Poultry farmers in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, are facing mounting pressure as maize prices have surged by nearly 55 per cent, increasing poultry feed costs and raising concerns over the rising expense of egg production.
Maize prices have climbed from around Rs 22 per kg to Rs 33-Rs 34 per kg, marking an increase of approximately 50-55 per cent. Namakkal, one of India’s largest poultry and egg-producing hubs, is witnessing difficulties as farmers struggle with both rising procurement costs and reduced availability of the key feed ingredient.
Poultry farmers have attributed the price surge to inadequate rainfall in major maize-growing regions, which has affected supplies from cultivation belts such as Attur, Pethanaickenpalayam and Kallakurichi.
Maize and soya are the two principal ingredients used in poultry feed, with maize accounting for more than 40 per cent of its composition. Its significant share makes fluctuations in maize prices a major factor influencing the overall expenditure of poultry farms.
Apart from its nutritional importance, maize also contributes to the colour of egg yolks, making it an essential ingredient in poultry feed production.
An adult bird consumes around 110 grams of feed daily, of which nearly 55 grams consists of grains, predominantly maize. This daily requirement means farmers have to continue procuring supplies despite the sharp increase in prices.
Farm owners have also linked the decline in maize availability to the effects of El Nino and inadequate rainfall, which have affected cultivation and reduced supplies from major growing regions.
The shortage has created a double challenge for poultry farmers, who are struggling with both higher procurement costs and difficulties in securing sufficient quantities of maize.
With higher maize prices pushing up the cost of preparing poultry feed, farmers are now spending more to maintain their flocks and sustain egg production. The increase from Rs 22 to as much as Rs 34 per kg represents an additional expenditure of up to Rs 12 for every kilogram of maize purchased.
For Namakkal’s poultry sector, continued supply constraints and rising feed expenses have intensified concerns over production costs and the sustainability of daily farm operations.