Poultry International

CLEMENTS: To what degree has chicken meat become more affordable over recent years?

CLEMENTS: How do you see the industry developing over the next five years?

THAPER: Chicken meat was sold at a premium price as Indians prefer chicken over buffalo/sheep/goat meat. With the expansion of the broiler industry, chicken meat costs much less than other meats or even fish. So consumers prefer chicken meat, as it is their first choice and the cost is lower.

It is expected that the broiler industry will keep expanding at around 10% per annum for the next 10-15 years. Consumption of broiler meat is only 2. 4 kg per person per annum, so there is scope to expand production.

With the economy growing at 7-8% per annum, and consumers’ desire to eat more animal protein, either milk or meat, there can be further expansion of the broiler and egg industries. Of the 1. 2 billion people in India, 400 million-strong middle class has extra money in their pockets, to spend more on healthy foods.

THAPER: We are optimistic for
the future. The poultry industry is
likely to grow by some 8-12% per
annum over the next half decade
or so. Fortunately, production-
related problems are very small
and demand for broiler meat is
continuing to increase very quickly
in India. The broiler industry is the
country's sunrise industry for next
five years. ◻

Completely equipped with
innovative technical details
LUBING’s Drinking-systems
assure a reliable water sup-
ply for cages as well as for
floor management.

CLEMENTS: If the industry were to present the government with a list of wants and demands, what would be on the list?

THAPER: The poultry Industry continues to approach the government regarding various problems hampering the growth of the industry. Most important among these are cold chain for marketing broiler meat, reduction of excise/import duty that leads to higher costs for processing broiler meat, reduction in import duty on various feed supplements required for efficient broiler production, promotion of meat/egg consumption in India and for export to other countries. The PFI and other poultry groups/association, are in constant touch with the decision makers in the government to lobby for their genuine demands.