Context - The current outbreak of H5N1 was a disaster waiting to happen, as experts have been sounding alarm bells on the unsafe conditions at industrial livestock production for more than 10 years now.
Present status:
- Poultry is one of the fastest-growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today.
- India ranks 3rd in the world in terms of total Egg production (Source: FAO).
- According to EMR market research, the India poultry market, currently valued at USD $28.18 billion, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach a value of approximately USD $44.97 billion by 2032.
- During the 2022-23, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of USD $134 million.
Potential of Poultry sector in India
- Growth in per capita income and rise in middle class have changed the dietary patterns in favour of protein rich food.
- Growing urban population have further increased the demand and made India one of the largest consumers.
- Falling real poultry prices due to automation and government support.
- Largest producer of several agri commodities creates a strong pull factor
- Significant investments in world class ports and increase in logistics & supply chain infrastructure.
- Government policies like 100% FDI permitted through automatic route in
- food processing sector, mega food park scheme etc
In India, poultry sector growth is being driven by rising incomes and a rapidly expanding middle class, together with the emergence of vertically integrated poultry producers that have reduced consumer prices by lowering production and marketing costs. Integrated production, the market transition from live birds to chilled and frozen products, and policies that ensure supplies of competitively priced corn and soybeans are keys to future poultry industry growth in India. There are several small poultry dressing plants in the country. These plants are producing dressed chickens. These plants also manufacture egg powder and frozen egg yolk for export.
Existing challenges:
- Outbreak of diseases like Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) causes culling of poultry, scrapping of orders and price rise which hits the industry hard.
- Shortage of raw material is another issue. Price of soybean meal, has increased, which has forced the feed manufacturers to compromise in terms of diet given to birds.
- Shortage of human resources is another problem because of the absence of veterinarians, researchers, in areas where expertise knowledge is required.
- Indian poultry sector is still unable to tap the benefit of international market. Lack of adequate cold storage, warehouses is the major factor affecting poultry sector in India.
- Majority of the production is by unorganized sector as backyard poultry for additional income. Of the total processed poultry products only about 1% undergoes processing into value added products (ready-to-eat/ready-to-cook).
- Increasing antibiotics level in poultry products are creating long lasting harmful effects like drug resistance in people.
- Lack of comprehensive regulating authority to maintain hygiene, and granting of licenses to businesses.
- The proximity of the birds to their waste and other birds increases risk of agents such as salmonella for consumers.
What can be a way ahead?
- “Social Awareness Campaigns” which could sensitize the communities and population at a large on major aspects related to poultry including, Hygienic rearing, slaughtering and storage of poultry to ensure food safety and quality.
- Central government should frame user support policy to encourage bio plants for poultry and to move organic mass of the country.
- There is a requirement of national geographical zoning to avoid adverse effects on the overall economy in the case of an outbreak of bird influenza in any part of the country.
- Infrastructure development is key for viability and sustained growth of poultry sector especially the cold chain and processing units as there are fluctuations in poultry consumption round the year owing to religious and cultural factors.
- Encourage brand development for certain indigenous poultry like Kadaknath or other birds with some specific attributes.