India is now the world’s second-largest egg producer and among the largest producers of broiler meat. The sector turns over roughly ₹2.7 lakh crore a year, accounts for about 16 per cent of livestock output, and supports close to five million livelihoods.

For a business that began as a rural side activity, it has become one of the fastest-compounding parts of Indian agriculture — poultry’s share of agriculture and allied output has climbed from 2.9 per cent in 2011–12 to 5.0 per cent in 2023–24.

A record price season
The headline numbers are strong. On 5 September, the National Egg Coordination Committee’s average declared rate stood at ₹5.64 per egg across 34 markets, ranging from ₹4.90 in Hospet to ₹6.20 in Kolkata. Delhi was quoted at ₹6.00, Barwala at ₹5.43 and Ludhiana at ₹5.48. That is a comfortable band for layer farms that were selling below ₹5 through much of last year.

Broilers have swung harder. Farm-gate live bird prices in the Delhi region touched ₹140 a kilogram in July against roughly ₹90 a year earlier, while retail chicken moved from about ₹240 to nearly ₹300 a kilogram. Prices have since cooled as the monsoon supply cycle normalised — north Indian integrators were quoting live bird in the mid-₹90s per kilogram in late August — but the annual average is still tracking well above FY25. Care Edge Ratings estimates broiler realisations recovered about 5 per cent year on year in FY26, with live bird averaging ₹99 a kilogram in February–March 2026, more than 20 per cent above the bird-flu-depressed fourth quarter of Fy25.
Data Box 1 · Necc Egg Rates, 5 September 2026 (₹ Per Egg)

Why the margin is not where the price is
Feed accounts for 65 to 70 per cent of the cost of producing a broiler and roughly 68 to 70 per cent of the cost of producing an egg. In a business with that cost structure, a 15 per cent move in feed wipes out a 10 per cent move in output prices. That is precisely what has happened this year.

Compound poultry feed is now selling at about ₹4,400 a quintal against roughly ₹3,600 a year ago. Maize, the energy backbone of the ration, has moved from ₹18–19 a kilogram in April to ₹27–28 a kilogram. Soybean is ruling near ₹6,900 a quintal, well above the ₹5,708 minimum support price for the 2026–27 season.

Data Box 2 · The Cost Side

Two structural forces are behind the maize spike. First, ethanol. Grain-based distilleries have become a large, price-insensitive buyer of maize, and poultry feed mills are now bidding against a sector backed by a national blending mandate. Nearly 60 per cent of India’s maize output already goes to livestock, with poultry alone accounting for roughly 47 per cent of livestock maize consumption. Second, soybean meal. India is short by an estimated 1.5 million tonnes ahead of the new crop, and soybean acreage this kharif is down 4.5 per cent year on year at 10.6 million hectares.

“India is short an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of soybean meal before the new crop arrives — and soybean acreage this season is down 4.5 per cent.”

The policy knot: imports, GM corn and a farm lobby
The livestock and feed industry have asked the Centre to permit imports of about 1.5 million tonnes of soybean meal to bridge the gap. The soybean processing industry has opposed the move, arguing that domestic supply is adequate and that imports would discourage farmers from expanding oilseed acreage. It is a familiar standoff: the same protein deficit, the same two lobbies, a different year.

Poultry industry representatives have also pressed for approval of genetically modified corn, on the argument that higher-yielding maize would give both the feed and ethanol industries cheaper raw material. Under this year’s trade arrangement with the United States, India retained protection on corn and soybean — both predominantly GM crops there — while agreeing to allow imports of distillers’ dried grains and red sorghum for animal feed. That is a partial valve, not a solution. DDGS can replace part of the energy component of a ration; it cannot replace the protein that soybean meal supplies.

For business readers, the policy question is simple to state and hard to settle: India cannot simultaneously run an aggressive ethanol programme, protect oilseed growers from imports, and supply a poultry sector growing at 7 to 8 per cent a year with cheap feed. Something has to give, and so far, the adjustment has been borne by poultry farmers and, downstream, by consumers.

Volumes keep climbing anywayRemarkably, none of this has slowed production. India produced 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, second only to China, with commercial farms accounting for about 84.5 per cent of output and backyard poultry the rest. CareEdge estimates egg output at around 155 billion in FY26, rising to roughly 163 billion in FY27, with total meat production moving from about 11 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes over the same period.

Data Box 3 · Production Trajectory

Poultry India puts broiler production growth at 6 to 7 per cent a year for 2026–27, concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, with the layer segment expanding more moderately on the back of productivity per bird, automation and value-added products. Andhra Pradesh alone accounts for 18.4 per cent of national egg output, Tamil Nadu 15.6 per cent and Telangana 13.0 per cent; the top five states together produce 64.4 per cent of India’s eggs.

Exports remain a modest but real business. India shipped poultry products worth USD 317.79 million in FY26, with the UAE, Oman, Maldives, Indonesia and Japan the leading destinations. Against a sector of roughly USD 31 billion, exports are still a rounding error — which is itself the opportunity, constrained mainly by disease-free-zone certification and processing infrastructure.

The demand headroom argument
The most persuasive case for investing in Indian poultry is not this year’s price cycle. It is the consumption gap. Per capita egg availability is around 100 to 105 eggs a year against the National Institute of Nutrition’s recommended 180. Per capita chicken consumption is roughly 5 kg a year against a global average close to 17.5 kg. Industry estimates suggest that a one-kilogram rise in per-person chicken consumption would add about 1.43 million tonnes of annual demand.

That headroom is being converted by three commercial forces rather than by policy: quick-service restaurants, organised retail, and the shift from live-bird wet markets to chilled and frozen products. Vertically integrated producers — who own the hatchery, the feed mill, the contract farms and increasingly the processing plant — have been the main beneficiaries, because integration is what buffers a business against the feed-price whiplash described above.
The value-of-output data makes the compounding visible. Poultry meat and eggs generated about ₹56,200 crore of output in 2011–12. By 2023–24 that figure was ₹2.67 lakh crore — a growth rate of 9.3 per cent a year for meat and 6.1 per cent for eggs, against 5.3 per cent for milk and 2.1 per cent for cereals.

“Poultry’s share of agriculture and allied output has risen from 2.9 per cent to 5.0 per cent in twelve years. Few segments of Indian agriculture have compounded faster.”

The recurring tax: disease and weather
Avian influenza remains the sector’s single largest tail risk, and 2026 has been an active year. India reported eleven H5N1 outbreaks on farms in Kerala in December, killing roughly 54,100 birds. In February, about 6,000 birds were culled at a research centre in Patna, with movement restrictions imposed across a nine-kilometre surveillance zone. In March, more than 22,000 birds were culled in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, and in April Karnataka reported its first case of the year at a farm near Bengaluru.

The direct culling loss is rarely the biggest cost. The bigger hit is the demand shock: consumers step away from chicken for several weeks after every widely reported outbreak, and prices in unaffected states fall alongside those in affected ones. Q4 FY25 was a textbook case, and the strong February–March 2026 realisations look impressive partly because they are measured against that depressed base.

Weather has compounded the problem this season. A prolonged heat wave followed by a delayed and unevenly distributed monsoon raised bird mortality and cut egg production in several states, adding to the cost per marketable bird. For layer units, higher mortality in an inflated-feed environment is a double penalty: the feed has already been consumed before the bird is lost.

The industry’s answer, so far, is largely defensive — stronger vaccination protocols, farm-level biosecurity training and surveillance, alongside a push for indigenous vaccine development that would reduce cost for small and mid-sized farms.

What the ratings agencies see
For all the noise, the credit view is constructive. CareEdge describes FY26 as a year of stabilised operating performance — healthy production growth, resilient demand across retail, institutional and food-service channels, improved supply-demand balance and a recovery in profitability with a strong finish in the fourth quarter. Its FY27 outlook for the sector is stable.
The distinction worth drawing is between the organised and unorganised halves of the industry. Integrators with feed-buying scale, forward contracts and processing margins have ridden the cost cycle. Independent broiler and layer farmers, who buy feed at spot and sell birds at spot, have absorbed it. That gap is quietly accelerating consolidation — the most consequential structural trend in the sector right now, and one that will show up over the next few years in contract-farming penetration and in capital-market activity among the larger integrators.

Public support remains focused on the entrepreneurial end. The National Livestock Mission continues to offer a 50 per cent capital subsidy for parent farms, rural hatcheries and brooder-cum-mother units, aimed at small and rural producers rather than at large integrators. It builds capacity; it does not address the feed-price problem that is currently setting margins.

What to watch for the rest of FY27
• The soymeal decision. Whether the Centre permits the 1.5 million tonne import the livestock industry has requested is the single biggest swing factor for margins this year.
• New-crop maize and soybean arrivals. A good kharif arrival could pull feed back toward ₹4,000 a quintal; a poor one locks in current costs through the festive season.
• Ethanol demand for maize. The structural competitor for feed grain is not going away and will keep a floor under maize prices.
• Winter avian influenza. Outbreak seasonality peaks between December and March. Watch for demand shocks rather than culling losses.
• Festive and winter demand. Egg consumption typically strengthens from October, which should support NECC rates even if feed stays elevated.
• Consolidation and capital. Cost pressure is a filter. Expect more contract farming, more integration, and more interest in the sector from public and private capital.

“The bottom line for anyone with capital in this business: India’s poultry demand story is intact and structurally under-served, but 2026 has demonstrated that returns in this sector are set on the input side, not the output side. The operators who will do well over the next eighteen months are not the ones betting on higher chicken prices. They are the ones who have solved for feed.”

References are available on request.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) organised Soy Connext 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, bringing together more than 800 participants from 60 plus countries around the globe from animal nutrition, feed, food and agribusiness sectors. The flagship summit provided an important platform for international collaboration, market intelligence, sustainability, innovation and discussions on strengthening global food, feed and nutritional security. The program also included interactions with U.S. soybean growers, farm visits in Illinois and States, USA, the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) 2026 Top Achiever Recognition Award Ceremony, a Risk Management and Market Awareness Workshop and a technical visit to Kent Feed Mills, Iowa State University.

Strong Representation from Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) Region at Soy Connext 2026
The delegation from Indian was led by Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and included Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Group and President, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India; Mr. Angshu Mallick, Executive Deputy Chairman, Adani Wilmar Agri Business Limited, Mr. B. V. Mehta, Ms. Garima Jain, Mr. Vidya Bhushan, Mr. Kanubhai Thakkar, Mr. Kedar Kulkarni, Mr. Vinod Kumar Jain, Mr. Saurabh Singh Mehta, Mr. Pradeep Krishna, Mr. Rishan and Mr. Ricky Thaper.

As part of the program, the delegation visited Jeff O’Conner Farm in Illinois State and interacted with Mr. Jeff O’Conner, a sixth-generation soybean grower and Board Director of the Illinois Soybean Association. The visit provided valuable insights into sustainable soybean production, advanced genetics, precision agriculture, technology adoption and environmental stewardship.

Interactions with members of the Illinois Soybean Association during the Illinois Soy Reception further highlighted the importance of farmer-led institutions, strategic planning and public-private partnerships in developing a resilient soybean value chain.
The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) 2026 Top Achiever Recognition Award Ceremony was another important highlight of the program. Ms. Anne Meis, Chair, SEC Global Advisory Panel (GAP) welcomed participants, followed by remarks from Mr. Brent Swart, SEC GAP Secretary, and Mr. Mike McCranie, USSEC Chair.
Mr. Brent Swart presented the Impact Subcommittee Report, while Mr. Joel Schreurs, SEC GAP Treasurer, presented the Finance Subcommittee Report. Mr. Brent Babb, Executive Director, Soy Excellence Center, provided an update on SEC’s growing global footprint. Regional updates from the Americas, Asia, China, India, Nigeria and MENA demonstrated SEC’s contribution towards professional capacity building across the global protein value chain.

A proud moment for India came when Dr. Vijay Anand E. Pilli, Center Lead, Soy Excellence Center–India, highlighted the achievements of the SEC -India.
The STAR Award was presented to Dr. Pragati Salutgi in recognition of her outstanding contribution. Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC appreciated the contributions of SEC Global Advisory Panel and Regional Advisory Council Members.

I feel truly honoured to serve as a Regional Advisory Council Member – India of the Soy Excellence Center – SEC India, an outstanding initiative of U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Over the years, SEC has played a transformative role in upskilling professionals across the livestock, feed, aquaculture and food sectors, thereby strengthening the global protein value chain. A heartfelt thank you to Soy Excellence Center and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) entire teams for their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in investing in people – the most valuable asset for the future of poultry, dairy, aqua and food industry.

During a special media interaction attended by more than 20 international journalists, Mr. Mike McCranie, Chair, USSEC Board of Directors shared the perspective of U.S. soybean farmers and while reflecting on life as a soybean farmer, he shared a powerful thought “We love to produce crops and watch them grow. But what we really love is seeing our crops feed people around the

world. That is, without question, the most gratifying part of being a farmer.” His words beautifully captured the true purpose of agriculture—feeding the world.

Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC, emphasized that Soy Connext 2026 with 800 plus registrations is more than a conference—it is a global platform for collaboration, innovation and sharing scientific insights. Mr. Sutter highlighted that U.S. Soy combines superior feed performance, verified sustainability and a highly reliable supply chain, positioning it to meet the world’s growing demand for protein. With global soybean import demand projected to rise significantly and a record U.S. soybean crop expected this year, the outlook for U.S. Soy remains exceptionally strong. Mr. Jim Sutter added U.S. Soy supply chain is backed by highway, rail, river and barge logistics that buffer supply when a buyer needs it, we deliver it. The world needs more protein and more oil for decades to come and U.S. Soy delivers both reliably, sustainably and at a value buyers can trust.

Post Media interaction, I had Insightful discussions with Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director, USSEC – Middle East, North Africa & South Asia (MENASA), highlighted that SoyConnext2026 once again demonstrated U.S. Soy leadership in enabling sustainable food and feed systems worldwide. Mr. Kevin Roepke added Soy Connext has established itself as the world’s premier globally recognized soy event. Every year, it gets bigger and better and we are proud to see that this year we had over 800 participants join us from across the world. Apart from the stellar agenda and amazing speaker line-up, this conference also gives us the opportunity to network with the industry veterans, customers, U.S. soybean farmers, USSEC members and more. It represents what USSEC stands for: strengthening partnerships, fostering relations and building a preference for U.S. Soy across the world. These in person engagements build trust, emphasize the importance of supply chain resilience. Insatiable demand for both protein and oil is setting an exciting stage for the conversations and discussions being held. To that end, U.S. Soy plays a pivotal role in improving nutrition security across the world, while doing so in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, USSEC described the engagement as a truly rewarding experience, emphasizing that the high-level interactions strengthened understanding and relationships across the U.S.–India soy value chain. The discussions opened new avenues for trade, innovation, sustainability and market development, while creating a stronger foundation for future soy cooperation and advocacy.

Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Group and President, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India appreciated the depth of discussions at Soy Connext 2026, noting that the event brought critical issues around trade, agriculture and protein to the forefront. He emphasized that the Indian crushing and animal protein industries have valuable lessons to draw from global trends shaping the future of business.

Mr. Angshu Mallick, Executive Deputy Chairman, Adani Wilmar Agri Business Limited, highlighted the opportunity to interact with delegates from across the world and observe how the global soybean industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and critical role of soybeans in food and feed systems.

Mr. Pradeep Krishna, Executive Director, SKM Animal Feeds & Foods (India) Pvt Ltd., said Events like Soy Connext 2026 create meaningful platforms for dialogue, strengthen relationships across the value chain and open pathways for long-term collaboration. During networking reception my discussions with farmer leaders from American Soybean Association (ASA), United Soybean Board (USB) and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), reinforced one key message: international collaboration is essential to building resilient, sustainable and nutrition-focused food systems.

Global Leaders Share Perspectives on the Future of Soy during Soy Connext 2026 Conference

Soy Connext 2026 – Where Bright Minds Connect, commenced with welcome and opening remarks by Mr. Mike McCranie, Chair, USSEC Board of Directors.

Ms. Colby P., Executive Director, International Strategy, USSEC, introduced Ms. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CEO, MCC Global Enterprises, CNBC Contributor, who spoke on “Global Forces at Play: Geopolitics, Trade & the Future of Soy.”

Mr. Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist, CoBank, presented “The Global Soy Outlook: Supply, Demand & Market Signals.” A panel on “How It’s Growing: Inside the 2026 U.S. Soy Crop” featured Mr. Mike McCranie; Mr. Randy Miller, Director, USSEC; Mr. J. L. Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association; and Mr. Brent Gatton, Chair, United Soybean Board.

On the last day of Soy Connext 2026, Mr. Daniel Whitley, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, addressed the delegates, followed by Mr. Juan Luciano, CEO, ADM, who highlighted the importance of an integrated soy value chain covering origination, processing, logistics and merchandising. This was followed by break-out session and there were insightful presentations from other distinguished leaders across the global soy value chain.

The summit concluded with remarks by Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC, who emphasised the value of bringing U.S. soybean farmers, processors, traders, agribusinesses and international trade teams together to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities. Mr. Sutter said attendees will depart with a clear perspective on the opportunities ahead and a look forward to what’s next. Mr. Sutter announced that Soy Connext 2027 will be held in New York, USA, from August 16–18, 2027.

Soy Connext 2026 was sponsored by several associations and companies; Illinois Soybean

Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Ohio Soybean Council and South Dakota Soybean Council were the Platinum Sponsors. Cargill, Frey, The Delong Company, Nebraska Soybean Board, SOYLEIC and The Russell Marine Group were the Gold Sponsors. Kansas Soybean Association, Kentucky Soybean Board, North Dakota Soybean Council, Northern Soy, Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board were the Silver Sponsors and SGS, Blue Grass Farms of Ohio Inc., CHS Inc., Insta-Pro International, US Identity Preserved

Alliance, International Feed Corporation, ADM, AGP, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, Bunge, Consolidated Grain & Barge, Fornazor, Hawkeye Gold Lcc, Minnesota Soybean Research, Perdue Agribusiness LLC, Poet, Ray-Mont Logistics America, Stone Arch Commodities, The Scoular Company, Trans Globe, US Nisshin Shokai Inc., Wheaton Grain Inc., were the Bronze Sponsors of Soy Connext 2026.

Market Intelligence and Risk Management
Following Soy Connext, the USSEC MENASA Trade Team participated in a “Risk Management and Market Awareness” Workshop on August 8 at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.

Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director, USSEC–MENASA, welcomed participants from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia and introduced Mr. Guy H. Allen, Senior Economist.The workshop covered global agricultural commodity markets, soybean trade dynamics, supply-demand fundamentals, price discovery, market volatility, forecasting and practical risk-management strategies.

For India’s poultry, livestock, dairy and aquaculture sectors, such knowledge is increasingly important for managing feed ingredient availability, price fluctuations and long-term feed security.

From Iowa Soybean Fields to Feed Technology
Post conference, the delegation visited Grubbs Lands & Cattle Farm in Iowa State, and had good interaction with Mr. Brock Grubbs, a sixth-generation farmer producing soybean and corn across approximately 4,200 acres. The visit provided insights into precision agriculture, advanced genetics, technology and sustainable farming. Ms. Karen Long, Project Coordinator, Iowa Soybean Association, briefed the delegation on farming and sustainability practices.

Later the Trade Team visited the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State University, a modern facility integrating education, research, analytical laboratories and pilot-scale feed manufacturing. Dr. Dirk Maier, Professor and Director, Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, Dr. Camille Schroeder, Associate Director and Mr. A S M Younus Bhuiyan Sabbir, Assistant Manager of Grain Center, briefed the delegation on advancements in feed technology, grain science, research and industry-academia collaboration.

Strengthening U.S.–South Asia Partnerships
Thanks to Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director (MENASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council, Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, USSEC Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Food and Nutritional Security & Trade Strategy Leader–MENASA, Ms. Hibah Ameer, Regional Communications Lead–MENASA, Dr. Vijay Anand E. Pilli, Dr. Ashesh Bhattarai, Nepal Market Lead, Mr. Saram Bokhari, Pakistan Market Lead, Mr. KhaBiBur RahMan, Bangladesh Market Lead, Dr. Khurram Shahbaz, Regional Special Projects Facilitator, South Asia, Ms. Nikita Sharma, PMP, Ms. Dhanu Basavraj, Mr. Tara Singh Rawat, and all other members of the USSEC team for organizing this highly educational and informative program and for providing members of the MENASATrade Team with this valuable learning opportunity. Initiatives like these play a vital role in enhancing industry knowledge, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering sustainable growth across the global agricultural and animal protein sectors.

From soybean farms in Illinois and Iowa States to global

discussions during Soy Connext 2026 in Chicago and advanced feed and grain research visit at Iowa State University, offered valuable insights into the U.S. soybean value chain.

As India, the United States and other countries work to meet the growing global demand for affordable and nutritious protein, collaboration in feed security, technology, sustainability, research and trade can play an important role. The journey through the U.S. soybean and feed ecosystem therefore offered much more than an understanding of American agriculture. It provided a broader perspective on how innovation, farmer leadership, scientific research, market intelligence and international cooperation can come together to build more resilient, competitive and sustainable food and feed systems for the future.

The 27th edition of World Poultry Congress (WPC) 2026 organised by the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada, from July 13–17, 2026 was recognised as the world’s premier gathering for poultry science and technology, WPC 2026 had brought together a good delegates comprising poultry scientists, researchers, academicians, veterinarians, industry leaders, production specialists, policymakers, and students from more than 85 countries. The congress served as an exceptional platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and strengthening international collaborations that will shape the future of the poultry industry.

The scientific and technical program covered a wide spectrum of critical topics including genetics and breeding, poultry nutrition, health and disease prevention, animal welfare, sustainability, precision production technologies, processing innovations and global food security. At a time when the poultry sector is addressing evolving challenges related to disease management, climate resilience, sustainability and feeding a growing global population, forums like WPC continue to play a pivotal role in driving science-based solutions and technological advancement.

Held once every four years under the auspices of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the World Poultry Congress remains one of the most influential international platforms dedicated to advancing poultry science and industry worldwide.

The success of WPC 2026 was made possible through the support of leading global organizations, including Elanco and Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health as Platinum Sponsors, Merck Animal Health and Zoetis as Gold Sponsors, Anitox, Evonik, Novus International, Inc, Huvepharma; Trouw Nutrition, Novonesis Animal Health and Nutrition, Nor-Feed, Insighter Biotechnology, JBT Marel, Adisseo, Jefo Biotechnology, Olmix Biotechnology Research and Vtagro as Bronze Sponsors and was supported by Jamesway, Hendrix Genetics Layers, Egg Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, Alternative Design Manufacturing and Suply, Inc., Allix3, US-RSPE, JRS Livestock Applications and Hy-line International. WPC-2016 was further supported by esteemed media partners including Canadian Poultry Magazine, WATT Poultry, Agri Insight, Poultry Creations, Gulf Poultry, Modern Poultry, and aviNews International.

The exhibitors displayed their promotional material in Exhibit Hall and the seminars / presentations were in various session rooms. The poster and oral presentation sessions represented the cutting edge of global poultry research. Forty plus speakers from six continents, hundreds of abstracts across every major area of poultry science. During World Poultry Congress 2026, it was my privilege to meet distinguished poultry leaders, scientists, researchers, innovators and industry colleagues from around the world and explored new opportunities for collaboration that will contribute to the sustainable growth and future of the global poultry sector.

My sincere congratulations to the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the organising committee, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make WPC 2026 an outstanding success.As one memorable chapter comes to an end, we now look forward to the 28th World Poultry Congress, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from July 21–25, 2030.

Moisture Optimization and Mold Control:
An Integrated Approach to Improving Feed Quality,
Shelf Life, and Feed Mill Profitability in Tropical Climates

Dr. Maloshrie Bora, Senior Program Manager – Feed Safety, Trouw Nutrition South Asia

Across India and South Asia, feed manufacturers today face a common challenge: producing safe, stable, high-quality feed while navigating increasingly variable climate conditions, fluctuating raw material quality, rising production costs, and greater demands for feed efficiency.

Among the many factors that influence feed quality, moisture management remains one of the most underestimated. Yet moisture directly impacts pellet quality, nutrient preservation, feed hygiene, shelf life, production throughput, and overall profitability. Improper moisture management can result in shrinkage, spoilage, mold proliferation, nutrient losses, increased fines, and reduced mill efficiency. Conversely, optimized moisture control can generate significant economic returns while improving feed quality throughout the supply chain.

The Hidden Economics of Moisture Loss
During feed manufacturing, moisture is lost at several stages, including grinding, conditioning, pelleting, cooling, storage, and transportation. Industry observations indicate that feed mills can lose between 0.5% and 1.5% moisture during production, resulting in direct shrinkage and reduced profitability. A feed mill producing 500 tonnes per day can lose approximately 5 tonnes of saleable product for every 1% moisture reduction. In an industry where margins are constantly under pressure, minimizing process losses represents a substantial opportunity for value creation.

Why Adding Water Alone Does Not Solve the Problem
A common industry practice for compensating moisture losses is the addition of water during feed processing. While this may appear straightforward, water possesses high surface tension and does not distribute uniformly throughout the feed matrix. Instead, free moisture often remains on the surface of feed particles, increasing water activity and creating favourable conditions for microbial growth. The challenge for the modern feed industry is therefore not simply increasing moisture content, but ensuring moisture is effectively distributed and retained throughout the feed while maintaining microbial stability.

Mold Growth: A Feed Quality and Profitability Threat
Molds are among the most significant biological threats to feed quality. Beyond visible spoilage, molds consume valuable nutrients, reduce energy content, affect feed palatability, shorten storage life, and create conditions favourable for mycotoxin production. The economic implications can be significant. Raw materials often constitute up to 80% of total feed production costs. Any reduction in nutritional value, shelf life, or feed volume directly impacts both manufacturers and producers downstream.

Emerging Scientific Approaches to Mold Inhibition
Advances in feed preservation technology have moved beyond conventional organic acid applications. Modern solutions increasingly combine multiple modes of action to optimize efficacy under practical feed manufacturing conditions. These technologies typically integrate:
Organic acids
– Buffered acid systems
– Moisture management agents
– Surfactants and emulsifiers
– Synergistic bioactive compounds
Such approaches improve moisture distribution, enhance contact between active ingredients and microbial cells, and prolong preservation effectiveness throughout storage. This scientific evolution reflects the industry’s transition from simple preservation strategies toward integrated moisture and microbial management systems.

Commercial Validation: Integrating Moisture and Feed Hygiene
Research and commercial evaluations have demonstrated that moisture management and mold control must work together. In one reported study, the addition of plain water alone reduced feed shelf life by approximately 33%. However, when moisture was combined with an integrated mold inhibition program, shelf life improved compared to untreated feed while preserving feed quality and stability. Additional commercial applications have shown benefits including:
– Improved feed mill throughput
– Enhanced pellet durability
– Reduced reprocessed fines
– Better moisture retention
– Improved production efficiency
– Greater feed stability during storage
These findings highlight that effective moisture optimization depends on simultaneously managing microbial risks

A Modern Approach for South Asia
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by feed manufacturers in tropical climates, Trouw Nutrition has developed integrated solutions specifically designed to optimize moisture management and feed hygiene.

Among these solutions is the Fylax® portfolio, which combines organic acid technology, moisture management agents, surfactants, and the proprietary ActiProp® technology platform. The objective is to improve moisture distribution, enhance mold inhibition, preserve nutrient value, and support feed mill efficiency within a single integrated program. ActiProp® technology works by increasing mold cell wall permeability and improving access of active ingredients to microbial targets, resulting in enhanced preservation performance compared with conventional approaches. At the same time, moisture-management components facilitate more uniform distribution of moisture within the feed matrix, helping improve operational efficiency and shelf-life outcomes.

In today’s feed industry, moisture management can no longer be viewed simply as a processing parameter—it is a critical driver of feed quality, feed safety, and profitability. As feed manufacturers across India and South Asia face increasing challenges from humidity, raw material variability, and shelf-life pressures, an integrated approach that combines moisture optimization with effective mold control is becoming essential. By preserving nutrient value, reducing shrinkage, improving pellet quality, and enhancing microbial stability, modern feed hygiene solutions can help mills achieve greater operational efficiency while delivering safer, more consistent feed to livestock producers. Ultimately, successful feed preservation is not just about preventing spoilage—it is about maximizing value throughout the feed-to-food chain.

Introduction : Every year, invisible contaminants hidden within grains and feed ingredients silently reduce livestock productivity. Mycotoxins—naturally occurring toxic compounds produced by fungi—are responsible for millions of dollars in economic losses through poor growth, reduced immunity, reproductive disorders, lower feed efficiency, and increased mortality. Although impossible to see with the naked eye, their impact on poultry, swine, and dairy production is enormous.

What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by moulds such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Scientists have identified over 300 different mycotoxins, and studies indicate that nearly one-quarter of global feed supplies may be contaminated.
The most economically important toxins include:
-Aflatoxins
– Ochratoxins
– Fumonisins
– Deoxynivalenol (DON)
– T-2 Toxin
– Zearalenone
Each affects animals differently, but all reduce productivity and profitability.

Why Do Mycotoxins Develop?
Moulds flourish when four conditions come together:
– Warm temperatures
– High humidity
– Moisture in grains
– Oxygen
Once established, fungal growth continues during harvesting, storage, transportation, and feed manufacturing unless properly controlled.

India’s Mycotoxin Challenge
Recent testing presented in the report paints a worrying picture. 6,304 feed analysis, 99% contamination, and 83% above the performance-risk threshold.
Key Findings

– 6,304 feed analysis conducted
– 99% showed detectable contamination
– 83% exceeded performance-risk thresholds
Among ingredients, DORB, peanut meal, maize, soybean meal, DDGS, and corn gluten all showed significant contamination levels.

Multiple Mycotoxins: A Greater Threat
Animals are rarely exposed to a single toxin.
Instead, feeds commonly contain multiple mycotoxins that interact synergistically, making the combined damage significantly greater than the effect of individual toxins. This explains why even relatively low toxin concentrations can cause substantial production losses.

Economic Impact on Farms
The consequences are visible across every production system.

Poultry
– Lower feed intake
– Reduced weight gain
– Poor feed conversion
– Thin eggshells
– Lower hatchability
– Fatty liver
– Weak immunity

Swine
– Reproductive disorders
– Embryonic mortality
– Vomiting
– Reduced growth
– Feed refusal
– Tail necrosis
– Liver and kidney damage
Ultimately, these problems translate directly into economic losses through poorer animal performance.

The Hidden Cost: Immune Suppression
– One of the most damaging effects of mycotoxins is their ability to suppress the immune system.
– Animals become more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections while showing reduced responses to vaccines and treatments.
– This means disease outbreaks become more severe and recovery becomes slower.

Can Nutrition Help?
Nutritional interventions can reduce the impact of toxins.

Recommended approaches include:
– Higher amino acid supplementation
– Vitamins E, C, and D3
– Selenium
– Choline chloride
– Liver-support products
– Mold inhibitors
– Broad-spectrum toxin binders
These measures improve resilience while reducing toxin damage.

Scientific Toxin Elimination Management (STEM-500)
An effective strategy combines four complementary actions:
1. Prevention
Prevent fungal growth before toxins develop.
2. Elimination
Bind multiple mycotoxins irreversibly.
3. Neutralization
Use enzymatic systems to neutralize toxins.
4. Gut Ecology Enhancement
Improve gut health while strengthening immunity and reducing pathogen pressure. This integrated approach offers broader protection than relying on toxin binders alone.

Featured Solution: STEM-500
The presentation introduces STEM-500, a multi-component toxin management product formulated with:
– Specially treated HSCAS
– Organic acids
– Oxine Copper
– MOS
– Bio-active phytocompounds
– Polyphenols
– Lactobacillus
– Lipotropic agents
According to the presentation, the product is designed to reduce mould growth, bind multiple mycotoxins, minimize endotoxin effects, improve liver function, support gut health, and enhance feed conversion, growth, and survival.

Conclusion
Mycotoxins remain one of the most significant hidden threats in modern animal production. Since contamination can occur throughout the grain supply chain, prevention alone is rarely sufficient. A comprehensive management strategy—combining mould control, toxin binding, detoxification, and gut health support—is essential for maintaining animal health and maximizing production efficiency.

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.

The 8th edition of the Global Talks Series presents an inspiring dialogue with Mr. Yiannis Christodoulou, a globally respected agribusiness executive and visionary leader. This edition delves into the dynamic intersection of technology, people, and modern poultry production, showcasing how Mr. Christodoulou’s pioneering initiatives are driving advancements in feed manufacturing, precision farming, and professional education across Asia Pacific. With nearly three decades of experience in feed technology, agribusiness leadership, and industry development, he offers a practical perspective that bridges innovation with real world industry needs. As Managing Director of Progressus and Agentis Innovations, and a board member of Innotuc, Mr. Christodoulou continues to champion technology driven growth, continuous professional development, and smarter poultry production systems—supporting the industry’s journey toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Introduction
With nearly three decades of experience across Asia‑Pacific, Mr. Yiannis has worked closely with the animal production industry to address practical challenges, introduce modern technologies that drive industry modernization, and, most importantly, support people in advancing their careers and improving their quality of life. His commitment has always been to combine innovation with human development, ensuring that progress benefits both businesses and individuals.

In a recent conversation with Mr. Yiannis, I gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of the companies he has founded and continues to lead. It was inspiring to hear how Agentis Innovations has spearheaded the introduction of feed mill automation, highlighting its importance to Asia’s feed manufacturers.
Equally impressive is how Progressus has developed AgriSchools short courses, meeting the industry’s critical need for continuous learning and professional development. Mr. Yiannis also shared insights into his newest venture, Innotuc, a company he co‑founded to harness farm data and transform it into real‑time insights—empowering smarter decisions, stronger performance, and more efficient operations across poultry production.

Ricky Thaper: Can you explain how the business you are involved in are contributing and benefiting the Indian poultry industry
Yiannis : Collectively, Progressus Co., Ltd., Agentis Innovations Limited, and our newest venture, Innotuc Co., Ltd., serve as vital resource hubs for businesses pursuing expansion, success, and global competitiveness. Together, they provide the essential tools and expertise needed to drive industry advancement.

More specifically, these companies empower people with opportunities for continuous professional development while equipping organizations with the technologies required to embrace the new era of digitalization and automation. In doing so, they help strengthen both individual careers and corporate capabilities, ensuring the industry is well‑positioned for sustainable growth and modernization.

Progressus brings to India a wealth of global expertise in poultry innovation, strategic collaboration, and training tailored to Asia’s production conditions. Through structured technical courses for experienced professionals (AgriSchools), awareness‑raising forums, and specialized workshops on feed formulation, biosecurity, and sustainability, Progressus empowers farmers, integrators, and industry specialists to adopt modern practices that enhance efficiency and resilience. Training programs on precision nutrition, effective utilization of feed ingredients, modern feeding and management techniques, and closed‑house farming are among the topics directly requested by India’s poultry industry. Get a closer look at what Progressus has to offer at www.progressus.asia

At Agentis Innovations, the focus is on converting feed formulas into high‑quality physical feeds in the most effective, efficient, and sustainable manner—consistently and reliably. The poultry nutrition and feed formulation industry has long been at the cutting edge, often advancing faster than the operational capabilities of feed mill plants. Agentis Innovations bridges this gap by providing advanced automatic process control systems (SCADA), a vital technology for ensuring precision, consistency, and efficiency across every stage of production.

Founded in 2011, Agentis Innovations specializes in automation and process optimization for feed mills, premix plants, and grain processing and storage facilities. Its core expertise lies in feed milling, integrating advanced sensors, real‑time monitoring, and programming to develop automation systems tailored to the realities of Asian feed production. This focus ensures that customers consistently meet nutritional standards while reducing waste and variability, making Agentis Innovations a trusted partner for producers seeking to modernize and future‑proof their feed mills and premix operations. See more on this systems at
www.agentisinnovations.com

“Embracing technology is a must not a choice. Automation doesn’t replace people; it empowers them to make faster, smarter decisions with confidence.”
– Yiannis Christodoulou

Last but not least, our work has the potential to help Indian poultry farms become more profitable, modern, and appealing to the younger generation of farmers, while also providing the data needed to support the transparency that today’s buyers and consumer’s demand. At Innotuc, a Bangkok‑based agritech company, we are developing digital solutions that enable producers to monitor bird growth, feed consumption, and environmental conditions in real time.

For example, instead of relying on periodic manual weighing, Innotuc’s automatic weighing system continuously tracks flock growth and uploads accurate data to a dedicated cloud analytics engine and dashboard. This gives farmers real‑time visibility into bird performance, allowing them to quickly adjust feed, health, and management strategies. Similarly, our silo monitoring technology ensures feed inventory is always under control—reducing waste, preventing shortages, and improving cost forecasting.

Innotuc’s flagship cloud-based engine, InnoFarmPro, transforms farm data collected from our sensors into actionable insights, empowering farmers to make smarter, faster decisions. Automated data collection reduces labour needs, minimizes human error, and improves consistency across flocks. In short, Innotuc’s technology enables poultry farms to operate with precision, resilience, and competitiveness in an industry where margins are tight and efficiency is critical. At the same time, it makes poultry farming more attractive to younger generations, who are drawn to technology‑driven solutions over traditional manual operations. Get a closer look at what INNOTUC can do for you at www.innotuc.com

“The future of poultry is not just about producing more—it’s about producing smarter, with technology guiding every step.”

– Yiannis Christodoulou

Ricky Thaper: How do you see your connection to the Indian poultry industry in particular?
Yiannis : I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the people of India’s poultry industry. Since the beginning of my involvement there, I have been fortunate to meet, connect with, and build strong relationships with many talented, visionary, and passionate professionals from whom I have learned a great deal. I deeply value and nurture these connections, as they have enriched both my personal and professional journey.

A bit on who is Mr. Yiannis Christodoulou.
Born in Cyprus into a family of poultry farmers, Mr. Yiannis began his career in the poultry industry at a very young age. Today, he is a senior agribusiness executive and entrepreneur with deep expertise in animal nutrition, feed technology, and strategic leadership across Asia‑Pacific. He serves as the Managing Director of Agentis Innovations and Progressus, companies he founded and developed in order to advance innovation in feed milling, animal nutrition, and professional education for the livestock and aquaculture industries. His work consistently emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the future of the animal protein production industries in Asia.

Ricky Thaper : Message to the Indian poultry industry
Yiannis : India’s poultry industry has emerged as a global powerhouse, ranking second in egg production and among the top four broiler producers worldwide. It has achieved rapid growth while contributing significantly to nutrition security and rural employment. This success is a testament to the resilience, vision, and commitment of its professionals and their companies.

Looking ahead, the industry must balance its impressive growth with priorities such as food quality, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, while remaining vigilant against challenges including shifting market dynamics, disease risks, and resource volatility in land, water, and raw material supply. In summary, India’s poultry sector has transformed into a mega‑industry and is positioning itself as a global leader.

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.

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