Drought Effect: Poultry Farmers Feel the Heat as Corn Prices Soar, Water Reserves Dwindle

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 29 (PTI) Poor rainfall and severe drought conditions in Maharashtra have started putting a strain on the state’s poultry industry, forcing poultry farmers to grapple with soaring feed costs, dwindling water supplies, and an impending slump in demand.

Industry representatives on Tuesday warned that skyrocketing corn prices, which surged to nearly Rs 28 per kilogram due to crop losses, could force farmers to scale back livestock numbers to avert operational losses.

Feed Costs Outpace Egg Prices

Talking to PTI, Shivaji Kshirsagar, a poultry farmer and recipient of the state government’s Krushi Bhushan Award, said that the full impact of the drought will intensify in the coming months.

“Corn, a primary feed for poultry, cost Rs 18 to Rs 20 per kg last year. We are now forced to procure it at nearly Rs 28 per kg, whereas egg prices have risen by merely one or two rupees over the same period,” he pointed out.

He noted that his farm has a capacity of nearly one lakh hens, but escalating costs may force producers like him to reduce chick stock to trim overheads.

Kshirsagar added that the drought may also weaken purchasing power in rural areas, and the demand for eggs and meat is also likely to drop as a result.

Broiler Producers Battle Heat and Water Shortage

Echoing similar concerns, Sanjay Nalgirkar, president of the Poultry Breeders and Farmers Association of Maharashtra, highlighted the plight of broiler chicken producers, who are battling rising temperatures, high humidity, and shrinking water reserves.

He also pointed out that sourcing feed from northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could push corn rates over Rs 30 per kg due to transportation costs.

Due to the cumulative rise in production expenses, broiler chicken prices in the region have escalated to around Rs 125 per kg compared to Rs 100 per kg recorded in September last year, Nalgirkar said.