Poultry, food security and poverty in India: looking beyond the farm-gate

Abstract

This paper reviews the major pathways through which the growth of poultry farming can contribute to improved nutrition and poverty reduction in India, including direct benefits from poultry farming, employment generation along the poultry value chain, and consumption of poultry meat and eggs. Poultry farming and full (or part) time employment along the supply chain only represent a path out of poverty for a limited number of households, whereas increased availability and affordability of poultry meat and eggs for both rural and urban poor, which are mostly net buyers of food, is the most effective way through which poultry sector development can contribute to improved nutrition (and poverty reduction). Public investments in support of backyard poultry farming development remain important for enhancing nutritional status and reducing vulnerability of many rural households. The promotion of selected small-scale market-oriented poultry units in rural areas is expected to contribute to improved nutrition and rural economic growth through increased supply and lower prices of animal proteins and second round productivity and employment effects. Large-scale commercial poultry integrators have comparative and competitive advantages in providing urban consumers, many of which also live below the poverty line, with affordably-priced poultry meat and eggs.