There is no gainsaying in the fact that the Indian poultry industry currently standing at $30 billion is in need of a strong policy assistance from the government. Although in August 2021, the government had decreased import rules to permit a shipment on 1.2 MT of GM soymeal to support the domestic poultry industry after there was a record rise in feed prices, a lot still needs to be done.
Given this background in brief, it is also of note that only recently, Confederation on Indian Industry had presented a Vision Document 2047 in which it urged the Government of India for policy support in the form of allowing import of genetically modified maize and also initiate steps to boost production of key feeds including soy bean.
Maize at core of discussion
But as maize is also being diversified to be used as fuel (used in ethanol) and food, the Association of Vets In Poultry (VIP), a collective voice of more than 1200+ Veterinary professionals has urged government to reduce import duty on non-GMO maize to alleviate high maize prices impacting poultry farming community. The VIP has asked the government while stating that by reducing import duty, availability of non-GMO maize will increase thereby contributing to a stabilized market and alleviating the adverse effects on both poultry industry and consumers. Opining on the matter Dr Santosh said that the adjustment would not only aid the financial sustainability of poultry farmers but would also ensure that Indians had access to an affordable and nutritious protein source. He said the association did understand the delicate balance that should be maintained between safeguarding local farmers and ensuring economic viability of industries dependent on imports of maize but a reduced import duty was a strategic step that could be taken to address the immediate challenges faced by the poultry sector.
What is the issue?
The association of VIP stated that poultry feed comprised 80% of production cost out of total expenditure. Maize was a critical component in the feed industry, playing a requisite role in ensuring the growth, health, and overall welfare of poultry birds. What’s more, maize is included around 60% in poultry feed which is highest among all feed ingredients. At present, high prices of local maize are putting pressure on poultry farming. This is leading to an increase in the cost of production of chicken which is expected to drive up prices of chicken products ultimately impacting Indians. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) estimates that maize production 2022-23 was 35.91 million tonnes and of which 18 MT was consumed by poultry sector. India also exported around 3,453 MT putting pressure on domestic availability of the grain. The association also informed that currently maize prices were Rs 25 /kg while last they were two rupees less.
The association said they hoped that if import duty were reduced, both local agriculture and poultry industry stood to gain thereby helping agricultural growth.
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