Although Kerala represents a huge potential in the retail poultry segment, the state infrastructure for chicken processing is still inadequately developed and is not in line with the market requirements. | Photo Credit: File Photos
The production of poultry broilers in Kerala moves towards unsustainability, driven by escalating input costs and developing market threats. The price of a break for the production of one kg of chicken in the state has reached 93 ₹, emphasizing the growing financial burden for poultry farmers.
“Recent market development has deteriorated this problem. The cost of a 50 kg of poultry feed increased by 90 GBP, while the price of old chickens has almost doubled from £ 22 to £ 40. The cost of essential inputs is given. Sethumadhavan, former director, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
Another main problem is Keral’s dependence on other states for daily chickens, which increases vulnerability to disruption of the supplier chain. The emerging diseases further complicate this problem. This situation is impaired by the fact that poultry breeding must be officially recognized as agricultural or industrial activities, although it is in active practice in the state. The recent court judgment, which could provide the clarity of this classification, remains without impact, he said.
While Kerala represents huge potential in the retail poultry segment, especially in the categories ready for food and ready for cooking, the chicken processing infrastructure is still inadequately developed and is not in line with the market requirements. In this area, the Ministry of Food industry offers attractive projects and incentives in this area, including subsidies up to 10 ₹ Crore for cold chains and food processing. However, Kerala recorded a relatively low participation in these schemes.
“For the use of the growing market and ensuring long -term viability, entrepreneurs and farmers have to go to the market oriented processing and adding value. This includes the introduction of processing units adapted to consumers’ demand, taking strict measures for biological safety to reduce the dissemination of diseases and participation in capacity and development programs to improve productivity.
In addition, there is a huge potential to support the organizations of farmers’ producers (FPOs) focused on poultry. This FPO can help aggregate production, streamline processing and marketing, and set up agricultural production companies that strengthen the value chain from the farm to the fork.
Despite the current challenges, the demand for poultry mights in Kerala is a constant rise. Strategic interventions and policy support could unlock significant opportunities for sustainable growth in this industry.
Published – 27th July 2025 05:14
