India is one of the world's fastest-growing poultry markets, with rapidly intensifying production and very limited welfare regulations for farmed chickens.
The rapid intensification of Indian poultry production is occurring without the welfare infrastructure that developed over decades in Europe and North America. Regulatory frameworks are minimal, industry self-regulation is limited, and consumer welfare awareness is lower. However, the scale of growth means that welfare improvements implemented now — through voluntary certification, retailer commitments, or regulation — could affect hundreds of millions of animals. International fast food companies sourcing from India have leverage through their procurement standards to drive improvement.