5 Facts About the Poultry Industry in Nepal

The poultry sector has become one of Nepal’s fastest-growing agricultural industries, playing a crucial role in food security, rural employment, and overall economic development. From small backyard farms to large commercial operations, poultry farming has evolved remarkably over the last three decades. Understanding this transformation is essential for farmers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone curious about agriculture in Nepal.

In this comprehensive article, we explore 5 facts about the poultry industry in Nepal, highlighting its size, progress, challenges, potential, and prospects.

Poultry farming is no longer just an additional income source for rural families. Today, it is one of the most advanced and commercially organized agricultural sectors in the country.

From broiler chicken production to layer farming, hatcheries, feed industries, vaccine companies, and processing plants, poultry farming now represents a complex value chain. To understand this development more clearly, let us explore the 5 facts about the poultry industry in Nepal that showcase its current state and long-term importance.

Fact 1: The Poultry Industry in Nepal Is One of the Largest Agricultural Sectors

Among Nepal’s agricultural subsectors—dairy, fisheries, crops, and livestock—poultry stands out as one of the largest and fastest-growing fields. Industry reports indicate that poultry contributes significantly to national GDP and agricultural GDP.

Rapid Growth Over the Years

In the past, poultry farming in Nepal was mostly traditional and small-scale. Families kept a few chickens for home consumption. However, in the last 20 years, commercial poultry farming has expanded rapidly, driven by:

• Increasing protein demand
• Urbanization and lifestyle changes
• Greater investment by private companies
• Technological advancements in feed, breeding, and biosecurity

Today, poultry farming includes:

• Commercial broiler farms
• Layer farms
• Hatcheries
• Feed mills
• Breeding farms
• Equipment suppliers
• Veterinary services

This ecosystem supports thousands of workers and entrepreneurs.

Contribution to the National Economy

The poultry sector contributes billions of rupees annually to Nepal’s economy. Its impact is seen in:

• Employment growth
• Supply of affordable protein
• Imports substitution
• Export potential

This clearly shows why the industry is one of the pillars of Nepal’s agriculture sector.

Largest Agricultural Sectors(Source: gardjagh)

Fact 2: Nepal Produces Millions of Broilers and Eggs Every Year

Another important point among the 5 facts about the poultry industry in Nepal is the massive production numbers. The country produces millions of broiler chickens and a large number of eggs annually, helping meet the nation’s protein needs.

Growing Demand for Chicken Meat

Chicken is the most consumed meat in Nepal due to its affordability, taste, and cultural acceptance. Broiler farming has expanded significantly, with commercial farms adopting modern equipment and scientific management.

• Nepal produces millions of broilers every year.
• Broiler meat has become a major source of daily protein for Nepali families.
• Restaurants, hotels, and fast-food chains rely heavily on the broiler industry.

Egg Production Is Increasing

Egg consumption in Nepal has grown due to rising health awareness. Eggs are rich in protein, easily available, and affordable.

Nepal’s layer farms produce millions of eggs annually, and production continues to grow with:

• Better layer breeds
• Improved feed quality
• Use of automated poultry equipment
• Better vaccination programs

Rise of Poultry Processing

Modern slaughterhouses, meat shops, and packaged chicken brands are emerging in major cities. This shift toward hygienic, processed poultry indicates a more organized industry, similar to global standards.

Fact 3: The Poultry Industry Provides Employment to Hundreds of Thousands of Nepalese

The third point among the 5 facts about the poultry industry in Nepal involves its tremendous contribution to employment. Poultry farming plays a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, creating jobs across the entire value chain.

Job Creation in Rural and Urban Areas

The poultry industry employs people in:

• • Commercial farms
  • Feed factories
  • Hatcheries
  • Veterinary services
  • Transport and logistics
  • Processing plants
  • Equipment manufacturing
  • Packaging and distribution

Farmers, laborers, veterinarians, drivers, technicians, and entrepreneurs all benefit from this sector.

Women and Youth in Poultry Farming

Many women entrepreneurs are entering poultry farming because:

• It requires less land
• It is manageable from home
• It provides a continuous income

Similarly, youth are showing interest due to the industry’s profitability and growth potential. Poultry farming is becoming a lucrative business opportunity for new entrepreneurs.

Supporting Allied Industries

The growth of poultry farming has given rise to supporting industries like:

• Poultry feed companies
• Medicine and vaccine suppliers
• Poultry consultants
• Biosecurity equipment manufacturers

Thus, the employment impact extends far beyond farms.

Fact 4: Poultry Farming in Nepal Faces Challenges Such as Disease Outbreaks and High Feed Costs

Though the industry is strong, one of the crucial 5 facts about the poultry industry is the set of challenges it faces. Understanding these issues is essential for future improvements.

Disease Outbreaks Remain a Major Threat

Poultry is highly vulnerable to diseases like:

• Newcastle Disease (Ranikhet)
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
• Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)
• Fowlpox
• Marek’s Disease

Disease outbreaks can cause:

• High mortality
• Financial losses
• Farm closures
• Supply chain disruptions

Improved biosecurity and vaccination programs are essential to control these issues.

High Cost of Poultry Feed

Feed accounts for 60–70% of total production costs. Prices of maize, soybean meal, and other raw materials fluctuate due to:

• Import dependency
• Transportation costs
• Market instability

These rising feed costs reduce farmers’ profits and increase retail prices.

Lack of Infrastructure and Technology

While urban farms use modern equipment, many rural farms still face challenges like:

• Poor shed design
• Lack of proper vaccination knowledge
• Limited access to veterinary services
• Inadequate biosecurity measures

Bridging this gap is crucial for sustainable growth.

Market Price Fluctuations

Poultry prices often fluctuate due to:

• Festive seasons
• Regional supply variations
• Imports and smuggling
• Disease outbreaks

Stabilizing the market with proper policies is important for farmer protection.

Poultry Farming(Source: agrifarming)

Fact 5: The Future of Poultry Farming in Nepal Is Bright with Huge Opportunities

Finally, among the 5 facts about the poultry industry, one of the most promising is its future potential. The sector has massive room for growth in production, technology, export, and value addition.

Growing Consumer Demand

With a rising population, urbanization, and changing food habits, Nepal’s demand for:

• Chicken meat
• Eggs
• Processed poultry products

Will continue to grow.

Technological Advancements Are Improving Productivity

Modern farms are adopting:

• Automatic feeding systems
• Climate-controlled sheds
• Improved cage systems
• Modern hatchery technology
• Scientific feed formulation
• Advanced disease control techniques

These technologies help increase efficiency, reduce mortality, and improve overall performance.

Investment Opportunities Are Increasing

New investors are entering:

• • Commercial broiler farms
  • Large layer farms
  • Feed companies
  • Hatchery businesses
  • Poultry equipment manufacturing
  • Meat processing plants
  • Organic poultry farming

This creates more jobs and strengthens the industry.

Export Potential Is Rising

With improvements in quality and production, Nepal has the opportunity to explore:

• Cross-border trade
• Organic poultry products
• Specialty processed chicken
• Premium egg markets

This requires better certification, disease control, and international standards.

Government Support and Farmer Awareness Are Growing

Government policies now emphasize:

• Disease control
• Biosecurity training
• Affordable loans
• Improved infrastructure
• Market regulation

Similarly, farmers are becoming more aware of modern practices, making the industry more professional and sustainable.

Conclusion

The poultry sector in Nepal has grown rapidly, becoming one of the strongest pillars of the agricultural economy. Understanding these 5 facts about the poultry industry in Nepal helps us appreciate its contribution to food security, employment, and national development. Despite challenges such as disease outbreaks and rising feed costs, the future of poultry farming remains bright, supported by new technologies, better awareness, and strong consumer demand.

As Nepal continues to modernize, the poultry industry will play an even greater role in shaping agriculture, creating income opportunities, and ensuring high-quality protein for millions of people. With smart investments, improved biosecurity, and sustainable farming practices, the poultry sector is set to reach new heights in the coming years.

Read More: Biosecurity in Poultry Farms: A Complete Guide