September 21, 2004

India's Poultry Output Projected To Rise In 2005

Broiler production in India is likely to grow by 15 percent to 1.9 million in 2005. This is due to increased availability of raw feed material and growing demand for poultry meat among high-income consumers.

Forward integration in poultry has been taking place and farmers have been showing increased preference for birds with higher dressing yield. Price stabilisation measures taken up by the industry have driven poultry production growth, particularly in south and west India.

Poultry exports from India in 2005 are expected to remain at 1,000 tons because of the lack of industry competitiveness.

Broiler production was adversely affected in early 2004. The decrease in demand was attributed to avian influenza outbreaks, rise in feed prices as well as import bans on poultry products.