■ Compulsory for all chicken shops to obtain licenses to operate

■ Using digital recording, Govt to track birds, transport and daily sales

■ Curb the sale of chickens raised with harmful steroids or growth boosters

■ Only recognized and licensed outlets will be permitted to sell poultry products

■ Clamp down on the illegal collection and recycling of poultry waste

■ District-level monitoring teams will oversee the implementation of the new regulations, which are set to come into effect shortly.

kiranmai tutika | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to bring the state’s poultry trade under strict regulation, making it mandatory for all chicken shops to obtain licenses. The move is aimed at ensuring that consumers receive clean, high-quality meat while also curbing illegal and unregulated operations in the sector.

The new system is likely to place the entire poultry supply chain, from farms to retail shops, under government supervision. Every detail, including the number of birds transported from each poultry farm to individual shops and the daily sales figures, will be digitally recorded and monitored. This will make it easier for authorities to track every stage of chicken production and distribution, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the meat trade.

Speaking to Metro India, Prakash Naidu, Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Meat Development Corporation (APMDC) said the initiative would also help curb the sale of chickens raised using harmful steroids or growth boosters. “Public health and consumer safety are top priorities. Only recognized and licensed outlets will be allowed to sell poultry products, and restaurants or hotels will be encouraged to source their meat exclusively from such authorized shops,” he said.

Another key goal of the reform is to clamp down on the illegal collection and recycling of poultry waste, which is often used as fish feed by unregulated operators. Authorities believe the licensing regime will effectively dismantle this underground network, which poses serious environmental and health risks. The APMDC has already issued clear instructions mandating that all chicken sellers across the state obtain licenses before continuing operations. Officials said the system will be supported by digital tracking and inspection mechanisms to prevent violations. This new policy is expected to not only protect consumers but also bring uniform standards to the poultry trade, benefiting legitimate traders who follow safety and hygiene norms.

“The days of unchecked, unhygienic chicken sales are over. Every bird sold in Andhra Pradesh will soon be traceable from farm to plate,” said Prakash Naidu. The new regulations are set to come into effect shortly, with district-level monitoring teams to oversee their implementation.