April 15, 2004

India Egg Producers Asked To Reduce Output

Plea to pare egg output by AP poultry farmers

The Andhra Pradesh Poultry Federation has urged farmers to reduce their egg production by culling the aged birds or by adopting force moulting method to help the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) realise a more remunerative price in view of the present crisis.

In a press release, the Federation President, Mr K. Narayana Reddy said that an executive committee and farmers meeting were held in Tirupathi recently, where majority of the leaders from various parts of the State have suggested adoption of techniques in increasing the price of eggs in all the zones of the State.

Farmers have expressed concern over the steep hike of feed prices and low egg prices. Mr Reddy complimented the broiler breeders for their efforts in bringing up the broiler prices throughout the South with their united action like hatching holiday and culling of aged parents. "Similar to the breeders, poultry farmers should also get united and initiate common measures," he added.

At the Executive Committee (EC) meeting, it was felt that the poultry farmers with major holdings should start their own outlets to reduce the farmer-consumer price margins; introduce mobile delivery outlets to reach consumers; educate consumers on the nutritive value of eggs, grow more maize and request the Government to reduce electricity charges on par with Agriculture Farmers.

Expressing concern over financial issues, the meeting requested the lending institutions to consider birds as stock in sanctioning loans, reduce interest on par with agriculture.