Alappuzha, Kerala: A sharp rise in the prices of poultry feed and broiler chicks is putting Kerala's poultry farmers under pressure just as they begin preparing for the Onam season (August-September period), when demand for chicken usually increases.

The price of a 50-kg bag of poultry feed has gone up by ₹450 over the past month and now costs between ₹2,200 and ₹2,500. On Tuesday alone, the price increased by another ₹50. 

As production costs continue to climb, many farmers are choosing to reduce the number of birds they rear instead of increasing production for the festive season.

The rise in feed prices has also pushed up the cost of broiler chicks and eggs. A one-day-old broiler chick now costs around ₹50, while eggs are selling for ₹8 to ₹9 each.

Higher costs leave farmers with a bigger bill

Feed is the biggest expense for poultry farmers. To rear 1,000 broiler chickens until they are ready for sale, farmers need around 65 to 70 bags of feed. At current prices, that alone costs between ₹28,800 and ₹31,500.

The initial investment has also become more expensive. Buying 1,000 broiler chicks now costs at least ₹50,000. Farmers then have to meet other expenses, including electricity, medicines, labour and transport.

Traders said that if input costs continue to rise, chicken prices are also likely to increase during the Onam season.

Small farmers fear being pushed out

S.K. Nazeer, general secretary of the All Kerala Poultry Federation, said the rising cost of production is making it difficult for small-scale farmers to continue in the business.

He said that if more small farmers leave the sector, poultry production and marketing could gradually come under the control of large companies. According to Nazeer, this could reduce competition and give bigger firms greater control over prices.

He called for a benchmark pricing system and a mechanism to monitor poultry prices.