The Federation of Broiler Chicken Vendors Associations in Tamil Nadu has announced a statewide suspension of chicken sales, effective from July 31. This decision stems from unresolved disputes with poultry producers regarding the regulation of feed given to broiler chickens.
Key Issues Driving the Sales Suspension
Federation president Durairaj stated that the traders’ demands for regulating broiler chicken feed have been consistently ignored by producers. Concerns have been raised about the quality of feed used in poultry farms and its potential impact on consumers’ health. The federation alleges that broiler chickens are being raised using practices to which traders have repeatedly objected, and producers have failed to address these issues despite ongoing discussions. The sales suspension is intended to pressure producers into adopting what the federation describes as safer and more acceptable poultry-rearing practices.
The traders are specifically demanding that poultry producers adhere to a regulation requiring them to withhold feed for at least 15 hours before the sale of chickens. This measure, they argue, would ensure that the actual weight of the birds is recorded and help reduce health risks associated with improper feeding practices. The federation has also called upon the state government to intervene, test, and regulate the feed used in broiler chicken production units, and to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the industry.
Wider Impact and Government Intervention
If implemented, the sales suspension is expected to significantly affect the availability of broiler chicken across Tamil Nadu. Similar calls for protest have been echoed in Puducherry, with reports indicating that Kerala’s chicken traders’ associations have also expressed support for the sales suspension. The Federation of Broiler Chicken Vendors Associations has maintained that their protest is not directed against the Tamil Nadu government’s food safety department. Instead, they are urging authorities to facilitate talks among all stakeholders to find an amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute.
The issue has roots in earlier demands made by the federation this month, where they sought the implementation of norms for chicken production units to ensure retailers provide good quality chicken to consumers. In the past, similar disputes have arisen, including a strike by poultry farmers in January 2026 over low rearing charges, which threatened to disrupt supply and increase prices. The current situation highlights persistent challenges within the poultry supply chain, emphasizing the need for clear regulations and stakeholder consensus.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
