Indian Poultry population is 3% of the world’s poultry population. The country ranks fifth in Egg production (33,550 million – projection for 2000) and 21st in world chicken, meat production (527,000 tones – 1997 figure). The overall rank is 17th in World Poultry production. 

The industry, which is dominated by the private sector, is showing a trend towards integration in operation. Automation in production system is not a distant reality for India. There are an increasing number of farms mostly around major cities that are going for such automation. 

The Industry is proud of its excellent support sectors namely, Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Equipment, etc. The breeding sector, which lately achieved self-sufficiency, is now even entering the Export world with parent hatching eggs/chicks. 
 

There is a huge unorganised sector with backyard flock ranging from 25 to 250 birds. The demand for free-roaming indigenous chicken is substantial in many parts of the country. However, the number of such birds is decreasing day by day in major producing belts. In recent years, efforts were made towards development of birds, that resembles the local ones with respect to disease resistance, consumer-preferred meat quality and rearing requirements. 
 

The Industry provides direct and indirect employment to one and four million people respectively. Eggs and chicken meat are one of the cheapest sources of protein available to Indians and as such can be of immense help in fighting protein malnutrition in India. 
 

Currently, poultry meat constitutes approximately 25% of the total meat production in the country. 
 

Frozen chicken is not a preferred buying option amongst Indian consumers. Besides wrong perceptions, this can be attributed to the easy consumer access to freshly dressed birds at his/her doorstep. 
 

It is shown that out of Rs.900 ($20) as the per capital expenditure on food, only 1.75% (i.e.Rs.15.80 – approx. $0.36) is the expenditure on Egg and Chicken. Lately, with increasing production and subsequent impact on the market, the industry has realised the importance of creating the demand for chicken and eggs besides for processed products in the country. 
 

Farming of unconventional birds like Emu (Ratites), Quails are also increasingly becoming popular day by day.
 

Cruelty to caged birds in farms and pollution from the Poultry industry in India has recently been discussed in many forums. There are also conflicting reports on egg being positioned as a vegetarian item.