Emu forecast for 2011.

I just saw an email from one of the emu enthusiasts from Andhra Pradesh. The news is interesting.

There are few big emu farmers from two different locations, formed a JV to set up a two Emu Slaughtering Units at a cost of Rs.4 Crores each. They are planning to purchase 16-18 month old bird at Rs.315 - 325/- Kg on live weight and a minimum weight for the birds is 50 Kgs. The price roughly works out to Rs.31,000/- per pair of 18 month birds. That's a very good price considering the current market rates. The plants are expected to come up live in mid-2011. Now, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council - Saudi, UAE, Bahrai, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar) countries are the potential and easily accessible target for emu meat from India.

Also, rumors that two slaughtering houses are coming up in Tamil Nadu as well during the same period. But, In Tamil Nadu, Big-shots are trying to get the bird as cheap as possible for the slaughtering house from small farmers. This strategy is not going to work out well. Also, Plants in Tamil Nadu seems not of JV type. It seems they are going to be belong to a single farm or two only.

In an oligopolistic emu market, small farmers going to steer the market prices. Market forces will decide the price of emu. Slaughter houses used to consume several thousand birds per year. In a seasonal business entity, regular production is the key to keep the prices stable. If the supply is not managed well, the price will sky rocket, like BSE Sensex.

Currently there is a slack in end-use. If the end-use opportunity is coming via Slaughtering Unit and Oil Processing, then it is going to be the beginning of new economic Boom in India for Rural Markets. This time it is not uneducated farmers who is going to rule this agri trade, but educated, young, mid 30s to mid 40s graduates with internet in hand.

2011 is going to be really rocking and thrilling roller coaster ride for emu biz in India. Be prepared.

Emu Farming - Frequently Asked Questions

Emu Farming is quite complex subject for newbies, it seems. May be they are unable to search for information in the 'net world'. For the people, who are eager to start the emu farm, but worried inside whether this is good, and will i be able to retrieve the profit, and host of other questions in mind.

To address the concerns of newbies, I am giving a FAQ on emu farming based on my experience and what I have studied. If you have questions unanswered here, please write to me at jmemufarm(at)gmail(dot)com.

Qn.# 1. Can Emu birds live in Harsh Weather Conditions?

Ans: Yes. It can live in varied conditions, from hot desert to cold climates. However, if it has to mate and lay more eggs, the climate shall be moderate cool, i.e., 28-32 degree celcius. Hill climates are good for this throughout the year, anyhow, during winter season, most of India has this climate, hence, there won't be any issues across various states of india.

Qn.# 2. Does it require a shelter?

Ans: Yes. Shelter may be small enough to accommodate during raining and for mating. It enjoys water, whether it is rain or pond or shower. During mating, it needs some secluded space, otherwise, it feels shy, and will not mate.

Qn.#3. Does other animals co-habit with Emu?

Ans: Partially Yes. We have not seen other birds are grown side-by-side. In fact, emu is highly resistant to normal diseases affecting other birds (e.g., chicken, etc). Ranikhet is the major disease known to affect Emu seriously. Hence, avoid other birds, if they are susceptible to carrying Ranikhet, in your farm or nearby farms.

Qn.#4. Does snakes bite Emus?

Ans: Emu can run away from Snakes, or it will just throw it away using its peeks. Normally, Sankes won't come near to emus.

Qn. #5. How to manage the eggs, until it is collected by the buyer?

Ans: You can keep Emu Eggs in a slightly cool condition (a dark place in your house or farm house or inside the earthen pot). Handle them without shaking, and place it in horizontal way. Do not stack eggs one on the other. Use, soft material to separate eggs. There are thermocol boxes available. You can buy them and use it to store. Do not keep the eggs for more than 7-days, its hatchability may reduce. While collection of the eggs from the field, use Dettal with cotton to wipe out any dirts.

If you have questions unanswered here, please write to me at jmemufarm(at)gmail(dot)com.