Poultry and poultry products constitute an important component of human diet and its consumption is increasing due to its nutritional value, easy availability, etc. Poultry has been the fastest growing sector in Indian Agriculture. Egg and meat constitute an important component of the diet of the people of Orissa. Orissa is endowed with favourable agro climatic conditions for poultry development and is an important allied activity providing supplementary income, employment opportunity and a source of animal protein. Poultry activity also promotes better market linkages to the farmers. In spite of such favourable conditions and good demand, 2/3rd of the State requirement is being met from neighbouring States. The farmers / entrepreneurs have been making representations to State Government indicating their constraints, lack of incentives, etc. Government of India has also suggested that some encouragement and incentives should be given to this sector so that it can do even better and contribute much more to the rural economy. 

After careful consideration of all the above issues, State Government has decided to classify poultry as agriculture so that the poultry farmers / entrepreneurs will have access to the same incentives as being offered for agriculture by other concerned departments like Revenue, Finance, Labour, Energy, etc. It is also expected that this will enable poultry to get priority sector lending from financial institutions, benefits and incentives admissible to agriculture by all concerned departments will also be admissible to poultry. 

Order – This Resolution shall come into effect from the date of publication in extraordinary issue of the Orissa Gazette.