Issues in poultry industry

Source-This post on Issues in poultry industry has been created based on the article “The poultry industry needs urgent reforms” published in “The Hindu” on 29 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Economics of Animal-Rearing

Context– The recent H5N1 outbreak was long overdue due to outstanding warnings about unsafe conditions in industrial livestock production. The current public health crisis highlights the connection between animal welfare, public health, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the importance of the One Health principle.

What are some problems with industrial poultry production in India?

1) Environmental Pollution-Industrial poultry production in India leads to contaminated environments due to overcrowded wire cages, resulting in poor air quality, odour, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions.

2) Issues with farmers–

A) Poultry farmers struggle to leave the industry because of contract farming, hefty debts, and the need for specialized skills, even when they’re facing financial losses.

B) Farmers collect the waste or faecal matter to use as fertilizer, but sometimes there’s too much waste for the land to handle, causing pollution. This excess waste damages crops and attracts disease-carrying flies, creating problems for farmers and the neighboring population.

3) Anti-biotic usage– Farmers use antibiotics to prevent illness and help birds grow faster. However, this may lead to a rise in cases of antibiotic resistance. The antibiotics that are used for birds are considered important by the WHO.

4) Health Impacts – Keeping animals in cramped conditions not only harms their well-being but also endangers the health of people who work in or live near these places. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that among humans, the H5N1 flu has a fatality rate of 52%, with 463 deaths out of 888 cases since 2003. Most human infections with this bird flu come from being close to infected birds or contaminated places.

5) Violation of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act-This act makes it illegal to keep animals in confined spaces. Activities in industrial places that cause animals pain or suffering are a violation of the PCA Act.

Read more- Economics of Animal Rearing

What recommendations have been made for legal reform in the poultry industry?

1) The 269th Law Commission of India Report in 2017 highlighted that with more open, cleaner, and ventilated living spaces, animals are less likely to need constant antibiotics.

2) The law commission recommended a set of two draft rules for the welfare of chickens in the meat and egg industries. It included subjects like animal care, waste management, and antibiotic use, etc. However, the Draft Rules for the egg industry released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2019 are weak and tokenistic. They should follow the recommendations of the Law Commission.

Thus, there is a need for stricter oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations because the poultry industry is now considered highly polluting by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Question for practice

Highlight the problems with industrial poultry production in India? Suggest reforms recommended by the law commission?