Feed prices now representing 70% of the total cost of production are increasing at a faster rate than the price of chicken meat and eggs. Beside feed costs, the costs of other inputs such as labor and fuel, or power are also increasing. Despite these facts, the poultry industry in India is maintaining an annual growth rate between 8% and 12%. The poultry industry is divided into the two categories of layer production and broiler production. Between 2003 and 2012 India’s population has increased from 1.06 billion to 1.2 billion people. Per capita consumption of eggs has increased from 36 in 2002 to 48 in 2012. With improved farming practices, egg production is up to 320 eggs per hen housed in a 365 day laying cycle. India is the fourth largest broiler producer after China, the U.S., and Brazil. There has been a significant increase in broiler production between 2002 and 2012. Parent broiler placements for 2012 are estimated at 30 million as opposed to 1.5 million in 2002. Overall the growth of the layer sector is projected to be 6% and the growth of the broiler sector is expected to be 12%. To read an in-depth evaluation of the poultry industry in India:
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