Poultry Farming in India: From Backyard to Commercial Success

In India, poultry, is very often used as synonymous to chicken as they are more commonly found in our country and are of great importance for meat and egg. Many have taken to it as a main or subsidiary source of income. With low initial cost, high return and increasing demand for poultry products such as eggs and meat, this can be great opportunity for farmers- whether as side business or full-time occupation.

Types of Poultry Farming

1. Broiler Farming:- Primarily focused on meat production. They can be sold within 5-6 weeks.

2. Layer Farming:- Hens raised specially for eggs production. Layers will be laying eggs after 5-6 months and continue for a year.

Popular Poultry Breeds in India

1. Broiler:- Cobb, Hubbard, Lohman

2. Layers:- BV-300, Bowans, Hyline

3. Some other breeds:-

• Kadaknath:- Famous for its black meat

• Vanaraja:- Ideal for backyard farming

Infrastructure and Requirements

1. Land:- even small plot can be sufficient initially

2. Shead:- Good ventilation and predator proof poultry house is required.

3. Feeders, waterers, and lighting.

4. High-quality feed (Corn, wheat, oystershell, and meat scraps) and water.

5. Basic medical supplies and vaccination.

Economic Scope

One of the key attractions of poultry farming is its affordability and quick returns. For example:

• A small-scale setup with 100 layers can cost just ₹10,000.

• Broiler farming (meat production) with 200 birds per cycle and 8 cycles per year can be started with around ₹9,000.

• A commercial farm with a shead for 10,000 birds may cost ₹10 lakh but can generate profits of ₹4 lakh annually.

Common Challenges

1. Diseases:- Poultry farming faces several diseases Bird flu (avian influenza), bacterial and fungal infections can significantly impact productivity and profitability.

2. Feed Cost:- Feed can be used, cereals like maize, rice, wheat, meat-meal, soybean-oil-meal according to their availability.

3. Weather Extremes:- Poor ventilation or extreme heat/cold can impact bird health.

Government Schemes

1. Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF):- Schemes offers financial help to established poultry farm.

2. NABARD Poultry Subsidy & Loan: Loans with interest subsidies for small farmers.

   Government launch Farmer Id card where you can avail subsidies, loans and benefits from various government schemes.

Government Regulations and Permissions

• No Objection Certificate from the local government in the area where you are planning to set up a poultry farm.

• NOC from the pollution board of that area.

• Electrical permission for a transformer based on the size of the poultry farm you are planning to set up.

• Permissions from the groundwater department for the supply of water.

Conclusion

Poultry farming is low investment and higher return side business for farmer or full-time occupation for farmers. Proper care and maintenance of birds can increase your profitability and reduce dependency on traditional farming. However, it’s important to understand the cost, government regulations and challenges involved. It can be sustainable and rewarding business.