International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
L Arun

abstract
The poultry sector in India is a rapidly expanding component of the agricultural economy, vital for food security, rural employment, and income generation. Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu stands out as a significant production cluster for both broiler and layer farming due to favourable agro-climatic conditions and market linkages. Despite growth and commercialisation, poultry entrepreneurs face multi-dimensional constraints affecting productivity and profitability. This study uses an ex post facto exploratory design to assess key challenges experienced by fifteen broiler contract entrepreneurs in Palladam block of Tiruppur district. Constraints were categorised into market, resource, administrative, and technical domains and measured by severity scores. Results identify feed-related issues as the most acute constraint, followed by market price volatility, management challenges, and technical difficulties such as mortality. The study highlights the necessity of targeted interventions, including market stabilisation policies, coordinated feed supply systems, managerial capacity building, and technical extension support. Addressing these constraints through cooperative models and policy measures can significantly enhance livelihood sustainability for small and medium-scale poultry entrepreneurs.