Economic Performance of Layer Poultry Industries in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra

Indian Poultry Industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the Agricultural sector in India. As the production of agricultural crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 per cent per annum while the production of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 8 to 10 per cent per annum. Today India is world’ third largest eggs producer and fourth largest producer of broiler chicken. Poultry egg and meat are important sources of high quality proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance the human diet. Specially developed breeds of egg type chicken are now available with an ability of quick growth and high feed conversion efficiency. Depending on the farm-size, layer (for eggs) farming can be main source of family income or can provide subsidiary income and gainful employment to farmers throughout the year. Poultry manure has high fertilizer value and can be used for increasing yield of all crops. There are many facets of production and hence, many areas that are potential concern for the welfare of the animals involved. The poultry sector in India has undergone a paradigm shift in structure and operation which has been its transformation from a mere backyard activity into a major commercial agro based industry over a period of four decades. The constant efforts in up gradation, modification and application of new technologies paved the way for the multi fold and multifaceted growth in poultry and allied sectors.