Chicken industry hatches a Rs 110 price plan

■ Industry seeks minimum benchmark of Rs 110 per kg for live chicken

■ Poultry Breeders Association demands scrapping of import duty on maize

■ Rs 110 per kg: Breeders agree to work towards a minimum live chicken price benchmark.

■ Seasonal dip: Festival-related decline in consumption blamed for recent price fluctuations.

■ Maize shortage: El Niño concerns and rising maize prices push up poultry feed costs.

■ Policy intervention: Industry seeks duty-free imports of non-GMO maize and plans talks with the Centre.

T P Venu | Hyderabad : Poultry industry leaders from across the country have called for coordinated efforts to stabilise broiler chicken prices and maintain a minimum benchmark of Rs 110 per kg for live chicken, amid recent market fluctuations and rising production costs. The issue was discussed at a high-level meeting organised by the All India Poultry Breeders Association (AIPBA), Pan India Breeders Association (PIBCC) and various State poultry associations. Representatives from different regions deliberated on price fluctuations, increasing feed costs and challenges in the availability of key feed ingredients, particularly maize.

The industry leaders attributed the recent decline in chicken prices largely to seasonal factors, as consumption had dropped during the festival period. They said the fluctuations were temporary and urged poultry farmers and stakeholders not to panic, expressing confidence that prices would recover over the next few weeks.

Leaders of the poultry industry demanded to ease the feed cost of maize which is the main ingredient in poultry feed. They cited El Niño as one of the main reasons for the rising price putting pressure on poultry farmers and businesses. The associations decided to approach the Central Government to seek measures to address the challenges and ensure greater stability in the poultry sector.

K.G. Anand, General Manager of Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt. Ltd., attributed the fall in prices to seasonal factors and that the market was expected to pick up shortly. A major concern raised at the meeting was the increase in maize prices and possible shortages in availability due to the impact of El Niño conditions. Since maize is a major ingredient in poultry feed, rising prices have significantly increased production costs, putting pressure on poultry farmers and businesses. The participants called for policy interventions to ease feed costs, particularly by allowing duty-free imports of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) maize. They also stressed the need to utilise the abundant availability of soybean in the domestic market to ensure a steady supply of feed ingredients.

The industry delegation is scheduled to meet government representatives and policymakers in New Delhi later next week to discuss the rising input costs, maize availability and other pressing issues. The initiative aims to protect farmers' interests, stabilise market prices and create a sustainable environment for the growth of India's poultry industry.

‘Govt should remove import duty’

The poultry industry has been hit badly. The price of maize used to be Rs 30-Rs 35 but has now increased to Rs 45-Rs 50. 70% of the cost of production goes for feed. Soya is Rs 67 per kg. We would be meeting the officials at animal Husbandry ministry and also meet government representatives in New Delhi to remove import subsidy on maize.

-Dr. Ravinder Reddy Surasani

Founder & Proprietor, RR Foods & Feeds