India's Booming Poultry Sector: 851M Birds, $58M Exports, UN SDG Impact
India's poultry sector is booming, with a total population of 851.81 million birds and egg production reaching 114.38 billion in 2019-20. The industry has evolved from backyard activity to a major commercial force in the last two decades, and is now the fifth largest egg producer and eighteenth largest broiler producer worldwide.
India exported 2,55,686.92 MT of poultry products worth 58.70 USD million in 2020-21, with key destinations including Oman, Maldives, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The industry is expected to grow further due to changing lifestyles and eating habits. However, it faces challenges such as disease outbreaks, skilled manpower shortages, and feed price fluctuations.
The Indian poultry industry is not only a significant contributor to the agricultural sector but also plays a crucial role in achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals. To foster growth and improve cost economics, empowering village communities and establishing a competitive farming system is essential. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is set to host a conference on Poultry & Poultry Products on 21st March 2022, highlighting the importance and potential of this sector.
With a thriving poultry industry, India is well-positioned for remarkable growth. By addressing challenges and empowering communities, the sector can contribute significantly to the nation's economic development and sustainability goals.
