India is witnessing a new wave of “protein inflation” as rising fodder costs are driving up the prices of milk and chicken, putting pressure on both consumers and producers. According to industry experts, higher feed prices have significantly increased the cost of producing milk and poultry, forcing producers to pass on part of the burden through higher retail prices.
Feed ingredients such as maize and soybean meal have become more expensive due to weather-related supply disruptions, lower production and sustained demand, resulting in higher input costs across the livestock sector. Dairy farmers are also grappling with increased expenses for cattle feed, contributing to firmer milk prices, while poultry producers are facing similar challenges in maintaining profitability.
Analysts note that protein-rich foods have become a key contributor to food inflation, even as prices of several other food categories have moderated. The trend highlights the growing importance of feed availability, climate resilience and productivity improvements in stabilising India’s dairy and poultry sectors while ensuring affordable nutrition for consumers.
Source: Dairynews7x7 22 July, 2026 Read full story here