Recently, a ban on the export of maize, another key component in poultry
feed, was lifted, causing prices of the commodity to drop Rs10,500 (€162;
US$214) per t to about Rs8,000 (€124; US$162) per t.
The Soyabean Processor Association of India (SOPA) and the ministry of
agriculture estimate that the country will produce about 10.5 mln t of soybean
in 2008. This is an increase of about 14% when compared to the 9.4 mln t
achieved in 2007.
Over recent months, very high feed prices have caused the cost of
production to increase, and consequently farmers have been battling against
losses on the sale of chicken and eggs.
"We are now gearing up for an increase in sales of eggs and chicken, as the
winter months approach," Ricky Thaper, treasurer, Poultry Federation of India.
