Tahsil-wise Assessment of Broiler and Layer Poultry Production in Ahilyanagar District, Maharashtra, India
Rajendra S. Pawar
*
Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar, A/P: Loni Kd, Tal: Rahata, Dist: Ahilyanagar, PIN: 413713, India.
Dattatraya R. Waghmare
Post Graduate and Research Centre, Department of Geography, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar, A/P: Loni Kd, Tal: Rahata, Dist: Ahilyanagar, PIN: 413713, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Poultry farming is one of the fastest-growing livestock sectors in India and plays a vital role in food security, employment, and rural development. The present study investigates tahsil-wise broiler and layer poultry distribution in Ahilyanagar district using cross-sectional data from 14 tahsils. The dataset includes information on the number of farms and bird populations for both broiler and layer categories. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze geographical variations, production intensity, and total poultry population across the district. Results showed that broiler farming constitutes approximately 79% of the district’s total poultry birds, while layer p accounts for 21%. Sangamner, Parner, and Nagar emerged as the leading poultry-producing tahsils, whereas Jamkhed and Shevgaon displayed minimal production activity. The study concludes that poultry production in Ahilyanagar is highly concentrated geographically, indicating the need for targeted interventions to improve production in underperforming regions.
Aims: 1. To analyze tahsil-wise distribution of broiler and layer poultry farms.
2. To identify high- and low-production zones within Ahilyanagar district.
Study Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative analysis based on secondary data from 14 tahsils.
Place and Duration of Study: The study covers Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, using the latest available poultry dataset. Data corresponds to a single reference period (cross-sectional).
Methodology: Data on the number of broiler and layer farms and total bird populations were statistically analyzed using descriptive measures, including totals, ratios, percentages, and comparative tahsil-level evaluation. Birds-per-farm ratio was used to estimate production intensity.
Results: The district has a total of 4,282 poultry farms with 14.35 million birds. Broilers dominate production with 11.32 million birds. Sangamner tahsil ranks highest with over 3.04 million birds, followed by Parner and Nagar. Jamkhed has the lowest poultry activity. Layer farming is heavily concentrated in Sangamner and Kopargaon.
Conclusion: Poultry production in Ahilyanagar district is unevenly distributed, with certain tahsils emerging as strong commercial hubs while others remain underdeveloped. Interventions focusing on infrastructure, credit access, and extension services can support equitable poultry development.
Keywords: Poultry production, broiler farming, layer farming, Ahilyanagar district, livestock statistics, tahsil-wise analysis