Corporation. According to KEPCO Managing Director V Sunilkumar, the restaurant is bringing in more than Rs 35,700 a day, which means it is past the days in the cradle.The second phase of the development of the restaurant has been included in the 100-day programme of the Animal Husbandry Department. It is in this context that the poultry complex is gearing up for new activities. "We are planning to introduce new dishes in our menu. The chicken snack counter would add to the varieties,’’ Sunilkumar said.In its initial days, the restaurant had big problems finding a chef to perfect its dishes. Though it employs chefs who spread out delicious cuisines now, the restaurant still faces an acute shortage of staff. According to an official, unlike private hotels or major restaurants, KEPCO is not able to provide accommodation to its staff, which might be one reason the Corporation is finding it tough to get good hands."The new items which we introduced recently like chicken ‘shawarma’ have become a hit with our customers. So, the new snack centre would largely include items which are now favourites with the chicken-lovers. But our main motto is safe chicken for safe eating habits,’’ Sunilkumar said.The Corporation has also set up a bio-gas plant at its compound to do away with the waste produced, but in an energy-saving way. The gas produced from this unit could help replace 80 per cent of the work of the LPG cylinder used in the restaurant.The bio-gas plant would be inaugurated soon.
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