International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Abhishek, Ankit Kumar Maurya, Devansh, Vijay Kumar Pal and Satya Prakash

abstract
This study examines the economic dynamics of the poultry industry in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, focusing on costs, returns, and profitability across small, medium, and large farms during the 2020-21 agricultural year. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, data were collected from 100 poultry farms (50 layers and 50 broilers) in Deoria and Kushinagar districts through personal interviews and secondary sources. Results reveal that large farms, despite higher costs (?2,82,639 for broilers and ?17,76,058 for layers), achieve greater profitability due to economies of scale, with net returns of ?4,21,509 (broilers) and ?99,93,787 (layers). The benefit-cost (B:C) ratio highlights this trend, peaking at 1:2.49 for broiler farms and 1:5.63 for layer farms on large scales, compared to 1:1.45 and 1:2.99 for small farms. The findings underscore the economic viability of poultry farming, particularly for larger operations, and emphasize the need for policy support to enhance disease surveillance, quality control, and global competitiveness.