With maize comprising a major chunk of poultry feed in the country, the ready and sufficient availability of the grain plays a vital role in the sustainability and growth of the Indian poultry industry. In fact according to reports India’s poultry industry is projected to increase by 8-10% in 2023-24 as the industry is driven by large volumes and realizations due to stable demand. However, what is throwing a spanner in the works for the growth of the industry is volatility arising due to variations in the raw material prices particularly maize and restricted ability of poultry industry players to fully pass on the cost increases.
CII vision for strengthening poultry industry
Thus looking at the current scenario of the Indian poultry industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) states that the $30 billion Indian poultry industry needs policy aid from the government. The CII states in its Vision Document 2047 that this policy support should be in the form of permitting genetically modified maize and steps should be taken to boost output of major feeds like soy. The CII envisages that as it is the industry is growing at a healthy rate of 8 % and this provision will boost growth.
The body stated in the Vision Document that the current growth level of maize and soybean production in India were inadequate to meet the industry’s demand. Explaining the reason why, it added that as maize was increasingly being diverted to be used in ethanol production and other industrial uses and human consumption that time was not far when demand for and cost of maize would shoot up drastically.
Meeting fodder, fuel, food demand
Opining on the matter President, Compound Live Stock Feed Manufacturers Association, Suresh Deora said that looking at the present trend of demand for poultry feed and futuristic demand for fuel and food for maize and soy, it was imperative that even as imports of GM Maize should be allowed as suggested by the CII, there was also a need to grow GM maize in India itself. Adding to this, President, Poultry Federation of India, Ranpal Dahanda said that the domestic production of GM maize and key feeds like soy would help sustain the demand and supply of poultry feed. In fact, the experts added that as these key components would be in great demand in the time to come, it was advisable that there should be domestic production of GM maize.
Boosting domestic poultry industry
Even as experts suggest for domestic growth of GM Maize and soy, the CII report suggests for improvisation of genetics and disease resistance breeds and an increase of disease surveillance in the birds.
While keeping interests of domestic producers in mind, the industry body says that in the time to come, there would be ‘unprecedented increase’ in prices so the government should consider import of GM maize and soy. In fact why it is necessary to protect interest of domestic producers, experts opine that as it is high prices of poultry feed comprising 70% of meat production, push up production costs and if imports of maize are allowed, prices can be stabilized.
It is noteworthy that in August 2021, the government did relax import rules to permit a shipment of 1.2MT of GM soymeal to support the poultry industry after feed prices had risen.
The report mentions that poultry production is majorly in south and west regions of India. The CII has recommended that operations cane be scaled in states like Bihar where maize is abundant.
The report also suggests that small holders can be collectivized into cooperatives so that adequate supply of inputs like young chicks, vaccinations, extension services and access to markets can be ensured.
It is to be noted that poultry meat output of 4.5 MT contributed to 51.4% of total meat production of 9.3 million tonne in 2021-22. The Indian poultry sector is more than $28 billion. As regards growth, the report stated that 85% of production was attributed to commercial poultry industry while 15% came from traditional backyard poultry.
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