May 20, 2008

India feed makers demand for government intervention
 

Suppliers of cattle and poultry feed in India have asked the government to supply them soymeal at reasonable rates to keep milk and egg prices under check.

The CLFMA, India's sole feed manufacturing industry association, has sent a letter to the Department of Animal Husbandry requesting the government to regulate soymeal prices, which have double in the past year.

Feed production may decline by 5 to 10 percent unless the government ensures soymeal supply at a reasonable rate, said C Vasantkumar, CLFMA chairman.

This will affect the output and prices of milk and eggs, he added.

At present, cattle and poultry feed are available for about Rs10 to Rs14 a kilogramme compared with Rs7 to Rs10 a kilogramme last year.

Soymeal prices have reached Rs18 a kilogramme compared with Rs8 to Rs9 a year ago, mainly due to higher export, Delhi-based feed manufacturer Ram Niwas Mangla said.

Soybean processors said there is no problem in domestic availability and only the surplus quantities are being shipped.

US$1=Rs42.64, as of May 20