Growing demand — ending dependence on other states

New Delhi: Eggs and chicken meat are beneficial for health, and their demand is increasing across the country. Soon, Uttarakhand will no longer be dependent on other states for its supply of eggs and chicken. Currently, there is a yearly demand of around 15 lakh eggs and 395 lakh kilograms of chicken meat in Uttarakhand. By promoting investment in the poultry sector, the state plans to create employment opportunities for 4,500 individuals over the next five years. To achieve this, the government has approved the Poultry Development Policy-2025.

Under this five-year policy, the state aims to establish 35 egg production units and 19 broiler farms. This initiative is expected to attract approximately ₹85 crore in private investment. Additionally, investors will receive subsidies—40% in hilly regions and 30% in plains. A total subsidy amount of ₹29.09 crore has been proposed.

From the Global Investors Summit to policy approval

Each year, the demand for chicken and eggs continues to grow in Uttarakhand. In response to the increasing demand, the state government has intensified efforts. During the Global Investors Summit held in 2023, several investors expressed interest in investing in the state's poultry sector.

It has emerged that Uttarakhand requires approximately 1,544 million (15.44 lakh) eggs and 395 million kilograms (395 lakh kg) of poultry meat annually. To meet this demand, the state currently relies on supplies from other states. Keeping this in view, the Poultry Development Policy was drafted and has now been approved in a cabinet meeting as the Uttarakhand Poultry Development Policy-2025, valid for five years.

Unit-level financial assistance

Animal Husbandry Secretary Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam informed that under this five-year policy, 18 commercial layer farms and 10 broiler farms will be set up in hilly regions, and 17 commercial layer farms and new broiler farms in plains.

• Hilly areas: ₹48 lakh per egg unit and ₹56 lakh per broiler unit (40% of the unit cost).
• Plains: ₹45 lakh for egg units and ₹63 lakh for broiler units.