Poultry farmers across several states have called on government agencies to intervene as the rising cost of animal feed continues to squeeze profit margins and threatens to push up retail prices for eggs and chicken.

Farmers’ associations say feed costs have climbed sharply over recent months, driven by higher prices for maize and soybean, two key feed ingredients.

“Without support, many small-scale farmers may be forced to shut down operations entirely,” a poultry farmers’ association leader said.

Agricultural officials say they are reviewing options including subsidies and support for local feed production to ease the pressure on the sector.