Broiler meat production set to reach 6 million tonnes by 2015: ASSOCHAM

 

 

New Delhi:

The broiler meat production in India is likely to reach about six million tonnes (mt) by 2015 from the current level of over 3.5 mt, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said today.

 

“Broiler meat production in India is growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10 per cent as against the demand which is growing at over 15 per cent on the back of rising population, expanding middle class with rising affordability owing to soaring per-capita income, growing penetration of quick service restaurants amid changing food consumption habits,” according to a sector-specific analysis of broiler meat in India carried out by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

 

“Considering that broiler is the lowest in fat content it is the most popular amidst edible meat,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing findings of the chamber’s analysis. “Besides, broilers provide an alternate source of meat with an added advantage of being priced lower than other red meats thereby driving its demand.”

 

“Growing consumption of dressed meat though at a slow but steady rate is another key aspect leading to rise in broiler meat demand and production in India which is predominantly a live bird market with chilled/frozen products accounting for less than five per cent of the total market,” said Mr Rawat. “Scientific development of poultry and genetic breeding of superior birds capable of high production along with usage of high-tech poultry equipments are key reasons for growth in production of meat and meat products in India.”

 

But absence of proper financial and marketing support, lack of storage and processing facilities, ever-rising feed stock prices including maize and soymeal are certain key reasons hurting growth prospects of the poultry industry which according to ASSOCHAM is currently worth over Rs 50,000 crore.

 

Deficient infrastructure for cold storage and transportation is also hampering industry’s growth which needs to be addressed through an efficient distribution system, large investments in cold chain infrastructure together with modernisation and sophistication in broiler production, processing and marketing.

 

Low per capita consumption of broiler meat which remains less than three kilograms (kgs) per annum and frequent outbreaks of ‘bird flu’ in different parts of the country are certain other significant aspects which need to be noted in this behalf.

 

South India accounts for about 45 per cent of the broiler meat production across the country, spearheaded by Andhra Pradesh also known as ‘chicken bowl of India’ which alone accounts for about 20 per cent of the total broiler meat production in India while Tamil Nadu is ahead in consumption.