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A study was conducted with primary data collected from 100 layer producers chosen by proportion probability sampling technique distributed across all the regions of Punjab. The results showed that the educational status of the head of the family was observed in 41 per cent of layer farmers who got the above matric standard. The variable and fixed costs accounted for 96. 66 and 3. 34 per cent, respectively of the total costs. Poultry feed followed by pullets feed was found to be the most important item of variable cost to the extent of `657. 19 (US 7. 83) in absolute terms and accounted for 65. 42 per cent of the maintenance cost of layer production. The gross returns from poultry farming were `1093. 55 (US 13. 04) per bird. The output-input ratio on layer farms was 1. 09 which revealed that poultry is a profitable enterprise and based on output-input ratios, large poultry farms were more efficient as compared to medium and small. While comparing the mortality rate across categories the large layer farmers were found efficient due to better management and adequate needed infrastructure. On the whole, it can be concluded that poultry production is a profitable venture and eggs production a most favoured subsidiary enterprise among the Punjab farmers.
Baldeep Singh (Mon,) studied this question.