NECC appeals to the government for supply of damaged wheat, paddy used in poultry feed

The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), the apex body of poultry farmers with over 25,000 members, mostly small and marginal farmers, has asked the Indian government to allocate at least 2 million tonnes of damaged wheat, paddy and/or broken Appealed. Rice which is unfit for human consumption for use in poultry feed as a partial substitute for maize whose price has skyrocketed causing hardship to farmers.

NECC said in a statement that during the last one year there has been a significant increase in the price of maize due to various reasons which are beyond the control of the farmers. These include increased export volumes and diversion of significant quantities of maize for the production of bio-fuels in Bihar, which is a major maize producing state.

NECC said the price of maize in the domestic market has increased to around ₹25,000 per tonne from ₹18,000 per tonne at present and is expected to further increase to ₹30,000 a tonne.

“Due to such increase in the price of maize, the average cost of production has increased from ₹4 per egg last year to ₹4.75- ₹5 at present. However, the average farm gate price is hovering around ₹3.50 per egg, resulting in a net loss of ₹1.50 to ₹1.75 per egg to the farmers,” NECC said.

Unable to withstand such constant losses, thousands of small and marginal farmers and even breeders have already closed or suspended or shortened their operations.

“Most farmers and breeders are on the verge of bankruptcy,” it said.

“Under these circumstances partial replacement of maize with other affordable commodities is the only viable option to help farmers sustain their means of livelihood, as well as to ensure that eggs and chicken are available to the poorer sections of consumers. Will stay at an affordable price,” it further said.