Poultry Farming: Cost, Subsidy and Best Practices

Chickens are one of the most commonly raised poultry birds for obtaining meat and eggs. Nowadays, poultry farming is growing rapidly. Until a few decades ago, indigenous breeds of chickens were more commonly raised. However, due to high productivity, the farming of broiler and layer chickens is becoming more prevalent now. The poultry industry in India contributes significantly to the agricultural economy of the country. There is also an increasing demand for eggs in the market along with chickens, leading to an increase in employment opportunities. Individuals involved in this business can earn lakhs in a short period of time. Here in this post, we will go through the costs and profits associated with poultry farming, as well as the subsidies and loans available for starting a poultry farming business.

Factors to Consider for Poultry Farming

Several important factors need to be considered before starting a poultry farm. Some of these are as follows:

• Regulations: It is essential to be aware of the regulations related to poultry farming in your area. Obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Additionally, compliance with health and safety regulations is also necessary.
• Market Demand: Conduct thorough research on the market demand for poultry products in your area. This will help you determine the quantity and pricing of your products.
• Location: Choose a location for your poultry where there is access to clean water, electricity, and transportation facilities. Additionally, the location should be free from heavy pollution and other environmental hazards.
• Expertise: Poultry farming requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Consult with experts before starting this business. Obtain the necessary information for running a successful poultry farm.
• Risk Management: The poultry farming business involves risks such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and market fluctuations. To mitigate these risks and secure your investment, develop a risk management plan.

Space for Poultry Farming

• Selection of Suitable Location: The place for poultry housing should be dry and away from residential areas. It should also have transportation facilities nearby.
• Type of Housing: There are different types of poultry housing, including deep litter, cages, and free-range. You can construct any type of housing according to your needs and budget.
• Proper Arrangement: There should be adequate space in the housing for chickens to live, roam, and lay eggs. Proper arrangements for ventilation and lighting should also be made. Proper management should also be done to protect the chickens from adverse weather conditions.
• Attention to Strength: Poultry housing can be made of bamboo, wood, or metal. Ensure that the housing is strong and secure to protect the birds from predators during construction.
• Arrangement of Equipment: Manage the necessary equipment inside the housing, such as feeders, water supply, lighting, and environmental control. Also, arrange separate areas or boxes for eggs and feed.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the housing to prevent chickens from diseases or to prevent the spread of diseases.

Feed for Chickens

• Providing balanced and nutritious food is essential to enhance the physical development of chickens and increase egg production. The diet given to chickens may vary based on their breed.
• Broiler chickens are usually fed high-protein diets to promote rapid growth and weight gain.
• In layer poultry farming, chickens are provided with calcium-rich food, which helps increase egg production.
• In India, the diet of chickens typically consists of grains, protein sources, and supplemental feed.

Making More Profit from Poultry Farming

• Depending on your area, raise chickens that have a good growth rate and lay more eggs.
• Feed the chickens a balanced diet. This can enhance their physical development, productivity, and resistance to diseases.
• Maintain cleanliness to protect the chickens from diseases. Provide separate arrangements for infected chickens for living and feeding.
• Provide clean and fresh water to chickens and chicks every day.
• Make separate arrangements for chicks to live.
• Cover the shed properly to protect it from cold or hot weather.

Cost and Profit in Poultry Farming

• Initially, the cost of space arrangement, housing, cages, chickens, feed, etc., for poultry farming comes to around 5 to 6 lakh rupees.
• To rear 1,500 chickens, more than 10 percent of chicks are required.
• The cost of raising one layer parent bird is approximately 30 to 35 rupees, meaning the cost of purchasing chickens amounts to 50 thousand rupees.
• One layer parent bird lays around 300 eggs.
• This results in an income of 50 thousand to 1 lakh rupees per month.

Subsidy for Poultry Farming

• Under the NLM scheme, a subsidy amount of up to 50%, capped at Rs. 25 lakh, will be provided directly to the beneficiary when applied.

Which breed of chickens do you breed, and how much profit do you make annually from it? Share your answer and experience with us through comments. For more information on animal health and nutrition, follow the 'Pashu Gyan' channel now. Also, don't forget to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How far should a poultry farm be from the village?

A: According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the distance between a poultry farm and a village should be at least 500 meters. This ensures that there is no adverse effect on the health of residents of the village or surrounding areas due to the emission of harmful gases and odors.

Q: How many days does it take for a boiler to be ready?

A: Broiler chickens are usually ready within 35 to 42 days. Some fast-growing breeds can be ready in as fast as 28 days.

Q: How much does a chick cost?

A: The price of chicks can vary based on their breed, age, and location. Generally, the price of a chick is around 30 to 35 rupees. The price of broiler breed chicks may be lower compared to layer breed chicks.