Principles and Practices of Organic Poultry Farming in India

Principles and Practices of Organic Poultry Farming in India

Demian C Johnson*¹, Anupam Brahma², Saurabh Karunamay³, Ajmi Bin Azeez⁴, Rahul. G. Kadam⁵

^1*Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Extension, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, I.Ag. Sc., RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur-231307, Uttar Pradesh, IN

²Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, I.Ag. Sc., RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur-231307, Uttar Pradesh, IN

³Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock ProductsTechnology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, I.Ag. Sc., RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur-231307, Uttar Pradesh, IN

⁴Post Graduate,Department of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar, Bareilly – 243122, Uttar Pradesh, IN

⁵Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, FVAS, I.Ag.Sc., RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, U.P.:- 231307.

*Corresponding author- demiancjohnson@bhu.ac.in

Introduction

Organic poultry farming emphasizes bird health, product quality, and environmental sustainability, gaining popularity due to rising awareness of food safety, animal welfare, and environmental concerns. In India, increasing demand for healthier options and awareness of conventional farming’s drawbacks support organic poultry’s growth. However, challenges include higher costs, managing diseases without synthetic drugs, and the need for specialized organic farming knowledge.

1. Importance in the Context of India.

Organic poultry farming in India is crucial for its economic, environmental, health, and social impacts, leveraging the country’s extensive agricultural base and varied climates to address pressing national issues.

Economic Importance

Organic poultry farming has significant economic potential in India, driven by increasing domestic and global demand for organic products. Transitioning to organic can boost economic opportunities, support ancillary industries like organic feed production, and aid in rural development by providing jobs and improving incomes for smallholder farmers and rural communities.

Environmental Importance

Organic practices in poultry farming promote sustainability, enhancing biodiversity and soil health while conserving water and reducing synthetic chemical and antibiotic use (Milojević et al., 2024). These methods can alleviate environmental issues such as soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, and help lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting global climate action.

Health Importance

The move towards organic poultry in India is partly due to health concerns linked to conventional poultry, such as antibiotic resistance and pesticide residues (Sani et al., 2023; Savin et al., 2021). Organic poultry is produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic pesticides, resulting in products that are considered safer and healthier.

Social and Cultural Importance

Organic poultry farming is in harmony with India’s traditional agricultural practices, which are inherently more natural (Saikanth et al., 2023). It preserves these age-old methods while adapting them for modern markets. Furthermore, organic farming can enhance animal welfare, resonating with India’s cultural and religious principles that advocate for kindness to animals.

2. Key milestones and growth trends.:

The evolution of organic poultry farming in India has indeed been marked by significant milestones and growth trends, involving various organisations, events, and government schemes.

Early Beginnings and Traditional Practices

Traditional Farming Era: Historically, Indian poultry farming was organic by default, with practices dating back centuries, although specific documentation and dates are not available.

Modern Organic Movement and Recognition

Introduction of Organic Standards (Early 2000s): Influenced by the global organic movement, India established the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2000, setting the stage for organic certification and standards in the country.

Growth and Challenges

Rapid Industry Transformation (Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century): The Indian poultry industry’s growth necessitated a shift towards more sustainable practices, highlighting the environmental and health concerns associated with intensive farming.

Regulatory Framework and Certification

Implementation of Organic Certification (2001 onwards): Post-NPOP, organic certification for poultry farms became available, allowing for the marketing of certified organic poultry products.

Market Expansion and Consumer Awareness

Growing Consumer Demand (2010s): The 2010s saw a surge in consumer demand for organic poultry, driven by a more health-conscious middle class with increased spending power.

Technological Advancements and Sustainable Practices

Adoption of Sustainable Technologies (2010s onwards): The sector’s growth was further supported by technological advancements in housing, feed, and disease management, emphasising sustainability and animal welfare.

Government Support and International Influence

Government Initiatives (Late 2010s onwards): The Indian government’s support for organic farming included schemes like the ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), which provided financial and training support for organic poultry farming.

Export Potential and Global Recognition

Emergence as a Global Player (2020s): With the global demand for organic products, India’s organic poultry sector began to tap into export markets, leveraging its biodiversity and traditional practices.

Future Prospects and Sustainability Focus

Sustainability and Innovation (2020s and beyond): The ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation promises continued growth and development for India’s organic poultry sector.

3. Key International milestones

Influence of Global Movements on Indian Practices

The global organic movement has significantly influenced Indian organic poultry farming, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural practices worldwide and a shared commitment to sustainability and ethical farming.

Adoption of International Standards

India’s alignment with international organic standards, particularly through the establishment of the NPOP in 2000, has enabled Indian organic poultry farmers to access wider markets and adhere to globally recognised sustainability and ethical practices. NPOP facilitated India’s organic products’ acceptance in major markets like the European Union, USA, and Canada.

Global Environmental and Health Advocacy

Global environmental and health advocacy has driven a shift towards organic poultry farming in India by highlighting the adverse impacts of conventional farming on the environment and public health. This shift is supported by growing consumer demand in India for organic poultry products, seen as healthier and more sustainable.

Technological Advancements and Sustainable Practices

Technological advancements, driven by global research and innovation, have been integrated into Indian organic poultry farming. Improved housing, organic feed formulations, and natural health management practices are examples of technologies adapted to Indian conditions to enhance productivity and sustainability.

International Collaborations and Knowledge Exchange

India’s organic poultry sector has benefited from international collaborations and knowledge exchange, with partnerships facilitating the transfer of knowledge, best practices, and technologies. Workshops, conferences, and farmer exchange programmes have been instrumental in integrating global insights into the Indian context.

4. Principles of Organic Poultry Farming

 Definition of organic poultry farming.:

Organic poultry farming is defined as a holistic and sustainable approach to poultry production that emphasises the health and welfare of the birds, the quality of the poultry products, and minimal impact on the environment. This method of farming is guided by principles that prioritise natural processes, animal welfare, and ecological balance, distinguishing it significantly from conventional poultry farming practices.

The core principles of organic poultry farming include:

• Sustainability: Organic farming sustains ecosystem and human health through ecological processes, biodiversity, and local cycles, minimising harmful inputs.
• Animal Welfare: Emphasises the well-being of birds, allowing natural behaviours and avoiding stress-inducing practices.
• Organic Feed: Birds receive organic feed free from synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs), and artificial additives, tailored to their nutritional needs.
• Health Management Without Antibiotics: Prohibits routine antibiotics, focusing on hygiene, health monitoring, vaccinations, and natural remedies for disease prevention and treatment.
• Outdoor Access: Standards ensure poultry have outdoor access for natural behaviours, benefiting from fresh air and sunlight.
• No Growth Hormones: Growth is naturally supported without hormones, allowing birds to develop at their own pace.
• Environmental Protection: Practices aim to minimise pollution, conserve resources, and recycle waste, enhancing environmental health and biodiversity.
• Certification and Compliance: Farms must meet organic standards and undergo inspections to be certified, ensuring adherence to organic principles and allowing official organic labelling.

Differences Between Organic and Conventional Poultry Farming.

The differences between organic and conventional poultry farming are significant and encompass various aspects of production, including feed, animal welfare, environmental impact, and health management.

Aspect	Organic Poultry Farming	Conventional Poultry Farming
Feed and Nutrition	Organic, non-GMO feed without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or animal by-products	May include synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, GMOs, and animal by-products
Animal Welfare and Living Conditions	Emphasises animal welfare, requires outdoor access and natural behaviours	May not provide outdoor access, more confined spaces
Environmental Impact	Aims to minimise environmental impact through sustainable practices	Can have greater environmental impact due to synthetic inputs
Health Management	Prohibits routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones, uses natural remedies	May use antibiotics and growth hormones to prevent disease and promote growth
Product Quality and Safety	Perceived as safer and healthier, may have higher nutritional content	Concerns about antibiotic residues, pesticide residues, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria

 

5. Challenges and Solutions

Organic poultry farming in India, while offering numerous benefits in terms of sustainability and product quality, faces several challenges that can impede its growth and adoption. Some of the common challenges, along with potential solutions, are as follows:

Higher Production Costs

• Challenge: Organic feed and certification standards raise costs.
• Solution: Forming cooperatives, utilizing government subsidies, and direct marketing can reduce expenses.

Disease Management

• Challenge: The prohibition of antibiotics complicates disease control.
• Solution: Focus on preventive care, biosecurity, vaccination, and natural remedies to manage health.

Market Access and Consumer Awareness

• Challenge: Competition with cheaper conventional poultry and low consumer awareness hinder market access.
• Solution: Increase demand through education on organic benefits, strong branding, and dedicated organic supply chains.

Certification and Compliance

• Challenge: The certification process is daunting, especially for small-scale farmers.
• Solution: Simplify certification, offer technical assistance, and promote Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for easier compliance.

Knowledge and Training

• Challenge: A gap in organic farming expertise affects productivity.
• Solution: Enhance farmer education through extension services, workshops, and demonstrations to improve organic poultry management.

6. Regulations and Certifications

Indian regulations for organic poultry farming ensure products meet standards for animal welfare, feed, health, and environmental impact, promoting organic agriculture and food safety. Key components include the NPOP, certification processes, and established organic poultry standards.

NPOP

The NPOP sets India’s organic farming standards, including for poultry, covering practices, processing, labelling, and certification. Aligned with international norms, NPOP aids in exporting Indian organic products and is managed by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Certification Process

Organic certification under NPOP requires farms to submit an organic management plan, undergo inspections by accredited bodies, and meet record-keeping and testing standards to verify no prohibited substances are used. Successful certification grants the right to use the India Organic logo, indicating NPOP compliance.

Specific Standards for Organic Poultry Farming

The standards for organic poultry farming under NPOP emphasise natural living conditions for poultry, organic feed, health management without synthetic chemicals, and sustainable environmental practices. Key aspects include:

• Feed and Nutrition: Organic poultry is fed with organic feed free from synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, GMOs, and animal by-products.
• Animal Welfare: Birds have outdoor access for natural behaviours, with cage-free living, adequate space, ventilation, and natural light.
• Health Management: Synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones are banned; emphasis is on vaccination, natural remedies, and hygiene, with regulated use of allopathic drugs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Organic farms must sustainably manage waste, reduce pollution, and conserve resources.

7. Certification Process and Maintaining Compliance.

The certification process for organic poultry farming in India is a structured procedure designed to ensure that farms comply with the NPOP standards. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of organic products and involves several key steps, from application to inspection and certification. Maintaining compliance is an ongoing requirement to ensure that organic farms continue to adhere to the established standards.

Certification Process

1. Application: Farms apply to an NPOP-accredited body, submitting an organic management plan detailing compliance with organic standards.
2. Review: The certification body reviews the application and management plan against NPOP standards, focusing on feed, health practices, animal welfare, and environmental measures.
3. On-site Inspection: A satisfactory review leads to an on-site inspection to verify application details and check adherence to standards.
4. Inspection Report and Corrective Actions: Post-inspection, a report is issued. Any non-compliance must be rectified within a set period.
5. Certification Decision: Compliance and corrective action completion lead to a certification decision. Approval grants the right to market products as certified organic.
6. Issuance of Certificate and Use of Logo: Certified operations receive a certificate and can use the India Organic logo on products.

Maintaining Compliance

• Annual Inspection: Operations must have yearly inspections to ensure continuous adherence to organic standards.
• Record-Keeping: Certified entities must keep detailed records of organic practices, including feed sources and health treatments, for inspection review.
• Reporting Changes: Significant operational changes must be reported to ensure ongoing compliance with organic standards.
• Renewal of Certification: Certifications have a set validity period and require renewal, which may involve compliance review and inspection.

These processes uphold the integrity of organic products, ensuring they meet consumer expectations and maintain the organic label’s trustworthiness. Certifications are vital for market access and consumer trust in India, affirming product safety, quality, and sustainability in a health-conscious and environmentally aware market.

Market Access

Organic certifications, such as NPOP and India Organic, act as essential credentials for Indian producers to enter both domestic and global markets, where demand for organic products is increasing. These certifications, recognised worldwide, help Indian organic products meet stringent standards required for entry into markets, particularly in Europe and North America. Additionally, certifications like India Organic, USDA Organic, and Jaivik Bharat offer consumers a reliable means to identify genuine organic products, facilitating market differentiation and catering to consumers preferring organic options.

Consumer Trust

Certifications are crucial for consumer trust, serving as a seal of authenticity and quality in a market with numerous organic claims. They assure consumers that products meet organic standards, including the ban on synthetic pesticides and GMOs, and adherence to animal welfare and environmental practices. Certifications also increase supply chain transparency, enabling consumers to trace food origins and understand production practices. This transparency, along with rigorous testing and traceability in the certification process, reinforces the organic supply chain’s integrity and drives the growing demand for certified organic products.

8. Potential of Organic Poultry Farming in India

India’s varied agro-climatic zones and traditional farming roots provide a solid base for organic poultry farming, poised to boost agricultural diversity and economic growth, particularly by generating employment and supporting livelihoods in rural areas. The rising demand for organic products, both domestically and internationally, opens up substantial opportunities.

Call to Action

• For Farmers: Transitioning to organic poultry farming can meet the rising demand for organic products, increase income, and promote environmental health. Access to training, certification, and collaboration with organic associations is vital.
• For Policymakers: Essential support includes favourable policies, subsidies, and infrastructure development to encourage organic farming, alongside financial and technical assistance, and fostering research and innovation in organic agriculture.
• For Consumers: Choosing organic poultry products supports sustainable farming, animal welfare, and environmental health. Consumer demand can motivate more farmers to adopt organic practices and expand the organic poultry market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of organic poultry farming in India is bright, with significant potential for growth and development. The benefits of organic farming extend beyond the farm, offering long-term sustainability for the environment, health benefits for consumers, and economic opportunities for farmers. A collective effort from farmers, policymakers, and consumers is essential to realise the full potential of organic poultry farming in India and to ensure its success in the years to come.

Authors declaration:

We hereby declare that the content of this chapter is our original work and has not been published elsewhere nor is it currently under consideration for publication by any other publisher.

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