Chicken and egg supplies in Karnataka may be hit from November 25 as poultry farmers have threatened to halt supplies over demands for higher poultry rearing charges. The Karnataka State Poultry Farmers Welfare Association has called for a protest alleging that integration companies are not paying farmers the minimum amount required to cover the cost of poultry farming.
If its demands are not met by the association, farmers will stage a ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo’ (Assembly hall run by government) protest in Bengaluru on November 25. If poultry farmers go ahead with their decision, then the availability of chicken and eggs in the market might be affected.
The farmers are asking the state government to direct integration companies to pay minimum poultry rearing charges approved for the sector.
Why Are Poultry Farmers Planning a Strike?
Poultry farmers have complained about the difference between what it costs to maintain a poultry farm and what they are paid by integration companies.
The association says farmers get around ₹6.20 per kg as rearing charges, but it is not enough to cover rising expenses (labour, electricity, farm maintenance, etc.).
The association is demanding a minimum rearing charge of ₹20 per kg. It says this amount is necessary so that poultry farmers can continue their operations without financial distress.
Farmers have also alleged that companies are not implementing the intermediate payment of ₹10 per kg, which they say had already been approved by the government.
Poultry Farmers' Major Demands
The association has put several demands before the Karnataka government and poultry integration companies.
- Raise rearing charges to Rs 20 per kg: Farmers want companies to pay at least Rs 20 per kg (instead of the current Rs 6.20) because operational costs are going up, he said.
- Pay ₹10 approved: The association is asking for immediate implementation of the intermediate rearing charge (₹10 per kg), saying companies are not paying the approved amount.
- Implement Karnataka Poultry Regulation and Development Act, 2022: Farmers want the state government to implement provisions of the law.
- Give poultry farming agricultural status: The association is asking for poultry farming to be recognised as an agricultural activity.
- Amend Karnataka Land Revenue Act: Farmers want the law changed to make poultry farming an agricultural activity under the state’s land revenue regime.
Egg Prices Rise to ₹7.50 in Bengaluru
The strike has already started in Bengaluru, where the retail price of an egg is now said to be ₹7.50 (Rs 120 for a dozen). This will add further burden on consumers.
If poultry farmers stop supplies from Nov 25, chicken and egg availability may be disrupted in the coming days. But how much will depend on the participation of farmers and the response from poultry integration companies.
A prolonged supply interruption could add to the pressure on prices (if demand is strong).
Will Chicken and Eggs be Unavailable from 25 November?
The agitation doesn’t necessarily mean chicken and eggs will disappear from markets on November 25 — if farmers go ahead with the supply suspension, consumers could run out of chicken and eggs in some areas.
The association has asked the state government to intervene and resolve the payment dispute before the protest was planned.
The days ahead will be important for poultry farmers, integration companies and consumers as discussions on rearing charges and implementation of government-approved payments continue.
For now, consumers in Karnataka should watch out for further announcements on the November 25 protest and changes in chicken and egg availability.
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