AP Unveils Rs 657-Crore Package to Boost Poultry Sector

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the AP Poultry Development Policy 2026–29 with a Rs 657-crore package aimed at reducing production costs, promoting modern technology, attracting investment and improving employment opportunities in the poultry sector.

Animal Husbandry Minister Achennaidu said the policy would be implemented on a fast-track basis. He made the announcement after poultry association representatives met him in Vijayawada on Saturday and discussed issues faced by farmers and the industry.

Of the total package, Rs 209 crore will be provided as food-processing incentives, Rs 152.18 crore under the Industrial Policy and Rs 296 crore through various Animal Husbandry Department programmes.

To ease the financial burden on farmers, the government will provide a 4 per cent interest subsidy on loans for poultry farm and hatchery infrastructure, with Rs 72 crore earmarked for three years. Electricity tariffs have also been rationalised at Rs 3.75 per unit for LT poultry farms and Rs 4.75 for feed-mixing units.

New environment-controlled poultry sheds will receive a 25 per cent subsidy up to Rs 25 lakh, while modernisation of existing sheds will qualify for a similar subsidy capped at Rs 20 lakh. Eligible EC farms will also get interest support on term loans and a Rs 2-per-unit power subsidy, capped at Rs 10 lakh annually, for three years.

Under the National Livestock Mission, eligible projects can receive up to 50 per cent capital subsidy, subject to a ceiling of Rs 25 lakh.

The policy also focuses on rural women. Around 2,720 mother poultry units will be established every year through self-help groups, with training, vaccination and day-old chicks provided through SERP and DRDA.

To expand markets, chicken and egg processing units will be promoted under the PPP model, with Chittoor, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam identified as key locations. Poultry sheds will also be exempted from development and betterment charges in municipal and urban authority areas.

Addressing rising feed costs, Achennaidu said the government would coordinate with the Centre to make broken rice available to poultry farmers.

The Minister said coordinated efforts by farmers, industry and officials would help Andhra Pradesh emerge as a leading poultry hub in the country.