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.

The 5th Edition of the Global Talks series presents an in-depth conversation with Dr. Nasir Mukhtar, a globally recognized leader and influential voice shaping the poultry industry across the GCC and Asian regions. The discussion explores the rapidly evolving landscape of poultry science, industry leadership, and knowledge-driven innovation that is redefining the future of global poultry production. With decades of experience spanning academia, industry, and international poultry organizations, Dr. Mukhtar has played a transformative role in advancing poultry science while strengthening industry–academia collaboration. Currently serving as the General Secretary of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), UAE Branch, he actively champions the integration of scientific research with practical industry solutions, the development of young professionals, and the resolution of emerging challenges through global cooperation and informed leadership.

Dr. Mukhtar began his research career in the breeding of native chickens, successfully combining scientific rigor with real-world industry applications.

While reflecting on his research journey during the discussion, Dr. Mukhtar shared his dual role as a Professor and poultry entrepreneur, enabled him pioneered groundbreaking research on standardized ileal digestible (SID) amino acid values in sex-based broilers, establishing a globally relevant model for precision poultry nutrition.

He has led and completed several landmark collaborative projects with prestigious international institutions and organizations. Responding during the interaction, Dr. Mukhtar recalled earning his Ph.D. from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and completed his post-doctoral research at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland (UK).

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mukhtar has supervised ten Ph.D. and twenty M.Phil. students, making a lasting contribution to human capacity development in the poultry sector. He is the author of six books and sixty-three peer-reviewed national and international research articles, widely cited across scientific and industry platforms.
Beyond research, Dr. Mukhtar’s global leadership extends to key strategic roles. During the interaction Dr. Mukhtar detailed his responsibilities as General Secretary of the WPSA UAE Branch, Vice President of the Asian Pacific Federation of WPSA (Thailand), and Global Chair of the WPSA Working Group on Small-Scale Family Poultry Farming.
He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the World’s Poultry Science Journal and serves as a Guest Editor for Poultry Science.

A frequent and respected speaker at international scientific and industry forums, Dr. Nasir Mukhtar continues to influence global poultry policy, innovation, and sustainability—bridging science with industry and shaping the next generation of poultry leaders.

Abstract
Over the past several decades, India’s poultry industry has transformed from traditional backyard rearing dominated by small-holders to a highly commercialized, vertically integrated, large-scale industrial sector. This metamorphosis has propelled India into the ranks of global leaders—particularly in egg production—and has reshaped domestic food security, nutrition profiles, rural livelihoods, and export potential. This paper traces the historical evolution, charts recent growth and statistical milestones, analyses the key drivers, assesses socio-economic and nutritional impacts, discusses challenges, and outlines future opportunities. Despite structural constraints — notably feed-cost pressures, infrastructure gaps, and export competitiveness — the scale and dynamism of India’s poultry sector position it as a potential global game changer.

1. Introduction
The poultry sector in India has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Once dominated by small backyard flocks used for household consumption, today it constitutes one of the most dynamic, fast-growing segments of India’s agricultural and livestock economy. The shift toward commercial-scale, vertically integrated poultry farming has enabled unprecedented growth in egg and meat production, improved accessibility of affordable protein, triggered export growth, and provided livelihoods to millions.

2. Historical Background and Structural Transition
2.1 Traditional Poultry Practices
Traditionally, poultry farming in India was characterized by backyard rearing — small flocks of indigenous birds managed by rural households, primarily for eggs and occasional meat consumption. These birds lay far fewer eggs compared to modern commercial breeds; typical indigenous hens would produce perhaps 60–80 eggs per year. This model, while suiting subsistence and household needs, offered limited scale, low efficiency, and negligible surplus for commercial sale or export. As a result, India’s poultry sector remained underdeveloped for long, especially when compared to large-scale poultry industries in Western countries.

2.2 Emergence of Commercial & Hybrid Poultry Farming
The transformation began with gradual adoption of improved and hybrid poultry breeds, combined with investments in hatcheries, feed mills, broiler farms, processing units, and cold-chain infrastructure. Modern hybrid layer birds now produce significantly more eggs, and broiler breeds grow to market weight in just 35–42 days — a far cry from the slower growth rates of traditional birds.
Technological advances in breeding, feed formulation, veterinary care, and disease management made poultry farming more efficient, reliable, and profitable. Small-scale poultry rearing began to give way to commercial and vertically integrated operations, wherein a single enterprise manages parent stock, hatcheries, feed supply, rearing, processing, and distribution. This structural shift laid the foundation for rapid scaling up of production, improved quality, and the capability to meet urban and rural demand, as well as to explore export markets.

2.3 Integration into the Livestock Value Chain
Over time, poultry became part of a broader livestock value-chain, along with dairy, meat, fisheries, etc. According to an industry review, the livestock sector — including poultry — has seen a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9% between 2014–15 and 2020–21, and its contribution to total agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) rose from 24.3% to 30.1%. Thus, poultry moved from a peripheral, subsistence-level role to an integral, high-growth segment of India’s agricultural economy.

3. Scope and Scale of Growth: Recent Data & Trends

3.1 Egg Production: Unprecedented Scale
– According to the latest data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), total egg production in India during 2024–25 was 138.38 billion eggs.
– The most recent government data for 2024–25 reports 149.11 billion eggs, indicating continued growth.
– Of this, commercial poultry contributes the bulk: ~129.16 billion eggs from commercial farms, while ~20.11 billion come from backyard poultry — i.e., roughly 85.40% commercial and 14.60% backyard.
– The per capita availability of eggs in 2024–25 is estimated at 106 eggs/year.
These numbers indicate a massive scaling up of egg production — a cornerstone of India’s poultry revolution.
The distribution of production across states is concentrated: the top five egg-producing states in 2022–23 were Andhra Pradesh (≈ 20.13%), Tamil Nadu (≈ 15.58%), Telangana (≈ 12.77%), West Bengal (≈ 9.93%), and Karnataka (≈ 6.51%) — together accounting for about 65% of the national total.
This regional concentration reflects climatic, infrastructure, and industry-cluster advantages in southern and eastern India.

3.2 Poultry Meat & Broiler Production
While egg production often gets the spotlight, broiler-meat production has also witnessed rapid growth: broiler meat in India is estimated at around 5 million tonnes annually.
As per a recent government annual report (2024-25), per-capita meat availability (across all meats) rose — poultry’s growing share contributed significantly.
Moreover, the poultry feed industry — critical for meat and egg production — has expanded: poultry feed production was reported at 27 million metric tons per year (as of 2022), supporting the massive poultry stock and enabling economies of scale.

3.3 Economic Market Size and Forecasted Growth
– According to a 2025 market analysis by Expert Market Research (EMR), India’s poultry market was valued at USD 30.46 billion in 2024.
– The same analysis projects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during 2025–2034, with the market size expected to reach USD 66.37 billion by 2034.
– Government-published projections also show a growth trajectory, with increasing demand driven by urbanization, rising incomes, changing dietary habits, and organized retail/food-processing sectors. These economic data reflect that poultry is now not just a subsistence activity but a major agribusiness sector with significant economic value.

4. Drivers of the Poultry Boom
The rapid rise of poultry in India can be traced to a confluence of demographic, economic, technological, structural, and policy factors.

4.1 Rising Incomes, Urbanization, and Changing Dietary Patterns
India’s growing middle class, rising per-capita income, and increasing urbanization have driven dietary transitions. Eggs and chicken — as relatively affordable, high-quality animal proteins — have become more accessible and acceptable across economic classes.
As diets diversify, there is increasing demand from Tier II and Tier III cities, alongside traditional urban centres. The rising awareness regarding nutrition and protein deficiencies further fuels demand for poultry.

4.2 Commercialization & Vertical Integration
One of the most transformative structural changes is the emergence of vertically integrated poultry enterprises. These enterprises manage parent stock and grandparent stock, hatcheries, feed mills, broiler/layer farms, processing units (slaughterhouses, dressing plants), cold-chain logistics, and distribution networks.
Such integration facilitates economies of scale, reduces transaction and marketing costs, ensures biosecurity, standardizes quality, and enables efficient supply of eggs and meat — at prices affordable to consumers and margins viable for producers. Additionally, the shift in market preference — from live birds being sold locally to processed, dressed, chilled or frozen chicken, packaged eggs, egg-powder, and other value-added products — has accelerated formalization and industrialization of poultry value-chains.

4.3 Growth of Feed Industry, Input Supply & Technology
A robust feed industry underpins commercial poultry operations. Balanced feed — based on maize, soybean meal, etc. — ensures rapid growth, better productivity, and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). Advances in veterinary care and disease management further buttress productivity.
Simultaneously, investments in hatcheries, processing infrastructure, cold-chain logistics, meat-processing plants, egg-packing and grading units have created a viable ecosystem for large-scale production and distribution.
These developments mark a shift from fragmented, household-level poultry rearing to organized, industry-scale poultry farming.

4.4 Market Demand, Nutrition Awareness & Institutional Push
Growing awareness of protein deficiency and the nutritional benefits of eggs and lean meat has increased demand among Indian consumers. Poultry — being relatively more affordable than red meat and easier to integrate into diets — is increasingly preferred.
Furthermore, expanding organized retail chains, food-service industries, and fast-food outlets have increased demand for processed/chilled chicken and value-added egg/poultry products, providing a stable market for producers.
Government support — through enabling infrastructure, policies facilitating feed availability (corn, soy), support for processing units, and export promotion via the APEDA framework — has played a supportive role.

5. Socio-Economic and Nutritional Impacts

5.1 Food Security & Protein Access
India has long faced challenges of protein-energy malnutrition and inadequate intake of high-quality animal protein, especially among lower-income households. The dramatic rise in poultry — eggs and chicken — offers a scalable, affordable, and accessible solution to improve protein intake across a wide swath of the population.
With per-capita egg availability at ~106 eggs/year, and increasing meat availability, poultry contributes substantially to bridging the “protein gap.”
Eggs, in particular, represent one of the highest-quality proteins per rupee and are more affordable than most red meats, making them an effective vehicle for nutritional security, especially among economically weaker sections.

5.2 Livelihood Generation, Rural Employment, and Value-Chain Jobs
The poultry value-chain — from hatcheries, feed mills, poultry farms, processing plants, cold-chain logistics, transport, retail outlets — employs millions of people across urban, rural, and semi-urban India. The shift from subsistence-level backyard poultry to organized, commercial poultry creates diverse jobs beyond traditional crop agriculture.
Moreover, contract-farming models enable smallholders to participate in poultry production without bearing full risk. Under these models, integrators supply chicks, feed, veterinary care; farmers rear birds under supervision, and integrators buy back the produce. This ensures stable income for rural households and reduces production risk.
Thus, poultry acts as an engine for rural income diversification, reducing dependence on traditional agriculture and enhancing rural livelihoods.

5.3 Economic Contribution & Agriculture Diversification
As noted earlier, the livestock sector — dairy, meat, poultry, fisheries — has increased its share of agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) from ~24.3% to ~30.1% between 2014–15 and 2020–21, indicating rising economic significance.
The poultry segment, in particular, contributes significantly to this growth. The rising market valuation (USD 30.46 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 66.37 billion by 2034) underscores poultry’s importance in national agribusiness and food systems.
Thus, poultry provides a viable pathway for agricultural diversification beyond crop-based farming, offering resilience against crop failures, diversification of rural income sources, and buffer against agricultural uncertainties.

6. India’s Position in Global Poultry Landscape

6.1 Global Rankings in Egg and Meat Production
India is now among the top producers globally: according to APEDA, India ranks 2nd globally in total egg production.
On the meat front, India is among the leading producers of poultry meat worldwide; various sources place India among the top 5 globally in broiler meat production.
This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering India’s recent transition from traditional poultry rearing — underscoring how rapidly the industry has scaled.

6.2 Export Growth & Global Reach
According to APEDA data, in fiscal year 2023–24, India exported 1,275,234.90 metric tons of poultry products, valued at USD 184.58 million.
Major export destinations include Gulf and nearby countries such as Oman, Sri Lanka, Maldives, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.
The growth of processing units — producing dressed chicken, frozen meat, egg powder, frozen egg-yolk, etc. — has facilitated exports, especially given rising global demand for affordable poultry protein.
According to market research, the availability of digitally integrated cold-chain logistics, temperature-monitored supply chains, and compliance with international standards are enabling Indian poultry producers to build trust among institutional buyers and global QSR chains.
These developments suggest that India is not only catering to domestic demand but is also increasingly competitive on the global poultry stage.

7. Challenges and Constraints
Despite its remarkable rise, India’s poultry sector faces several structural and external constraints that can hinder long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.
7.1 Feed Price Volatility and Input Cost Disadvantage
A major challenge lies in feed costs — especially maize (corn) and soybean meal, which form the bulk of poultry feed. Compared to many major poultry-exporting countries, feed price in India is significantly higher. For instance, industry officials report domestic corn costs at ₹23–25/kg versus ₹14/kg in competing countries; soybean meal is ~30% more expensive domestically.
Feed constitutes around 80–85% of total production cost in poultry farming, according to industry associations.
This cost disadvantage undercuts competitiveness in export markets where producers operate at lower feed costs, making poultry from India relatively costlier. Consequently, despite production scale, India may find it harder to compete globally on price.

7.2 Infrastructure Gaps: Processing, Cold Chain & Value Addition
While the number of poultry dressing plants and processing units has grown, large-scale, export-ready modern processing plants remain relatively limited. According to a 2024–25 report, only a small fraction of slaughterhouses and meat-processing plants are formally registered with export authorities.
Moreover, cold-chain infrastructure — essential for frozen chicken, chilled meat, egg-powder, and other value-added products — remains uneven across geographies. This hinders consistent supply, quality control, and scalability of exports.
Limited processing capacities, hygienic standard compliance, packaging, traceability, and cold-storage infrastructure collectively constrain India’s ability to fully exploit export potential and to realize value-added processing at scale.

7.3 Biosecurity, Disease Risk, and Regulatory Challenges
Large-scale poultry farming carries inherent disease risks — from avian influenza to other pathogens. Maintaining biosecurity, veterinary care, bird health monitoring, and adherence to sanitary standards is critical. However, regulatory enforcement, veterinary infrastructure, and disease surveillance remain patchy in many regions.
Inadequate disease control or outbreak events can lead to flock losses, supply disruptions, price volatility, and erosion of consumer confidence — domestically and internationally. This remains a systemic risk for large-scale poultry operations in India.

7.4 Domestic Consumption Economy vs Export Incentives
Although India is a large poultry producer, per-capita consumption remains relatively modest: per capita chicken consumption is estimated at only 6–7 kg per person per year; per capita egg consumption at ~106 eggs/year.
Given the enormous domestic market — with over 1.4 billion people — many industry players emphasise catering to internal demand rather than exports. As quoted in industry reports: “With such a vast domestic population and high protein-deficiency, why export?”
This dynamic sometimes conflicts with export-oriented ambitions, especially when input costs or global competition make exports less profitable.

7.5 Feed-Input Constraints & Agricultural Linkages
Poultry feed depends heavily on maize and soybean meal — both agricultural commodities subject to domestic production variability, input price volatility, and competition from other sectors (e.g., ethanol, livestock feed for dairy, etc.). Recent global and domestic trends — including policies favouring biofuel and ethanol production — can affect corn availability and price. Any sustained rise in feed costs directly impacts profitability, which in turn affects the scalability and sustainability of poultry operations. For India to remain competitive globally, securing low-cost, reliable feed supply — possibly through agricultural policy, supply chain efficiency, or alternative feed sources — is essential.

8. Opportunities: Why India Could Be a Global Game Changer
Despite the challenges, several structural and market advantages position India’s poultry sector to scale further — domestically and internationally — and potentially become a global “poultry powerhouse.”

8.1 Massive Domestic Market & Rising Protein Demand
India’s vast population — over 1.4 billion — continues to urbanize, with rising incomes and changing consumption patterns. Demand for high-quality, affordable protein (eggs, chicken) is likely to increase substantially in coming decades. If per-capita consumption trends rise — even if not to the global average — the sheer population base means demand volumes will be enormous. This offers massive growth potential for domestic poultry producers. With nutrition awareness growing and dietary preferences shifting, poultry (especially eggs and lean chicken meat) is poised to become a staple source of animal protein for many more Indians.

8.2 Scaling Exports — Value Addition, Processed Products & Cold-Chain Gains
India’s existing production scale, combined with expansion of processing capacity, cold-chain logistics, and compliance to international sanitary standards, can help build a robust export-oriented poultry infrastructure.
Processed products — frozen dressed chicken, cuts, egg powders, frozen egg-yolk, ready-to-cook chicken products — tested through cold-chain logistics and standard packaging, can meet demand in international markets, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.
With disciplined investments in processing plants, hygiene standards, traceability, and supply-chain management, India can become a reliable supplier of low-cost poultry proteins — challenging traditional exporters.

8.3 Employment, Rural Development, and Agro-Industrial Linkages
Scaling poultry farming and allied value-chains (feed mills, hatcheries, processing, logistics, retail) can generate substantial employment across rural and semi-urban India. This helps diversify rural livelihoods, reduce dependence on crop agriculture, and provide stable income sources.
Moreover, development of allied industries — feed, veterinary, packaging, cold-storage, transport — can spur agro-industrial growth, infrastructure development, and rural entrepreneurship.

8.4 Nutrition Security & Public Health Benefits
Expanding poultry production — particularly eggs — can significantly improve access to affordable, high-quality protein and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) for millions of Indians. This can contribute to reducing undernutrition, improving child and maternal health, and enhancing overall public health outcomes.
Eggs — relatively cheap, nutrient-dense, and widely acceptable — can be a cornerstone for nutrition security programs, school feeding schemes, and basic food security for underprivileged populations.

8.5 Scope for Innovation: Breeding, Feed Alternatives, Value-Added Products
India’s poultry industry is still evolving; there remains considerable scope for innovation:
– Development of feed substitutes — to reduce dependence on maize/soybean, manage costs, and improve sustainability.
– Genetic improvements: breeding for disease-resistance, improved feed-conversion ratio (FCR), higher egg yield, faster growth.
– Value-added products: ready-to-cook chicken, processed meats, egg-based foods, frozen foods, packaged convenience foods.
– Export-oriented product lines: chilled/frozen chicken, processed eggs, egg powders — to serve export markets efficiently.
With innovation, India can leapfrog traditional production constraints and define a competitive advantage beyond just “low cost”.

9. Policy, Strategy and Institutional Implications
For India to realize the full potential of its poultry sector — domestically and globally — a multilayered strategy is needed, involving producers, industry stakeholders, government, and trade policy. Key policy/strategic implications:

1. Feed Security & Agricultural Policy Coordination
– Promote stable production of maize, soybean, and other feed inputs.
– Encourage alternative feed sources, research for cost-efficient feed, feed-substitutes.
– Consider trade or subsidy policies to manage feed costs, ensure affordability for poultry producers.
2. Infrastructure & Cold-Chain Development
– Invest in modern processing plants, meat-processing units, hygienic slaughterhouses.
– Expand cold-chain logistics, refrigerated transport, cold-storage — to support frozen meat and processed poultry export.
– Promote compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards to facilitate exports.
3. Support for Value-Addition & Export Diversification
– Encourage production of value-added poultry products (frozen meat, frozen egg products, ready-to-cook, packaged eggs).
– Incentivize export-oriented units, possibly through special economic zones, tax/ subsidy support, export facilitation, capacity-building.
4. Rural Livelihoods & Smallholder Inclusion
– Expand contract-farming models for smallholders to participate without high capital risk.
– Provide training, extension services, veterinary support to small-scale producers.
– Support backyard poultry schemes (especially in underserved regions) to enhance nutrition and livelihoods at grassroots.
5. Biosecurity, Animal Health & Regulatory Oversight
– Strengthen veterinary infrastructure, disease surveillance, vaccination, biosecurity protocols.
– Enforce hygiene, traceability, slaughterhouse standards to ensure food safety and export compliance.
6. Nutrition and Public Health Initiatives
– Incorporate eggs and poultry into national nutrition programs (school feeding, maternal health, child nutrition).
– Promote awareness of nutritional benefits of eggs and poultry among lower-income communities.
By aligning agricultural, trade, public health, and industrial policies — India can catalyse a “poultry-led transformation” that enhances food security, rural livelihoods, export earnings, and nutritional outcomes.

10. Critical Analysis & Risks Ahead
While the trajectory of Indian poultry is impressive, several critical risks and trade-offs deserve careful consideration.

10.1 Price and Input Volatility
As noted, feed costs — largely driven by maize/soybean prices — are a major vulnerability. Global commodity price fluctuations, domestic supply constraints, competition from other sectors (e.g., biofuel), and policy shifts can render feed expensive, eroding margins and pressuring prices.
This volatility may disincentivise producers, hinder scaling, or push up consumer prices — undermining affordability, nutritional access, and export competitiveness.

10.2 Infrastructure & Institutional Bottlenecks
Despite growth in processing and cold-chain capacity, much of India’s poultry still operates in fragmented, small-scale settings. Export-ready, large-scale processing infrastructure remains limited; regulatory compliance, traceability, hygiene standards, packaging — all need strengthening.
Inequities in infrastructure across states can lead to regional disparities, inefficiencies, and quality variations — which may hurt long-term competitiveness.

10.3 Disease Risk, Biosecurity, and Animal Welfare
Large-scale poultry farming increases the risk of disease outbreaks (e.g., avian influenza), which can have severe economic and public health impacts. Maintaining biosecurity, veterinary care, regular health monitoring, and outbreak preparedness is essential but challenging — especially in regions with limited veterinary infrastructure or poor compliance.

Additionally, large-scale industrial poultry farming may raise concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts, waste management, and antibiotic use — all of which could invite public scrutiny and regulatory pressures.

10.4 Domestic Consumption Patterns & Cultural/ Dietary Constraints
Despite rising demand, per-capita consumption of eggs and poultry meat remains well below global averages. Cultural, religious, economic constraints, and dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarianism) in large segments of Indian population limit poultry consumption.
Moreover, price-sensitive consumers might substitute to cheaper proteins or plant-based diets if poultry prices rise, or if supply becomes unstable — reducing demand stability.

10.5 Export Competitiveness & Global Competition
India faces stiff competition from major poultry exporting countries (e.g., USA, Brazil, EU nations) with established supply chains, lower feed costs, advanced processing facilities, and established brand/trade relationships. Given the feed-cost disadvantage, infrastructural constraints, and regulatory complexities (sanitary standards, trade barriers) — competing in global markets at scale may be challenging. Therefore, India’s success internationally would depend not just on production volume, but on quality, value addition, logistics, compliance, cost management, and strategic trade policy.

11. Case Study / Illustrative Example: State-wise Dynamics & Regional Patterns
While nationwide data reflects aggregate success, the poultry boom in India is unevenly distributed, with certain states contributing disproportionately.
As per APEDA and recent government reports, the leading egg-producing states (2022–23) are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Karnataka — together contributing around 65% of the national egg output.
This concentration reflects a combination of favourable climate, established commercial poultry enterprises, better infrastructure (hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants), transport connectivity, and market access — particularly in southern and eastern India.
In contrast, many northern and central states remain under-represented in poultry output, due to factors such as climate (cold, variation in temperature), lesser infrastructure, underdevelopment of feed and processing industries, lower investments, and limited integration into commercial value-chains.
This uneven distribution has important implications: for achieving equitable growth, food-security across regions, and maximizing national potential, efforts are needed to expand poultry infrastructure and capacities beyond existing hubs — into under-served states and rural areas.
Moreover, encouraging smallholder inclusion via contract farming or backyard poultry schemes can help spread benefits more widely, especially in less-developed states.

12. Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations
Given the structural dynamics, market trends, and socio-economic context, the future of Indian poultry looks promising — provided certain strategic and policy measures are adopted. Below are key recommendations and outlook:
1. Promote Feed-Security & Cost Efficiency
– Invest in domestic maize/soybean production to ensure stable input supply.
– Research and promote alternative, cost-effective feed sources (e.g., agricultural by-products, insect-based proteins, sustainable feed substitutes).
– Introduce policy measures to stabilize feed prices (subsidies, buffer stocks, trade facilitation) to strengthen cost competitiveness.
2. Expand Processing, Cold-Chain, and Value-Added Capacities
– Encourage establishment of modern, export-ready processing plants and meat-processing units across more states.
– Build cold-chain logistics, storage infrastructure, refrigerated transport to support frozen meat and egg-product exports.
– Incentivize production of value-added products (frozen chicken cuts, frozen egg-powder, ready-to-cook chicken, processed meat) to cater to global markets and institutional buyers.
3. Support Smallholders & Inclusive Models
– Scale up contract-farming models to incorporate small farmers, reducing entry barriers, sharing risk, and ensuring supply stability.
– Provide extension services, veterinary support, training, access to credit/inputs for smallholders and backyard poultry farmers.
– Expand backyard-poultry and rural poultry schemes — especially in underserved states — to ensure nutrition security and rural income generation.
4. Strengthen Biosecurity, Animal Health & Regulatory Compliance
– Build veterinary infrastructure, disease surveillance systems, vaccination programs, and biosecurity protocols nationwide.
– Enforce hygiene, slaughterhouse standards, traceability, packaging and sanitary norms to meet domestic consumption and export requirements.
– Implement environmental and animal-welfare guidelines to ensure sustainability and ethical practices.
5. Facilitate Exports & International Competitiveness
– Use trade policy, export facilitation, and negotiated sanitary / phytosanitary (SPS) agreements to access new markets.
– Promote brand-building for “Made in India” poultry: emphasize quality, compliance, cost advantage.
– Encourage exports of processed poultry and egg products — which add more value than raw/fresh meat.
6. Promote Nutrition & Public Health through Poultry Products
– Integrate eggs and poultry into national nutrition and food-security programs (e.g., school meal schemes, maternal/child nutrition).
– Run awareness campaigns about the nutritional benefits of eggs and chicken.
– Encourage socially inclusive models (rural backyard poultry, low-cost egg supply) to reach low-income populations.
If executed, these strategies can help India not only sustain its rapid growth, but also emerge as a global supplier of affordable, high-quality poultry and egg products, while enhancing domestic nutrition and rural livelihoods.

13. Conclusion
The rise of Indian poultry — from small-scale backyard flocks to a large, organized, commercially viable industry — represents one of the most transformative developments in India’s agricultural and food landscape. The scale of egg and meat production, economic value, and socio-economic impact is unprecedented. India now ranks among the world’s top producers of eggs and poultry meat; domestic production volumes run into hundreds of billions of eggs and millions of tonnes of meat annually. The economic market is vast and growing; the value chain has formalized; demand — both domestic and potential global export — is substantial. At the same time, structural challenges — feed-cost disadvantages, infrastructure gaps, regulatory and biosecurity risks — remain real constraints. How India addresses these issues will determine whether its poultry sector merely remains a domestic success or becomes a global game changer. Nevertheless, given India’s demographic advantage, rising protein demand, improving infrastructure, institutional support, and potential for value-addition and exports — the poultry sector is well-positioned for further growth, impact, and global integration.
In essence, the rise of Indian poultry is not just an agricultural success story — it is a potential driver of nutritional security, rural development, economic growth, and global trade share. With strategic vision, policy support, and sustainable practices, India could transform poultry production into one of the key pillars of 21st-century agribusiness and food security — both nationally and globally.

The landmark conference, organized by the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) UAE, brought together over 200 global industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to address pressing food security challenges.

Among the technology innovators presenting breakthrough solutions, to share knowledge and explore the future of sustainable poultry production. Beyond the science and data, what truly drives progress in our field is the power of networking, shared learning and meaning full collaboration.

The Eminent speakers at this conference included Dr. Nasir Mukhtar, Conference Secretary, Dr. Peter van Horne, Secretary General, WPSA (Netherlands), Mr. Kevin Roepke. Executive Director, MENASA-USSEC, Dr. M. Reza Abdullahi, Professor of Poultry Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand, Mr. Russel Sadati, La Meccinica, Italy, Dr. Jean Paul Ruckebusch, France, Dr. Miriam Alberto Tempra, Australia, Mr. Nan-Dirk Mulder, USA, Mr. Jorg Hurlin, Germany, Dr. Mathew Clark, MD, Feed Guys Resources Pte Ltd., Malaysia, Ms. Christelle Cordahi, Regional Head, Sustainability & Human Utilization, USSEC-MENSA, Mr. Ricky Thaper, India, Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, Co-Founder and COO, Poulta Inc., USA and a few others.

I had the privilege to deliver a presentation on “Driving Sustainable Growth of Indian Poultry Industry through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools”, highlighting how India’s poultry sector is adopting smart and data-driven technologies to ensure productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

The conference offered an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn global best practices, and strengthen collaborations across regions. This conference was sponsored by Al Ain Farms-UAE, Poulta Inc.-USA, Innovad Group and La Meccanica-Italy.

There were also two difference sessions on Ventilation workshop and Breeder & Hatchery Manager workshop. Congratulations to Dr. Nasir Mukhtar, Conference Secretary and WPSA-UAE Team for this valuable platform and all fellow speakers, partners and delegates for the enriching discussions as it’s always inspiring to contact with passionate professionals and industry experts from around the world.

Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director, South Asia and Su Sahara Africa (SASSA), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) welcomed all delegates and introduced the Governed and other delegation members from Iowa.

This was followed by keynote address by Governor Kim Reynolds on Iowa-Freedom to Flourish. Mr. Mike Naig spoke on Iowa-India Ag cooperation. Mr. Nicole Podesta, Senior Agricultural Attaché, US Consulate, Mumbai spoke on USA-India Ag Cooperation. Mr. Randy Miller, USSEC Director gave nice presentation on Iowa Farming Technology Implementation. Mr. Sumit Gupta, CEO, WASEDA, gave an impressive presentation on India S&D imbalance.

Other speakers at the meeting were Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA, Mr. Ricky Thaper, Mr. Sunil Kataria, CEO & MD, Godrej Agrovet Limited, Mr. Joe Dierickx, USSEC Director, Iowa Farm Bureau, Mr. Joe Robert’s, Director, Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Mr. Tom Adam, President, Iowa Soybean Association.
The Roundtable dialogue focused on advancing collaboration between Iowa and India in agriculture, agri science, renewable energy and allied sectors, building a stronger bridge for trade, technology and investment.

Mr. Franklin, Country Team Lead-India, USSEC gave closing remark. This was followed by the Networking Reception, attended by all invites, fostering new partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

It was nice to represent the poultry industry in such a strategic forum and contribute to advancing sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and strengthening the soy and poultry value chains in India. If we negate the effect of tariff, there are very good chances of import of US Soybean Meal by Indian Poultry Industry. The insights and learnings from this event will help drive positive impact and foster greater collaboration within the industry.

-Ricky Thaper (www.rickythaper.com)

39th edition of SPACE 2025 organised from September 16 to 18, 2025 at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, in Rennes, western France, a leading livestock-producing region in Europe was a grand success. SPACE Exhibition is a premier platform for professionals across the poultry, dairy, swine and aquaculture sectors to explore and discuss advancements in animal farming. SPACE 2025 Exhibition featured over 1230 exhibitors from 40 countries and 1,02,000, visitors from 125 countries showcasing innovations across 11 sector-specific halls and a 16-hectare outdoor exhibition area. Mr. Didier Lucas, the new President of SPACE, highlighted the show’s role as a bridge between innovation and the future of sustainable livestock. Ms. Ane Marie Quemener, General Commissioner of SPACE, emphasized the exhibition’s mission to address global challenges in animal farming while strengthening international collaboration. Ms. QUEMENER, added that the efforts and hard work by SPACE Team has given excellent results.

At NU.ANCE Biotechnology booth, I had good meeting with Dr. Nemanja Todorovic, Chief Business officer, NU.ANCE Biotechnology is specialised in development and commercialisation of innovative feed additive products, merging expertise in technical and scientific knowledge. Mr. Joginder Singh, Uppal, Business Director, is very efficiently heading the NU.ANCE Biotechnology business in India and other South Asian Countries.

During SPACE Exhibition, it was nice to meet and interact with Dr. Bernhard Eckel, Vice President–Sales, Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition GmbH & Co. KG, based in Niederzissen, Germany. Over the past three decades, Dr. Eckel has grown from a family business into a globally recognized provider of alternative feeding solutions and has become one of the global leaders in sustainable animal nutrition.

Ms. Cecile Berthier, International Press and Exhibitors Information, highlighted the importance of giving visibility to such innovations, enabling exhibitors to gain recognition and enhance global reach. Poultry and Dairy Farms visits were also arranged for the international visitors. SPACE 2025 is fostering innovation, collaboration and growth within the global livestock and poultry sectors.

At Biochem booth I had good interaction with Mr. Niels Otto Damholdt, Sales Director, Biochem. The Company headquarter is located in the northwest German town of Lohne, supplying high quality feed additives for poultry and livestock. Dr. Bhaskar Choudhry is heading the Biochem business in India which has good growth in terms of volumes and sales.

It was nice to meet Mr. Xavier Cadiou, CEO of Agri Reseaux International and VIV worldwide partner for France at his booth during SPACE 2025. Mr. Cadiou updated that he is working on the participation of French companies at VIV Select India 2026 being organised at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from April 22-24, 2026.

Amandine Leroux, International Development, SPACE, reiterated the importance of building meaningful international partnerships through knowledge-sharing and collaborative discussions.

The International Club being supported by Bretagne Commerce International, Business France, and BPI France, has provided a dedicated space for international visitors and exhibitors to do networking, conduct business meetings and explore partnership opportunities.

Tailored farm visits also being organized for international delegates said Ms. Chloe Letellier, Communication Press, SPACE. During SPACE 2025, I attended conference and symposia on poultry and livestock, covering topics such as environmental assessment in poultry farming, dairy farming, aquaculture and the application of artificial intelligence in livestock and agriculture. These sessions provided actionable insights and practical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

At Aviagen booth, I met Mr. Florian Blevin, International Commercial Manager SSA, Aviagen Limited and had good interaction.

At Novogen booth, I had good interaction with Mr. Stephane Lemoine, Director, Business Development, Novogen along with Mr. Vaibhav Aghi, Director, Aghi Group, Dr. SK Bhardwaj and other delegates from India. AGHI Group’s Easy Poultry Innovation LLP has partnered with global poultry genetics leader Novogen to introduce the Novogen layer breed in India from 2026, marking a significant milestone for the country’s poultry sector. Mr. Vaibhav said their collaboration with Novogen aims to provide Indian farmers with a high-performing layer bird known for excellent laying persistency, uniform egg quality, and efficient feed conversion. Combining Novogen’s global expertise with AGHI Group’s local network and farmer-focused approach, the partnership seeks to drive sustainable, profitable, and high-quality egg production in India.

One of the International visitor visiting the show, said “As a key platform for international trade, SPACE emphasizes energy conservation, bio-security, and veterinary advancements, making it indispensable for professionals from Poultry and Dairy Industry, globally. It’s truly the “Livestock Planet.” Another International visitor said great success at SPACE Exhibition! Inspiring innovations, valuable connections, and unforgettable experiences. Glad to know that SPACE Exhibition exceeded expectations! Thanks to organizers, exhibitors, and visitors especially a large content of Indian visitors for making it happen. While interacting with exhibitors, they rated SPACE as very high quality trade show. In the evening attended the Reception organised by SPACE for the Press and their VIP delegates which was addressed senior officials of SPACE Team.

The next edition of SPACE is scheduled for September 15–17, 2026, at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, Rennes, France.

By: Dr. Priyanka Kamble, Senior Marketing Manager Huvepharma

Introduction

Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Type-1 (APMV-1), remains one of the most devastating viral infections affecting the poultry industry in India. With high mortality rates, reduced egg production, and severe economic losses, ND poses a constant threat to both small-scale poultry farmers and large commercial producers. Despite advancements in vaccination and biosecurity, the disease continues to challenge the sustainability of India’s poultry sector, which contributes significantly to the nation’s agricultural GDP.

Newcastle Disease: A Persistent Menace

Newcastle Disease is highly contagious, affecting chickens, turkeys, and other avian species. The virus spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, water, equipment, and even airborne transmission. Clinical signs vary depending on the strain but commonly include:

• Respiratory distress (gasping, coughing, nasal discharge)
• Nervous signs (twisting of the neck, paralysis, tremors)
• Greenish diarrhoea
• Sudden drop in egg production (thin-shelled or shell-less eggs)
• High mortality (up to 100% in unvaccinated flocks)

In India, velogenic strains (highly virulent) are predominant, causing severe outbreaks that cripple poultry operations. (APMV-1 Velogenic NDV is responsible for Velogenic Viscerotropic ND (VVND) outbreaks in India).

Economic Impact on the Indian Poultry Industry

India is the third-largest egg producer and fifth-largest poultry meat producer globally, The poultry sector in India, valued at more than USD 28 billion in 2021-22, has been a vital component of the country’s agriculture and food processing industry. Newcastle Disease disrupts this growth through:

1. Direct Losses Due to Mortality & Culling

• Unvaccinated or poorly managed flocks face mortality rates of 80-100%, leading to massive financial losses.
• Government-mandated culling during outbreaks further exacerbates losses.

2. Reduced Egg & Meat Production

• Layers: A single ND outbreak can cause a 20–50% drop in egg productionand reduce egg quality, with recovery taking weeks.

• Broilers: Cause severe mortality. Infected birds suffer stunted growth, leading to lower market weights and downgrading at processing plants.

3. Increased Vaccination & Treatment Costs

• Farmers must invest in regular vaccination schedules (Live & Inactivated ND vaccines), adding to operational costs.
• Secondary bacterial infections (E. coli, Mycoplasma) increase antibiotic usage, raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

4. Trade Restrictions & Market Losses

• ND outbreaks lead to quarantine zones, restricting movement of poultry and products.
• Export markets (Middle East, Southeast Asia) impose bans on Indian poultry products during outbreaks, causing revenue losses.

5. Impact on Small & Marginal Farmers

• Over 70% of Indian poultry farmers are small-scale, lacking resources for strict biosecurity.
• A single ND outbreak can bankrupt small farmers, pushing them out of the industry.

Strategies to Combat Newcastle Disease

1. Strict Vaccination Protocols
2. Enhanced Biosecurity Measures

• Farm-level hygiene: Disinfection of footwear, vehicles, equipment.
• Restricted access: Prevent contact with wild birds & other farms.
• All-in-all-out systems: Reduce viral persistence in multi-age flocks.

3. Early Detection & Rapid Response

• Regular serological monitoring (HI tests for antibody titers).
• Rapid reporting of suspected cases to Veterinarians.

4. Proactive Measures for ND Outbreak Prevention

• Compulsory ND vaccination programs in high-risk zones.
• Farmer awareness campaigns on biosecurity best practices.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Newcastle Disease is not just a health issue—it’s an economic catastrophe for India’s poultry industry. With the sector growing at 8-10% annually, unchecked ND outbreaks disrupt livelihoods and threaten national food security.

The solution lies in:
 Proactive vaccination
 Robust biosecurity
 Farmer education
 Stronger policy enforcement

As veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders, we must unite to safeguard Indian poultry from Newcastle Disease—ensuring sustainability for farmers and safe, affordable protein for millions.

Dr. Pawar Rutik Namdev1 (MVSc Scholar), Dr. Shipra Tiwari1 (MVSc Scholar)
1Department of Livestock Products Technology,
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU Mathura (281001), India

Introduction
India’s poultry farming sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture, transitioning from small-scale backyard flocks to an organized, technology-driven industry. Today, India ranks as the third-largest producer of eggs and fifth-largest producer of broiler meat globally, contributing significantly to nutritional security, rural livelihoods, and export earnings. The adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices is the driving force behind this transformation. The convergence of automation, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy solutions is redefining efficiency, profitability, and animal welfare in Indian poultry production.

1. Automation and Environmental Control Systems
Modern poultry farms increasingly rely on automatic feeders, nipple drinkers, robotic cleaning systems, and conveyor-based egg collection. Climate-controlled housing systems use tunnel ventilation, cooling pads, and heating systems to maintain optimal growth conditions year-round. IoT-enabled climate controllers adjust temperature, humidity, and lighting schedules automatically. Case example: A large poultry farm in Tamil Nadu reported a 15% improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and 12% lower mortality after adopting IoT-based environmental monitoring.

2. AI and IoT for Health and Productivity Monitoring
AI-powered surveillance systems analyze movement patterns, vocalization changes, and feeding behavior to detect early disease signs. IoT sensors track feed and water intake, body weight, and environmental parameters in real time, alerting farmers via smartphone apps. Global Insight: In Japan, smart poultry houses with AI-based monitoring achieve over 95% accuracy in predicting disease outbreaks 48–72 hours before visible symptoms appear — a model now being adapted in Indian research centers.

3. Sustainable Feeding Solutions and Waste Utilization
Feed constitutes 70% of production costs, making feed innovation a critical area. Innovations include:
– Black Soldier Fly larvae meal — high protein, produced from organic waste.
– Algal biomass — boosts omega-3 content in meat and eggs.
– Enzyme-enriched feeds — improve nutrient absorption.
– Crop residue-based feed formulations — reduce costs and waste.
Impact: Lower costs, enhanced nutritional quality, and improved environmental sustainability.

4. Vertical Integration and Supply Chain Efficiency
Leading companies like Suguna Foods, Venky’s, and Godrej Tyson operate fully integrated supply chains — controlling breeding, feed milling, hatcheries, grow-out farms, processing, cold chain logistics, and retail sales.This ensures biosecurity, quality consistency, and traceability while supporting contract farmers with inputs and technical guidance.

5. Biotechnology and Genetic Advancements
Advanced breeding programs use CRISPR-Cas9, marker-assisted selection, and QTL mapping to produce birds with higher productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability to India’s climate. Example: Dual-purpose breeds like Vanaraja and Gramapriya — developed by ICAR — thrive in rural, low-input systems while producing 180–200 eggs annually alongside quality meat.

6. Antibiotic-Free Production and Biosecurity Innovations
The shift toward antibiotic-free poultry production is gaining momentum through:
– Farm-specific vaccination programs.
– Probiotic and phytogenic additives like oregano oil and neem extracts.
– Strict biosecurity protocols — footbaths, controlled farm access, and vehicle disinfection.

7. Blockchain, RFID, and Digital Traceability
Blockchain-backed farm-to-fork tracking ensures that consumers can verify a product’s origin, quality, and safety. RFID-tagged batches enable instant recalls in case of contamination.

8. Renewable Energy and Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainable poultry farms are implementing:
– Solar panels to power fans, lights, and heating.
– Biogas digesters to convert manure into usable energy.
– Rainwater harvesting and water recycling for operations.
Case Example: A Maharashtra farm reduced electricity costs by 40% after installing a rooftop solar plant and biogas unit.

9. Government and Institutional Support
Government initiatives such as the National Livestock Mission (NLM), Poultry Venture Capital Fund, and ICAR-led AICRP on Poultry Breeding have accelerated technology adoption. Subsidies for equipment like solar panels, hatchery automation, and cold chain infrastructure are making modernization accessible to small and medium-scale farmers.Training programs by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state veterinary universities ensure that farmers can adopt and maintain new technologies effectively.

10. Global Best Practices and India’s Adoption
Internationally, countries like the Netherlands, the US, and Brazil have long embraced precision poultry farming — a data-driven approach that integrates AI, robotics, and real-time analytics. India is adapting these practices to local conditions and cost constraints, ensuring scalability for farms of all sizes.

11. Future Trends and Opportunities
The next wave of innovations in Indian poultry farming may include:
– Robotic farm assistants for cleaning, egg collection, and surveillance.
– Wearable health trackers for breeder birds.
– Fully automated AI-driven hatcheries for precision chick management.
– Advanced climate-resilient poultry housing to withstand extreme weather events.
– 3D imaging and AI for carcass yield optimization in processing plants.

12. Regional Success Stories: Innovation at the Grassroots
While large corporates drive vertical integration, many small and medium poultry farmers are embracing low-cost tech solutions with significant results.

– Andhra Pradesh: Farmers use low-energy tunnel ventilation systems designed by local engineering colleges, reducing summer mortality by 20%.

– Kerala: Co-operative societies invest in solar-powered incubators, enabling village-level chick production and reducing dependency on urban hatcheries.

– Punjab: Backyard poultry programs using Vanaraja and Gramapriya breeds help women farmers earn ₹15,000–₹20,000 annually from egg sales alone.
These success stories highlight that technology adoption is scalable — from backyard to industrial scale.

13. Start-Up Innovations Driving Change
India’s agri-tech start-ups are entering poultry farming with AI-driven farm management apps, e-commerce feed platforms, and precision health tools.
– Eggoz – Uses IoT-based farm monitoring for premium “antibiotic-free” eggs with QR-coded traceability.
– PoultryMon – Offers sensor-based farm health and productivity analytics.
– Kheyti – Introduces low-cost modular poultry shelters for climate-resilient small-scale farming.
Start-ups are bridging the gap between traditional farming and high-end technology, making advanced tools affordable and accessible.

14. Export Opportunities for Indian Poultry Products
India’s poultry exports (mainly hatching eggs, table eggs, and frozen chicken) have strong demand in Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets.
Innovations in cold chain logistics, biosecurity compliance, and product quality assurance are enabling Indian producers to compete internationally.
Key Factors Boosting Export Potential:
– Adoption of Global G.A.P. certification for biosecurity and welfare.
– Processing innovations for value-added products like pre-cooked chicken.
– Government-backed export incentives under APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).

15. Challenges and Pathways to Overcome Them
Despite progress, the sector faces challenges:
Challenges
– Feed cost volatility due to climate-driven crop fluctuations.
– Biosecurity threats from avian influenza outbreaks.
– Gaps in cold chain and logistics for rural production clusters.
– Limited financing options for small-scale modernization.
Solutions
– Development of alternative protein sources (insects, algae, single-cell proteins).
– Regional disease surveillance networks linked via AI dashboards.
– Public-private investment in cold chain and processing hubs.
– Microfinance and government-backed credit schemes for smallholder poultry farmers.

16. The Road Ahead: Towards Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Poultry Farming
The future of Indian poultry farming lies in integrating technology with inclusivity — ensuring that innovations reach small and marginal farmers alongside industrial players. With AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled health monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure, and renewable energy adoption, India can position itself as a global leader in sustainable poultry production.
If the sector continues on this trajectory, poultry farming in India could become:· Economically stronger – by reducing costs and increasing market access. · Environmentally responsible – through renewable energy and waste recycling.
– Socially empowering – by creating livelihoods, especially for rural women.

Conclusion
India’s poultry farming sector is undergoing a historic transformation, shifting from traditional backyard systems to a highly organized, technology-enabled, and market-oriented industry. Through automation, AI, IoT-based monitoring, sustainable feed innovations, genetic advancements, blockchain-enabled traceability, and renewable energy integration, productivity is rising while environmental impact is being reduced. Government support, institutional research, and the rise of agri-tech start-ups have accelerated technology adoption not just among large integrated players but also among small and medium-scale farmers. Regional success stories prove that innovation is scalable and adaptable to local needs.

The sector’s future lies in smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth — where advanced tools are accessible to all farmers, where poultry products meet the highest global safety and quality standards, and where exports grow alongside domestic food security. By embracing innovation while addressing challenges like feed cost volatility, biosecurity risks, and logistics gaps, India is poised to become a global leader in sustainable poultry production, delivering economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social empowerment in equal measure.

Dr. Stéphanie Ladirat, R&D Director, NUQO

A recent research program highlights that micro-encapsulation of seaweed and plant extracts can stimulate digestive functions, improve performance, and reduce feed costs, addressing current egg industry needs.

The egg industry grapples with key challenges in optimizing nutrition and profitability for laying hens. One significant hurdle involves efficiently producing eggs while maintaining bird health and well-being. Sustainable practices, such as efficient waste management and reducing the environmental footprint, are essential to address growing concerns about the environmental impact of egg production. To tackle these issues and enhance the performance of laying hens, strategies have emerged. These include formulating balanced diets with alternative protein and energy sources, exploring feed additives like enzymes, microbials, phytogenics, and seaweed extracts. Enzymes, such as phytase, improve nutrient utilization, while probiotics and prebiotics support gut health, enhancing feed conversion and disease resistance. Natural phytogenics provide antioxidants, affect the microflora profile, and improve digestive functions, ultimately leading to increased egg production and improved egg quality. Seaweed bioactives (so called-phycogenics), contribute as well to better gut health of animals. These strategies address challenges in egg production and meet consumer expectations for high-quality, nutritious eggs, all while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The latest benchmark for phytogenic feed additives
Lately, a feed additives company has introduced an innovative product, NUQO©NEX (NQ), comprising metabolites sourced from both plants and algae (referred to as phytogenic and phycogenic, originating from the Greek words ‘phytos’ for plant and ‘phycos’ for algae). These metabolites are shielded by a unique micro-encapsulation technology. The utilization of micro-encapsulation has become imperative in the realm of phytogenic feed additives to mitigate the volatility of natural compounds. While the term ‘encapsulation’ is increasingly generic, it is crucial to discern authentic technology that not only safeguards but also effectively releases active ingredients, setting it apart from rudimentary methods like silica absorption or light-agglomeration, which may suffice for various compounds but fall short in preserving delicate phytogenics like essential oils.

It is of utmost importance to delve into the manufacturing technology underpinning each product, rather than solely relying on surface-level claims. With its notably high concentration of active components and remarkable stability, this novel solution assures a precise release in the digestive tract and offers a cost-effective dosage unlike any other currently available. This technology has been meticulously developed to optimize poultry performance and can serve as an alternative growth promoter or a means to enhance feed conversion ratios and overall performance, ultimately resulting in an improved return on investment for poultry operations.

Numerous trials have validated the effectiveness of this technology in enhancing the performance of laying hens across diverse contexts and geographic regions. Concurrently, scientists have conducted assessments to gauge the technology’s precise influence on feed digestibility. This research aims to provide formulators and nutritionists with greater flexibility in their decision-making processes.

Enhancing Feed Digestibility in poultry
In a recent study conducted at the University of Berlin in Germany, researchers undertook a comparative analysis of four treatments: a negative control, two commercial products incorporating phytogenics (referred to as P1 & P2), and a novel technology, NUQO©NEX (NQ). The findings revealed that the NQ treatment not only enhanced the digestibility of nutrients like crude fat, crude protein, and starch but also contributed to increased mineral digestibility, including crude ash, calcium, and phosphorus, when compared to the negative control. The other two solutions also improved the digestibility of certain nutrients and minerals but to a lesser extent than NQ. Notably, the NQ treatment exhibited the most pronounced effects on nutrient and mineral digestibility, resulting in the highest overall performance improvement. In sum, the NQ treatment demonstrated enhanced feed digestibility, ultimately leading to improved performance, in contrast to conventional products relying on phytogenics. This underlines the significance of the formulation’s composition (comprising both phytogenics and phycogenics) and the influence of manufacturing technology (micro-encapsulation) on product stability and release within the digestive system.

Concrete impact on feed costs with a conservative matrix value
The NQ technology underwent extensive testing in various global regions, including Asia, Europe, and Latin America, to evaluate its impact on the performance of laying hens. Additionally, to offer maximum flexibility to nutritionists and formulators, diverse scenarios were examined, involving the application of feed additives either “on top” of the formulation or using a “matrix value” approach, allowing adjustments to the feed formulation to reduce costs by decreasing energy and protein content. Two recent trials were conducted at Kasetsart University in Thailand under the guidance of Professor Yuwares.

In an experiment, the NQ technology was used with a “matrix value” at 75 ppm. Three treatments were tested: 1) an initial control diet [C0], 2) a second treatment that consisted of the same control diet but with reduced energy and protein content (-23 kcal/-0.25% dig.Prot) [NC], and finally, 3) a third treatment was given to animals based on the control diet, with reduced energy and protein content (-23 kcal/-0.25% dig.Prot) along with the NQ technology at 75 ppm [NC+NQ]. In this case as well, the experiment consistently delivered expected results. Applying a matrix to the control diet (NC) adversely affected laying percentage, egg mass, and FCR but did not alter feed intake when compared to the control. Applying NQ technology with a matrix value (NC+NEX) helped to restore layer performance, with the laying percentage even slightly surpassing that of CO.

Beyond performance indicators, additional assessments highlighted the influence of the NQ technology. Researchers observed a decrease in both fatty liver scores and occurrences. Moreover, there was an enhancement in eggshell thickness, whether the technology was used in a diet, with or without a matrix value.

Opt for the latest, science-backed technology to safeguard profits
In the evolving landscape of the egg industry, the NQ technology emerges as a revolutionary solution. By seamlessly combining exclusive ingredients sourced from both plants and algae, it offers a distinctive advantage. What sets this technology apart is its genuine micro-encapsulation method, ensuring the safe and efficient release of active components. Through extensive trials, the remarkable effects on laying hens’ performance, improved feed digestibility, enhanced egg quality, and notable reduction in costs have been demonstrated. NQ technology is not just one more phytogenic feed additive, but rather the most advanced nature-based technology for optimizing laying hens’ performance at competitive cost. It serves as a cornerstone for the future of egg production, delivering unparalleled advantages to producers and championing healthier, more sustainable laying hens’ operations.

INFAH National Seminar 2025-Focuses on Strengthening Animal Health through Public-Private Partnerships

The Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH) hosted its National Seminar 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, under the theme “Strengthening Animal Health and its Economics through Public-Private Partnership for Viksit Bharat” on March 20, 2025.

In the day-long event, over 100 delegates, including scientists, academicians, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, participated to deliberate on advancing veterinary health through Public Private Partnerships.

INAUGURAL SESSION
– Dr. Anup Kalra, Joint Secretary, INFAH, opened the session by highlighting the evolution of INFAH as a pivotal bridge between government, academia, and industry, and emphasized that collaborative models are crucial to realizing India’s Viksit Bharat goals.

– Dr. Shirish Nigam, President, INFAH, delivered the welcome address, reiterating that while business can drive progress 364 days a year, one day must be dedicated to industry introspection and united advocacy. He outlined INFAH’s commitment to policy reforms and presented key demands to the Ministry for regulatory clarity, faster product approvals, and technology enablement. He also acknowledged the support from current management committee comprising of Dr. Aman Syed (Vice President), Dr. Anup Kalra (Joint Secretary), Dr. Manoj Sood (Treasurer) as well as Executive members Dr. Vijay Makhija, Mr. Vijay Teng, Mr. Satish Pasrija, Dr. Arun Atrey, Mr. Gautam Chatterjee, Ms. Ashwini Deshpande, Dr. Vinayak Surve & Mr. Sushanta Dey.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
– Prof. Dr. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, served as the Chief Guest. He expressed his admiration for INFAH’s proactive role and emphasized that while laboratories are critical, outcomes must reach quickly, and that farmers and animals truly benefit. He called PPP models the “most successful approach” for rural transformation. Hon’ble minister also mentioned that animal husbandry is not a parallel economy; it should be considered a primary sector. The government aims to double farmers’ income, and livestock farming is crucial in achieving this goal.
– Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, IAS, Secretary, DAHD, delivered the Thematic Address, emphasizing a One Health approach and public-private convergence to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic threats, and animal welfare challenges. She shared how India is now 100% self-reliant in vaccine production for livestock sector. She even demonstrated recent studies which highlight the importance of deworming before vaccination to improve animal health.
She also highlighted the issue of mastitis and called for a nationwide program to address mastitis awareness and prevention. Madam Secretary acknowledged the critical role INFAH plays in shaping policies for the livestock sector and called for increased engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders before formulating regulations.

– Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlighted the issue of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and shared how INFAH is helping by providing the data on the sale of Antimicrobials in animal health. He also reiterated the importance of government, industry, and research institutions working together to achieve self-reliance in veterinary medicine and improve animal health standards.

– Shri Abhay Mahajan, KVK, DRI, Chitrakoot, emphasized holistic rural development through ethnoveterinary practices, traditional knowledge, and youth empowerment. He mentioned the aim should be to expand the Chitrakoot model beyond MP & UP to other regions of the country.

– Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR emphasized on the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy and India’s goal to be PPR and rabies-free by 2030. He encouraged the industry to align with global export standards and leverage the growing market for preventive animal health solutions. He encouraged all participants to shift mindset from “PPP” to “Partnership for Prosperity”.

– Dr. Gauri Shankar, Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO, shared CDSCO’s progress with digital platforms like Sugam and underscored the need for mutual trust and accountability in regulatory pathways to foster innovation.

– Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, Representative for Asia-Pacific, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), through his message highlighted international collaboration for disease surveillance and control. He emphasized aligning India’s veterinary health standards with global guidelines to improve trade access and animal welfare outcomes.

TECHNICAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
Session 1: Topic of “Public-Private Partnerships in Animal Health & Nutrition”
– Chairperson: Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR
– Dr. P. K. Shukla, President, Indian Poultry Science Association,
– Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Ltd.
Keynotes of the Session:
– Identified key roadblocks in testing protocols and regulatory timelines and called poultry India’s “protein factory” and outlined innovations in feed efficiency, circular economy practices, and waste minimization to combat malnutrition. Advocated for better technology transfer, nutrition security, and disease surveillance.

Session 2: Topic of “Regulatory Framework for Animal Health Drugs & Biologicals”
– Chairperson: Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Ltd
– Dr. Arun Atrey, Managing Committee, INFAH
– Dr. Gauri Shankar, Deputy Drug Controller, CDSCO
-Dr. M. Kalaivani, Senior Scientific Officer, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
– Dr. Nitin Bhatia, Member of INFAH Subcommittee
– Dr. D.J. Kalita, Member of INFAH Subcommittee

Key notes of the session:
– Discussed IPC’s initiative to draft vaccine monographs and supported waivers based on global benchmarking.
– The session stressed that a unified, efficient framework will de-risk innovation and fast-track animal health solutions.

Session 3: Topic of “Imports & Exports of Veterinary Products”
– Chairperson: Dr. Indrajeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Bihar Veterinary University
– Dr. Manoj Sood, Treasurer, INFAH
– Dr. Gagan Garg, Deputy Commissioner (Trade), DAHD
– Dr. Vijay Makhija. Managing Committee, INFAH
– Dr. Shyam Vane, Member of INFAH Subcommittee

Key notes of the session:
– Outlined regulatory inconsistencies and called for standardized classifications of feed additives, medical devices, and diagnostics as well as single window clearance.
– Emphasized the need for policy predictability, indigenous manufacturing, and incentives for global veterinary product exports.

Session 4: Topic of “Ayurveda & its Role in Animal Health”
– Dr. Mohan ji Saxena, shared his wisdom and thoughts on health & ayurveda. He highlighted how our economy is going to be affected due to animal health. He appealed everyone to think of not just being healthy but Health Index. He also encouraged for scientific validation of Ayurveda for mainstream application in animal care and emphasized the importance of hygiene, immunity and nutrition in animal care.

Session 5: Topic of “Navigating the Intellectual Property & Trade Regime”
– Dr. Manisha Shridhar, Regional Advisor (WHO SEARO), delivered a compelling address tracing the history of IP—from the Paris and Berne Conventions to TRIPS. She emphasized India’s opportunity to lead global innovation by bridging traditional knowledge with patent systems, and the value of technology transfer via models like the Bayh-Dole.

Way Forward
A comprehensive report compiling all session discussions and outcomes will be submitted to the Hon’ble Minister and DAHD. This will serve as a roadmap for targeted policy actions and collaborative innovations in animal health.