Farmers face 15% loss as poultry feed costs surge

Rising feed prices deepen pressure on poultry, dairy producers (Representative Image)

Poultry farmers are facing losses of about 15%, industry executives said, while dairy producers in drought-hit regions are struggling to source fodder. Prices of mustard meal have risen 75%, deoiled rice bran meal 68%, corn DDGS 66%, groundnut meal 43% and maize 8%.

Feed manufacturers are also facing margin pressure as higher prices dampen demand. Industry associations have urged the government to ease maize imports and release foodgrain stocks unfit for human consumption for use as livestock feed. The competition between the poultry and the ethanol manufacturers has increased to get a higher share of maize, whose production has fallen due to a deficient monsoon.