indo
FULL MEMBER
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2015
- Messages
- 178
- Reaction score
- 0
- Country
- Location
The state government has taken the decision to promote poultry farming following major mismatch in the supply and demand of eggs across Maharashtra. The per capita availability of eggs stands at 40 against the recommended levels of 180 per person per annum. To give greater impetus to the sector, the state government wants to promote poultry farming in tribal regions.
Highly placed sources in the ministry of agriculture and animal husbandry revealed to Indian Express, “The state has not been able to match the supply of the eggs which is procured from other states. As a result the government has taken decision to promote poultry farming in tribal and backward regions of north Maharashtra and Marathwada. The purpose is to increase the production of eggs and also provide a credible alternative to small farmers specially in tribal regions and backwards regions of state.”
According to the statistics, “The egg production in Maharashtra (2012-13) was 45,661 lakh which does not meet the demand.”
In a candid admission, a senior cabinet minister revealed to Indian Express, “The poultry farming can provide an alternate to the farmers in the region reeling under repeated drought spell. The short supply of eggs also provides scope through higher budgetary allocations.” Overall, the estimated credit projections for the year 2015-16 for state in poultry sector works to approximately 500 crore, he added.
Interestingly, Maharashtra is amongst the leading states for commercial layer farming and broiler farming. The decline in the egg
production in year 2012-13 is attributed to substantial increase in the feed cost, fluctuations in prices of meat and eggs and breakout of
diseases. The officials disclosed the large component of unorganised market and lack of infrastructure are some of the constraints that have adversely hit the poultry farming in state.
Amongst the measures listed in the proposal pending with the ministry includes greater investment in poultry farming and promoting contract farming.
To ensure the poultry farming sustains the government intends to create a sustained market where eggs could be promoted through
schemes. Citing an example, the minister said, “In ashram shalas and schools we can always provide eggs as part of the mid-day meals.
Of course, if there are students who are not willing to consume eggs there will always be alternative vegetarian food. But eggs provide
high proteins and nutrition.”
While the government believes that financial institutions can be roped for promoting the projects, it reckons that poultry farming can
flourish provided there is a strong marketing chain to ensure the supply to end users.
Sources indicated that government of India has focussed on promoting “desi” poultry along with bio-secure environment. It intends to create an opportunity for small farmers specially in the weaken sections of the society. There is also provision under centre’s scheme to involve the non-government organisations specially in the tribal areas. The low input cost and use of technology can lead to upliftment of tribals through poultry farming.
The state also stress on availing the funds from centre for financing cold chain for poultry products, transport cost and small outlets for
marketing across urban, semi-urban and large villages across state.
Maharashtra ranks third in egg production in the country.
Highly placed sources in the ministry of agriculture and animal husbandry revealed to Indian Express, “The state has not been able to match the supply of the eggs which is procured from other states. As a result the government has taken decision to promote poultry farming in tribal and backward regions of north Maharashtra and Marathwada. The purpose is to increase the production of eggs and also provide a credible alternative to small farmers specially in tribal regions and backwards regions of state.”
According to the statistics, “The egg production in Maharashtra (2012-13) was 45,661 lakh which does not meet the demand.”
In a candid admission, a senior cabinet minister revealed to Indian Express, “The poultry farming can provide an alternate to the farmers in the region reeling under repeated drought spell. The short supply of eggs also provides scope through higher budgetary allocations.” Overall, the estimated credit projections for the year 2015-16 for state in poultry sector works to approximately 500 crore, he added.
Interestingly, Maharashtra is amongst the leading states for commercial layer farming and broiler farming. The decline in the egg
production in year 2012-13 is attributed to substantial increase in the feed cost, fluctuations in prices of meat and eggs and breakout of
diseases. The officials disclosed the large component of unorganised market and lack of infrastructure are some of the constraints that have adversely hit the poultry farming in state.
Amongst the measures listed in the proposal pending with the ministry includes greater investment in poultry farming and promoting contract farming.
To ensure the poultry farming sustains the government intends to create a sustained market where eggs could be promoted through
schemes. Citing an example, the minister said, “In ashram shalas and schools we can always provide eggs as part of the mid-day meals.
Of course, if there are students who are not willing to consume eggs there will always be alternative vegetarian food. But eggs provide
high proteins and nutrition.”
While the government believes that financial institutions can be roped for promoting the projects, it reckons that poultry farming can
flourish provided there is a strong marketing chain to ensure the supply to end users.
Sources indicated that government of India has focussed on promoting “desi” poultry along with bio-secure environment. It intends to create an opportunity for small farmers specially in the weaken sections of the society. There is also provision under centre’s scheme to involve the non-government organisations specially in the tribal areas. The low input cost and use of technology can lead to upliftment of tribals through poultry farming.
The state also stress on availing the funds from centre for financing cold chain for poultry products, transport cost and small outlets for
marketing across urban, semi-urban and large villages across state.
Maharashtra ranks third in egg production in the country.
