The state cabinet in Mumbai is expected to clear proposal for permitting contract poultry farming, reports Times of India. The animal husbandry department has proposed a direct tie-up between farmers and renowned hatcheries. According to the arrangement, the hatcheries will lend 4,000 day-old birds to the farmer, who will nurture them for the next 40 days. The hatchery will then buy them back at market rate.

The farmer will bear the expenditure incurred during the 40-day period. The state government will give grants for construction of sheds. The new scheme will be applicable only to broiler farming. Officials said that the new arrangement will help get rid off the middlemen, who often fleece the farmers.