Global expertise meets local partnerships, the three-day show introduces a complete feed to food platform for India’s fastest-growing agribusiness sector


VIV Select India 2026 takes place from 22–24 April 2026 at Yashobhoomi Convention and Expo Centre, New Delhi, introducing the globally established VIV Worldwide platform to the Indian market for the first time. The three day business to business exhibition brings together international and domestic suppliers, industry leaders, and decision makers at a pivotal moment for India’s rapidly expanding animal protein sector.

Organised by VNU Exhibitions Europe, the international division of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, in strategic partnership with the Poultry Federation of India (PFI), VIV Select India has been developed as a long term platform to support technology transfer, business growth, and international collaboration within India’s livestock and animal protein industries.

Exhibitors and Technologies on Display
VIV Select India 2026 features over 130 exhibitors, representing a strong mix of Indian and international companies. Participation spans Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, underscoring India’s growing importance as a destination for innovation, investment, and long term collaboration in animal protein production.

The event is supported by a broad coalition of national and regional industry associations, reinforcing its role as a unifying platform for poultry, dairy, and allied livestock sectors.
The exhibition floor presents a comprehensive cross section of technologies and services designed to enhance productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and product quality across animal protein production. Visitors can expect solutions ranging from automation and precision systems to animal health, biosecurity, processing, and digital tools.

International and Indian companies such as Big Dutchman, JBT Marel India, Viscon Hatchery Automation, De Heus Animal Nutrition India, FAMSUN, Venky’s India, and Himalaya Wellness Company are among those confirmed—alongside many other technology providers serving integrators, producers, processors, and service companies.

VIV Square: Knowledge Exchange at the Core
VIV Square opens with a formal inaugural ceremony marked by the presence of senior industry leaders and government representatives, including Mr. Jeroen van Hooff, President & CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and VNU Group, Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President of the Poultry Federation of India, and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Honorable Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The opening is further distinguished by participation from key public and diplomatic stakeholders such as Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, H.E. Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Shri Mahipal Dhanda, Education Minister of Haryana.

Across the three days, the programme includes expert-led sessions addressing critical developments in poultry production, dairy advancement, and animal health. Industry leaders from companies including Viscon Hatchery Automation, De Heus Animal Nutrition, JBT Marel, Venkateshwara Hatcheries (Ventri Biologicals), MSD Animal Health, HIPRA, CEVA, Holm & Laue, Binsar Farms, and Verka Dairy are all to share insights on topics such as automation and AI in production systems, nutrition strategies, processing performance, international dairy collaboration, and advances in vaccines and biologicals.

Patrick van Rooij, Project Manager – VIV Select India shares, “The poultry and livestock sectors are entering a phase where scale must be matched by efficiency, resilience, and smarter use of technology. VIV Select India has been developed to support that shift—by connecting the value chain, facilitating knowledge exchange, and giving professionals direct access to solutions that work in real production environments. This platform is as much about dialogue and learning as it is about business. Our goal is to create conversations that lead to stronger partnerships, better decisions, and long term value for the industry as a whole.”

Registration and Visitor Information
VIV Select India 2026 is open exclusively to trade professionals active across the animal protein and livestock value chain, including producers, integrators, processors, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, technology providers, consultants, policymakers, and industry media.

Visitor admission is free of charge and includes access to the full exhibition floor as well as all sessions at VIV Square, the show’s integrated knowledge programme. Advance online registration is recommended to ensure smooth entry and timely access to event updates and programme scheduling. The show is open during the event dates from 10:00 to 18:00.

Visitors can register online at india.viv.net/registration.

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.

Importance of Livestock and Poultry Sector in India

India’s livestock sector plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural and economic landscape, supporting the livelihoods of millions by providing employment, income and nutritional security. Poultry and livestock sector provides essential inputs for sustainable farming practices, ensuring the country’s food security. India’s poultry industry is currently valued at $ 30 billion which engages over six million people (both directly as well indirectly) and the poultry industry has grown rapidly over the past decade. Indian poultry industry is now one of the most efficient producers of broiler meat and eggs globally, due to well established integrated companies, contract farming and a strong domestic market.

Rising Growth and Feed Demand Imbalance
The livestock sector – dairy, poultry, fisheries and allied sector is witnessing a much faster growth than the agriculture crops (Soybeans & Maize), there is apprehension that domestic feed production may not be able to ensure steady supplies while exposing the sector to price volatility. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in its vision document 2047 for the Indian poultry sector has also mentioned that the sector is growing at a healthy rate of 8% annually and could see further acceleration. Availability of good quality feed ingredients and their prices are major challenges for manufacturing of good quality compound feeds.

Role of India–US Interim Trade Agreement
Under the recently announced India-US interim-trade, the decision to eliminate or cut duties on a range of items from the US including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs) and red sorghum, is likely to ensure steady supplies of animal feed in coming years. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal had stated that India will provide quota-based duty concessions on DDGs to the US under the deal. Feed demand is projected to grow faster than domestic supply, making large scale imports necessary by the early 2030s. Domestic production of energy sources like maize and protein sources like soymeal often fall short of growing demand of the poultry, dairy and fisheries sector.

Feed Cost Pressure and Need for Imports
Domestic feed supply is increasingly constrained by limited arable land and productivity gaps. The feed costs constitute 60% to 65% of the cost of the production of the animal husbandry sector any volatility in the feed prices lead to rise in cost of production and subsequent rise in prices. Thus, feed imports, especially of reduced or zero duty imports of soybeans / soybean meal and maize, can help bridge the demand-supply gap. Imports from established origins such as US soy can provide consistent, high-quality protein during periods of domestic tightness. When used judiciously, imported soy can help smooth feed costs, improve formulation consistency, and enable feed manufacturers to meet the quality benchmarks demanded by large integrators and processors.

Growing Demand for Protein and Feed
With increase in income and urbanisation as demand for dairy and poultry products increases, according the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its report titled ‘The Growing Demand for Animal Products and Feed in India’ has stated that at the current growth in the productivity of maize and soybean, would not be able to meet rising demand of feed. Feed demand is projected to grow faster than domestic supply, making large scale imports necessary by the early 2030s. “By ensuring a timely and cost-effective supply of these essential feed ingredients, the government is directly addressing the challenge of feed inflation. This will not only stabilise production costs for farmers but also ensure that high-quality protein remains affordable,”

Industry Concerns Over Feed Availability
Several National and State level Poultry Associations in a recent communication to Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India, has raised concern about availability and rising price of soybean meal in the country which pose risk to poultry production. The sector fears a crisis, which can severely affect livestock production and consumer prices. With nearly seven months until the next harvest of domestic soybean products, sustaining poultry production at viable cost will be difficult, directly impacting egg and chicken prices and overall inflation. Even maize prices have witnessed volatility as demand for the grain is rising not only because of rise in animal feed demand but also its being used for making ethanol and other industrial use.

Future Demand Projections (2047 Vision)
India’s population is around 1.4 billion and is projected to be approximately 1.53 billion by 2047. This increase in population directly correlates with the higher demand for food including eggs and chicken. Per capita poultry meat and eggs are expected to be 15 kg and 200 eggs annually by 2047. Around 38 million tonne (MT) of broiler feed and 34 MT of layer feed will be required in 2047. At 30% penetration rate, cattle feed requirement will be around 90 MT in 2047. Fish and shrimp feed required will be around 7 MT in 2047.

Way Forward: Ensuring Sustainable Feed Supply
Ensuring sustainable feed supplies in coming years would be a key challenge for the sector. By ensuring cost-effective supply of animal feed ingredients, the government can directly address the challenge of feed inflation. This will not only stabilize production costs for poultry, dairy and aqua farmers but shall also ensure that high-quality protein remains affordable for the consumers. The interim deal with the US provides a window of opportunity for allowing feed ingredients imports which is expected to boost the sustainable growth of the India’s poultry sector in the coming years.