October 22, 2019

Tamil Nadu is the top poultry producing state: Government census 

Tamil Nadu is number one in poultry population in India, thanks to higher consumption of chicken and eggs in the State, The New Indian Express reported yesterday.

The total number of poultry in the State rose to 120.8 million this year compared to 117.3 million in 2012, according to the provisional report of the 20th Livestock Census released by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying last week.

According to AKP Chinraj, president, Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers' Association, daily production of commercial eggs in the State is 37.5 million, of which 32 million are sold in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. "About 35 lakh (3.5 million) eggs a day are supplied to government for noon meal scheme. A better commercial demand, reasonable farming cost and better yield are primary reasons for expansion of the industry," he said.

A higher supply of broiler chicks to Kerala is another reason for the large poultry population. The State produces 11 to 12 lakh broiler chicks per day of which more than 40% is being supplied to Kerala.

The livestock survey is conducted every five years by the Tamil Nadu Livestock Development Agency (TNLDA) of Animal husbandry department. A senior official from the department said, "The Centre has given a provisional report with details of top 10 States. We are awaiting for the detailed report within a month, only after which population growth of other animals, including cattle, can be confirmed."