Augmenting the production of laying chickens is an important objective in helping to meet the nutritional needs of growing populations in developing countries. These chickens are prolific, easy to raise and their output can be generally expanded more rapidly and easily than that of other livestock. Furthermore, they are adaptable to various climates and altitudes. Poultry raising can often be combined with other types of farming and offers the possibility to raise extra revenue for farmers.
The land and capital requirements to start a small enterprise are not great, yet farmers who market eggs on a regular basis have a valuable source of ready cash. Eggs provide an inexpensive and valuable source of nourishment. Weight for weight, an egg contains about the same amount of animal protein as pork and poultry meat, about three-quarters that of beef and two-thirds that of whole milk cheese.
Eggs are an important and fundamental foodstuff for developing countries. It is not sufficient, however, to produce supplies at a reasonable cost. Arrangements must be made to ensure that the eggs reach the consumers. With increasing urbanization, eggs will need to be assembled, packed and transported in good condition to distant cities and distributed through retail outlets conveniently situated near consumers.
The tasks involved in marketing eggs are:
· collecting;
· grading and packaging on farm or transporting to a grading, packaging and processing plant;
· storing;
· moving through wholesale and retail channels; and
· selling directly to consumers.
Before new or improved marketing methods are introduced, an accurate survey of current industry conditions should be made, and an understanding of production and consumption patterns and factors that have determined these should be developed. Marketing improvement programmes may range in their objectives from relatively simple changes in handling and packaging methods to a reorganization of the marketing channels. Frequently, important marketing improvements can be effected simply by correcting specific handling, transport, packaging, grading and storing methods. Efficient marketing must satisfy consumers’ demands and preferences.
