India poultry farmers using wheat, bajra as chicken feed alternatives

India's chicken farmers are turning to wheat as a cheaper alternative to corn in animal feed.

Wheat and bajra, also known as pearl millet, are being used as substitutes for corn in chicken feed as corn prices in India continue to rise.
Wheat is currently selling for Rs 7.50 (US$0.17) per kilogram, while bajra and broken rice are selling for Rs 11,000 (US$242.89) per metric ton. Corn stands at Rs 10 (US$0.22) per kilogram, kept higher due to high moisture content in the current harvest and an increase in exports, according to farmers. The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers' Association of India is calling for a stop to corn exports to ensure stable prices. "If corn exports are discontinued, prices will fall by 5% to 10%," said B Soundararajan, managing director of chicken producer Suguna Group.