In a major move to ensure self-reliance in poultry production, the government has approved the Poultry Development Policy 2025, aiming to meet the state’s annual demand for eggs and chicken meat and provide employment opportunities in the coming five years.
Our correspondent reports that the policy outlines an ambitious production target: roughly 15 lakh eggs and 395 lakh kilograms of chicken meat are required each year in the state. Under this framework, the government plans to develop 35 egg production units and 19 broiler (meat-chicken) farms, attracting nearly ₹85 crore of private investment.
The state will offer significant subsidies: 40 per cent in hilly regions and 30 per cent in plains, with a total subsidy allocation of approximately ₹29.09 crore. The Animal Husbandry Department will provide financial assistance for each unit: in hilly areas, egg-unit assistance of ₹48 lakh per unit and broiler-unit aid of ₹56 lakh; in the plains, egg units will get ₹45 lakh and broiler units ₹63 lakh.
Our correspondent adds that for the setting up of units, banks and investors will be given support under the scheme. The policy stipulates that commercial layer farms (producing eggs) and broiler parent farms (for meat-chicken production) be established on capacities defined for plain and hill areas, to enhance scale and viability. A document drawn earlier affirms the current shortfall: while egg production stood at 5,413 lakh in 2022-23, the requirement was nearly 20,857 lakh eggs, leaving a deficit of 15,444 lakh units. Similarly, meat production was far below requirement, emphasising the urgent need for this policy.
The policy also aims to generate employment for approximately 4,500 individuals over the next five years by boosting the poultry value chain across Uttarakhand. The state government emphasises that by reducing dependence on other states for egg and meat supply, farming families and entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand could capture a larger share of the market.
Officials say that the policy’s validity is for a period of five years, during which monitoring, incentives, and marketing support will be provided. Investment proposals and unit approvals are expected to roll out soon, with smaller units eligible under the MSME policy where required.
In addition, the policy addresses the “hill advantage” by offering higher subsidies in hilly regions to account for terrain, infrastructure and logistics challenges. The state’s Animal Husbandry Secretary noted that availability of feed-ingredients such as maize, proximity to large markets in the plains, and rising domestic demand position Uttarakhand well to become a hub for organised poultry production.
Our correspondent reports that several investors had already shown interest in the poultry sector during the 2023 Global Investors Summit in Uttarakhand. With the official policy now in place, these proposals may be accelerated, and project implementation may begin. State authorities expect the new policy to boost allied services, veterinary support, cold-chain logistics and farm-related employment.
The policy comes at a time when dietary habits and nutrition awareness across India are shifting — with rising demand for protein-rich food like eggs and chicken meat. By strengthening the poultry sector, Uttarakhand hopes to cater to this demand locally, improve food security and support economic growth in rural areas.
Analysts say the policy could have far-reaching implications: it presents an opportunity for youth and entrepreneurs in the state to engage in commercially viable farming beyond traditional crops — especially in remote and hilly districts. Once the production chain scales up, it may also help moderate retail prices and make eggs and chicken meat more affordable for the state’s consumers.
As implementation begins, the state government will focus on simplified licensing, cluster-based development, feed-availability logistics and ensuring that poultry farms comply with bio-security and environmental norms. Feedback from farmers and industry stakeholders will shape periodic reviews of the policy.
With this policy, Uttarakhand has taken a strategic step to convert a structural deficit in poultry production into an opportunity for self-sufficiency and rural employment. The coming years will determine how effectively the targets are met and how the benefits are realised across the state’s plains and hill regions.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
