Odisha’s Silver Revolution: The Rise of a Poultry Powerhouse
The agricultural landscape of Odisha is undergoing a dramatic transformation, increasingly recognized as the "Silver Revolution." Once heavily dependent on neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh for its daily egg requirements, Odisha has successfully transitioned into a self-reliant hub for egg production in Odisha.
Record-Breaking Growth
Recent data highlights this massive shift. In the 2024 fiscal year, the state’s total egg output soared to an all-time high of over 3.7 billion units, up significantly from 3.4 billion the previous year. Just two decades ago, annual production was a mere 644 million, proving that this growth is a long-term success story rather than a temporary spike. Currently, daily production has crossed 1.03 crore eggs, edging closer to the government's ambitious target of 1.20 crore daily.
The Entrepreneurs Leading the Charge
This success is largely driven by visionary enterprises transforming the sector from backyard farming to high-tech industry.
OVO Farm (Bolangir): Led by the Mishra brothers, OVO Farm has turned Bolangir into an unexpected tech hub for poultry, producing 10 lakh eggs daily. They have introduced "Kenko" branded eggs and use Blockchain technology to ensure customers can trace the journey of their eggs from farm to table—a first for India.
Pasupati Group: Operating as a massive integrator, Pasupati has created a network of over 3,500 farmers. Their model provides farmers with chicks and feed, securing livelihoods across rural districts while producing millions of birds.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the boom, the sector faces hurdles. The cost of feed remains a critical issue, with maize prices heavily influencing profitability. Nabarangpur, known as the "Corn City," produces the bulk of the state's maize but lacks storage, forcing farmers to sell low and buy back feed at higher rates.
Looking forward, the focus is shifting toward exports. With OVO Farm already exporting to the Middle East and Africa, the industry is looking at Paradip Port as a strategic gateway to reduce logistics costs compared to Visakhapatnam. Supported by government initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), which offers capital subsidies, the future of the poultry sector in Odisha looks incredibly bright.
