In the heart of Nepal’s poultry industry, a significant shift in perspective is brewing, one that could redefine the future of feed sources and potentially ripple through global agricultural practices. A recent study led by Karishma Subedi from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) in Chitwan, Nepal, has shed light on the willingness of stakeholders to embrace alternative poultry feeds. Published in the journal ‘Cleaner and Responsible Consumption’ (translated as ‘सफा र जिम्मेवार उपभोग’ in Nepali), the research offers a compelling glimpse into the future of sustainable poultry farming.
The study, conducted in 2023, surveyed 196 farmers and 23 feed companies in Chitwan district, the epicenter of Nepal’s poultry business. The findings reveal a promising trend: 62.8% of farmers and all feed companies surveyed have a positive perception of alternative feed sources. Moreover, 51.5% of farmers and 43.5% of feed companies expressed their willingness to accept these alternatives. However, the intention to produce these feeds independently remains low, with only 13.8% of farmers and 21.7% of feed companies showing interest.
Subedi’s research highlights that education, perception, and farm economic performance significantly influence farmers’ willingness to adopt alternative feeds. “Education plays a pivotal role,” Subedi explains. “Farmers who are more informed about the benefits of alternative feeds are more likely to accept them. This underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives to bridge the knowledge gap.”
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. As the global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices grows, the poultry industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Alternative feeds, derived from non-conventional sources, offer a promising solution by reducing reliance on traditional feed ingredients and minimizing waste.
However, the study also reveals the challenges ahead. Producing alternative feeds requires knowledge and investment in infrastructure, which may deter small-scale farmers and feed companies from venturing into this arena. “While the willingness to accept alternative feeds is encouraging, the intention to produce them is still low,” Subedi notes. “This suggests that stakeholders may prefer to source alternative feeds from specialized producers rather than produce them in-house.”
The findings of this study could shape future developments in the poultry industry, both in Nepal and beyond. By understanding the factors that influence stakeholders’ willingness to adopt alternative feeds, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders can design targeted strategies to promote sustainable practices. This could include educational programs to enhance farmers’ knowledge, financial incentives to support infrastructure development, and partnerships to facilitate the production and distribution of alternative feeds.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the shift towards alternative feed sources in the poultry industry represents a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for sustainable practices to transform traditional industries. With continued research and strategic interventions, the future of poultry farming could be greener, more sustainable, and more resilient than ever before.