It was a pleasure to visit the Gurgaon office of Dovoy Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., a biotechnology-driven company that has been delivering innovative solutions to industries worldwide. With a strong presence across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Dovoy has established itself as a trusted partner in animal health, nutrition, grain processing, food ingredients, and industrial solutions.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Amit Kaushik, Director, Dovoy Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Duttle Bing, General Manager – ASPAC & EMEA, Dovoy Inc. Singapore; Dr. Vipul Gohel, Director, MIV Biosolutions and Channel Partner for Dovoy; Mr. Anand Singh, Business Head – Animal Health; Dr. Sumit Raja, Technical Manager – Animal Health; Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Business Head – DGP; Ms. Dhanashri Shitole, Zonal Sales Manager-South & Maharashtra and Ms. Akanksha Sethi, Dovoy.
Mr. Amit Kaushik highlighted that what truly differentiates Dovoy is its unwavering commitment to innovation, research, and quality. The company operates advanced ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratories where product development, quality assurance, enzyme assays, thermostability testing, and customized solution development are carried out to meet the evolving needs of modern industries.

Mr. Kaushik further emphasized that Dovoy’s vision extends beyond supplying products. The company is focused on delivering holistic solutions and value-added services to customers. Complimentary amino acid profiling services, supported by their ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, provide customers with greater confidence in feed quality and nutritional accuracy. Dovoy’s state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with sophisticated technologies including the Agilent HPLC 1260, advanced spectrophotometers, Kjeldahl Distillation systems, Class-II Biosafety facilities, biodigesters, and Neogen Raptor platforms. These capabilities support quality assurance and the development of innovative biotechnology solutions across multiple sectors.

According to Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Dovoy’s expertise in proximate analysis, protease enzyme thermostability testing, aflatoxin reduction solutions, microbial load analysis, amino acid profiling, and advanced enzyme assay testing provides a significant competitive edge. The company adheres to globally recognized standards including ISO, GMP, REACH, Halal, FSSAI, Kosher, ZDHC, and D&B certifications.

In the Animal Health & Nutrition sector, Dovoy offers a comprehensive portfolio of feed additive solutions including enzymes, organic trace minerals, yeast-based products, antioxidants, immune modulators, gut health solutions, toxin binders, acidifiers, and lipid metabolism enhancers. These technologies are designed to improve nutrient utilization, gut health, productivity, and overall farm profitability, as shared by Mr. Anand Singh and Dr. Sumit Raja.

The visit was followed by an engaging podcast hosted by Ms. Dhanashri Shitole and Ms. Akanksha Sethi, where I shared my thoughts on the “Future of the Indian Poultry Feed Industry.” I look forward to its release of this Podcast in the coming days.

The visit provided valuable insights into how biotechnology, innovation, and scientific excellence are shaping the future of animal nutrition and sustainable livestock production. It was inspiring to witness Dovoy’s commitment to developing practical, performance-oriented solutions backed by robust research and field validation.

1. Introduction
Nutrition forms the cornerstone of human health, productivity, and national development. A country’s demographic dividend can only be realised when its population enjoys adequate nutrition throughout the life cycle. India, home to nearly one-fifth of the world’s population, has made extraordinary progress in food production since the Green Revolution. Today, the nation is largely self-sufficient in cereal production, ensuring food availability for millions through extensive public distribution systems.

However, the concept of food security has evolved beyond ensuring adequate calorie intake. Modern nutrition science emphasizes that food security without nutritional security cannot guarantee healthy populations. Balanced diets require adequate amounts of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that support optimal growth, immunity, metabolism, and cognitive development.

Protein deficiency remains one of India’s most under-recognized nutritional challenges. Although the protein-energy malnutrition has declined compared with previous decades, suboptimal protein intake persists among vulnerable population groups. Many Indian diets continue to rely heavily on cereals that provide energy but relatively limited quantities of high-quality protein and certain essential amino acids. Consequently, children experience impaired physical growth, women face increased nutritional vulnerability during pregnancy and lactation, elderly individuals lose muscle mass more rapidly, and recovery from illness becomes slower.

India’s epidemiological transition further complicates the challenge. While undernutrition continues to affect millions, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are increasing rapidly. This “double burden of malnutrition” demands dietary strategies that improve nutritional quality without contributing to excessive caloric intake.

Animal-source foods provide highly bioavailable nutrients that complement cereal-based diets. Among these, eggs and chicken offer particularly attractive advantages because they are nutritionally dense, affordable, culturally accepted across large sections of society, and can be produced efficiently with relatively modest environmental impacts. Their integration into regular diets represents one of the most practical approaches to improving protein intake at the population level.

2. India’s Nutrition Gap: A Continuing Public Health Challenge
India’s nutritional landscape reflects a paradox. Despite becoming one of the world’s leading producers of milk, eggs, poultry meat, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, nutritional deficiencies remain widespread. Economic growth alone has not translated into equitable access to diverse and balanced diets.

The concept of the “nutrition gap” extends beyond hunger. It refers to the difference between the nutrients people require for healthy living and those they actually consume. This gap encompasses inadequate intake of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Several factors contribute to India’s persistent protein gap: eg. Heavy dependence on cereal-based diets, Limited dietary diversity, Socioeconomic inequalities, Regional disparities in food availability, Inadequate nutrition awareness, Cultural and religious dietary preferences, Rising food prices affecting access to nutrient-rich foods etc.

Protein inadequacy is particularly concerning because proteins are indispensable for virtually every physiological function. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, proteins supply essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and therefore must be obtained through food.

Children suffering from inadequate protein intake often exhibit poor linear growth, delayed cognitive development, weakened immune responses, and reduced educational performance. In adults, chronic protein deficiency contributes to diminished work capacity, slower wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced muscle strength. Among older adults, inadequate protein accelerates sarcopenia, frailty, falls, and disability.

Women represent another nutritionally vulnerable group. Pregnancy and lactation substantially increase protein requirements. Inadequate maternal protein intake adversely affects fetal growth, birth weight, neonatal survival, and long-term health outcomes.

India also continues to face widespread deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, and other micronutrients that frequently coexist with inadequate protein intake. These overlapping deficiencies magnify health risks and reduce economic productivity.

3. Understanding Protein: More Than a Bodybuilding Nutrient
Public perception often associates protein exclusively with athletes and bodybuilders. Contemporary nutritional science, however, recognizes protein as an essential nutrient required by every individual from conception through old age.

Proteins are composed of twenty amino acids, nine of which are considered essential because the human body cannot synthesize them. These essential amino acids must be supplied through the diet in appropriate proportions.

Protein performs numerous vital biological functions: eg. Growth and repair of tissues, Formation of muscles, skin, hair, and connective tissues, Production of enzymes and hormones, Synthesis of antibodies for immune defense, Maintenance of blood proteins, Transport of oxygen and nutrients, Regulation of fluid balance, Maintenance of healthy bones, Support of cognitive function and neurotransmitter synthesis etc.

The quality of dietary protein depends on both amino acid composition and digestibility. High-quality proteins contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and are readily digested and absorbed.

Animal-source proteins generally possess superior digestibility and amino acid profiles compared with most plant proteins. While plant-based diets can meet protein requirements when carefully planned, combining cereals and pulses often requires larger quantities of food and may still provide lower bioavailability for certain nutrients.

4. Why Protein Quality Matters
Meeting daily protein requirements involves more than consuming sufficient grams of protein. Equally important is the biological quality of that protein. Protein quality is evaluated using indices such as the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). These measures assess both amino acid composition and digestibility.

Egg protein has long been regarded as one of the highest-quality dietary proteins, often serving as the reference standard against which other proteins are compared. Its amino acid profile closely matches human physiological requirements, and its digestibility exceeds 95%.

Chicken meat likewise provides highly digestible complete protein rich in leucine and other branched-chain amino acids that stimulate muscle protein synthesis. These characteristics make eggs and chicken particularly valuable for growing children, pregnant women, athletes, recovering patients, and older adults.

Beyond protein itself, eggs and chicken deliver numerous complementary nutrients that enhance overall nutritional status. Eggs supply choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, D, E, B12, riboflavin, selenium, and iodine. Chicken provides haem iron, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, pyridoxine, and vitamin B12, all of which support immunity, neurological function, and metabolic health.

The synergy of complete protein with highly bioavailable micronutrients distinguishes eggs and chicken from many other dietary protein sources, making them powerful tools for combating hidden hunger and improving population health.

5. Eggs: Nature’s Most Complete Functional Food
Among all naturally available foods, the egg occupies a unique position in human nutrition. Often referred to as “nature’s perfect package,” an egg delivers nearly every nutrient required for life, except vitamin C, in a highly digestible and bioavailable form. For decades, eggs have served as the reference protein against which the quality of other dietary proteins is compared because of their balanced amino acid composition and excellent digestibility.

A standard hen’s egg contains approximately 6–7 g of high-quality protein, with all nine essential amino acids present in proportions closely matching human physiological requirements. Importantly, egg protein exhibits a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) approaching the maximum value and a Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) that places it among the highest-quality dietary proteins available.

Beyond protein, eggs are a rich source of nutrients that address several common deficiencies in Indian diets:
– Choline, essential for brain development, memory, and liver function.
– Vitamin B12, critical for red blood cell formation and neurological health.
– Vitamin D, important for calcium metabolism and skeletal integrity.
– Vitamin A, supporting vision and immunity.
– Riboflavin, biotin, folate, and pantothenic acid for energy metabolism.
– Selenium and iodine, important antioxidants and regulators of thyroid function.
– Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids associated with improved eye health and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Eggs also contain high-quality fats, including phospholipids that support cellular membrane function and neurological development. Contrary to earlier concerns, contemporary nutritional research indicates that moderate egg consumption has little adverse effect on cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals, and eggs are now widely recognized as an integral component of balanced diets.

6. Chicken Meat: Affordable Lean Protein for a Healthier Nation
Chicken meat has emerged as one of the fastest-growing animal-source foods globally, driven by its nutritional value, affordability, versatility, and comparatively efficient production system. In India, poultry meat consumption has increased steadily over the past two decades, reflecting rising incomes, urbanization, changing lifestyles, and greater awareness of dietary protein.

Chicken provides approximately 20–24 g of high-quality protein per 100 g of edible meat, making it one of the most concentrated natural protein sources available. Importantly, this protein contains all essential amino acids required for tissue growth, enzyme synthesis, immune function, and muscle maintenance.

Unlike many red meats, skinless chicken contains relatively low levels of saturated fat while supplying substantial amounts of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, Selenium, Iron (highly bioavailable haem iron), These nutrients play indispensable roles in energy metabolism, immune competence, cognitive performance, oxygen transport, and antioxidant defence.

Health Advantages of Chicken Consumption
Growing evidence indicates that incorporating lean poultry into balanced diets offers multiple health benefits i.e. Supports healthy muscle development, Promotes satiety and healthy weight management, Helps preserve lean body mass during ageing, Facilitates recovery following illness and surgery, Contributes to improved immune function, Provides bioavailable iron and zinc essential for children and women, Supports optimal athletic performance.

For populations transitioning away from protein-deficient diets, chicken represents an economically viable option capable of substantially improving nutritional quality without excessive caloric intake.

7. Scientific Evidence Linking Animal Protein to Improved Nutrition
The importance of animal-source foods in combating undernutrition has been demonstrated across numerous epidemiological studies, randomized trials, and systematic reviews.

Child Growth and Development
Children receiving diets supplemented with eggs demonstrate improvements in Linear growth, Weight gain, Cognitive performance, Language development, School attendance and Physical activity.

The inclusion of eggs in complementary feeding programmes has been associated with reductions in childhood stunting and improved nutrient adequacy. Similarly, diets incorporating poultry meat improve iron status, enhance haemoglobin concentrations, and reduce the prevalence of anaemia in vulnerable populations.

Muscle Health
Leucine, abundant in eggs and chicken, acts as a powerful stimulator of muscle protein synthesis. Adequate intake helps maintain skeletal muscle during ageing, prevents frailty, and accelerates recovery after illness or hospitalization.

Immune Function
Protein deficiency compromises immune competence by reducing antibody production, impairing immune cell proliferation, and weakening resistance to infections. Eggs and chicken provide both protein and immune-supportive micronutrients including zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Maternal and Neonatal Health
Adequate maternal protein intake improves fetal growth, birth weight, placental development, and infant survival while reducing risks associated with intrauterine growth restriction.

Cognitive Development
Nutrients abundant in eggs—particularly choline, iodine, vitamin B12, and high-quality protein—are increasingly recognized for supporting brain development, memory formation, and learning capacity during early childhood.

8. Poultry Sector: Powering Nutrition, Livelihoods, and Economic Growth
India’s poultry industry has evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural enterprises. Through advances in genetics, nutrition, disease control, housing, and supply chain management, the industry has achieved remarkable gains in productivity while keeping eggs and chicken affordable for consumers.
Today, poultry contributes substantially to:
– National food and nutrition security.
– Agricultural GDP.
– Rural employment.
– Women’s empowerment.
– Entrepreneurship development.
– Allied industries including feed manufacturing, veterinary pharmaceuticals, equipment production, processing, logistics, and retail.

Millions of farmers depend directly or indirectly on poultry production for their livelihoods. The sector provides opportunities for landless labourers, smallholder farmers, women self-help groups, and rural youth, making it a powerful instrument for inclusive economic development.

Women’s Empowerment
Backyard poultry remains particularly important for rural women. Income generated from egg and chicken sales often supports household nutrition, children’s education, healthcare expenditures, and financial independence. Numerous development programmes have demonstrated that poultry farming can enhance women’s decision-making capacity while improving household dietary diversity.

Employment Generation
The poultry value chain creates employment across multiple sectors: eg. Hatcheries, Feed manufacturing, Veterinary services, Equipment manufacturing, Farm management, Transportation, Processing plants, Cold chain logistics, Retail marketing, Food service industries As demand for animal protein increases, these employment opportunities are expected to expand further.

9. Barriers to Achieving “Protein in Every Plate”
Despite clear nutritional advantages, several obstacles continue to limit egg and chicken consumption in India.
Economic Constraints
Although eggs and chicken are among the most affordable animal-source foods, financial limitations still restrict access for many low-income households, especially during periods of food inflation.
Nutrition Awareness
Many consumers remain unaware of daily protein requirements or the health benefits associated with regular consumption of high-quality protein. Misconceptions regarding cholesterol, body weight, and dietary protein continue to influence food choices.
Cultural and Religious Diversity
India’s remarkable cultural diversity shapes dietary practices. While vegetarianism is respected and remains an important component of Indian food culture, many populations that do consume animal-source foods still consume eggs and poultry below nutritionally desirable levels.
Regional Inequalities
Consumption varies considerably across states due to differences in production infrastructure, market accessibility, purchasing power, cultural preferences, and public nutrition programmes.
Supply Chain Challenges
Inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, transportation losses, fluctuating feed prices, disease outbreaks, and seasonal market volatility can affect affordability and availability, particularly in remote regions. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts involving policymakers, public health professionals, educators, researchers, and the poultry industry to ensure equitable access to affordable, safe, and nutritious protein sources.

10. Policy Initiatives and the National Nutrition Agenda
India has recognized the importance of nutrition as a cornerstone of human development. Over the past decade, several flagship programmes have sought to improve nutritional outcomes, particularly among women and children. However, the emphasis has gradually shifted from food security to nutrition security, recognizing that adequate calories alone cannot eliminate malnutrition.

POSHAN Abhiyaan
The POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) represents India’s flagship initiative to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight. The programme promotes convergence among multiple ministries while emphasizing behavioural change communication, growth monitoring, maternal nutrition, and dietary diversity.
Incorporating affordable, high-quality proteins such as eggs into supplementary nutrition programmes can significantly enhance the nutritional impact of POSHAN interventions.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
ICDS remains one of the world’s largest early childhood nutrition programmes. Anganwadi centres provide supplementary nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children below six years of age.

Several Indian states have successfully included eggs in ICDS meals, demonstrating improvements in dietary quality, child acceptability, and programme effectiveness. Wider adoption of this evidence-based intervention could substantially improve protein intake among vulnerable populations.

PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
The school meal programme reaches millions of children every day and offers an excellent opportunity to address childhood protein deficiency.
States that provide eggs in school meals have reported:
– Improved attendance.
– Better student satisfaction.
– Enhanced nutritional quality of meals.
– Increased dietary protein intake.
– Improved growth indicators.
Expanding egg inclusion while respecting regional dietary preferences can strengthen India’s investment in human capital.

11. Strategies for Achieving “Protein in Every Plate”
Addressing India’s protein gap requires coordinated action across agriculture, health, education, food industries, and public policy.
1. Promote Nutrition Literacy
Public awareness campaigns should emphasize: Daily protein requirements, Importance of protein quality, Benefits of eggs and lean poultry, Protein needs across different age groups, Dispelling myths surrounding egg consumption.
Nutrition education should begin in schools and continue through community health programmes.
2. Strengthen School Nutrition Programmes
Including eggs in school feeding programmes can simultaneously improve: Child nutrition, School attendance, Learning outcomes, Cognitive development, Long-term productivity.
Where eggs cannot be provided because of cultural preferences, nutritionally equivalent alternatives should be offered to ensure that children receive adequate protein.
3. Improve Maternal Nutrition
Pregnant and lactating women require substantially higher protein intake. Maternal nutrition programmes should prioritize affordable sources of complete protein, including eggs where culturally acceptable, alongside counselling on balanced diets and micronutrient supplementation.
4. Expand Poultry Production Sustainably
Increasing poultry production through scientific farming practices can improve affordability while minimizing environmental impacts.
Priority areas include: Improved genetics, Precision nutrition, Disease surveillance, Vaccination programmes, Climate-resilient housing, Waste recycling, Renewable energy adoption, Digital technologies for farm management etc.
5. Support Smallholder Poultry Farming
Backyard and small-scale poultry systems remain critical for rural livelihoods and household nutrition.
Policies should strengthen: Access to quality chicks, Veterinary healthcare, Credit facilities, Farmer producer organizations, Women’s self-help groups, Local hatcheries, Market linkages.
6. Reduce Supply Chain Losses
Investments in: Cold-chain infrastructure, Modern processing, Refrigerated transport, Food safety systems, Value-added poultry products etc. can improve year-round availability while reducing post-harvest losses.
7. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, universities, poultry industries, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies can accelerate nutrition-sensitive interventions and evidence-based policymaking.

12. Summary
India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward achieving comprehensive nutrition security. While remarkable gains have been made in agricultural production and food availability, ensuring access to high-quality dietary protein remains a pressing public health priority. The persistence of protein inadequacy, micronutrient deficiencies, childhood stunting, maternal undernutrition, and age-related muscle loss underscores the need for nutrition-sensitive strategies that extend beyond calorie sufficiency.

Eggs and chicken offer a compelling solution to this challenge. They provide highly digestible, complete proteins together with an array of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support growth, cognitive development, immunity, reproductive health, and healthy ageing. Their affordability, wide availability, and compatibility with diverse dietary patterns make them particularly well suited to addressing India’s nutritional needs across all stages of life.

Equally important is the contribution of the poultry sector to livelihoods, rural development, women’s empowerment, and economic growth. As one of the most efficient livestock production systems, poultry offers an environmentally responsible pathway for expanding access to animal-source foods while minimizing pressure on natural resources.

The vision of “Protein in Every Plate” is therefore more than a nutritional aspiration—it is a national development strategy. Achieving this vision requires coordinated efforts involving government, academia, healthcare professionals, educators, the poultry industry, civil society, and consumers. Investments in nutrition education, scientific poultry production, evidence-based public policies, and inclusive food programmes will not only improve dietary quality but also strengthen human capital, economic productivity, and national resilience.

Ultimately, bridging India’s nutrition gap is not simply about increasing food production; it is about ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic status, has regular access to safe, affordable, and nutrient-rich foods. Eggs and chicken can play a transformative role in this endeavour, helping build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India—one protein-rich plate at a time.

In this exclusive interaction with Mr. Ricky Thaper discusses the critical issues shaping India’s poultry sector, including feed security, ethanol mandates, regulatory reforms, import policies, and sustainable strategies for future growth and competitiveness.

Poultry Creations: With the rapid modernization of India’s poultry sector, how do you foresee domestic feed-grain demand evolving in direct competition with ethanol mandates?

Ricky Thaper: At present, the Indian poultry industry, which has seen 7% to 8% annual growth in the last decade is valued at over $ 30 billion. The industry has transformed itself from following conventional farming practices to a modern commercial production system. However sustained supply of feed ingredients remains a key challenge. Poultry feed mostly consist of Maize (corn) 50-55% and Soybean Meal 20-25% and rest other feed ingredients and feed additives & nutrients.

Stating that there has been increasing diversion of maize towards industrial use and ethanol production, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the vision document for poultry sector in 2047 had also stated “the current growth level of maize and soybean production in the country will be insufficient to meet the demand of the poultry industry.” The CII has urged the government to allow imports of genetically modified (GM) maize and soybean because of ‘unprecedented increase’ in feed prices.

The demand supply situation has entered a new phase especially maize, a key ingredient, has become India’s single-largest feedstock for ethanol. With growing demand for maize following the government’s future plans to expand ethanol blending program, may result in lesser supplies for poultry, dairy and aqua feed.

Poultry Creations: What regulatory alignments are most critical right now to ensure stable, cost-effective grain supplies for the growing poultry and livestock industry?

Ricky Thaper: To meet the growing needs of the livestock feed, the government needs to have an open import policy for sourcing maize and soybean meal from the various countries, irrespective of whether the crops are GM variants or not. With the competing demand from ethanol, starch and other sectors, feed ingredients imports should be open without any restrictions. In August, 2021, the government had relaxed import rules to allow the first shipment of 1.2 million ton of genetically modified (GM) soybean meal to support the domestic poultry industry after a record spike in feed prices. Poultry industry has urged the Government repeatedly to allow both import and cultivation of GM maize and soybeans to fulfil the requirement of these two major feed ingredients in the coming years. The sustainable supplies of feed in coming years would be crucial for the growth of the poultry industry.
Currently annual animal feed production is estimated close to 56 million tons which includes dairy feed 16.5 million tons, aqua feed 2.5 million tons and poultry feed 37 million tons. The feed ingredients are mostly maize and soybean meal About 60-65% of the output of maize is used as poultry and livestock feed while rest is used for industrial use.

In the 2025-26 crop year (July-June), the agriculture ministry has estimated maize production at 52 million tons while output estimate by trade is around 48 million tons. As per industry estimate, poultry industry used around 26 million tons of maize in feed while around 5.5 million tons used for dairy feed while around 6 million tons was used by starch industry and only 1.5 MT is used for human consumption. 1 million tons in alcohol and about 1 million tons in seed and wastage. Balance 8-10 MT of maize was diverted for ethanol production.

Poultry Creations: How can corporate agribusiness interests and national trade policies better synchronize to protect poultry margins during periods of commodity price spikes?

Ricky Thaper: The poultry sector is a vital sector of the livestock industry which provides employment to over 6 million people. While industry is witnessing a steady pace, sustainable feed supplies at reasonable prices would be crucial for the growth of the sector as feed prices constitute over 65% to 70% of the cost of production. Any increase in feed prices hit the margins of poultry farmers. The government has been focussing on growth of agriculture and allied sectors. There are several industries which require maize at their key raw material so the government should focus on. The current growth level of maize production in the country will be insufficient to meet the demand of the poultry industry in coming years.
The soybean production cycle in India for the year 2025–26 has seen a notable downturn compared to the 2024–25 season. As per the data from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA & FW) or the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), the consensus is clear: production fell sharply due to a combination of lower acreage, extreme weather and falling yields.

Government Estimate is 12.60 Million Tons and the Industry Estimate (SOPA Ground Survey) | is11.03 Million Tons The Government numbers track total theoretical agricultural output, while SOPA’s numbers heavily filter for commercial availability, market arrivals and clean seed weight available to crushing mills.

Three main factors compressed the 2025–26 harvest compared to the previous year:
1. Reduced Cultivation Acreage – Farmers actively shifted some of their land away from soy due to weaker market-yard prices observed mid-2025, from 118.31 Lakh Hectares (2024–25 Acreage) to 112.14 Lakh Hectares (2025–26 Acreage), a decline of roughly 5.2%

2. Depressed Yields per Hectare – Climate abnormalities took a heavy toll on the plants during critical growth phases. The national average crop yield dropped from 1,089 kg per hectare in 2024–25 down to 983 kg per hectare in 2025–26.

3. Weather Anomalies and Crop Disease – Excessive & Uneven Rains: The monsoon brought flash water-logging in low-lying areas during the initial phase, causing localized washouts that required re-sowing. Later, prolonged heavy rains during the critical harvesting time damaged crop quality, yielding smaller grain sizes and higher moisture content. Pest Pressures: Key growing belts saw infestations of Yellow Mosaic Virus and aerial blight, which severely stunted pod development.

Because total commercial availability for crushing fell dramatically to10.40 Million Tons (compared to over 12.32 Million Tons in 2024–25), the domestic crushing industry has faced severe supply shortages. This raw material deficit is the primary driver behind the rocketing local meal prices and the collapse of the export trade.

Another major challenging area is the dried distillers’ grains with soluble (DDGS) from maize, a key by-product of ethanol production, are not of desired quality for feed and the toxins levels are high. The challenge is that this toxin affected DDGS when used in feed will set into food chain.

Poultry Creations: What sustainable growth models are proving successful in insulating the Indian poultry sector from global supply chain shocks?

Ricky Thaper: The poultry industry, like other agriculture sectors, is subject to the supply and demand scenario, market structures and Government policies. An open import policy on animal feed ingredient would go a long way meeting the demand of livestock and poultry feed. Several south Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have allowed imports of GM Maize and GM soybean / soymeal. The GM soybean / soybean meal and Maize imports should be allowed with a fixed quota during off or non-harvesting season here so that it does not adversely impact the farmers’ price realisation. Reduction in import duties on these feed ingredients in the poultry feed should be announced soon.

As the demand and supply gap between consumption and production of feed grows, liberalised imports of soybean meal and maize would mitigate the problems and keep the prices under check. With the competing sector demanding maize supplies, liberalising policy on import is of paramount importance for sustainable growth of the poultry sector which is growing at a steady pace with the rising demand of protein enriched food.

PIONEERING ANIMAL HEALTH THROUGH PHYTOGENIC INNOVATION

France Based IDENA’s Complex Phytogenic Animal Nutrition Products Through Feed Development has led to Higher Productivity and Better Animal Health – Ricky Thaper (www.rickythaper.com)

Improving livestock health has been recognized by producers as an important sustainability effort which improves efficiency and reduces productivity losses in the animal husbandry sector. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged nations to integrate animal health into their national climate commitments, calling it “vital for sustainable livestock production.” The roadmap recognized the importance of livestock to 1.7 billion farmers worldwide and offered proven pathways for addressing its climate footprint including better genetics, feed, and animal health. An UN report calculated the effects of different steps to address livestock emission by stating that animal productivity increase would reduce emissions 20%. It also stated that feed improvements by 12%, better animal health by 10%, improved genetics by 8% and methane reducing feed additives by 5%.

This growing recognition of the value of animal health and related technologies has the potential to boost livestock sustainability and decrease its carbon footprint. This will require adoption of strong biosecurity protocols, improved feed and use of good additives, better breeding practices and adoption of new digital technologies. Keeping this vision in mind, several companies have been working towards boosting animal health and productivity through development of innovative products keeping into consideration the unique needs of countries across the world.

Since its creation in 1995, France based global major in animal nutrition IDENA group has developed products keeping into account the nutritional needs of poultry, dairy, and piggery. The key focus of the IDENA is to introduce innovative additives and pre-mixes which boost the poultry and livestock feed and increase performances of poultry and livestock in the farms.

At IDENA, head-quartered in SAUTRON, Pays de la Loire, France, there are experts who are passionate about developing products which promote animal growth and welfare. IDENA’s technical and sales teams, often in the field, offers tailor-made advice to improve the formulation of products and optimise their effectiveness depending on the needs of the customer. The company has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them. In 2001, the IDENA production plant in Pontchâteau, France was set up.

The mission of the company is to market natural alternatives to conventional additives in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and preserve their effectiveness (antibiotic resistance). These alternatives are made up of phytogenic, bioactive and active ingredients derived from lactic fermentations through IDENA’s sister company STI BIOTECHNOLOGIE which has developed a unique range of Postbiotics.

Following a specific inactivation process, STI Biotechnologie manufactures, among other products, a postbiotic solution, available in powder and liquid form. METALAC promotes digestive comfort, enhances animal welfare, and improves the animals’ immune status.

The company has numerous scientific publications: S. Jansseune’s thesis, published last June, expanded knowledge of METALAC through in vitro and in vivo experimental trials, as well as on the composition of metabolites synthesized during bacterial fermentation. The postbiotic contributes to the formation of a beneficial bacterial biofilm to protect intestinal villus cells, thereby strengthening the intestinal barrier. This research is continuing with a postdoctoral fellowship in collaboration with the University of Rennes, supervised by Monogastric Product Manager Maeva JEGOU.

Under the leadership of Director Christophe TANGUY, the Asia-Middle East region is managed by David CHEREL, based in China.

IDENA has also developed a complete range of nutritional specialities to improve the feed efficiency of animals fed in organic farming systems and these products are all approved by official organic farming certification bodies.

IDENA has a range of poultry products, among them; FORCIX PY (Prevention of the risk associated with Eimeria together with Necrotic Enteritis), FORKEY LS (Prevention of the risk associated with Histomonas in Turkeys), EVOPERF (Digestive comfort and performance), PONTIPLUS (Supporting hen productivity and longevity by maintaining laying rate and improving egg quality and breeders’ eggs hatchability) and IDAFIX+ (a large spectrum powerful mycotoxin binder). All these poultry products are based on the results of extensive scientific research, particularly into the action of plant extracts and essential oils. The issues studied relate mainly to make better use of the nutrients supplied and managing the risks of parasites and bacteria amongst the poultry birds. In poultry, IDENA focus is on gut health, mineral balance, feed efficiency, and resilience of birds under commercial conditions. IDENA solutions combine R&D, field validation, and practical formulation expertise to ensure both technical efficiency and economic viability. The nutrition experts in the company have developed a range of products designed to improve the feed efficiency of ruminants, focussing on critical components – protein, energy and fibre. The company also focussed on pig production for creating formulation through feed recipes and increase digestive efficiency of the animals.

To design animal feeding in different ways and to improve technical and economic performance while respecting animal welfare and the environment, IDENA develops quality feed products for the various sectors of the livestock economy- feed manufacturers, premix manufacturers, integrators, hatcheries, dairies, farms and breeders. The products are developed by consultants specialised by species. The IDENA group is made up of departments covering areas such as research and development, animal nutrition engineering and the manufacture of premixes and innovative specialities. This enables each entity to focus fully on its core business, whilst benefiting from the Group’s stability, experience and long term vision.

110 people are currently cooperating at IDENA, with Mr. Renaud Domitile as CEO and Mr. Massoud Aoun as General Manager. The commercial team is led by Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director, with 6 Regional Export Managers to cover the 5 continents.

Team of experts from the group also carry out on-farm audits to better adapt the formulation and use of additives to the context of each livestock farm. Six people are offering technical support for poultry: Mrs. Anne MAHIEU, Nutritionist-Head of Poultry Department, Dr. Jean-Marie WATIER- Vet Poultry Specialist, Ms. Amandine CANIN-Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and Mr. Bohdan BODNAR, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and also Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO which is recognized worldwide for his nutrition expertise.

The 2000s saw the internationalisation of the Group’s activities. The company offers its services to hundreds of customers, both feed manufacturers and players in the animal sector, spread across France to more than 60 countries spanning five continents. It has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them.

The Group has a robust central structure, which ensures strategic consistency, supports the development of its subsidiaries and fosters synergies between areas of expertise. The company’s annual revenue was approximately €50 million in 2025

With the future collaboration with Distributors in India, IDENA group has great plans to expand its presence in India, which has the world’s biggest livestock population said Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO. The India poultry market is driven by strong demand for affordable animal protein and rapid industry structuring. However, it remains a highly competitive and price-sensitive market, where solutions must combine technical performance with clear economic return added Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer.

Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director said through IDENA product innovation, India’s poultry and livestock sector will be immensely benefited to better feed and increase in productivity because of improvement in animal health. IDENA’s strength compared to most of its competitors lies not only in the fact that the company offers a range of innovative phytogenic products designed to improve feed efficiency and livestock performance, but that this offering is backed by extensive expertise in animal nutrition, feed formulation and livestock management, which IDENA’s teams make available to their partner clients.

For further information about IDENA poultry, dairy and piggery products, kindly visit IDENA Website: http://www.idena.fr/

Introduction
The poultry industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of global agriculture and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutritional sustainability, and rural livelihoods. Poultry meat and eggs are among the most affordable and widely consumed sources of high-quality animal protein. However, the economic sustainability of poultry farming is increasingly threatened by rising feed costs, which account for nearly 65–75% of total production expenditure in commercial poultry enterprises. Among feed ingredients, soybean meal (SBM) constitutes the primary protein source because of its superior amino acid profile, high digestibility, and consistent nutrient availability. Nevertheless, volatility in soybean prices due to climate change, global trade disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, biofuel competition, transportation costs, and fluctuating international commodity markets has significantly increased production costs in poultry farming. The dependence on imported soybean meal in many developing countries, including India, further exposes poultry producers to supply chain uncertainties and foreign exchange fluctuations. Consequently, poultry nutritionists and farm managers are actively exploring alternative protein sources and innovative farm management strategies to reduce feed costs while maintaining productivity, flock health, and profitability. Simultaneously, advances in precision poultry farming, digital technologies, environmental control systems, and feed efficiency optimization are transforming poultry production into a more data-driven and economically resilient enterprise. The integration of nutritionally viable soymeal alternatives with smart farm management practices offers a promising pathway toward sustainable poultry production under conditions of escalating feed prices.

Importance of Soybean Meal in Poultry Nutrition
Soybean meal has long been regarded as the benchmark protein ingredient in poultry diets because of its excellent nutritional characteristics. Typically containing 44–48% crude protein, soybean meal provides an ideal balance of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, which is often limiting in cereal-based diets. Its high digestibility, palatability, and relatively low fibre content make it highly suitable for broilers, layers, breeders, and turkeys.
In broiler nutrition, soybean meal supports rapid muscle development, efficient feed conversion, and improved carcass quality. In layer production, it contributes to enhanced egg production, egg mass, and shell quality. Furthermore, soybean meal contains beneficial bioactive compounds and functional peptides that positively influence gut health and immune responses.

Despite these advantages, excessive dependence on soybean meal has created several challenges for the poultry industry. Global soybean production is concentrated in a limited number of countries, making supply chains vulnerable to climatic events, geopolitical instability, and export restrictions. Additionally, soybean cultivation has been associated with deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental concerns, especially in South America. Increasing competition between feed, food, and biofuel sectors has also intensified pressure on soybean availability and pricing.

As feed costs continue to rise, the poultry industry is increasingly compelled to diversify protein sources and adopt more economically sustainable feeding strategies.

Economic Consequences of Rising Feed Cost in Poultry Production
Feed cost inflation directly reduces profit margins in poultry enterprises. Since poultry production operates on relatively narrow economic margins, even modest increases in feed prices can significantly affect profitability. Broiler production is particularly sensitive because of short production cycles and high feed consumption rates. Similarly, in layer operations, prolonged periods of elevated feed prices may substantially reduce returns over feed cost.

Rising feed costs result in several economic consequences:
– Increased cost per kilogram of live weight gain.
– Reduced feed conversion efficiency under poor-quality diets.
– Decline in egg production profitability.
– Increased market price of poultry products.
– Reduced competitiveness of small-scale producers.
– Lower farm expansion and investment capacity.

In many regions, feed manufacturers and poultry producers respond by reformulating diets with lower-cost ingredients. However, indiscriminate replacement of soybean meal without proper nutritional balancing may impair growth performance, immunity, carcass quality, and reproductive efficiency. Therefore, economically sustainable poultry production requires a scientific approach that combines alternative feed ingredients with precision nutritional management.

Oilseed Meals as Alternatives to Soybean Meal
Oilseed by-products are among the most practical alternatives to soybean meal in poultry feeding systems. Several oilseed meals possess substantial protein content and can partially replace soybean meal when diets are appropriately formulated.

Canola Meal
Canola meal contains approximately 35–40% crude protein and is rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. It can effectively replace part of soybean meal in broiler and layer diets. However, its higher fibre content and presence of glucosinolates may limit inclusion levels.

Sunflower Meal
Sunflower meal is another important protein source with good methionine content. Dehulled sunflower meal possesses improved nutrient density and can be used efficiently in poultry rations. Enzyme supplementation enhances its digestibility.

Cottonseed Meal
Cottonseed meal provides substantial protein but contains gossypol, a toxic pigment that restricts its inclusion in poultry diets. Proper processing and iron supplementation may reduce toxicity concerns.

Groundnut Cake
Groundnut cake is widely used in India and other Asian countries because of its local availability and moderate protein content. However, aflatoxin contamination remains a major concern requiring strict quality control measures.

Sesame and Linseed Cakes
These oilseed cakes provide supplementary protein and beneficial fatty acids, although their use is often limited by fibre content and anti-nutritional factors. Oilseed meals can substantially reduce feed costs when incorporated scientifically with amino acid balancing and enzyme supplementation.

Use of Legume Grains in Poultry Feeding
Legume grains are gaining popularity as sustainable and locally available protein alternatives in poultry nutrition. Commonly used legumes include peas, lupins, chickpeas, pigeon pea, and faba beans.
Nutritional Advantages
– Moderate to high protein content.
– Good starch availability.
– Reduced dependence on imported soybean meal.
– Nitrogen fixation benefits in agriculture.
– Lower environmental footprint.

Constraints
– Presence of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and non-starch polysaccharides.
– Lower methionine content compared to soybean meal.
– Variability in nutrient composition.

Modern processing technologies such as extrusion, roasting, soaking, dehulling, and fermentation help reduce anti-nutritional factors and improve nutrient utilization. In broiler diets, partial replacement of soybean meal with processed legumes has demonstrated satisfactory growth performance and feed efficiency.
The use of locally cultivated legumes can also strengthen regional feed security and reduce transportation-related costs.

Distillers Dried Grains and Agro-Industrial By-Products
Agro-industrial by-products represent an economically valuable resource for poultry feeding. The poultry industry increasingly utilizes these ingredients within circular economy models aimed at reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)
DDGS is a by-product of ethanol production and contains considerable protein, fat, phosphorus, and digestible energy. It is widely used in broiler and layer diets at moderate inclusion levels.
Rice Bran
Rice bran is abundantly available in rice-producing countries and provides energy, oil, vitamins, and moderate protein. Stabilization is necessary to prevent rancidity.
Wheat Bran and Pollard
These by-products supply fibre, phosphorus, and moderate protein but are generally used at lower inclusion rates in poultry because of high fibre levels.
Brewer’s Grains
Brewer’s grains can serve as low-cost feed ingredients after proper drying and preservation.
Bakery Waste
Processed bakery waste offers a highly digestible energy source capable of partially replacing maize in poultry diets. Although agro-industrial by-products reduce feed costs, variability in nutrient composition necessitates routine laboratory analysis and quality assurance.

Insect Meal as a Novel Protein Source
Insect meal has emerged as a highly promising alternative protein source for poultry production. Black soldier fly larvae meal, mealworm meal, and housefly larvae meal possess high crude protein levels and favourable amino acid profiles.

Advantages of Insect Meal
– Excellent digestibility.
– High protein concentration.
– Efficient conversion of organic waste into biomass.
– Reduced land and water use.
– Lower environmental impact compared to soybean cultivation.

Studies have shown that insect meal can partially replace soybean meal and fishmeal in broiler diets without adversely affecting growth performance or carcass quality. Some insect-derived lipids also possess antimicrobial properties that may support gut health.

However, large-scale commercialization faces several limitations:
– High production costs.
– Regulatory constraints.
– Limited industrial infrastructure.
– Consumer perception challenges.
As production technologies improve, insect meal may become increasingly competitive as a sustainable protein source for poultry feeding.

Algae, Single Cell Proteins, and Fermented Feed Ingredients
Microalgae and microbial proteins represent future-oriented feed resources with substantial potential for poultry nutrition.

Microalgae
Species such as Spirulina and Chlorella contain high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and pigments. In layer diets, algae supplementation enhances yolk pigmentation and antioxidant status.
Single Cell Protein (SCP)
Yeast, bacteria, and fungal biomass can provide highly digestible protein with rapid production rates and minimal land requirement.
Fermented Feed Ingredients
Fermentation improves nutrient availability and reduces anti-nutritional compounds in feed ingredients. Fermented soybean meal, fermented legumes, and probiotic-enriched feeds enhance gut health and nutrient absorption in poultry.

These technologies contribute to improved feed conversion efficiency and may reduce dependence on expensive conventional protein sources.

Precision Nutrition and Least-Cost Feed Formulation
Precision nutrition is essential for maintaining profitability during periods of feed cost escalation. Modern least-cost formulation software allows nutritionists to design diets that meet nutrient requirements at minimum cost while incorporating alternative ingredients.

Major Precision Nutrition Approaches
– Digestible amino acid formulation.
– Ideal protein concept.
– Phase feeding.
– Precision protein nutrition.
– Net energy systems.
– Use of synthetic amino acids.

The supplementation of lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, and tryptophan enables significant reduction in crude protein levels without compromising performance. Lower protein diets reduce feed cost, nitrogen excretion, and metabolic stress.

Feed enzymes such as phytase, xylanase, protease, and β-glucanase further enhance nutrient digestibility and improve utilization of unconventional feed ingredients.

Precision nutrition therefore represents a cornerstone strategy for economical poultry production under volatile feed markets.

Smart Feeding Systems and Feed Wastage Reduction
Feed wastage significantly contributes to economic losses in poultry farming. Smart feeding technologies help optimize feed distribution, minimize wastage, and improve feed efficiency.

Important Smart Feeding Technologies
– Automated feeding systems.
– Sensor-based feed dispensers.
– Precision feed allocation systems.
– Real-time feed intake monitoring.
– Smart silos and inventory systems.
Automated systems ensure uniform feed distribution and reduce labour dependency. Sensor technologies can detect abnormal feed consumption patterns, enabling early identification of health or management problems.

Proper feeder design, adjustment of feeder height, and prevention of feed spillage also play important roles in minimizing wastage. Even small reductions in feed wastage can substantially improve farm profitability during periods of high feed prices.

Environmental Control and Poultry House Management
Environmental management strongly influences feed intake, nutrient utilization, and overall poultry performance. Poor environmental conditions reduce growth rate, impair immunity, and worsen feed conversion efficiency.

Critical Environmental Factors
– Temperature.
– Humidity.
– Ventilation.
– Air quality.
– Lighting programs.
– Litter management.

Heat stress is particularly detrimental in tropical and subtropical poultry production systems. Birds exposed to high temperatures reduce feed intake, resulting in lower body weight gain and egg production.

Modern environmentally controlled poultry houses utilize:
– Tunnel ventilation.
– Evaporative cooling systems.
– Automated climate control.
– Smart sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring.
These systems help maintain optimal environmental conditions, improve bird comfort, and enhance feed efficiency.

Gut Health Management and Feed Efficiency
Maintaining optimal gut health is essential for efficient nutrient utilization and profitability in poultry production. Intestinal health directly affects digestion, absorption, immunity, and feed conversion efficiency.

Key Gut Health Strategies
– Probiotics.
– Prebiotics.
– Organic acids.
– Phytogenic feed additives.
– Enzymes.
– Competitive exclusion products.

The reduction in antibiotic growth promoter usage has increased the importance of alternative gut health management approaches. Healthy intestinal microflora improves nutrient digestibility and reduces disease susceptibility.

Mycotoxin management is equally critical because contaminated feed ingredients can impair gut integrity, suppress immunity, and reduce productivity. The use of toxin binders and strict feed quality control helps maintain flock performance under challenging feeding conditions.

Digital Technologies and Precision Poultry Farming
Precision poultry farming integrates digital technologies, automation, sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize poultry production efficiency.

Applications of Precision Poultry Farming
– Real-time flock monitoring.
– Automated mortality detection.
– Feed and water consumption analysis.
– Environmental monitoring.
– Predictive disease surveillance.
– Behavioural analysis using cameras and sensors.

Artificial intelligence-based systems can identify deviations in flock behaviour before visible clinical signs appear. Early disease detection reduces mortality losses and treatment costs.

Cloud-based management platforms allow integration of production, nutrition, health, and financial data for better decision-making. Data-driven management improves resource utilization and supports economic sustainability.

Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Poultry Production

Sustainable poultry production requires balancing economic profitability with environmental responsibility. Rising feed costs and climate-related disruptions highlight the need for resilient feeding systems and efficient resource utilization.

Important Sustainability Strategies
– Diversification of feed ingredients.
– Use of locally available feed resources.
– Circular economy approaches.
– Reduction of feed carbon footprint.
– Water conservation.
– Renewable energy utilization.

Climate-smart poultry production systems emphasize resilience against heat stress, feed shortages, disease outbreaks, and market volatility. Alternative proteins such as legumes, insect meal, algae, and agro-industrial by-products contribute to greater feed system sustainability.

The integration of smart technologies further improves resource efficiency and environmental performance.

Way Forward
Rising feed costs represent one of the most significant challenges confronting modern poultry production systems. Since soybean meal remains a major contributor to feed expenses, reducing dependency on conventional soybean-based diets has become an economic necessity for poultry producers worldwide. A wide range of alternative protein sources—including oilseed meals, legumes, agro-industrial by-products, insect meal, algae, microbial proteins, and fermented feed ingredients—offer considerable potential for reducing feed costs while maintaining productive performance.

However, successful incorporation of soymeal alternatives requires scientific feed formulation, proper ingredient processing, amino acid balancing, quality control, and strategic use of feed additives and enzymes. No single alternative ingredient can completely replace soybean meal under all production conditions; therefore, diversified and flexible feeding programs are essential.

Equally important is the adoption of smart farm management systems that improve feed efficiency and operational sustainability. Precision nutrition, automated feeding systems, environmental control technologies, gut health management, digital monitoring platforms, and artificial intelligence-based decision support systems can substantially enhance profitability during periods of volatile feed prices.

The future poultry industry will increasingly depend on the integration of alternative feed resources with precision poultry farming technologies. Producers capable of combining nutritional innovation, smart management, and sustainability-oriented practices will be better positioned to withstand economic uncertainties and maintain long-term profitability. Thus, exploring soymeal alternatives alongside intelligent farm management is not merely a temporary response to rising feed costs, but a strategic transformation toward resilient, efficient, and sustainable poultry production systems for the future.

The 7th edition of the Global Talks Series presents an inspiring conversation with Ms. Tori Sorensen, a globally respected advocate for sustainable agriculture, soybean processing, and animal nutrition education. This edition explores Tori Sorensen’s journey from her farm roots in Iowa to becoming a global voice in soy innovation and protein security. Through her leadership at Insta-Pro International and contributions with U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), she has helped advance feed processing technologies, sustainable animal nutrition, and global education initiatives across more than 100 countries. As former Chair of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Committee, Tori played a leading role in strengthening global training programs for feed manufacturing and agribusiness professionals, including the establishment of SEC India. Her work continues to inspire the poultry and livestock industries through innovation, education, and a strong commitment to global protein security.

Career Summary:
In a world where global food systems face sustainability and production challenges, Tori Sorensen has built a career focused on advancing global agriculture through education and communication in soybean processing and animal nutrition. As Marketing Director for Insta-Pro International, she has helped expand the company’s global presence by promoting sustainable feed processing solutions across international markets. Outside her position at Insta-Pro, Tori has become a thought leader and a staunch advocate for sustainable agriculture practices and education on soybean processing.

Early Career/Background:
Raised on a farm in southeast Iowa, agriculture and the value of hard work played a defining role in shaping Tori’s life and career. She experienced the realities of farm life first hand by detasseling corn, walking beans, helping with the family grain bin business, and learning to drive a tractor before she even learned to drive a car.
Like many farm families impacted by the 1980s farm crisis in the United States, her family faced significant hardship, including losing their farm and home at auction. Those experiences left a lasting impact and helped shape her perspective on resilience, opportunity, and education. Inspired by her father’s belief that “they can take everything from you, but they can’t take away your education.” Sorensen developed a deep passion for agricultural education and leadership development, which continues to influence her work in her global agriculture outreach today.

Marketing Director at Insta-Pro International:
As current Marketing Director for Insta-Pro International, Tori Sorensen has helped build global partnerships focused on soybean processing, feed efficiency, and animal nutrition education. Working with customers and distributors in more than 100 countries, for the last 12 years, she has supported international outreach efforts that promote high-shear dry extrusion technology and sustainable soy processing solutions for poultry, livestock, and feed production. Her role often combines technical education with relationship-building, helping connect feed producers and processors around the world with U.S. soy innovation and processing expertise.

Global Partnerships and Outreach:
Through her leadership at Insta-Pro International and former volunteer positions at USSEC, Tori has leveraged her expertise and resources to lead workshops, presentations, technical trainings, and international outreach programs focused on soybean processing and animal nutrition education. By combining Insta-Pro’s expertise in high-shear dry extrusion and feed processing with USSEC’s global education initiatives, she has helped connect producers, nutritionists, feed mills, and agribusiness leaders from across the globe with practical knowledge on feed efficiency, soybean meal quality, and sustainable protein production. Her work centers on creating collaborative learning opportunities that strengthen industry partnerships while advancing the understanding of U.S. soy technologies in global markets.

USSEC Leadership:

In addition to her role at Insta-Pro International, Tori has also served in several leadership positions with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), including Board of Directors (2019-2025) founding Chair of the SEC (Soy Excellence Center) Committee (2019-2025) and Co-Chair of the Animal and Aquaculture Utilization Team from 2017 to 2019. As Chair of the SEC she led the establishment and growth of the educational programs designed to train emerging leaders in feed manufacturing and agribusiness across the globe. The centers focus on advancing animal nutrition, supporting sustainable protein production, and strengthening international trust in U.S. soybean quality and processing technologies.

Spotlight on India & USSEC SEC
As Chairwoman, Tori led the SEC global presence, in four regions – Americas, Asia, MENA, and Sub-Saharan Africa with focused Centers in Thailand, Egypt, Nigeria, and established in 2024, India.

With 1.4 billion people strong and a rapidly growing economy, India is one of the worlds largest and most diversified food producers with agriculture contributing to over 20% of the economy. Challenged with a young workforce and unique market needs, the SEC program aligned with the Indian government’s focus on skills development for youth, making them ready for jobs under the ‘Skills India’ initiative.

In 2024; Tori, along with 14 Industry Leaders from India and the SEC Global Advisory Panel, held its inaugural meeting in Mumbai. This meeting provided guidance and direction on tailoring SEC offerings to solve key training challenges and operational hurdles in India’s food and agribusiness operations.

During her tenure as Chairwoman of the SEC, Tori led this transformative training program, preparing over 20,000 participants globally with the skills needed to be future-ready. Making her a strong advocate for global protein security through soy innovation and animal nutrition. A fitting legacy to her father’s belief in the importance, permanence and impact of education.

“Education is the most sustainable investment we can make for the future of global agriculture. When we empower people with knowledge, innovation, and opportunity, we strengthen food security and create a better future for generations to come.” 

— Tori Sorensen

Introduction
The poultry industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding segments of the livestock sector in India. Over the past few decades, the sector has transformed from a subsistence-level backyard activity into a highly organized and technologically driven industry. Poultry production plays a critical role in ensuring nutritional security by providing affordable sources of high-quality animal protein in the form of eggs and chicken meat. In addition, the sector contributes substantially to rural employment, income generation, and the growth of allied industries such as feed manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, hatcheries, and processing units. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and steadily rising income levels, the domestic demand for poultry products has increased significantly. Despite the strong domestic market, India possesses substantial potential to expand its presence in international poultry trade. Globally, poultry meat is one of the fastest-growing sources of animal protein due to its relatively low cost, high nutritional value, and minimal cultural or religious restrictions. Consequently, many developing countries are witnessing a surge in poultry consumption. India, being among the leading producers of eggs and poultry meat in the world, has the capacity to meet a portion of this growing global demand. However, the export share of Indian poultry products remains relatively modest compared with major exporting nations. Understanding the export potential and global competitiveness of the Indian poultry sector is therefore essential for designing strategies that can enhance the country’s participation in global markets. In this article we shall try to examine the production strength, comparative advantages, export trends, constraints, and future opportunities that will determine India’s ability to become a competitive player in the international poultry trade.

Evolution and Growth of the Industry
The growth trajectory of the Indian poultry industry has been remarkable, particularly since the 1970s when scientific poultry farming began gaining momentum. Initially, poultry rearing in India was largely confined to backyard systems characterized by indigenous breeds with low productivity. The introduction of improved poultry breeds, scientific feeding practices, and better disease management gradually led to increased productivity and commercialization. Government support through various livestock development programs further accelerated the expansion of the sector. In the 1980s and 1990s, the emergence of private hatcheries, commercial feed mills, and vertically integrated poultry enterprises transformed the industry structure. Integration enabled better coordination among breeding, feed production, broiler growing, processing, and marketing activities, leading to greater efficiency and reduced production costs.

In recent years, modern technologies such as automated climate-controlled poultry houses, precision feeding systems, and improved genetic strains have significantly enhanced productivity levels. India has now become one of the largest producers of eggs and poultry meat globally. The country produces more than 149 billion eggs annually and 4.95 million tonnes of poultry meat, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector. This expansion has been supported by the availability of skilled manpower, improved veterinary services, and a strong research base in poultry science. The industry also benefits from an extensive network of small and medium poultry farmers who contribute to production through contract farming and cooperative models. The transformation of the Indian poultry sector demonstrates its ability to adapt to technological innovations and market demands, which is a crucial factor in developing export competitiveness.

Current Production Scenario
India’s poultry industry today represents a major component of the country’s livestock economy. Egg production has witnessed consistent growth over the past two decades, positioning India among the top two egg-producing nations in the world. Several states have emerged as major poultry production hubs due to favourable climate, infrastructure, and investment. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, and West Bengal account for a significant share of the country’s egg and poultry meat production. These regions have developed strong production clusters supported by hatcheries, feed mills, and marketing networks. The broiler sector has also expanded rapidly, driven by increasing urban demand for poultry meat. The organized broiler industry operates through integrated production systems in which large companies provide chicks, feed, and technical support to contract farmers, while marketing the final product through established distribution channels. Such systems help maintain uniform quality and reduce production risks for farmers. Per capita consumption of eggs (106 eggs/capita/annum) and poultry meat (7.5 kg / capita / annum) in India has steadily increased as consumers recognize the nutritional benefits of these products. Eggs are considered an affordable and high-quality source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while poultry meat is widely accepted across various cultural and religious groups. The expanding domestic market has been the primary driver of industry growth. Nevertheless, the scale of production achieved by the Indian poultry sector provides a strong foundation for exploring export opportunities, particularly in regions where demand for poultry products is growing rapidly.

Export Profile of Indian Poultry Products
Although India is among the leading producers of poultry products, its share in global poultry exports remains relatively small. The majority of poultry production in the country is consumed domestically, leaving limited quantities available for export. Nevertheless, India does participate in international trade in several poultry products. The main export items include table eggs, egg powder, liquid egg products, frozen chicken meat, and certain processed poultry products. Among these, egg powder and processed egg products constitute a significant proportion of India’s poultry exports. These products are widely used in the bakery, confectionery, and food processing industries in many countries. Major export destinations for Indian poultry products include countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Nations such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam import eggs and poultry products from India due to geographical proximity and established trade relationships. Export volumes tend to fluctuate depending on factors such as domestic demand, international market prices, and disease outbreaks. Despite these fluctuations, the poultry export sector has shown gradual growth in recent years. However, compared with global leaders in poultry exports, India’s presence in international markets remains limited. Increasing export volumes will require improvements in processing infrastructure, quality standards, and supply chain management. Strengthening these areas will enable Indian poultry producers to compete more effectively with established exporters in the global market.

Comparative Advantages of the Indian Poultry Sector
India possesses several inherent advantages that can support the expansion of poultry exports and enhance its competitiveness in global markets. One of the most significant strengths is the large production base of eggs and poultry meat. The scale of production allows the industry to generate surplus quantities that can potentially be directed toward export markets. Another important advantage is the availability of diverse agro-climatic conditions that support year-round poultry production. This ensures a continuous supply of poultry products throughout the year, which is essential for maintaining export commitments. India also benefits from a large pool of skilled and semi-skilled labour engaged in poultry farming, processing, and marketing activities. Labor costs in India are relatively lower compared with many developed poultry-producing countries, providing a competitive edge in terms of production and processing expenses. Furthermore, the country has developed a strong research and development infrastructure in poultry science through universities, research institutes, and industry partnerships. These institutions contribute to improvements in breeding, nutrition, disease control, and farm management practices. Another advantage is the strategic geographical location of India, which allows easy access to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Shorter shipping distances reduce transportation costs and help maintain product quality. These comparative advantages, if effectively utilized, can significantly enhance the export potential of the Indian poultry industry.

Global Poultry Trade Dynamics
The global poultry trade is characterized by intense competition among a few major exporting countries that dominate international markets. Nations such as Brazil, the United States, Thailand, and several European countries account for a large share of global poultry exports. These countries have developed highly efficient production systems supported by advanced genetics, large-scale feed production, modern processing facilities, and strong export marketing networks. Brazil, for instance, has emerged as the largest exporter of poultry meat due to its abundant feed resources, large-scale integrated operations, and well-developed logistics infrastructure. Similarly, the United States benefits from high productivity, advanced technology, and strong global distribution systems. In contrast, many developing countries with growing poultry industries, including India, have not yet fully realized their export potential. Global poultry demand continues to rise due to increasing population, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences. Poultry meat is often preferred over other meats because it is relatively affordable, has lower fat content, and is widely acceptable across cultures. As a result, emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East represent important growth markets for poultry exporters. For India to compete effectively in this global environment, it must improve its production efficiency, processing capacity, and compliance with international quality standards. Understanding the dynamics of global poultry trade is essential for identifying strategic opportunities and positioning Indian poultry products in suitable international markets.

Cost of Production and Feed Economics
One of the most critical factors influencing the global competitiveness of the Indian poultry industry is the cost of production, particularly the cost of feed. Feed typically accounts for nearly seventy to eighty percent of the total cost of poultry production. The major feed ingredients used in poultry diets include maize and soybean meal, both of which are subject to price fluctuations due to variations in agricultural production and market demand. In India, the prices of these feed ingredients are often higher compared with those in major poultry-exporting countries. High feed costs increase the overall cost of poultry meat and egg production, making Indian products less competitive in international markets. In addition to feed costs, other factors such as energy prices, transportation costs, and infrastructure limitations also contribute to production expenses. Improving feed efficiency through better genetics, balanced nutrition, and innovative feed additives can help reduce production costs. The development and adoption of alternative feed ingredients, including agricultural by-products and locally available feed resources, may also contribute to cost reduction. Furthermore, improvements in feed processing technologies and feed management practices can enhance nutrient utilization and overall productivity. Addressing the issue of feed cost is therefore a key requirement for strengthening the global competitiveness of the Indian poultry industry and enabling it to compete effectively with established poultry exporters.

Quality Standards and Food Safety Requirements
Access to international poultry markets depend heavily on compliance with stringent quality and food safety standards. Importing countries require strict adherence to regulations related to hygiene, product safety, and animal health. Poultry products must meet internationally recognized standards such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), ISO quality management systems, and various sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. Additionally, many markets require certification related to halal processing, particularly in regions with large Muslim populations. Ensuring compliance with these standards requires significant investment in modern processing facilities, laboratory testing, and quality control systems. Traceability of poultry products from farm to processing plant is also becoming increasingly important in international trade. Consumers and regulatory authorities in many countries demand transparency regarding production practices, feed ingredients, and disease control measures. Indian poultry processors must therefore adopt advanced monitoring systems to maintain product quality and safety throughout the supply chain. Training of personnel in hygiene practices and quality management is equally essential. By strengthening food safety systems and ensuring consistent product quality, India can enhance the reputation of its poultry products in international markets. Improved compliance with global standards will not only facilitate export growth but also benefit domestic consumers by ensuring safer and higher-quality poultry products.

Infrastructure and Supply Chain Challenges
Infrastructure development plays a critical role in determining the export readiness of the poultry industry. In India, one of the major constraints affecting poultry exports is the limited availability of modern processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure. A large proportion of poultry birds are still marketed as live birds rather than processed products. This traditional marketing system restricts opportunities for value addition and limits the shelf life of poultry products. Export markets generally require processed, packaged, and frozen poultry products that can withstand long-distance transportation. The availability of refrigerated storage facilities, cold transport vehicles, and efficient port infrastructure is essential for maintaining product quality during export. Inadequate cold chain logistics can lead to spoilage and quality deterioration, reducing the competitiveness of poultry exports. Furthermore, transportation costs and logistical inefficiencies can increase the final price of exported products. Strengthening supply chain infrastructure through investments in modern slaughterhouses, cold storage units, and refrigerated transport systems is therefore essential for expanding poultry exports. Public-private partnerships and government support programs can play an important role in developing such infrastructure. Improved logistics and supply chain management will enhance the efficiency of poultry exports and ensure that Indian products reach international markets in optimal condition.

Opportunities in Emerging Markets
Despite the challenges faced by the poultry sector, several opportunities exist for expanding India’s presence in global poultry trade. One of the most significant opportunities lies in the rapidly growing demand for poultry products in developing regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Population growth, rising incomes, and urbanization in these regions are driving increased consumption of animal protein. Poultry meat, being relatively affordable and easy to prepare, is often the preferred choice among consumers. India’s geographical proximity to many of these markets provides a logistical advantage in terms of transportation time and cost. Additionally, cultural similarities and established trade relationships with several Asian and Middle Eastern countries can facilitate market access. Another important opportunity lies in the production of value-added poultry products such as ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat items. The global demand for convenience foods is increasing as urban lifestyles become more hectic. Indian poultry processors can capitalize on this trend by expanding the production of processed and packaged poultry products. Developing specialized export zones for poultry processing and strengthening branding and marketing strategies can further enhance India’s export prospects. By focusing on emerging markets and innovative product development, the Indian poultry industry can significantly increase its share in international poultry trade.

Strategic Interventions for Enhancing Competitiveness
To fully realize its export potential, the Indian poultry industry must adopt a series of strategic interventions aimed at improving productivity, quality, and market access. One of the primary priorities should be the modernization and expansion of poultry processing infrastructure. Establishing more integrated processing plants equipped with advanced technology will enable the production of high-quality export-oriented poultry products. Strengthening veterinary services and disease surveillance systems is also crucial for preventing outbreaks that could disrupt export trade. Investments in research and development are needed to improve poultry genetics, nutrition, and disease management practices. The development of cost-effective feed formulations using locally available ingredients can help reduce production costs. Additionally, capacity building programs should be implemented to train farmers, technicians, and processing personnel in modern poultry management and food safety practices. Government policies aimed at promoting agricultural exports, including financial incentives and infrastructure development programs, can further support the growth of poultry exports. Collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector will be essential for implementing these strategies effectively. By adopting a coordinated approach that integrates technological innovation, infrastructure development, and policy support, India can significantly enhance the global competitiveness of its poultry industry.

Future Outlook
The Indian poultry industry has achieved remarkable progress over the past several decades, evolving into one of the most vibrant sectors of the country’s agricultural economy. With a large production base, expanding domestic demand, and improving technological capabilities, the industry possesses substantial potential to become a significant exporter of poultry products. However, realizing this potential requires addressing several structural challenges, including high feed costs, limited processing capacity, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, and strict international quality requirements. Strengthening these areas will be critical for enhancing the competitiveness of Indian poultry products in global markets. At the same time, the growing global demand for affordable animal protein presents significant opportunities for export expansion. By focusing on value-added poultry products, improving supply chain efficiency, and ensuring compliance with international food safety standards, India can strengthen its position in international poultry trade. Continued investment in research, infrastructure, and policy support will play a vital role in achieving this objective. In the coming years, the integration of modern technologies, sustainable production practices, and export-oriented strategies is likely to transform the Indian poultry industry into a globally competitive sector. Such progress will not only generate additional export earnings for the country but also contribute to rural development, employment generation, and improved nutritional security.

Launch of Advanced Mycotoxin Management Solutions – Antox Plus & Antox Precise
Nanovet Nutrition Pvt. Ltd., a fast-growing and innovation-driven animal nutrition company in India, proudly announces its strategic collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, Switzerland, a global leader in science-backed mycotoxins management solutions. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nanovet’s journey to bring globally validated, high-performance nutritional technologies to the Indian poultry industry.

As part of this collaboration, Nanovet Nutrition has introduced two advanced toxin-management solutions to the Indian market—Antox Plus and Antox Precise.

Antox Plus offers comprehensive protection by targeting Mycotoxins, Endotoxins, and Chemical toxins, addressing the broader spectrum of feed-borne challenges.

Antox Precise is a highly selective solution dedicated exclusively to mycotoxin management, ensuring precise binding without compromising essential nutrients.

Together, these innovations strengthen feed safety, support animal health and performance, and enhance profitability for farmers and integrators.

Successful Multi-City Launch Events Across India
To mark the official launch of Antox Plus and Antox Precise, Nanovet Nutrition successfully conducted a series of launch events across three strategic poultry hubs in North India. These events witnessed enthusiastic participation from poultry farmers, integrators, veterinarians, consultants, distributors, and industry professionals.
Launch Event Details
· 15th December – Karnal
Venue: Vivaan Hotel, Karnal
· 17th December – Pathankot
Venue: Zone by The Park, Pathankot
· 19th December – Lucknow
Venue: Holiday Inn, Lucknow

Each event served as a dedicated knowledge-sharing platform focusing on Mycotoxin, Endotoxin and Chemical toxin risk management, field challenges, and innovative nutritional interventions aligned with Indian feeding practices.

Strong Technical Leadership & Global Expertise
The launch programs were successfully conducted by the Nanovet Nutrition team, led by experienced technical and commercial professionals who shared valuable insights on Toxins prevalence, impact on poultry performance, and the scientific advantages of Antox Plus and Antox Precise.

Nanovet Nutrition Team
· Dr. Deepak Singh – Technical Director
· Dr. Karthiga Kesavan– Product Manager
· Deepak Solanki- Regional Sales Manager-North
· Dr. Anirudh Ahlawat- Technical Service Manager- North
· Dedicated regional sales team members

nu.ance Biotechnology Team
· Dr. David Harrington – Chief Product Officer
· Mr. J. S. Uppal – Business Director, South Asia
Their presence reinforced the strength of the collaboration and highlighted nu.ance’s commitment to supporting Indian poultry producers with proven, research-driven solutions.

Antox Plus & Antox Precise – Science That Delivers Results
Antox Plus and Antox Precise are formulated using advanced adsorption and biotransformation technologies, developed through extensive global research and validated under diverse field conditions.

Key benefits include:
· Broad-spectrum Mycotoxins, Endotoxins and Chemical Toxins binder.
· Improved gut health and nutrient utilization.
· Enhanced flock performance and consistency.
· Reduced economic losses linked to mycotoxins.
These products are specifically adapted to Indian raw material variability, making them reliable solutions for modern poultry challenges.

Strengthening Nanovet’s Commitment to the Indian Poultry Industry
The successful execution of the multi-city launch events reflects Nanovet Nutrition’s strong field connect, technical capability, and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions. The collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology further strengthens Nanovet’s product portfolio and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for poultry producers across India.

Nanovet Nutrition continues to focus on innovation, quality, and farmer-centric solutions, bridging global science with local expertise to support sustainable and profitable animal production.

Nanovet Nutrition Pvt. Ltd. – Turning Ideas into Innovations.

Nanovet Nutrition Private Limited, a fast-growing, science-driven animal health and nutrition company, announced a strategic collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, Switzerland, during Poultry India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nanovet’s journey to strengthen its global scientific footprint and deliver advanced, research-backed solutions to the Indian livestock industry.

About Nanovet Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
Nanovet Nutrition Private Limited is committed to enhancing livestock productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability through innovative, technology-driven nutritional solutions. The company has established strong expertise in veterinary nutraceuticals, gut health enhancers, feed quality solutions, and biosecurity technologies, addressing the evolving needs of the poultry, ruminant, swine, and companion animal sectors.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Nanovet integrates research, innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric development to deliver measurable performance outcomes for producers. Through continuous investment in science and strategic global collaborations, Nanovet is rapidly emerging as a progressive and reliable partner in animal nutrition and health. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Sanjeev Khanna, Managing Director, Nanovet Nutrition has witnessed accelerated growth and industry recognition. With deep domain expertise and a strong focus on innovation, Mr. Khanna has steered the company toward adopting advanced technologies, strengthening scientific alliances, and building long-term value for customers and stakeholders. His leadership continues to position Nanovet as a future-ready organization aligned with global best practices.

Strategic Collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, Switzerland


As part of its commitment to bringing world-class science to India, Nanovet has entered into a strategic collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, a Switzerland-based biotechnology innovator renowned for its advanced nutritional technologies and mycotoxin management solutions.

nu.ance Biotechnology brings strong global credentials, including:
– A state-of-the-art production facility in France
– Commercial presence across 40+ countries
– Specialized expertise in postbiotics, globa.biotics, feed additives, and next-generation nutritional technologies.

This collaboration significantly enhances Nanovet’s technical capabilities and supports the introduction of high-performance, research-validated feed solutions tailored to the needs of Indian and neighboring markets.

Leadership Presence at the Collaboration Event
The collaboration was formally reinforced during a dedicated event at Poultry India, attended by senior leadership from both organizations. The Nanovet delegation was led by:
– Mr. Sanjeev Khanna, Managing Director
– Dr. Deepak Singh, Technical Director
– Mr. Avinash Kharat, National Sales Head
– Along with members of the commercial and technical teams.

nu.ance Biotechnology was represented by:
– Dr. David Harrington, Chief Product Officer
– Mr. J. S. Uppal, Business Director – South Asia.
The presence of senior leadership underscored the shared commitment of both companies toward innovation, knowledge exchange, and long-term market development.

Nanovet × nu.ance: A Future-Focused Partnership
Through this collaboration, Nanovet Nutrition aims to leverage nu.ance Biotechnology’s global expertise in biotechnology, formulation science, and quality systems to further enhance product performance and deliver superior value to customers. Together, both organizations are aligned in their vision to introduce globally benchmarked, sustainable, and performance-oriented innovations for the livestock industry.

This strategic alliance reinforces Nanovet Nutrition’s position as a science-led, globally connected partner, dedicated to shaping the future of animal nutrition in India and beyond.

In the fourth edition of Global Talks, I had the opportunity to engage in in-depth and thought-provoking discussions with Mr. Xavier Cadiou, Founder and Managing Director of Agri Réseaux International (ARI). The discussions offered valuable insights into global agribusiness development, international market intelligence, and strategic expansion opportunities for companies operating across the poultry and allied livestock sectors. Mr. Cadiou shared his extensive experience in supporting French and international agribusiness firms through detailed market studies, on-ground intelligence, and tailored business development strategies across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He also spoke about his role as the French agent for VIV trade shows, highlighting how these global platforms are shaping international collaboration, technology exchange, and market access. The conversation further explored emerging opportunities in high-growth regions such as India and Africa, as well as the evolving challenges companies face in transitioning from traditional export models to localized production and long-term market presence.

Ricky Thaper: You are the founder of Agri Réseaux International. Could you introduce your organization and its main activities?
Xavier Cadiou: After studying at the École Supérieure d’Agriculture in Angers and spending nearly twenty years advising and supporting companies in international markets, I decided in 2016 to create a private structure based on a unique model. Agri Réseaux International (ARI) is dedicated to supporting and developing French and international companies in the agricultural sector—particularly those involved in animal nutrition across global markets. To achieve this, I produce in-depth market studies by geographical area for the animal nutrition, animal health, hygiene, equipment, and genetics sectors. I travel extensively, across all continents, to meet local stakeholders, and I also rely on a network of around fifty local experts who are well integrated into professional ecosystems (veterinarians, nutritionists, agronomists, etc.). I began working in East Africa ten years ago.

Since then, I have completed 50 market studies covering 36 countries in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, and three in Asia. These studies are regularly updated, and new countries are added each year. I am currently finalizing a first study on India. The objective of these documents is to provide concrete, actionable data to support market development abroad: mapping of key stakeholders (local associations, distributors, producers, feed manufacturers, integrators, importers) along with their contact details; key market indicators (types of livestock systems, feed volumes, raw material prices, etc.); and comprehensive market analyses enriched by field insights and feedback. In addition, I offer tailor-made services such as action plans, partner searches, commercial representation, and B2B roadshows.

Ricky Thaper: These market studies are now available online?
Xavier Cadiou: Yes, indeed. In early March 2025, I launched ARI Online, a platform providing online access to all 50 market studies. It is available through three subscription options:
– a one-year subscription with unlimited access to all existing studies;
– a two-year subscription including access to studies and their regular updates;
– and a three-year subscription that also includes new country studies and, most importantly, personalized alerts on business opportunities based on sectors of interest (equipment, animal health, animal nutrition, etc.). Today, my priority is to grow subscriptions in order to strengthen the visibility and long-term sustainability of the project. This development is supported by the recruitment of my daughter, Ms. Noémie, who is now in charge of communication and event management (trade fairs, conferences, and seminars in France and abroad). According to Mr. Cadiou, these ARI Online market studies are perfect for Indian companies involved in Animal Health and Nutrition and wanting to enter African markets.

Ricky Thaper: Since May 2023, you have also been the French agent for VIV trade shows. What does this role involve?
Xavier Cadiou: It is a role that combines commercial, strategic, and advisory dimensions and is highly complementary to ARI’s activities. In practical terms, it involves promoting VIV trade shows (Asia, China, Africa, Europe) to French companies.Today, these exhibitions are fully booked well in advance—there are no more last-minute opportunities. The rebooking process can even begin within two months after an event, which can be challenging for some companies. My role is to support and advise them: what benefits they can expect from participating, what market realities they will encounter, and whether the investment makes sense.

I rely on my in-depth knowledge of countries (via ARI Online) and local stakeholders (through our network) to provide targeted guidance. The goal is not to sell dreams, but to offer concrete, realistic perspectives. I work closely with various partners to enhance the visibility of French companies at these strategic events. In 2023, 70 French companies participated in VIV Asia in Bangkok. Next year, VIV Europe in Utrecht will celebrate its 40th anniversary. There will also be a major new development: VIV Select India trade show will be organized in India for the first time, in April 2026. Around ten French companies have already confirmed their participation.

Agri Réseaux International (ARI) is dedicated to supporting and developing French and international companies in the agricultural sector—particularly those involved in animal nutrition across global markets. 

– Xavier Cadiou

Ricky Thaper: Which regions of the world are currently the most dynamic?
Xavier Cadiou: The international context— political instability in Africa, uncertainty in Russia, customs duties in the United States encourages companies to look for new opportunities. In this context, India appears particularly attractive today. India is a continental-scale country and the most populous in the world, with 1.43 billion inhabitants. It will continue to grow, move upmarket, and inevitably generate opportunities, especially as animal protein consumption is increasing rapidly. I recently visited India to tour feed mills and hatcheries and better understand local trends. European equipment is already present in Indian factories.

The country has changed tremendously and raises many questions. Agricultural systems are highly efficient: not a single square meter is wasted. Two major questions arise: will India eventually close its borders to ensure food security while continuing to increase animal protein production? And will the country be able to produce enough without opening its agriculture to GMOs, which are currently banned from local production?

The other key region is Africa. We are witnessing modern development in the poultry sector. A fundamental question remains: how will Africa produce its animal protein tomorrow? And who will drive this development—local African companies expanding into neighbouring countries (such as Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa), or foreign groups (from the USA, India, the Netherlands), or even sovereign wealth funds?

Events such as VIV Africa demonstrate that there are companies on the continent with real expertise. This makes the outlook particularly promising. Significant investment will take place in this region, and commercial projects are already emerging in Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and of course Senegal. This is a region of great interest and one that deserves close attention.

India will continue to grow, move upmarket, and inevitably generate opportunities, especially as animal protein consumption is increasing rapidly. I recently visited India to tour feed mills and hatcheries and better understand local trends.

– Xavier Cadiou

Ricky Thaper: In your opinion, what are the main obstacles to export for French companies?
Xavier Cadiou: French companies often talk about exporting, but not necessarily about local establishment. It is not a priority; most remain within a traditional export model. Yet, to succeed in increasingly mature markets, companies will need to become true local production players. It is now essential to consider a physical and industrial presence on the ground in the near future. Markets will develop with either independent local private players or foreign actors who acquire production assets. In Africa, for example, American companies have acquired major milling groups. They now control commodity transport and port-based factories. There are real opportunities ahead, but companies must not remain on the side lines.