Currently, Maharashtra imports around 1.5 crore eggs daily from southern states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand of nearly 3 crore eggs per day.
Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the state should create its own egg brand, similar to well-known milk brands like Aarey and Mahanand, according to the PTI.
She noted that such branding would help ensure quality standards while providing a stable market for poultry farmers.
Rising demand driven by urban centres
Officials said demand for eggs and poultry products is largely driven by urban areas. Increasing local production is expected to enhance income opportunities for rural farmers and poultry entrepreneurs, as per the PTI.
Strong existing poultry base
According to the animal husbandry department, Maharashtra currently has more than 7.42 crore poultry birds, with around 14.26 lakh families engaged in the sector, the news agency reported.
Regions such as Nandurbar, Dhule, Nashik, Amravati and Sangli have higher participation in poultry farming.
Subsidy schemes to encourage growth
According to the PTI, under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana, financial assistance is being provided at two levels –
Small Units (up to 500 birds):
– The state plans a subsidy of up to Rs 1.66 lakh (50 per cent of project cost), with 75 per cent support for SC/ST beneficiaries
Large Units (5,000 birds):
– The project cost was likely to be fixed at Rs 30 lakh, with subsidy of Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 22.5 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries
The Maharashtra government’s initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship by linking agriculture with allied sectors, while also reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply of eggs within the state.
Source – mid-day
