Indian poultry farmers are facing significant financial strain as maize prices have surged from Rs 12-14 per kilogram in 2019 to current levels of Rs 27-28. This sharp increase is largely attributed to the growing diversion of maize for ethanol blending, which has risen from zero percent in 2021-2022 to approximately 37 percent for the 2025-2026 period. As maize serves as a critical starch-heavy component in poultry feed, producers are struggling to manage these elevated operational costs. The situation is further exacerbated by deficient rainfall and reduced sowing, which threaten to tighten supply even more. Consequently, farmers are forced to choose between absorbing heavy losses or increasing retail prices for eggs and chicken, potentially impacting consumers across the country as the government continues its push for higher ethanol integration in fuel.
Source : Scroll.in
Photo : Scroll.in
Aussi couvert par : CGTN
Aussi couvert par : CGTN
