Poultry farmers face unprecedented crisis due to scorching heat and high production cost

Poultry farmers face unprecedented crisis due to scorching heat and high production cost

Even as broiler chicken prices have increased beyond ₹190-200 a kg, poultry industry in Kerala is struggling to sustain due to increase in cost of production and climatic factors.

Broiler poultry prices in the south Indian States are showing a quantum jump over the past four-five weeks, especially after Easter and Id-ul-Fitr, due to high demand. But a huge mismatch in demand and supply exists in the sector as farmers and traders are unable to supply chicken as per the increased demand, resulting in increasing prices.

Today, consumers have to pay ₹155 as the retail price for one kg chicken. The farm rate price is more than ₹130 in the State and the price of dressed chicken is more than ₹190-200 per kg.

The increase in the market price of chicken, however, is not helping farmers to sustain as there is heavy mortality in most broiler and breeder farms.

The increase in cost of production coupled with heat stress have reduced the production up to 60 % when compared to previous years, said T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director of Entrepreneurship at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

“The increase in atmospheric temperature from 37°C to 42°Cis causing heavy mortality among chickens. In many broiler and breeder farms, more than 50% mortality rate has been recorded. This affects both the production of chicken and availability of chicks. This situation will continue till monsoon,” he said.

The cost of production increased due to the skyrocketing prices of poultry feed and chicks.