Poultry farmers are asking to abolish import duties on corn due to rising costs

Amid falling chicken meat prices and rising feed costs during the El Niño year, representatives of the poultry industry have appealed to the authorities for support measures. In particular, associations are insisting on permission for the duty-free import of unmodified corn and the transfer of grain unsuitable for human consumption from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for poultry feeding needs. At the same time, market participants noted the good availability of soybean on the market.

The issue of overcoming current difficulties was discussed on Monday at a meeting of heads of leading poultry companies and specialized associations, including the All India Poultry Breeders Association (AIPBA), the Pandya Independent Breeders Country Chicken (PIBCC), and TPBA. During the meeting, breeders from various regions agreed to establish a baseline price for live poultry at 110 Indian rupees per kilogram to stabilize pricing.

As explained by KG Anand, General Manager of Venkateshwara Hatcheries Private Limited, the price drop is seasonal in nature and is associated with a fall in consumption during festive days, so the situation should level out within the coming weeks. Association leaders urged market participants not to panic due to temporary fluctuations.

It is planned that next week representatives of the associations will travel to New Delhi to hold meetings with government officials and policy makers. The purpose of the visit will be to discuss measures to support market stability and reduce costs for feed and other resources.