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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Xavier Cadiou

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

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

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

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

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

– Xavier Cadiou

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