BENGALURU: Broiler Chicken and poultry eggs have got costlier, following a rise in the prices of poultry feed raw material of maize and soya used extensively in poultry farming for manufacturing of poultry feed.
One kg of broiler chicken that costed less than Rs 200 last year is now priced in the range of Rs 250-300 and in some instances, country broiler chicken is costing as high as Rs 500 to Rs 600 per kg. The price of poultry eggs too has increased from Rs 4.5-5 to Rs 6 per piece, worrying consumers as broiler chicken and poultry eggs are widely preferred sources of protein. Broiler Chicken is also the least expensive meat.
Broiler Chicken traders told TOI a shortage of seeds to produce maize and soya in addition to the overall drop in production is causing them problems. “Two to three years ago, the production cost was only Rs 65 per kg of broiler chicken and now it is Rs 110. Maize used to be sold for Rs 12/13 per kilo but now it is Rs 27. Similarly, soya extract which was previously Rs 35 per kg is now Rs 70. The poultry production cost has doubled and we cannot help but sell above that cost,” said Manjesh Kumar Jadav, chairman of Broiler Coordination Committee of Karnataka Poultry Farmers & Breeders Association.
Sushant Rai, president of KPFBA, said producers face more challenges in monsoon. “Due to traditional practices of avoiding meat during monsoon, Indian traders also shy away from overproduction. which is a contributing factor. The Ukraine issue is insignificant to broiler chicken and egg farmers but the unpredictability of soya crops is pertinent. We are expecting a dispatch of maize from Bihar in July-end and hope that offers some respite to producers and consumers,” Rai stated.
Poultry Traders are also worried about the pressure to import soya. According to them, India has been self-sufficient in production of soya and soya extract but there has been an exponential increase in domestic demand causing broiler chicken traders to look at import options. Other raw materials such as amino acids and vitamins fed to nourish chicken have also got dearer as stocks from China, a key supplier, are on a steady decline.
Rai said KPFBA is looking forward to meet the government to seek permission for import of soya and maize to meet their demand. Since India does not permit the consumption of any genetically modified crop, the trade body is in a fix as most foreign countries produce/export genetically modified soya and maize.
“We need to address this issue and since there are domestic challenges, import is a good option. But the government needs to allow import of GM crops. Many studies have established that GM crops have no impact on human health and that is why numerous countries permit their use. We want the authorities to understand this,” Rai said.
A seminar is scheduled for July 11 which poultry industry stalwarts and government officials concerned are expected to attend. KPFBA hopes to address these issues there and find an appropriate solution
Source – timesofindia
