The poultry industry has lashed out at activists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) opposing the use of cages to raise the birds.

The industry refuted activists’ claims that the birds were not fed in hygienic conditions. Industry representatives pointed out that the birds lay more eggs in the prevailing conditions compared with cage-less farming.

“The allegations by foreign-funded NGOs on animal health and upkeep are ill-conceived. Motivated PILs have been filed seeking a ban on conventional poultry egg systems,” Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IPEMA) President Harish Garware has said.

Alleging that “vested interests” are behind the activists, the industry leaders have said that Indian poultry products are cheaper because of the lower production costs. “They want this advantage this to go,” industry representatives charged.

Asked about hygiene conditions and the space for the birds to move around freely, they said they used the system in vogue in several countries to house commercial layer bird farms.

The activists have been protesting against the use of ‘battery cages’, in which hens are crammed in small, enclosures in unhygienic conditions.

The industry leaders, along with poultry equipment industry representatives, gathered here on the eve of the 12th edition of the IPEMA expo, beginning Wednesday.

The three-day event will showcase products, services and equipment from manufacturers from India and abroad.

Broiler production

“The broiler production in the country is projected to grow 7.5 per cent this year to over 4.9 million tonnes,” Harish Garware said.

The demand for processed chicken meat is likely to go up to 20 per cent year-on-year. Layer production will be at 85 billion eggs, he said.

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