POULTRY FARMING

Innovative Technology & Practices Transforming India’s Poultry Farming Sector

October 15, 2023

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Innovative Technology & Practices Transforming India’s Poultry Farming Sector

Dr.Akshara Babu, MVSc Scholar, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab

At the heart of India’s economic canvas, the poultry farming sector takes centre stage, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity and growth. Poultry products like meat and eggs are a crucial source of animal protein for the Indian population, as they are more affordable and accessible than many other protein sources. Due to increasing demand for affordable protein sources and changing dietary preferences, the poultry sector has evolved from a small agricultural industry into a rapidly growing one.

India’s poultry industry not only caters to domestic demand but also exports chicken products and eggs to various countries. During the financial year 2022-23, the nation successfully exported 664,753.46 metric tons of poultry products, amounting to a total value of Rs. 1,081.62 crores on the international market (APEDA, 2023). The industry’s egg and chicken production demonstrated an astounding 10% increase over the preceding year, propelling India to its current global ranking of 3^rd in egg production and 6^thin poultry meat production (FAO, 2021). These notable accomplishments can be attributed to changes in consumer preferences, technological advances, management practices, research innovations, and government support. This article explores the transformative journey that has reshaped India’s poultry farming sector by highlighting the impact of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, elevating the sector to new heights.

Genesis of the poultry industry

In the early stages, poultry farming was a small and decentralized sector. People in rural areas often kept a few chickens in their backyards for personal consumption. Egg production was primarily for local consumption, and chicken meat was not as popular as it is today. In rural areas, households modestly maintained a few chickens in their backyards, primarily to meet their own dietary needs. Egg production, though present, was largely confined to local consumption, while the consumption of chicken meat was a far cry from the levels seen today. During this nascent era, the industry embarked on small-scale operations fraught with challenges. Disease outbreaks became a constant threat with limited technological resources and widespread rudimentary practices. The industry’s progress was further disrupted by feed and water wastage and worsened by changing feed prices. Understanding these modest beginnings is essential to appreciate the monumental advancements and innovations that have since propelled the Indian poultry sector to its current status as a global player.

Key Advancements in the Indian Poultry Sector

Automation and Smart Farming: One of the most significant innovations in Indian poultry farming is the adoption of automation and smart farming practices. Modern poultry farms are equipped with sensors, cameras, and automated feeding systems. These technologies allow farmers to monitor the health and behaviour of their birds, optimize feeding schedules, and regulate environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. With the gentle touch of automation, the human hand takes a backseat, clearing the way for heightened efficiency, ultimately resulting in improved product quality and yields.
Artificial Intelligence in Disease Detection: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being employed to detect and diagnose poultry diseases early, a vital aspect of maintaining the health and productivity of flocks. AI algorithms analyse data from various sources, including images of birds, their behaviour patterns, and environmental conditions. A project was initiated by ICAR- Directorate of Poultry Research to use IoT sensors for real-time poultry environment monitoring and control, aiming to reduce stress, study poultry vocalization, and develop an early warning system by correlating it with health, stress, and gender. Consequently, AI is reducing mortality rates and minimizing the need for antimicrobials, which not only contributes to a safer and more sustainable poultry industry but also offers significant relief from the global threat of Antimicrobial Resistance.
Sustainable Practices: In the Indian poultry farming sector, sustainability is a growing priority, with practices like zero-waste farming, organic feed usage, controlled-release nutrient management, and renewable energy integration, such as solar panels, gaining prominence. Zero waste farming involves utilizing chicken litter and organic waste as compost or biofuel, benefiting the environment and farmers economically. Moreover, the use of organic feed aligns with consumer demand for chemical-free poultry products. The incorporation of Black Soldier fly larvae meal, made from spoiled fruits and vegetables, as a protein-rich component in chicken feed is an addition that contributes to the production of low-cost quality protein meals for poultry. Additionally, research on probiotics as antibiotic alternatives demonstrates their effectiveness in enhancing broiler performance. Government initiatives further support eco-friendly practices, making the shift towards sustainability evident and impactful in India’s poultry industry.
Vertical Integration: Vertical integration is a significant trend in India’s poultry industry. For example, companies like Venky’s and Suguna Foods oversee breeding, production, and distribution, ensuring consistent quality and safety standards. This approach reduces reliance on middlemen and distributors, such as Suguna Foods’ ‘Farm Fresh’ retail chain, offering cost savings to both producers and consumers. Quality is a focus, with companies like Venky’s investing in research and development. Streamlined operations in vertical integration help control expenses, resulting in competitive prices for consumers. Consistency in product quality from start to finish builds trust with consumers. Overall, vertical integration benefits consumers with quality products and cost savings.
Technological Advancements: Advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of poultry breeds that are more resilient, grow faster, and produce higher-quality meat and eggs. The marriage of genetic selection and biotechnology has given birth to poultry strains that can fend off diseases while delivering bountiful harvests. The result? A poultry industry that’s not only more profitable but also highly efficient. Ongoing research in this realm holds the promise of creating disease-resistant, high-performing location-specific breeds tailored to each unique environment, offering a glimpse of a brighter future for both microenvironments and macroenvironments.
Big Data and Predictive Analytics: Companies like Suguna Foods and Venky’s use data analytics for informed decisions on feed consumption, housing conditions, and breeding efficiency. They also use predictive analytics to determine the right quantity of feed, water, and other resources needed at specific stages of poultry growth. This not only reduces resource wastage but also ensures that birds receive the necessary care and nutrition. Government initiatives, like the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology, promote technology adoption and predictive analytics in poultry farming to enhance productivity and reduce wastage.
Urbanization and changing consumer preferences: As more people move to urban areas, there is a growing demand for convenient and readily available sources of protein, boosting the popularity of chicken and eggs. The increasing awareness of the importance of a protein-rich diet and the convenience of poultry products have contributed to the industry’s growth. It is no surprise that chicken and eggs have found their place on tables across the diverse culinary traditions of India, uniting the nation in their consumption.
Health and Animal Welfare: Innovative technology and practices have extended to the health and welfare of poultry. The use of wearable devices, such as RFID tags, enables real-time monitoring of individual birds, ensuring their well-being. Additionally, new and improved ventilation systems and housing designs provide a more comfortable and stress-free environment for the birds, resulting in higher productivity and better product quality.
Government Support: Government support has been vital in lifting India’s poultry industry. Notably, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) has played a key role in promoting sustainable livestock development, including poultry. This initiative has led to the creation of Integrated Poultry Development Projects (IPDPs), which fund modern infrastructure to meet the increasing demand. Government-led projects, such as the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding under ICAR, have led to better chicken breeds, improved disease control, and higher-quality feed, making farming more efficient and profitable for farmers. Emphasizing the importance of feed quality, the government supports the production and distribution of nutritious feed through subsidies. These efforts strengthen the industry, uplift rural livelihoods, and ensure food security, solidifying India’s status as a global poultry leader.
Regulations: The poultry industry is rigorously regulated, with strict standards and guidelines governing various aspects such as animal welfare, food safety, and environmental protection. For instance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of poultry products. FSSAI enforces food safety regulations, ensuring that poultry products meet stringent quality and safety standards. These regulations are instrumental in safeguarding public health and maintaining the industry’s integrity. In addition to food safety, regulations also cover animal welfare and environmental impact, ensuring responsible practices within the industry. In the present-day scenario, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible practices within the industry, driven by these regulations, which are not theoretical constructs but practical measures that ensure the industry’s credibility, protect the environment, and, most importantly, safeguard public health.

Unlocking the future

India’s poultry farming sector is in the midst of a remarkable transformation, driven by innovative technologies and practices. The integration of cutting-edge tools, such as automation, data analytics, and enhanced biosecurity, has ushered in an era of heightened efficiency, sustainability, and disease control. These advances position India’s poultry sector to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein, enhance food security, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth. We stand at the threshold of an exciting journey toward progress and modernization in the Indian poultry sector. When these ground-breaking technologies permeate the grassroots level, we can anticipate not just the expansion and refinement of the poultry industry but also an upliftment of our entire nation. The road ahead gleams with the promise of transformative growth and prosperity, signifying that our voyage toward modernizing and advancing poultry farming in India has only just begun.