Great Prospects Ahead

The Indian poultry industry is growing. Thanks to urbanization and rise in income levels. As the country progresses and people become prosperous, they change their food habits and eat more eggs and meat. This phenomenon is seen throughout the world.

India is a country of contrasts. There are some religious beliefs. Many people are against eating eggs and meat. There are certain religions, which prohibit particular meats. Cow meat is a taboo for Hindu's and so swine meat for Muslim's. In Himalayan states fish is prohibited but buffalo meat is accepted. Inspite of these contracts, consumption of eggs and meat is on increase.

Backyard poultry is practiced throughout the country since time immoral. The credit for poultry as a business in organized sector goes to Mr. Vyankatesha Rao – rightly called Father of Indian Poultry Industry.

During last ten years, that is in the period of economic reforms, poultry industry has made immense progress leading to an increased egg production of 7% p.a. and poultry meat production of 11% p.a.

Egg Industry: Egg production which was 5000 million in 1970, increased to 16,000 million in 1985 and reached a level of 30,000 million in 1995 and is expected to reach 45,000 million by the year 2000. The growth rate is 7.8% p.a. India ranks 6^th in the world for egg production. Per Capita consumption is 33 eggs per annum.

Poultry Meat

Most of the broiler farms have weekly output of 15000 to 20000 birds. At present India ranks 21^st in the world with regard to world poultry meat. In 1995 poultry meat reached 0.5 million metric tonnes. It is expected to reach 0.87 million metric tonnes by 2000. The growth rate is 11% p.a.

Poultry Feed Industry

The progress of poultry industry depends on feed industry. India is in a lucky position as regards agro-climatic conditions, availability of load and irrigation. India can produce feed to meet domestic demand as well as for exports. As of today, India exports millions of tonnes of soyameal cake to Europe where it is converted to feed. Feed costs represent about 70% of the total production cost.

Modernization

The Indian poultry industry is now ready for globalization if level-playing ground is available. Due to liberalization, it is easier to get modern technology. Most of the world famous breeds are available in the country yet there are few, which have not yet come to India.

In many poultry farms, production is still a backyard operation. Given the increasing popularity of organic food in western world, we should encash this point. In the developed countries, poultry farmers are facing problems from green people who are worried about environment. The other groups are insisting on larger space in cages. The business has become competitive. Their expenses are increasing, but customers want quality products at cheaper rates. India with abundant land, technical people, irrigation systems can offer the best place for world’s poultry industry.

Sometime back, world poultry an international trade magazine of poultry industry has surveyed poultry in various countries. Surprisingly it is noted that India is the country where eggs are cheapest in the world.

Opportunities

Govt. of India has noted that poultry are good business opportunity of self-employment. Suitable schemes are under implementation in rural areas.

After liberalization it is easier to import new breeds, poultry and hatchery equipments. APEDA has noted the potential of exports. NABARD has introduced financial scheme for modern poultry farms.

Because of good soil, irrigation facilities, trained personnel, India has the potential to become production base for export oriented poultry.

There are many opportunities in processing. There are very few players who are operating in processing field. Whereas in developed countries most of egg and meat is sold as processed and canned in India, most of broilers are still sold through small shops, shere they are slaughtered manually.

Production techniques for layers and broilers have reached even rural areas of Maharashtra but many poultry farmers face-marketing problems. It is necessary that low cost technologies are introduced for safe storage and processing of eggs and meat.

At present, India exports eggs and meat to gulf countries. These exports are negligible. Govt. of India should give thrust to export activity by promoting Indian poultry and agriculture. Indian meat is preferred because it is lean. It contains less fat. Such points should be brought to the notice of world. India has the potential skills, talents and resources to feed eggs and meat to the world.

This is big country with a population of one billion people has the potential to become major player in international poultry industry. Bird performance in many cases is comparable to or even better then what one may see in developed countries.

Ag.
Technologies
(Poultry
Mgmt.)