By Ranjan K Baruah
The pandemic and lock down has taught us to be more self dependent and one area where business flourished is none other than poultry. Consumption of meats and eggs continued and the sector did not incur loss as there were demands. Whenever we go out for eating out then we realize the importance of poultry in chains like KFCs or any other restaurants. We can easily imagine the scope and opportunities in the field of poultry in the region or in the country.
“Poultry” can be defined as domestic fowls, including chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks, raised for the production of meat or eggs and the word is also used for the flesh of these birds used as food. Poultry farming is the form of animal husbandry which raises domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese to produce meat or eggs for food. It has originated from the agricultural era. Poultry – mostly chickens – are farmed in great numbers.
When there is demand there is undoubtedly a career scope in the field. For a successful person in this area is to study in agricultural colleges or universities. To be successful in the poultry business one may not have a formal degree or diploma from universities but it is always advisable to have academic qualification to excel in the field.
Career opportunities in poultry science are abundant which includes research, education, business, consultant, manager, breeder, advertiser, poultry house designer, production technologist, processing technologist, feeding technologist, value addition technologist, poultry economist, etc. and many more depending upon the aptitude and qualification.
Any aspirant who wants to become a poultry specialist and interested to pursue specialized jobs should complete first B.V.Sc and A.H (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry). The minimum qualification is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for completion of the B.V.Sc and AH. After completion of graduation degree, one may opt for a postgraduate programme of M.V.Sc (Master of Veterinary Science) and Ph.D. in poultry related disciplines to become a specialist.
There are many skill training courses which are short term and offered by specialization agencies and institutes in the country. Central and state government extends their support and assistance to individuals or organizations who want to start poultry businesses. Commercial poultry farming in India has created profitable business openings for the Entrepreneurs. This business can provide a great employment source for potential entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India has four Central Poultry Development Organisations (Regional Directorate on Poultry development). The Indian poultry market, consisting of broilers and eggs was worth INR 1,494 Billion in 2017. The market is further projected to reach INR 3,775 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 16.5% during 2018-2023.
There are demands or eggs and meats so scopes shall keep in increasing. One must possess basic employability skills or entrepreneurial ideas to be successful in this field. Initially there might be challenge to be in this business but with proper planning and training and exposure any one can do wonder in poultry farming or business. We should know that poultry is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in India with an average growth rate of 8 to 10 per cent per annum which shows the future associated with it.
(The author is a career mentor and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])