Bongaigaon, Mar 31: Poultry farmers in Bongaigaon district are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain independent businesses, with many being forced into contract farming due to the absence of government support. According to the district animal husbandry and veterinary department, around 200 broiler farms operate in the district, most of which are bound by contracts with private poultry companies.
Under the contract farming model, poultry companies—primarily from outside the state—supply broiler chicks, feed, vaccines, and technical guidance to farmers. In return, farmers must set up the required infrastructure, purchase feed at Rs 40 per kg, bear labor costs, buy medicines when necessary, and take responsibility for losses if chicks die due to non-epidemic causes. The farmers raise the birds according to company guidelines and sell them back at a fixed price, typically between Rs 8 to Rs 11 per kg, for broiler chickens weighing approximately 2.8 kg. This payment often fails to cover the high cost of production, leading to significant financial strain on contract farmers.
Contract poultry farmers have little say in negotiating the sale price of their chickens. Additionally, reports indicate that contract agreements are often written in English—making them difficult to understand for many farmers—and that companies fail to provide copies of these agreements to farmers. As a result, poultry farmers lack legal recourse when agreements are breached.
Independent poultry farmers, on the other hand, earn significantly more than their contract-bound counterparts. A local poultry trader stated that independent farmers see 40 to 88 percent higher profits. The district animal husbandry and veterinary officer, Dr. Shahidul Islam, suggested that establishing a cooperative system for poultry farmers could help them regain financial independence and bargaining power.
Local farmers emphasize the need for government intervention to provide low-interest bank loans, affordable quality feed, free vaccines, and reasonably priced broiler chicks, along with veterinary department support for farm management and sales. Additionally, concerns have been raised over private poultry companies operating contract farming in Bongaigaon without formal consent from the veterinary department. It is alleged that these companies discourage contract farmers from seeking guidance from local veterinary officials.
“Only a collective effort from government agencies can help us break free from the exploitation of private companies,” a local broiler farmer expressed.
As poultry farming remains a vital livelihood for many in the district, farmers hope that urgent government intervention will provide the support needed to sustain independent poultry businesses and ensure fair earnings.
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