The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) has requested that the Government of India (GOI) allocate up to 20 lakh tonnes of damaged food grains, including wheat, paddy, and broken rice, for use as chicken feed. According to the committee, these food grains are inappropriate for human consumption but can be used as a partial alternative for maize in chicken feed.
Among the worst crises in the poultry industry's history is the present sharp spike in maize and soya meal costs on the domestic market.
The clearance to utilize these food grains would help farmers endure an exceptional crisis brought on by a severe lack of corn and soy meal in the local market, as well as a sharp spike in their costs.
The clearance to utilize these food grains would help farmers endure an exceptional crisis brought on by a severe lack of corn and soy meal in the local market, as well as a sharp spike in their costs.
According to NECC sources, there has been a significant rise in the price of maize in the past couple of years, especially in the past year.
Due to various reasons which were far beyond the control of farmers including increased production, export, and diversion of large amounts of corn for the manufacturing of bio-fuel in Bihar, which is a significant corn-producing state.
Maize prices in the domestic market have risen from Rs 18,000 per tonne last year to over Rs 25,000 per tonne now, with prices anticipated to rise to Rs 30,000 per tonne soon.
According to the NECC, the average total cost of production has increased from Rs 4 per egg last year to Rs 4.75 - Rs 5 per egg this year due to a rise in maize prices. However, the average farm-gate price is around Rs 3.50 per egg, resulting in a net loss for the farmers of Rs 1.50 to Rs 1.75 per egg.
NECC stated that they are hopeful that the government will respond positively to their petition and come to the aid of farmers, allotting the damaged grains for the manufacturing of chicken feed, enabling the farm owners to eventually take over the crisis and protect their only means of living.
