The poultry conglomerate, a pioneer in contract farming, stated in a press statement that prospective poultry farmers can give it a missed call.
It is the country's first such initiative by a poultry company. "Suguna Foods is the sole company taking this step," a spokesperson for the company said.
To Assist Farmers
Suguna Chicken, which has a network of over 40,000 farmers across the country, will provide hands-on support to its contract poultry farmers from the moment a bird is hatched.
The company was founded with the objective of "energizing rural India," according to the spokesperson, and it has improved the lives of many rural families.
"Our farmers' community has always had a wonderful connection with us, and they have been with us for more than three decades," added the spokesperson. "We're even more pleased to work with more farmers now, and we're looking forward to mutually beneficial expansion."
The company, which is one of the top ten poultry companies in the world, did not indicate how many farmers it hopes to engage through the campaign. It has operations in 18 Indian states and provides a variety of poultry goods and services.
Extending The Relationship
"Through this initiative, Suguna Foods hopes to strengthen its relationship with its existing farmers' community and more," the spokesperson stated.
The initiative's goal, according to the spokesperson, is to deepen "our connection and engagement" with the agricultural community.
Through the initiative, the fully integrated enterprise, which includes broiler and layer farming, hatcheries, feed mills, manufacturing facilities, vaccines, and exports, hopes to promote sustainable farming. "It also provides an extra tool for farmers to reach out to us without the assistance of third-party meddling," the spokesperson added.
Growing Charge
According to industry sources, the move may be intended to expand the company's network of contract farmers that supply poultry, especially at a time when a segment of the workforce is seeking more pay.
The initiative, according to a small poultry farm owner who did not want to be recognized, will make it easier for poultry farmers to contact the firm for contracts.
"It's also possible that this is a move to entice new farmers in light of a section's demand for a larger payment." Until 2020, these farmers were paid a minimum of Rs 3.50 per kilogram as a 'growing charge' for each bird. Following that, the compensation was increased to Rs 6.5 per kilogram. "If the contract farmer takes good care of the bird and feeds it properly, they can earn up to Rs 12 per kilogram, though they usually get between Rs 8 and Rs 10," the farm owner added.
The "growing charge" incentive is in place to ensure that the feed and other inputs provided by the company are not misused.
Scarcity Of Birds
"Now, those contract farmers are complaining about the payment," the farm owner remarked.
The announcement comes at a time when the poultry industry is experiencing a bird shortage. "As a result of the shortage, live bird prices have risen to Rs 130 per kilogram." "Prices have been reigning above Rs 110 since March, compared to Rs 80 a kg at one point last year," the farm owner added.
Input costs are between Rs 100 and Rs 105 per bird, owing to rising soyameal, maize, and edible oil prices.
