Background

India houses one of the fastest-growing poultry industries in the world. This sector contributes significantly to the nation’s agricultural GDP, presenting economic incentives for policymakers. At the same time, the industry has been criticized by animal rights and environmental groups alike. Most Indians will be familiar with the barbaric way in which chickens are stored in “battery cages”, systems that confine hens to overcrowded cages which limit their mobility and can lead to severe health problems. Reports show that 80% of the country’s poultry farming is done in this way. 

In addition to the ethical considerations, this arrangement also increases greenhouse gas emissions, and its inefficient management of waste has become one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. In fact, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the sector contributes about 14.5% of the global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. As such, there is an urgent need for sustainable and ethical solutions practices in this sector. These must tackle challenges to animals and the environment and introduce cruelty-free free-range farming. 

SEE (Sustainable Ethical Eggs) was created in response to this urgent need. The project is designed to address the gaps in the current practices, which include a lack of awareness, inefficient production methods, and exploitative labour practices for farmers. SEE has partnered with Freggs, a leading poultry company based in Hyderabad.