Economic Analysis of Broiler Farming and Associated Constraints in District Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was conducted to analyse the economics of poultry farming and to identify the major constraints faced by poultry farmers in district Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir. The study was carried out in three purposively selected tehsils, namely Ganderbal, Lar and Tullamulla. A sample of 120 registered poultry farmers was selected through proportionate allocation using multistage purposive and random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected through a pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that broiler farming was a profitable enterprise in the study area. The average total cost incurred for a broiler unit of 1000 birds was Rs. 150224.3, with variable costs accounting for the major share of expenditure. Feed cost was the highest expenditure component (Rs. 87.5 per bird), followed by the cost of day-old chicks (Rs. 35 per bird). The average gross return and net return were Rs. 170.48 and Rs. 20.25 per bird, respectively. Sale of birds constituted the major source of income. The major technical constraints reported by poultry farmers were lack of knowledge regarding improved broiler breeds (94.16%), reputed hatcheries (90.00%) and disease prevention practices (81.66%). Among economic constraints, high cost of day-old chicks, feed, medicines and electricity were the most severe. Fluctuation in market prices, involvement of middlemen, non-availability of veterinarians in time and poor extension services were other important constraints affecting poultry farming in the study area