In a significant push to achieve self-sufficiency in egg production, the Uttar Pradesh government is embarking on a major expansion of its 'Backyard Poultry Scheme'. The initiative aims to establish thousands of small-scale poultry units in rural households to bridge the state's massive demand-supply gap.
The Stark Reality of UP's Egg Deficit
Despite recording a growth rate of nearly 30% in the past year, Uttar Pradesh continues to produce less than half of its total egg requirement. The daily demand in the state ranges between 3.5 to 5.5 crore eggs, but domestic production languishes at a mere 1.5 to 1.7 crore eggs per day. This translates to a per capita supply of only 25 eggs per person annually, which is not even two eggs per week.
Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Mukesh Meshram, highlighted the immense growth potential in the sector due to this sheer gap. "The sector holds huge promise for growth," Meshram stated, emphasizing the need for aggressive measures to boost local production.
Massive Expansion of Beneficiary Base and Private Partnership
The existing 'Backyard Poultry Scheme', which currently provides 50 chicks, cages, and medicines to Scheduled Caste women with a target of 16,600 beneficiaries a year, is deemed "hugely insufficient." The new plan involves a dramatic scale-up.
The government intends to expand the beneficiary base to include other Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The ambitious new target is to establish 1,000 units in each of the state's 75 districts, culminating in 75,000 new poultry units each year. Meshram noted that even under the current limited scheme, applications far exceed allotments, which are done through a lottery system.
To achieve this scale, the department is proposing to rope in private players. Under the proposed model, these private entities will supply chicks, provide medical assistance and feed, with a provision for buyback once the birds reach a certain size. This partnership model is expected to cover a much larger beneficiary base efficiently.
Focus on Indigenous Breeds and Egg Processing
Another key aspect of the strategy is the promotion of specific, high-yield indigenous poultry breeds. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly has recommended CARI Debendra, a native breed suitable for both egg and meat production. "This breed, which looks like a desi hen, develops very fast. We would want this to be a profitable venture for rural households," Meshram explained. He added that this initiative would also help address issues of stunting and malnutrition among children in the state by improving protein access.
To further stimulate the ecosystem, the government is promoting egg processing units. Entrepreneurs registering on the Invest UP portal for setting up such units will be eligible for a 35% subsidy under the state's Food Processing Policy. Concurrently, the existing state policy on egg production is also slated for revision to meet contemporary challenges.
The comprehensive plan underscores Uttar Pradesh's determined effort to transform its poultry sector from a deficit-ridden one to a self-sufficient and income-generating pillar of the rural economy.
