Patna, April 23, 2025 — The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India, in Collaboration with the U.S. Grains Council and with support from the Bihar Poultry Farmers Association (BPFA) successfully hosted a seminar at Patna. The seminar, themed “Poultry in India: Current Challenges & the Way Forward,” brought together more than 60 participants, including feed manufacturers, poultry farmers, nutritionists, grain suppliers, and researchers from across the region.

The seminar opened with a welcome address by Ms. Nayantara A Pande, Marketing Specialist, U.S. Grains Council, followed by a keynote on “Poultry in India and The Potential” by Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India. He highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address rising feed costs and market volatility, stressing that strategic collaborations will be pivotal in driving sectoral resilience.

Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India, shared, “The Indian poultry industry is at a critical crossroads, where timely interventions and strategic collaborations are essential to overcoming the challenges posed by rising feed costs, supply chain disruptions, and market volatility. According to a recent Crisil Ratings report, the industry’s profitability is expected to dip by 50 basis points in the 2025-26 fiscal year, largely due to the rising prices of key feed ingredients like maize and soybean, which account for 90% of total feed costs. However, revenue growth is still projected to rise by 8-10%, driven by strong demand and consumption. Events like these provide an invaluable platform for exchanging insights, fostering collaboration, and exploring sustainable solutions that will not only benefit our sector but also contribute to the nation’s economic resilience.” The seminar was anchored by engaging sessions led by leading voices from the Indian poultry and feed sectors.

Key Discussions & Insights:
– Mr. Amit Sachdev, Regional Consultant, U.S. Grains Council, shared an overview of India’s feedstock situation and its global implications.
– Mr. Reece H Cannady, Director, U.S. Grains Council, presented on “U.S. Sorghum: A Potential Solution” to current grain supply challenges.
– Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Professor and Head of Animal Nutrition Department and Deputy Director Research, Bihar Animal Sciences University, elaborated on “Recent Advances in the Use of DDGS in Livestock and Poultry Feed,” advocating for research-led adoption of DDGS to offset feed costs and improve efficiency.
A panel discussion on “Navigating the Indian Poultry Sector’s New Normal” was moderated by Mr. Amit Saraogi (MD, Anmol Feeds), and featured an esteemed panel including Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Mr. B. M. Sahni (MD, Patliputra Feeds), Mr. Pawan Kumar (President, BPFA) and Mr. Amit Sachdev. The discussion focused on the urgent need for sustainable feed alternatives, policy clarity, and building long-term supply chain resilience.

The seminar successfully highlighted critical issues facing India’s poultry industry, from volatile feed grain markets to the need for strategic partnerships. It reinforced CLFMA’s position as a vital advocate for industry advancement, enabling dialogue between farmers, academia, and global stakeholders to build a more sustainable and robust poultry ecosystem.

Showcasing the Future of the Feed Processing Industry

Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of the VICTAM Corporation, shares his perspectives on the accomplishments of VICTAM’s global exhibitions and outlines the corporation’s future strategies in the animal feed and grain milling industries.

Looking towards the upcoming Asia exhibition, what are the primary objectives and expectations for this event?

Regarding the Asia exhibition, Sebas explains, “Our primary objectives are to showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the industry, facilitate networking and business opportunities, and address the specific challenges and trends in the Asian market. Additionally, we are co-locating with Animal Health and Nutrition to bring more focus to this part of the industry.”

In what ways will the Asia exhibition differ from the Latin American one, given the unique market dynamics of Asia?

“The Asia exhibition will differ from the Latin American event by tailoring content to the unique market dynamics of Asia, featuring exhibitors and speakers specific to the region, and adapting to the regional regulatory and industry trends.”

Are there any activities organized by Victam to facilitate networking among participants and exhibitors at Victam Asia?

“At Victam Asia, we’re organizing industry-specific conferences and seminars from leading associations like the Thai Feed Mill Association, Thai Pet Food Association, and Thai Rice Milling Association. We’ll also have matchmaking sessions for exhibitors and attendees, along with networking events and exhibitor receptions.”

GRAPAS Asia focuses on grain, rice, and flour milling technology. How does the presence of GRAPAS alongside VICTAM Asia enhance the overall value and experience of the exhibition for attendees, especially considering the diverse sectors covered?

“The presence of GRAPAS alongside VICTAM Asia enriches the exhibition by covering a broader spectrum of grain, rice, and flour milling technology. It offers attendees a comprehensive view of the entire feed and grain processing chain, enhancing the overall value and experience.”

In 2021, Victam Asia celebrated its 30th anniversary. Due to Covid, the exhibition dates had to be moved into 2022. Reflecting on the past three decades, do you see any major changes in exhibitions in general?

Sebas reflects, “Over the past three decades, exhibitions have undergone significant changes, including the integration of digital technologies for virtual participation, a stronger emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, increased global collaboration and knowledge sharing, and a shift towards collecting more in-depth information and intensifying relationships.”

Given the increasing importance of sustainability in the animal feed and grain milling industry, what role will this theme play in upcoming Victam events?

“Sustainability will play a crucial role in our upcoming events. We’re integrating sustainable practices in exhibition logistics, spotlighting environmentally friendly technologies and solutions, and dedicating sessions to address sustainability in the industry. A more sustainable approach in logistics and decoration is also a focus.”

Looking ahead, what are the long-term visions and goals for Victam in terms of global outreach and industry impact?

Sebas concludes, “Our long-term visions and goals for Victam involve optimizing return on investment for event participants, continuing global outreach with potential expansion into emerging markets, evolving with industry trends and technological advancements, and reinforcing Victam’s role as a key platform for professionals in the animal feed and flour processing industry.”