HERO BANNER
Industry scale
The Indian poultry sector contributes Rs 2.5 lakh crore annually, with approximately 40 crore layer birds and 500 crore broiler birds produced yearly. "The poultry sector requires nearly 20 million tonnes of maize every year as feed."
Supply-demand gap
India produces 41–42 million tonnes of maize, with the poultry sector consuming roughly 50%. However, "the poultry sector is growing at an average rate of 8% per year. This growth alone requires an additional 1.5 million tonnes of maize every year."
Productivity challenge
Indian maize productivity averages 3.5 metric tonnes per hectare, significantly below global standards of 8–12 metric tonnes per hectare. The article attributes this to "low-yielding local varieties" versus GM maize used internationally.
The poultry sector is growing at an average rate of 8% per year. This growth alone requires an additional 1.5 million tonnes of maize every year.
Price disparity and policy recommendation
Current Indian maize prices reach Rs 24 per kg compared to international prices of Rs 16–18 per kg, creating competitive disadvantages for domestic poultry industries.
The article advocates for permitting GM maize technology or, alternatively, "permitting GM maize imports or usage specifically for ethanol and starch production" to improve availability and affordability.