Navigating Challenges in the Indian Poultry Sector (GS Paper 3, Economy)
Current Situation
- The recent outbreak of H5N1 has shed light on vulnerabilities within India's poultry industry, prompting a call for comprehensive reforms in animal welfare standards.
Challenges Faced
1. Disease Outbreaks and Biosecurity
- Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease pose grave threats, necessitating bird culling and disrupting markets.
- Inadequate biosecurity measures exacerbate disease spread, particularly in densely populated farm and market environments.
2. Market Fluctuations and Price Volatility
- Fluctuating feed prices and consumer demand during disease outbreaks disrupt production costs and market stability.
3. Infrastructure and Supply Chain Challenges
- Limited cold chain infrastructure results in spoilage and wastage, while an unorganized supply chain raises transaction costs and impedes product movement.
4. Policy and Regulatory Issues
- Fragmented regulations and limited access to credit hinder industry modernization and growth efforts.
- Labour shortages and environmental concerns further complicate sustainable development.
Existing Provisions
1. Status of Poultry Birds
- India boasts a substantial poultry population, with significant contributions from small and marginal farmers.
2. Legal Status and Guidelines
- Recent guidelines categorize poultry farmers based on flock size and mandate regulatory approvals for medium-sized farms.
- Existing laws address animal welfare and pollution control but require stronger enforcement.
Initiatives for Industry Support
1. Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF) and National Livestock Mission (NLM)
- Provide financial support and assistance for disease control and productivity enhancement.
2. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) Scheme
- Focuses on disease control and containment efforts.
Proposed Steps for Improvement
1. Focus on Biosecurity
- Implement compartmentalization and vaccination programs to curb disease spread.
- Encourage adoption of advanced feeding and environmental monitoring technologies.
2. Strengthen Supply Chain and Regulations
- Promote contract farming and invest in cold chain infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage.
- Streamline regulations and improve access to credit for industry players.
Conclusion
- Through concerted efforts to address challenges and implement strategic initiatives, the Indian poultry industry can achieve sustainable growth, bolster biosecurity measures, and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.
