Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-May-2024

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza have caused significant harm to animal populations, especially poultry. This situation poses a serious threat to the poultry industry in India, which is crucial for both the economy and food security.

About the Sector

India is rich in livestock resources, making it one of the largest producers of various animal products in the world. Some key points include:

  • Milk and Meat Production: India is the largest producer of milk and buffalo meat, the second largest of goat meat, and ranks eighth in overall meat production globally.
  • Poultry Growth: The poultry sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of Indian agriculture, with egg production reaching 138.38 billion eggs in 2022-23. India ranks third in the world for egg production.

Top Egg-Producing States

The leading states for egg production in India are:

  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Telangana
  • West Bengal
  • Karnataka

Importance of Poultry

Poultry plays a vital role in providing protein through eggs and meat in diets across India. Its importance can be summarized as follows:

  • Nutritional Benefits: Poultry helps meet the increasing protein and nutritional needs of a growing population.
  • Agricultural Diversification: It can diversify agricultural practices, especially as land availability decreases.
  • Economic Opportunities: Poultry farming offers employment and income with low initial investment. It can also reduce rural youth migration by providing local job opportunities.
  • Industry Growth: Over the past two decades, poultry has evolved into a major industry, with production rates for eggs and broilers increasing by 8 to 10 percent annually.

Concerns

Despite its benefits, the poultry sector faces significant challenges:

  • Unsanitary Conditions: Animals are often kept in overcrowded and unhealthy environments, impacting both animal welfare and consumer health.
  • Pollution Issues: The excessive accumulation of manure exceeds land capacity, leading to pollution problems.
  • Health Risks: Human infections of avian influenza A (H5N1) are commonly linked to close contact with infected birds.
  • Economic Pressures: Many farmers struggle with debt and market volatility, making it difficult to exit the industry despite losses.
  • Regulatory Issues: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies large poultry units as polluting industries, requiring compliance with strict regulations.

Related Initiatives

To support the poultry sector, the Indian government has launched several initiatives:

  • National Livestock Mission: This program offers a 50% subsidy (up to Rs 25 lakh) to entrepreneurs for establishing facilities like parent farms and hatcheries.
  • Animal Welfare Laws: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, prohibits the intensive confinement of animals.
  • Antibiotic Use: A 2017 report by the Law Commission highlighted concerns over non-therapeutic antibiotics in poultry, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. Improving living conditions for animals can reduce the need for these medications, ensuring safer products for consumers.

Why In News

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza have caused widespread devastation in animal populations, particularly poultry, leading to severe economic losses and raising concerns about food security.

MCQs about The Impact of Avian Influenza on India’s Poultry Sector

  1. What is the main impact of recent outbreaks of avian influenza on India’s poultry sector?
    A. Increased production of eggs
    B. Widespread devastation in animal populations
    C. Growth of backyard poultry farming
    D. Higher export rates of poultry products
    Correct Answer: B. Widespread devastation in animal populations
    Explanation: The recent outbreaks of avian influenza have significantly harmed animal populations, particularly in the poultry sector, causing economic losses and food security concerns.
  2. Which state is NOT mentioned as a top egg-producing state in India?
    A. Andhra Pradesh
    B. Tamil Nadu
    C. Maharashtra
    D. Telangana
    Correct Answer: C. Maharashtra
    Explanation: The essay lists Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Karnataka as the top egg-producing states, but does not mention Maharashtra.
  3. What initiative is the Indian government implementing to support poultry farmers?
    A. Free veterinary services
    B. National Livestock Mission providing subsidies
    C. Tax incentives for poultry exports
    D. Mandatory antibiotic use regulations
    Correct Answer: B. National Livestock Mission providing subsidies
    Explanation: The National Livestock Mission, which offers a 50% subsidy to entrepreneurs for establishing poultry-related facilities, aiming to support the sector’s growth.
  4. What is one of the major concerns related to poultry farming mentioned in the essay?
    A. Increase in egg prices
    B. Animal welfare issues and unsanitary conditions
    C. Decline in global poultry demand
    D. Lack of market competition
    Correct Answer: B. Animal welfare issues and unsanitary conditions
    Explanation: Many animals are kept in overcrowded and unhealthy environments, which affects both their welfare and the health of consumers, highlighting a significant concern in the industry.

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