Over the last two decades, India has witnessed a significant shift in poultry farming. Once a backyard activity has now become an integrated player in the national market.
Even a report by Onehealthpoultry.org shares that the commercial poultry sector owns around 80% of the total poultry market share, while backyard farmers hold the remaining 20%. This report proves the popularity of this subsistence.
So, if you also want to start your own poultry farming, then you have come to the right place, as we are going to share the top 10 most popular poultry breeds in India.
But these are not the only ones. We will also share a complete cost breakdown of poultry farming in India. So, stay hooked till the end!
Types of Poultry Farming in India
Poultry farming in India goes beyond raising chickens. Today, with the help of technological advancements, farmers have built multiple business models, catering to diverse market needs. Check out the diverse poultry farming types in India:
- Broiler Framing: This process involves raising chickens for meat production. This is one of the highly demanding poultry businesses with quick turnovers.
- Layer Farming: Here, farmers raise chickens only for the highest egg production. The southern states of India are majorly involved in this business.
- Backyard/Free-Range: This is a traditional farming process where farmers run a small backyard farm. The birds roam around freely and produce eggs and meat organically.
- Turney Farming: This is a modern poultry farming practice that focuses on producing premium-quality meat.
- Duck Farming: This is another growing commercial poultry farming business with traditional roots due to the high demand for duck eggs and meat.
- Quail Farming: It is a low-investment farming with a rising demand for meat and egg production.
With so many poultry farming options available, raising chickens is still at the highest place when we talk about production and profitability….and we will discuss chicken farming. But before we jump into the top poultry breeds in India, let’s have a quick look at how profitable poultry farming is:
Is Chicken Farming Profitable in India?
The report of PIB shows that India ranks 2nd globally in egg production, with approximately 149.11 billion, while it ranks in the 4th position in total meat production. The reason is the rising demand, quick returns, and high profitability.
Profitability of Broiler Farming
It takes 6 to 8 weeks for broiler birds to get market-ready. The cost of raising these chickens is a bit higher, but the profit margin is ₹25-₹40 per bird, which means 25 to 40% profitability. However, the market price fluctuates quite often, but the turnover of this business is really quick.
Profitability of Layer Farming
Unlike broilers, investing in layer chickens offers steady and long-term profitability. It requires a higher initial investment, but is more profitable in larger farm environments. The profit margin is ₹6-₹8, which is around 20 to 30%.
However, the profitability and production do not only depend on the purpose of raising but also on the poultry breed. Now, let’s find the top profitable poultry breeds in India.
Top 10 Poultry Breeds in India
- Kadaknath
This is a native Indian breed and is in high demand, “desi” chicken for its black meat. This breed primarily originated from Madhya Pradesh and is highly profitable due to the premium market cost.
👌 Market Price: In the meat market, the black meat value of Kadaknath chicken is around ₹500-₹700+ per kg. The profit margin is also very high.
👌 Demand: The premium price is due to the low fat, high protein, and disease resistance, which is appealing for health-conscious individuals.
👌 Why Profitable: A hardy breed that quickly adapts to harsh climate changes with less input costs and exceptionally low maintenance.
👉 Consideration: The growth of these native breeds is slow in comparison to modern poultry breeds in India. So, it takes around 6 months to reach the market weight.
- White Leghorn
This Indian poultry breed has an extremely high egg-laying capacity. This is one of the most suitable laying breeds for commercial farm environments and also offers a consistent income.
👌 Egg Production: Produces 300+ white eggs every year. In high maintenance, the production stays consistent for 3 to 4 years. Even though the production decreased gradually, adult chickens can lay large eggs for up to 6 to 8 years.
👌 Demand: The large white eggs are more affordable than the “desi” eggs, which ensures their consistent demand.
👌 Why Profitable: The White Leghorn consumes less feed and requires lower operating costs, which are a major profit factor.
👉 Consideration: They are excellent for egg production, but are not suitable for the meat business. Additionally, proper vaccination, nutrient supplements, hygiene, and other necessary farm management practices are crucial to ensure egg quality and eggshells.
- Aseel
This is another native Indian poultry breed originating from the state of Andhra Pradesh. This breed is especially known for its hardiness and muscularity. However, these birds are highly valued only for their genetic values. Poultry farming experts develop modern broilers from these breeds.
👌 Market Price: This rare and fighting bird has a high market price. Though the price varies depending on what you are selling or buying (chicks, eggs, meat, or adults), young chicks cost ₹50 – ₹220+ per one, and premium mature roosters cost ₹2,000 to ₹2,500+.
👌 Demand: The exceptional meat quality and strong fighter-like figure make it a premium quality “desi” poultry breed in India. Also, each bird has a high genetic value in the market to create modern broiler chickens.
👌 Why Profitable: In free ranges, the feed costs are lower, and this breed has excellent disease resistance capabilities. Even with small farm planning, the profit margin is around 20-25%.
👉 Consideration: The heritage Aseel hens lay very few eggs as compared to commercial layers. Also, if you are planning to raise them in a commercial setting, the feed cost is also higher than that of other poultry breeds in India.
- Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red is a very popular and highly profitable poultry breed in India. This dual-purpose bird is hardy, strong, and produces a high quantity of brown eggs every year. Ideal for both commercial and small poultry farming environments.
👌 Market Price: The hardy cock and hens have a tender meat quality, which costs around ₹300-₹450/kg. Which means the profit margin per bird ranges from ₹25 to ₹50.
👌 Demand: The large brown eggs are in high demand due to their nutritional value. As people are becoming more health-conscious, the demand is constantly increasing.
👌 Why Profitable: The birds have a strong immune system, making them disease-resistant, which is crucial for Indian poultry farm conditions. Also, just like commercial layers, Rhode Island Red also lays around 250 to 300 eggs every year.
👉 Consideration: The growth is slightly slower than that of other commercial broilers. So, if you are raising for meat production, a crossbreed like Rhode Island Red+Fayoumi or Rhode Island Red+Dahlem Red will show better growth and body weight.
- Busra
The Busra chicken breed can be a highly profitable option for rural or tribal farming areas in Maharashtra or Gujarat. In free ranges, the feed cost is very low with high returns.
👌 Market Price: While the growth is slightly slower than broilers, the market value is really high, like other poultry breeds in India. The meat costs ₹350 – ₹550 per kg based on local market demand.
👌 Demand: This Indian breed is valuable for dual-purpose use, which offers diverse income options.
👌 Why Profitable: These hens have great mothering instincts, which help in natural breeding and chick raising. Means they are low-maintenance and cost-effective.
👉 Consideration: Compared to commercial layer breeds, the egg production is significantly lower.
- Kalahandi
Kalahandi is a local and very popular breed that originated in the state of Odisha for dual-purpose use. This is also a high-demand organic or desi chicken and great for raising in rural livelihoods as well.
👌 Market Price: The market price of Kalahandi is around ₹180 – ₹250 per kg, and the organically produced costs around ₹120 – ₹250 per dozen.
👌 Demand: As desi chickens are highly in demand, Kalahandi is popular for its organic nature and taste, providing balanced nutrition to the human body. That’s why it is a good fit for the local market, especially in Odisha and surrounding states.
👌 Why Profitable: From a small-scale poultry farm setup, you can expect a high return. Like from 1000 birds, you can easily generate ₹25,000-₹40,000 profit in 6-8 weeks.
👉 Consideration: These birds are not as hardy as the other poultry breeds in India mentioned above. Potential disease outbreak in an unhygienic environment, and the mortality rate can have a significant impact on profit rates.
- Harringhata Black
Another low-investment poultry breed is the Harringhata Black. This native chicken breed is from the state of West Bengal and has a high demand for its organic meat qualities. However, it is also great for meat and egg production purposes.
👌 Market Price: Generally, the meat price ranges from ₹250 to ₹600 per kg, depending on the age and the local market demand.
👌 Demand: Like anyother desi chicken breed, Harringhata Black is also popular for its unique taste, which allows poultry farmers sell these chickens at a premium price compared to broilers.
👌 Why Profitable: Requires low input cost while you get a good economic return. Means low cost but better productivity.
👉 Consideration: These local poultry breeds in India are not suitable for high-volume egg production. However, with proper vaccination and better feed supplementation, you can increase productivity.
- Lohmann Brown
Lohmann Brown is another highly profitable poultry breed for its high egg production. Unlike other commercial layers, they are highly adaptive to a changing environment, hardy, and a profitable option. Also, you can raise them in a cage-free and open area for organic egg and meat production.
👌 Market Price: The large brown eggs are sold at a premium price, often ranging from ₹250 to ₹450 per half-dozen.
👌 Demand: The eggs are in high demand for the superior brown egg shells and the healthier qualities than commercial white eggs.
👌 Why Profitable: Each adult hen can lay 300+ eggs every year, and their laying cycle stays consistent from 18 to 72 weeks. Also, this breed requires low input costs, making it more ideal for increased profitability.
👉 Consideration: Lohmann Brown is not as disease-resistant as other native Indian breeds. So, you must maintain proper hygiene practices to control common poultry diseases among flocks.
- Mewari
Mewari is a hardy bread that originates from Rajasthan, but can adapt to any climate conditions quickly. While this bread is not really a perfect match for commercial settings, it can thrive in free ranges.
👌 Market Price: Mewari chicken also has a premium price in the market, ranging from ₹250 to ₹400 per kg. Besides its meat, with the brown eggs, you can experience a 10 to 20% profit margin in rural settings.
👌 Demand: Due to the superior meat taste and large brown shell eggs, the Mewari chicken has a great demand in the local Indian market.
👌 Why Profitable: This breed can easily thrive in hot climate conditions, and also requires minimal maintenance. So, a great option for small-scale poultry businesses.
👉 Consideration: Being a native hardy breed, the Mewari chickens grow slower than commercial broilers or layers. But you can use the crossbreed Mewari for higher and faster returns.
- Hansli
Our last recommendation is Hansli. This fighting-type chicken has a good value for its great meat quality. Even though the pure breed is most suitable for backyard poultry farming, crossbreeding with other breeds can make it ideal for commercial settings.
👌 Market Price: You can sell a fully grown and hardy Hansli for over ₹400 per bird. So, yes, the return value is much higher than broilers.
👌 Demand: Though it takes longer to become fully mature, the rare “desi” meat is highly valued for its authentic taste and rich nutrition.
👌 Why Profitable: The feed cost is lower than that of commercial broiler farming, and they are also disease-resistant, which means no additional expense for maintenance.
👉 Consideration: Hansli has a great popularity in the market. So, it’s better than directly selling to the consumers for a better profit rate.
Cost Breakdown of Starting Poultry Farming in India
Now that you have a list of the best poultry breeds in India for great profitability, here is an approximate cost breakdown of starting a small-scale poultry farm with 800 to 1000 birds:
➤ Land: To start a small-scale poultry farm, you will need around 2,000-4,000 sq ft of area, which may cost around ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. However, the cost of land highly depends on location.
➤ Infrastructure: The basic infrastructural elements set up from sheds to feeders and drinkers, the cost is approximately ₹1.5 lakh.
➤ Chicks: A premium Indian poultry breed chick costs a minimum of ₹40-₹50, which means ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 in total.
➤ Vaccination & Medication: General vaccination and medicine supplements will cost around ₹10,000 for one cycle.
➤ Feed: Lastly, the feed cost for one whole cycle from starter to finisher is approximately ₹1 lakh. However, if you make your own poultry feed formula, it is more cost-effective than commercial feeds.
| So, the total investment for starting a small-scale poultry farm is around ₹5 lakh. Thankfully, there are various government schemes like the National Livestock Mission, which you must look into as a smart investment practice. |
Bottom Lines
Poultry farming in India can only be profitable if you choose the right breed based on the market demand and manage the farm properly. With good quality feed, proper vaccination, and a hygienic free-range farm, you can easily get a good return on investment.
So, start your poultry farming carefully, considering the poultry breeds in India. Also, keep an eye on the Farm to know more insightful guides on poultry farming.
FAQs
Kadaknath and Aravali are the two most premium poultry breeds in India with high returns.
The most luxurious chicken breed is Ayam Cemani, which is also known as the Lamborghini chicken. However, Kadaknath is the most costly native Indian breed.
Heritage breeds in India generally have a good lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Some even live up to 12 years under good care and maintenance.