India’s poultry sector has emerged as a dynamic and rapidly expanding facet of the country’s agricultural landscape, showcasing remarkable growth in recent years. The poultry industry has become a pivotal player in India’s economy, contributing significantly to agricultural development and food security. This surge in growth can be attributed to various factors, including rising consumer demand for protein-rich diets, changing dietary preferences, and advancements in technology. However, with opportunities come challenges, and the poultry sector is not exempt. As the industry strives to meet increasing demands, it grapples with a range of challenges such as disease outbreaks, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable practices. This examination delves into the multifaceted nature of India’s poultry sector, shedding light on the opportunities that fuel its expansion and the challenges that pose hurdles to its sustained growth.
Answer
Poultry is one of the fastest-growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today. While the production of crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent per annum that of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 8 to 10 percent per annum.
Opportunities for the poultry sector in India:
- Export Potential: India has the potential to become a major poultry product exporter, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Growing population and rapid urbanization – As India has become the country with the biggest population there is a growing demand for chicken and eggs.
- Nutrition security – As India is experiencing stunting and wasting, the poultry industry offers a major solution to it as both eggs and chicken have high nutrition.
- Technology Adoption: Adoption of modern practices, such as improved breeding techniques and feed management, can increase production efficiency. Farmers are using AI techniques to enhance efficiency.
- Fiscal measures by the government-
- 100% FDI permitted through automatic routes in food processing sector.
- Concessional rate of Customs Duty is applicable on imported equipment under the project import benefits.
- Income Tax deductions on capital expenditure are allowed at the rate of 150% for setting up
and operating cold chain or warehouses for storage of agricultural produce 100% income tax exemption is available to new food processing, preservation, and packaging units for the first 5 years of operation, and at the rate of 25%-30 thereafter.
- Diversification in farmers’ income- It acts as insurance against crop failures and increases the farmer’s income.
Challenges in the poultry sector:
- Disease Outbreaks: Frequent outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza pose a significant risk
to the poultry sector, leading to culling and economic losses. - Environmental Concerns: The poultry sector is one of the main emitters of methane which is a greenhouse gas. Issues related to waste management and pollution from poultry farms are a growing concern.
- High feed cost- High cost and fluctuating prices of maize are the one of the biggest
challenges that the poultry sector is facing. - Infrastructural hurdles – Inadequate cold storage and transportation infrastructure can lead to post-harvest losses and affect quality.
Poultry sector holds immense potential in India and can a major role in doubling farmers income. To strengthen the poultry sector government has started various schemes like Scheme for setting up/ modernization of abattoirs (for Government abattoirs) byMinistry of Food Processing Industries, Mega food pak schemes etc.
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