Under new guidelines, small and marginal poultry farmers in India are now required to adopt measures akin to larger farms to prevent environmental pollution. Previously, small poultry farms in India were exempt from environmental laws. However, in 2020, the National Green Tribunal proposed that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should modernize the guidelines for maintaining poultry farms in the green category, ensuring they are free from air and water pollution and complying with environmental protection laws.
The Current State of Poultry Birds in India
The 20th Livestock Census revealed that India is home to 851.8 million poultry birds, with approximately 30% of this population classified as ‘backyard poultry’ or small and marginal farms. Animals such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc., are reared in poultry farms for their meat and eggs. The states with the highest poultry populations include Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, and Kerala.
Understanding the New Definition of Poultry Farmer
The new guidelines categorize poultry farmers into three groups based on the number of birds they rear: small farmers (5,000-25,000 birds), medium farmers (More than 25,000 and less than 1,00,000 birds), and large farmers (More than 1,00,000 birds).
Required Certificate of Consent
The new regulations also mandate a Certificate of Consent for establishing and operating a medium-sized poultry farm. This certificate is to be obtained from the State Pollution Control Board or Committee under the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981, and it will remain valid for 15 years.
Role of Implementing Agency
The Animal Husbandry Department is charged with implementing these guidelines at the state and district levels.
Reducing Pollution through New Measures
To reduce pollution from poultry farms, it’s now compulsory for farms to have a ventilated room to decrease gaseous emissions from the birds. Additionally, farmers must ensure that poultry feces do not contaminate running water or any pesticides. The location of a farm also has new guidelines: it should be set up 500 meters away from residential areas, 100 meters from bodies of water, national highways, and 10-15 meters from village footpaths and rural roads.
The Need for New Guidelines
Poultry production contributes to a range of environmental pollutants including oxygen-demanding substances, ammonia, and solids. It can also attract pests that may carry diseases. Poor management of manure, litter, and wastewater can negatively affect local living conditions. Intensive poultry production may also contribute to greenhouse gases, acidification, and eutrophication.
Supportive Initiatives for Poultry Farmers
Several initiatives support poultry farmers, including the Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF) under the “Entrepreneurship development and Employment generation” (EDEG) segment of the National Livestock Mission. Another significant initiative is the National Livestock Mission which provides financial assistance to States/Union Territories to implement the Rural Backyard Poultry Development (RBPD) and Innovative Poultry Productivity Project (IPPP). The Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) Scheme covers the vaccination of economically important poultry diseases, including control and containment of emergent and exotic diseases like Avian Influenza.