India’s Egg Production

Egg production in India forms a vital component of the country’s poultry industry, contributing significantly to nutritional security, rural employment, and agricultural diversification. India ranks among the top five egg-producing countries in the world, with production driven by both organised commercial farms and backyard poultry systems. The sector plays a crucial role in providing a low-cost, high-quality source of animal protein for the population, aligning with national goals of food and nutritional self-sufficiency.

Background and Growth Trends

India’s poultry sector has witnessed remarkable transformation over the past few decades. From being a subsistence-based rural activity in the 1960s, egg production has evolved into a modern, scientifically managed agro-industry. The introduction of hybrid breeds, improved feed technology, vaccination programmes, and integrated marketing systems has led to exponential growth.
According to recent estimates, India produces over 130 billion eggs annually (as of 2024), compared to just around 2 billion eggs in 1950–51. The per capita availability of eggs has also increased significantly, reaching about 100–120 eggs per person per year, though still below the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommendation of 180 eggs per person per year for adequate nutrition.
The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), established in 1982, has played a major role in stabilising prices, supporting farmers, and promoting egg consumption through campaigns such as “Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande” (“Whether Sunday or Monday, eat eggs every day”).

Major Egg-Producing States

Egg production in India is geographically concentrated, with a few states contributing the majority of the national output. The leading states include:

• Andhra Pradesh – The largest producer, accounting for around 18–20% of total production.
• Tamil Nadu – A major hub for layer farming with advanced poultry infrastructure.
• Telangana – Known for large-scale commercial layer farms and poultry integration.
• West Bengal – A rapidly growing egg-producing state in eastern India.
• Karnataka and Maharashtra – Important contributors to both rural and industrial-scale egg production.
• Haryana and Punjab – Emerging regions with well-developed poultry clusters.

Together, these states contribute over 70% of total egg output, supported by favourable climatic conditions, efficient feed supply chains, and proximity to major consumption markets.

Types of Egg Production Systems

Egg production in India takes place through two main systems, representing different scales of operation and socio-economic contexts:

1. Commercial Poultry Farming:
   • Large-scale farms with intensive housing systems and controlled environments.
   • Use of high-yielding layer breeds such as Hy-Line, BV-300, Lohmann, and ISA Brown.
   • Automated feeding, lighting, and egg collection systems for higher efficiency.
   • Predominantly located near urban markets and feed industries.
2. Backyard and Rural Poultry:
   • Smallholder-based, extensive rearing under semi-scavenging conditions.
   • Indigenous or dual-purpose breeds such as Vanaraja, Gramapriya, Narmadanidhi, and Kuroiler.
   • Provides supplementary income, nutrition, and women’s empowerment in rural areas.
   • Supported under government schemes like the Rural Backyard Poultry Development Programme and National Livestock Mission (NLM).

Government Initiatives and Policy Support

Recognising its nutritional and economic importance, the Government of India has introduced several initiatives to promote sustainable egg production:

• National Livestock Mission (NLM): Supports poultry development through feed infrastructure, breeding farms, and disease control.
• Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF): Facilitates credit support for small and medium poultry enterprises.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Encourages innovation and modernisation in poultry farming.
• National Programme for Poultry Development (NPPD): Focuses on improving rural backyard poultry production.
• Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme: Strengthens disease surveillance and vaccination coverage.
• Mission Protein 2047: Envisions India as a self-sufficient and globally competitive protein producer, with eggs as a major component.

Factors Influencing Egg Production

Several biological, environmental, and managerial factors affect egg production in India:

• Breed and Genetics: High-yielding hybrid layers produce over 300 eggs per year, while indigenous birds produce 60–120.
• Feed Quality: Balanced nutrition with optimal protein, calcium, and energy content is essential for productivity.
• Climate and Housing: Temperature-controlled housing ensures consistent production and bird welfare.
• Disease Management: Biosecurity measures against avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and fowl pox are vital.
• Market Dynamics: Prices fluctuate seasonally, influenced by feed costs and regional demand.
• Technological Adoption: Mechanisation and digital monitoring are improving efficiency in large farms.

Economic Importance

The egg industry contributes substantially to India’s livestock GDP, employment generation, and nutritional security. It provides:

• Employment: Direct and indirect employment to over 25 million people, including women and rural youth.
• Export Potential: India exports eggs and egg powder to countries such as the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Maldives, and Japan.
• Rural Income: Acts as a stable source of supplementary income for small and marginal farmers.
• Food Security: Eggs are a vital source of protein, vitamins, and essential amino acids, crucial in combating malnutrition.

Challenges in Egg Production

Despite its progress, India’s egg sector faces several challenges:

• High Feed Costs: Maize and soybean meal, key feed ingredients, fluctuate in price.
• Disease Outbreaks: Periodic avian influenza outbreaks disrupt production and trade.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate cold chain and transport facilities affect quality maintenance.
• Environmental Concerns: Waste disposal, odour management, and energy use need attention.
• Low Per Capita Consumption: Despite rising production, consumption remains below nutritional recommendations, especially in rural areas.

Emerging Trends and Innovations

The Indian egg industry is undergoing modernisation through technological and structural innovations:

• Organic and Free-Range Eggs: Growing consumer demand for ethically produced and chemical-free eggs.
• Automation: Use of automated feeding, ventilation, and egg collection systems.
• Digital Poultry Management: Use of data analytics, IoT sensors, and mobile apps for flock monitoring.
• Fortified Eggs: Enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamins for health-conscious consumers.
• Integration Models: Large poultry companies integrating breeding, feed, and marketing operations.

Future Prospects

The future of egg production in India remains highly promising. Rising population, income growth, urbanisation, and health awareness are expected to drive sustained demand. With supportive government policies, private sector investment, and adoption of sustainable practices, India aims to further increase per capita availability and global competitiveness.
Expansion of export markets, improvement in biosecurity infrastructure, and greater value addition through egg-based products will strengthen the industry’s role in national development.