When feed prices crack the egg market
Rising maize and soybean prices, the mainstays of poultry feed, are squeezing farmers even as El Niño threatens to disrupt grain supplies; with feed accounting for nearly 80% of production costs, the pressure is building on Telangana’s poultry sector, raising concerns over egg output and prices
The El Niño phenomenon, originating nearly 12,000 km away from Telangana, has caused a significant impact on the poultry industry in the region. As a result of this global warming event, the cost of two main ingredients in poultry feed, maize and soybean, has surged. Despite being at their Minimum Support Prices of ₹2,410 and ₹5,708 per quintal, the open-market rates for these commodities have increased to ₹3,200 and ₹6,000 per quintal, respectively, up from ₹2,000 and ₹3,500 six months ago.
This price hike has left poultry farmers worried about the growing costs and their ability to sustain feed for their birds. Some associations have even accused the government of hoarding broken rice and rice unfit for human consumption, but these alternatives cannot replace the essential nutrients found in maize and soybean. Poultry feed must be scientifically formulated to cater to the nutritional needs of birds at various growth stages, and researchers are exploring alternatives like Azolla, seaweed, oilseed meals, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
With feed costs accounting for nearly 80% of production expenses, the poultry industry in Telangana faces a significant challenge in maintaining egg and meat production while coping with rising feed prices.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
