September 13, 2013

India's broiler meat production may reach six million tonnes

In the next two years, India's broiler meat output is likely to touch about six million tonnes.

The country's broiler meat production at present is over 3.5 million tonnes and growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10% and would touch six million tonnes by 2015, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) said in a statement.

The Assocham of India added that the demand for broilers is growing at over 15% on the back of rising population, expanding middle class with rising affordability owing to soaring per capita income and changing food habits.

Despite rise in demand, the per capita consumption of broiler meat remains less than three kilogrammes per annum due to frequent outbreaks of 'bird flu' in different parts of the country, the statement added.

Around 45% of the total broiler production in the country is from South India, spearheaded by Andhra Pradesh known as 'chicken bowl of India', which alone accounts for about 20% of the total production in the country.

Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab and West Bengal are other leading states in both broiler meat production and consumption.

At present, India's poultry industry is worth INR50,000 crore (US$7.9 billion), according to Assocham. But absence of proper financial and marketing support, lack of storage and processing facilities, rising feed stock prices, including corn and soymeal, are certain key reasons hurting the growth prospects of the industry.

India's major markets for poultry products include Bangladesh, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).