The expanding landscape of India’s poultry sector

Over the last four decades or so, the poultry sector has grown fastest among the livestock species transforming itself into supplier of the most economic sources of protein for consumers through development of value chains. The growth in the India poultry industry is being driven by rising disposable incomes and a change in food habits. The shift from the traditional diet, which relied heavily on pulses, to food products such as meat, eggs, and dairy products to meet the protein requirements is significantly aiding the industry growth. The increasing awareness about health and wellness is further driving the demand for a protein-rich diet. According to the Economic Survey (2022-23), the livestock sector comprising dairy, poultry meat, eggs and fisheries witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices), and its contribution to total agriculture GVA (at constant prices) has increased from 24.3% in 2014-15 to 30.1% in 2020-21. ...