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Announcements and updates from Poultry India and the wider poultry industry.
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2026
2024
August 2024
Training
IPEMA Staff Attend Professional Exhibitions Management Program
IPEMA's Senior Operations Manager Ms. Radhika and Events Manager Mr. Naresh attended the Professional Exhibitions Management (PEM) Program organised by IEIA at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi — a first-time staff development initiative directed by President Uday Singh Bayas to keep pace with evolving industry standards in exhibition management.
Event
Telangana Poultry Leaders Invite CM to Inaugurate Poultry India
A high-level delegation led by IPEMA President Mr. Uday Singh Bayas met Telangana Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy in a 30-minute meeting to formally invite him to inaugurate the 16th Edition of Poultry India. The CM expressed a positive outlook toward the poultry sector's growth and assured full government support for industry initiatives.
Conference
NECC Conference Sponsored by IPEMA
The National Egg Coordination Committee conference brought together medical experts and poultry industry leaders in Hyderabad. Prominent cardiologist Dr. PV Satyanarayana advocated consuming 2–6 eggs daily, emphasising their high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals including copper, zinc, and iron for overall wellness.
Event
16th Edition of Poultry India Expo — Preparations in Full Swing
IPEMA is finalising preparations for the 16th Edition of Poultry India Expo at Hitex Exhibition Centre, Izzat Nagar, Hyderabad. With 400+ exhibitors confirmed, 1,500+ Knowledge Day delegates from 50+ countries, and 40,000 visitors expected, the team is working to deliver the biggest and best edition yet with full government support.
Award
Dr. K. Narender Reddy Awarded Honorary Doctorate
Dr. K. N. Reddy, CEO of Natural Remedies, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Poultry Science by the prestigious European International University — recognizing his significant impact on the poultry industry. An EC Member of CLFMA and a graduate in Poultry Science from Kakatiya University, Dr. Reddy holds leadership positions across multiple poultry sector boards. IPEMA extends its warmest congratulations.
July 2024
Community
IPEMA and Poultry India Celebrate National Doctors' Day
IPEMA–Poultry India organised a National Doctors' Day celebration honouring four distinguished physicians — Dr. Abhishek (Paediatrician), Dr. Praveen (Vascular Surgeon), Dr. Sreeja (Vascular Surgeon), and Dr. Vijay Anand (Oncologist). The doctors emphasised eggs as a powerhouse of essential nutrients and advocated regular consumption for overall wellness.
Seminar
Triumphant Technical Seminar — Guwahati 2024
IPEMA hosted a highly successful Poultry India Technical Seminar at Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium, Guwahati. Over 650 farmers attended in person along with 700+ visitors, while 3,500+ watched the livestream. The seminar focused on addressing India's protein deficiency and educating farmers on production optimisation across North-East India.
June 2024
May 2024
February 2024
January 2024
2023
Trade
India & US Resolve Final Trade Dispute Over Poultry Imports
India and the US resolved their seventh and final outstanding WTO trade dispute over the import of poultry — chicken and eggs from America — previously banned by New Delhi over avian-influenza concerns. The settlement was announced after the Modi-Biden bilateral ahead of the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. Six earlier WTO disputes were resolved in June 2023.
Technology
Why Poultry Farmers Are Flocking to AI
A new generation of AI and machine-learning tools is transforming poultry farming — covering general farm management (temperature, light, humidity), disease control (behavior detection, even translating 'chicken chatter'), and genetic research via smart sensors. Cargill's Galleon microbiome tool and Birdoo's camera monitoring platform lead the commercial wave of AI-driven solutions.
2020
International
Eggs for the Elderly — The Fenavi Golden Line, Colombia
The National Federation of Poultry Producers of Colombia (Fenavi), endorsed by the Colombian Association of Clinical Nutrition, launched 'The Golden Line of Nutrition Counseling for the Elderly' — free nutritional education on eggs and their products for a forgotten and increasingly vulnerable group, especially in pandemic times. Colombia is a committed egg-consumption story: 252 eggs per capita in 2016, projected to close at 325 this year — a ~30% increase. A model worth replicating elsewhere.
Market
Poultry Demand to Reach 70% of Pre-COVID Level This Quarter — Industry
Chicken and egg consumption is rising significantly — likely to reach 70% of pre-COVID this quarter and almost 90% by Jan-Mar 2021. India's weekly consumption averages 75 million birds (2 kg avg). Demand picked up from July and will gather pace after Navratras and winter onset; chicken is now seen as an immunity booster. Harish Juneja (former NECC Delhi chair): egg crate (30) at Rs 140 is +75% above March-April bottom; another +30% expected next quarter. Closed farms are reopening.
Policy
Cabinet Approves ₹15,000 Cr AHIDF — Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
Under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) — ₹15,000 crore for dairy & meat processing, value addition and private-sector animal feed plants. 3% interest subvention, 10% margin + 90% bank loan, 2-year moratorium + 6-year repayment. ₹750 cr NABARD-managed Credit Guarantee Fund with up to 25% coverage. Targets 7× private investment leverage and 35 lakh livelihoods.
Policy
Government Approves ₹15,000 Cr Infrastructure Fund for Dairy & Poultry-Processing Units
The Union Cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi announced a ₹15,000-crore infrastructure fund to provide interest subvention of up to 3% to private players for setting up dairy, poultry and meat-processing units — open to all, designed to increase milk production, boost exports and create 35 lakh jobs. I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar and Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh confirmed the move — part of the ₹20 lakh crore COVID-19 economic package.
State Focus
Andhra Pradesh Top in Egg Production — 19% of National Output
Andhra Pradesh contributes over 19% of India's egg production — top in the country, exporting surplus to other states. AP, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Haryana together account for nearly 65% of national output. ICMR recommends 180 eggs/capita/year; urban India averages 90-105 and rural 50-70. NECC Visakhapatnam zone chairman T Uday Bhaskar flags AP's per-capita at only 80-100. After a March demand crash, mid-April recovery came as eggs were seen as zinc-rich immunity protein during COVID — street vendor BS Naidu pivoted to selling ~300 eggs daily.
Health
Chicken to Boost Our Immunity — Anushka Baindur, Fortis Hospital
Anushka Baindur, Senior Dietician at Fortis Hospital, explains how chicken — a complete high-biological-value protein source rich in Vitamin A (retinol), B3 (niacin), B9 and zinc — supports the immune system, antibodies, faster wound healing and brain function. There is no scientific reason to avoid chicken in summer; cook it well, prefer boiling/grilling over deep frying. Vegetarian alternatives include rice+dal, channa/rajma/green moong, paneer, soya milk, nuts and tofu. For kids: include protein foods daily plus 2-3 servings fruits and tulsi-ginger-pepper concoctions.
Policy
How to Revive Poultry Industry — Haryana's Education Drive & GST Cut Proposal
Haryana — with 12,000 farms producing 50 lakh chicks daily on ₹50 cr turnover — launches consumer education on eggs & chicken as immunity boosters and proposes lowering 28% GST on processed egg powder/liquid. Principal Secretary Raja Sekhar Vundru orders all bodies to allow sale of poultry & meat as essential commodities. Industry losses estimated at ₹2,500 cr; Giriraj Singh (Mar 9) flagged ₹1,500–2,000 cr daily loss; Anup Kalra (Ayurvet, Apr 2 AIFA webinar) noted egg at Re 1 and chicken at Rs 20–25/kg vs Rs 75/kg production cost.
Policy
COVID-19 Taskforce: Giriraj Singh Discusses Livestock Package with FM Sitharaman
Union Minister Giriraj Singh (Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Dairying) met FM Nirmala Sitharaman in the first meeting of the COVID-19 Economic Response Taskforce — constituted by PM Modi — to discuss a relief package, including loan restructuring, for the livestock industry. The Indian poultry industry is valued at ₹1.5 lakh crore with 10 lakh+ small farmers directly engaged and crores indirectly dependent. The FM responded positively; "Hopefully, positive steps will be taken," Singh said.
Health
India's First Corona Survivor Tells Her Tale — Thrissur Medical Student
A 20-year-old medical student returned from Wuhan with 20 other Indians at 2:30 a.m. on January 23 — hours before the lockdown. After sore throat on Jan 27, she was admitted to Thrissur General Hospital; on Jan 30 she became India's first confirmed COVID-19 case. She stayed positive with prayer, mobile calls, medical textbooks and biryani, was discharged Feb 19 and ended home quarantine March 1. She's now a believer in the Kerala healthcare model and resumes e-lessons with her Wuhan teachers.
Health
AIIMS Director Busts Biggest Coronavirus Myths About Non-Veg Food & Hot Weather
AIIMS Delhi Director Dr Randeep Guleria says coronavirus spreads mainly person-to-person — consumption of non-veg food or eggs does not cause infection. He dismisses the hot-weather myth ("the impact is as serious in hot-humid Singapore as in colder Europe") and warns that clove, herbs and alcohol offer no guarantee. The best defence: wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap; use sanitiser when soap is unavailable.
Food Safety
Go Ahead, Eat Chicken! ICMR Clarifies on Eating Habits & Coronavirus
The Indian Council of Medical Research clarified that coronavirus is not transmitted through food — people can safely consume chicken and other non-vegetarian products. A delegation from the All India Poultry Breeders Association led by Bahadur Ali met Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu about industry damage from misinformation. Naidu, citing Dr Bruce Lipton's view that "fear was more deadly than the virus itself," urged ICMR to issue an advisory and asked MoS Finance Anurag Thakur to investigate.
Food Safety
Non-Vegetarian Food Doesn't Cause Coronavirus — Giriraj Singh on Rumours
Union Minister Giriraj Singh and MoS Sanjeev Balyan refuted rumours that COVID-19 spreads via eggs, chicken, mutton or seafood — neither the OIE nor FSSAI has found scientific evidence supporting animal-to-human transmission. The poultry sector alone is bleeding ~Rs 2,000 crore daily, with chicken prices crashing roughly 70% in a month to Rs 30/kg wholesale. Misinterpretation of a Lucknow DM hygiene order amplified panic; maize and soya farmers are hit indirectly.
Food Safety
Coronavirus: Chicken Consumption Is Safe — Government
The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry — through Commissioner Praveen Malik, in a letter to PFI advisor Vijay Sardana — confirmed that poultry has not been involved in transmitting 2019 nCoV to humans in any globally reported case, even as the outbreak had claimed 900+ lives in China. Per OIE, the predominant transmission route is human-to-human; historical precedent (SARS 2002-03, MERS 2012-13) shows no global poultry involvement.
Food Safety
Chicken & Eggs are Safe — Boost Immunity with High-Quality Protein
Principal Scientists Dr. M R Reddy and Dr. Chandan Paswan at the Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad confirm chicken and eggs have no link with coronavirus — their high-quality protein helps form antibodies that strengthen natural immunity. The Poultry Federation of India estimates a Rs 3,600 crore loss in February alone (₹3,000 cr chicken + ₹600 cr eggs) on rumour-driven price collapse; the country produces about 25 crore eggs and 20,000 tonnes of chicken daily.
Food Safety
No Coronavirus (COVID-19) Threat from Consuming Eggs & Chicken — Minister Giriraj Singh
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh — alongside MoS Sanjeev Kumar Balyan — allayed fears that COVID-19 can spread via eggs, chicken, meat or fish. With over 10 crore farmers directly dependent on the sector contributing more than Rs 1.2 lakh crore to GDP, both departments issued advisories to all States and UTs. Past coronavirus outbreaks (SARS 2002-03, MERS 2012-13) had no global involvement of poultry — per the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Food Safety
Chicken Consumption Does Not Cause Coronavirus — Government Clarifies
The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry, via Commissioner Praveen Malik, replied to Poultry Federation of India advisor Vijay Sardana — clarifying that there is no evidence of novel coronavirus (nCoV) transmission through poultry consumption. The predominant route is human-to-human, per the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The 2003 SARS and 2013 MERS outbreaks had no involvement of poultry or poultry products globally — consumption of poultry and poultry products may be considered safe under general WHO/OIE hygiene principles.
Industry
Egg Protein 2020 Global Market — Forecast to 2025 at 7.18% CAGR
The Global Egg Protein Market is projected to grow from USD 893.41 Million in 2018 to USD 1,452.54 Million by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.18% — segmented by Type (Egg White Powder, Egg Yolk Powder, Whole Egg Powder) and End User (Bakery, Confectionery, Breakfast Cereals, Dairy, Infant Nutrition, Meat Analogs, Protein Bars, Sports Nutrition). Players profiled include Cargill, Davisco Foods, Interovo Egg Group, Kewpie, Sanovo, Adriaan Goede, Igreca, Rembrandt and Rose Acre Farms — across North America, Europe, APAC, LatAm and MEA.
2019
Event
Poultry Industry Value Chain in Focus at Hyderabad Event — IPEMA Expo
IPEMA's 2019 Hyderabad exhibition drew 375 companies — 99 international — across 5 halls. Knowledge Day 2019 (Nov 26) featured Dr G Ranjith Reddy MP, Rick Kleyn (Specsfeed) on lameness, Dr Vasudevan Gowthaman (TANUVAS) on respiratory diseases, and Vincent Guyonnet (FFI) on artificial intelligence in poultry. India's poultry industry consumes ~30 mt of grains annually.
Policy
Protein Push: Niti Aayog Mulls PDS Supply of Eggs, Fish & Meat
Niti Aayog is working on a proposal to subsidise protein-rich food — eggs, fish, chicken and meat — possibly through the Public Distribution System, as part of its 15-year Vision Document effective April 1, 2020. With around 195 million Indians undernourished (a quarter of the global hunger burden) and 4 of 10 children stunted, member Ramesh Chand warned of unhealthy dietary shifts. Existing food subsidy bill pegged at ₹1.84 lakh crore (2019-20) — rationalisation may be needed.
2018
Industry Feature
The Chicken and Egg Wars — Kadaknath GI, Antibiotics, Clean Meat & Imports
India's poultry sector valued at ~₹80,000 crore (FY16) per the National Action Plan For Egg And Poultry-2022. This Lounge feature traces Kadaknath's GI win for Madhya Pradesh, the Guardian's colistin exposé, HSI India + CCMB Hyderabad's clean-meat lab announcement, and the imminent arrival of US frozen drumsticks plus Suzuki–Ise Foods' Japanese-style egg farms.
Innovation
Black Kadak Chicken — A New Fad Among Andhra Pradesh's City Residents
Inti Pradeep (29), an MNC area manager from Vijayawada, has been rearing the Madhya Pradesh-origin Kadaknath in his native village Guntakoduru near Gudivada since July 2017 — selling birds at ₹2,000–2,500 each and eggs at ₹50, with health-conscious city buyers driving demand. Maturity takes ~5 months vs ~35 days for broilers; festive seasons can move 5,000 birds.
2017
Market
Chicken Prices on the Rise — ASSOCHAM Projects 25–30% Hike
ASSOCHAM's Economic Research Bureau (AERB) projects chicken prices to climb 25–30% and consumption to rise 35–40% amid the beef-consumption controversy. Poultry wholesale price index up 22% (May 2014 – March 2017) while beef & buffalo meat declined ~3%. Production CAGR is 10–12% and consumption CAGR 15–18%. The chamber surveyed ~100 poultry shops and recommends FDI in breeding, medication, feedstock and vertical integration to give Indian farmers a competitive edge.
State Focus
Kerala Now Self-Sufficient in Poultry Meat — 80% from In-State Farms
Kerala has stopped depending on Tamil Nadu for chicken — Binny Emmatty (PFTC President) says 80% of state poultry meat is now produced within Kerala, driven by integrator entry, low investment thresholds and self-employment finance. Weekly demand of 60 lakh kg is worth ₹4,000 crore, supporting 3+ lakh farms and 8 lakh jobs. KVASU's TP Sethumadhavan flags post-GST dumping risk as TN production costs run 15–20% lower; chicken prices climbed ₹92 → ₹145/kg on TN drought.
Child Welfare
Soon, Eggs for All Anganwadi Children Six Days a Week — Karnataka
Karnataka's Department of Women and Child Development is preparing to provide eggs six days a week (up from three) to anganwadi children aged 6 months to 6 years. A January 18 order has already extended eggs to SC/ST children statewide plus all malnourished children; universal expansion is expected in the budget. Principal Secretary Uma Mahadevan: new software will track child growth and mothers will get SMS updates on immunisation; IFA tablets accompany hot meals for pregnant women in five backward north Karnataka districts.
Weather
Poultry Hit by Heat Wave — Karimnagar Egg Output Slumps 10–20%
Temperatures above 40°C cut Karimnagar's normal 30-lakh-eggs-a-day capacity by 10–20% as drought conditions made sprinklers, drips and foggers impossible to operate. Poultry farmer Ramana Reddy (Nusthullapur, Thimmapur mandal) said bird mortality climbed from 5–10% as feed intake fell — "we could protect the birds from bird flu, but we cannot save them from this heat wave." Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) S Ramchander confirms more than 50% of district units have closed.
Policy
Indian Poultry Sector Growing at 8–10% — Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh
At the First Convocation of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said India stands 5th globally in egg production and 18th in broiler, with poultry growing 8–10% per annum. India is the world's largest milk producer (13.1% global share). Projections to 2020-21: 142 MT milk, more than 81 billion eggs, 10.9 MT meat and 11 MT fish — backed by the National Livestock Policy (2013) targeting productivity in a sustainable manner.
Research
Hen to Egg on State Poultry — BAU Unveils 'Jharsim' Breed
Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) unveiled Jharsim — an indigenous chicken breed combining fast growth with Jharkhand's environmental adaptability, developed over seven years by crossing desi and broiler varieties with the imported Durham Red. Jharsim lays 110–130 eggs in 72 weeks versus 50–60 from the desi variety. ICAR's H. Rahman and DPR Hyderabad's R.N. Chatterjee said Jharsim can boost meat and egg production — China holds 30% of world poultry while India contributes 5–7%.
Policy
Beef Ban Pushes Chicken Consumption — Prices Likely to Go Up
ASSOCHAM analysis projects chicken prices up 25–30% and consumption up 35–40% across India in the wake of the beef ban. Poultry wholesale price index has risen over 22% while beef and buffalo meat declined about 3% between May 2014 and March 2017. Production CAGR 10–12%; consumption CAGR 15–18%.
Trade
Supply Crunch Leads to Rise in Poultry Prices in Kerala
Kerala broiler chicken touched ₹150/kg post-GST as Kerala & Tamil Nadu farmers cut production amid pre-GST price-drop fears. PFTC president Binny Ematty cites 80% self-sufficiency in Kerala (TN supplies the rest); weekly sales of 1 crore kg are valued at ₹4,000 crore. Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association seeks government intervention.
Event
Union and State Governments to Lend Poultry a Stronger Helping Hand — 11th Edition
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu (Commerce & Industry) and Telangana FM Etela Rajender pledged to double poultry production at the 11th Poultry India Expo 2017 (HITEC City, Hyderabad). Record 300 companies and over 32,000 visitors across 5 halls; 1,200 delegates at Knowledge Day. India's broiler production projected at 4.9 million tons (+7.5%) and 84 billion eggs (+5%) for 2017.
Trade
Poultry India Supports — PFI Raises Concern Over US Chicken Legs Imports
After WTO ruled against India's avian-flu-based import restrictions, the Poultry Federation of India (Ramesh Chander) and industry voices including Kotaiah and ICRIER's Arpita Mukherjee flagged GMO feed, multi-year deep-freeze storage and dumping risks from US chicken-leg imports. India is the world's 4th largest chicken producer; US output is ~6× India's per Kotaiah's figures.
Animal Welfare
Cracking the Shell — Indian Eggs May Gain Their Freedom
The Law Commission's draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Egg Laying Hens) Rules, 2017 propose mandatory free-range labelling and certification by state animal husbandry departments — challenged by Harish Garware (Gartech) and PFI's Ricky Thaper on hygiene, scale and investment grounds. Over 90% of Indian poultry farms currently use battery cages; egg production grew 27.33 → 29.09 billion (FY16-17).
Industry Outlook
4 Challenges Facing the Meat and Poultry Industry — and How to Overcome Them
University of Wisconsin-Madison's Jeff Sindelar maps four 2017 challenges for meat & poultry processors: new FSIS reduction standards on Salmonella and Campylobacter, perceived health risks of meat consumption, the talent crunch, and rising raw-material costs. Technavio forecasts the global meat & poultry processing equipment market at 6%+ CAGR over four years.
Trade
Poultry Industry Hopes Demand Will Offset Rising Feed Prices
After three years of margin growth (3.5% → 4.5% → 8.5% from FY13 to FY17 per Icra's Ashish Modani), India's poultry industry faces feed-cost headwinds. Suguna Foods CFO Subramani Kannan flagged 5% GST on soya oil meal adding ~₹400/tonne to feed prices — about 75% of broiler chicken cost. Beef-ban demand and capacity expansion plans are expected to offset some of the strain.
Biosecurity
Practical Biosecurity Checklist — International Egg Commission
The International Egg Commission's Avian Influenza Global Expert Group released a practical biosecurity checklist covering transportation, manure management, personnel and equipment — flagged as the #1 spread risk for AI. The group includes Prof. Ian Brown (APHL UK), Dr Alejandro Thiermann (OIE) and Dr Hongwei Xin (Egg Industry Centre, USA), with vet oversight as a critical principle.
Weather
Temperature to Favour Poultry — Agromet & RMC Chennai Advisory
A seasonal weather advisory from the Agromet Field Unit of Veterinary College & Research Institute and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai — maximum temperature around 37°C, minimum 23°C, winds 8 km/h westerly, relative humidity 42–72%. With NE Monsoon setting in, the advisory notes conditions are favourable for poultry, with guidance to monitor mycotoxin levels in newly arrived maize.
Advisory
Poultry Farmers Asked to Control Feed Wastage — Chennai Monsoon Advisory
Chennai's Agromet Field Unit and the Regional Meteorological Centre asked poultry farmers to raise side curtains to 3 ft on elevated poultry houses to control feed waste from high wind speed. Forecast: max 35°C / min 24°C with cloudy skies, scattered rainfall and 11 km/h SW wind. Active southwest monsoon will bring cloudiness, wind and scattered rainfall over the zone — the upcoming four days will be favourable for poultry.
Summer Advisory
Take Extra Care of Poultry in Summer — Dr APS Sethi, GADVASU
Dr APS Sethi, Senior Nutritionist (Poultry) at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), explains that poultry lack sweat glands and have thick feathers — summer cuts feed intake and water consumption rises, hurting growth, egg production, shell quality, hatchability and raising mortality. His plan: grass cover & shade trees, more waterers with electrolytes, and preventive drinking-water treatments using ascorbic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride; increase egg collection frequency with cold storage.
Summer Advisory
Ensure Proper Water Supply for Birds — Chennai Summer Advisory
With summer impact likely to continue, Chennai Agromet Field Unit and the Regional Meteorological Centre advise poultry farmers to ensure water management for birds. Forecast: max 102.2°F / min 78.8°F with cloudy skies and chance of summer showers; rising clouds will bring day-time temperature down by 1–2°C. Under summer management, birds adapt by lowering egg production and weight; lower feed intake curtails production cost.
Advisory
Weather Condition to Favour Poultry — Chennai Advisory
Chennai Agromet Field Unit and the Regional Meteorological Centre advise poultry farmers to use ingredients free from mycotoxin — sky will be generally cloudy with isolated rainfall for the next three days, max 35°C / min 24°C. The onset of the northeast monsoon will bring cloudiness and mild rainfall over the northwest zone of the state. Conditions favour poultry overall, but newly arrived maize and soya bean meal will have high moisture — handle carefully to prevent mycotoxin.
Heat Advisory
Cold Water Will Keep Poultry Comfortable — 104°F Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to reach 104°F max / 84.2°F min over the next three days, Chennai Agromet Field Unit and the Regional Meteorological Centre advise poultry farmers to provide cool drinking water during peak heat hours (1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) and keep birds calm without feed intake to prevent mortality. Feed should be supplemented with electrolytes and amino acids during the cooler part of the day to maintain egg production and weight at reduced feed intake.
Heat Advisory
Poultry Farmers Asked to Avoid Feeding During Hot Hours
Temperature crosses 102.2°F (max) / 84.2°F (min) with 5 km/h SE wind and 30–72% humidity. Chennai Agromet Field Unit warns that summer stress drops feed intake and egg weight; when feed intake falls to 100 g/bird or below, farmers should use artificial lighting during cooler hours (4–6 a.m. and 6–10 p.m.) to lift consumption. Avoid feeding between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and ensure cool water access throughout the day.
Advisory
Poultry Farmers Asked Not to Stock Feed in the Open — Aflatoxin Risk
With inclement weather expected to continue for another two days, Chennai Agromet Field Unit and the Regional Meteorological Centre advise poultry farmers not to stock raw materials or finished feeds outdoors — exposure causes moisture absorption and aflatoxin formation. Forecast: 30°C (86°F) max / 25°C (77°F) min, wind 4–14 km/h from the south. Overall conditions favourable for feed consumption, egg production and animal growth.
Nutrition
Canthaxanthin: Profitability and Better Egg Quality
Canthaxanthin — the only carotenoid with EU/Japan Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) status, approved in 70+ countries — delivers brighter yolks, stronger vitelline membranes, extended egg shelf-life via antioxidant action, and higher hatchability (3,718 vs 3,618 chicks per ton of feed; +2.7%). Return on investment: 25:1 to 200:1 for yolk pigmentation, ~4:1 for breeders. Sustainability case: 5× lower CO2 and 35× lower water use vs paprika/Tagetes extracts; 600–700 kg of paprika needed per 1 kg of canthaxanthin equivalence.
Advisory
Drop in Temperature Not to Affect Poultry — Chennai Agromet Advisory
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) and Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, advise that the temperature drop post-NE monsoon won't affect birds — forecast: max 35°C / min 25°C, partly cloudy, wind ~2 km/h SW. Farmers told to control moisture in maize and soya bean meal feed and avoid long-term feed stocking. Post-mortem findings at the institute's Poultry Disease Diagnosis Lab traced mortality to upper respiratory tract infection and necrotic enteritis — farm biosecurity is essential.
Innovation
Electricity from Chicken Droppings — Namakkal's 4 MW Biogas Plant
Meivazhi S Durairaju's Subhashri Bio Energies converts Namakkal's poultry litter into 4 MW of electricity using indigenous biomethanation. From a 2.5 MW pilot in 2004 to 4 MW by 2014, the plant supplies ~20,000 units/day to Tamil Nadu's grid — recognised by the UNDP and the Kyoto Protocol as a Clean Development Project. Byproducts include PSO6 organic manure and liquid NPK fertiliser.
Policy
Odisha Aims for One Crore Egg Production Daily
The Odisha cabinet approved a poultry policy targeting one crore eggs daily and one lakh metric tonne of poultry meat annually by 2020. The state plans to add 60 lakh bird capacity through new commercial layer units and 10 lakh through expansion in four years. Capital subsidies via Nabard Poultry Venture Capital Fund and stamp-duty exemptions support new entrepreneurs.
State Focus
Poultry Farming Witnesses Massive Boom in Meghalaya
Meghalaya's Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department promotes backyard poultry farming — 15–20 birds per household — to scale egg production and reduce imports. Joint Director BK Mawthoh says low-input broilers have been introduced; farmers are being trained on layer, broiler and turkey rearing as well as hatching programmes under the state's livestock mission.
Trade
Livestock Farmers Urge Centre to Resume Egg Exports to Qatar
Livestock & Agri Farmers Trade Association urges the Centre to push Qatar to lift its post-2008 ban on Indian eggs — citing the same animal-quarantine certification model already accepted by Oman and Bahrain. India once supplied 80% of Qatar's table eggs before bird-flu outbreaks halted trade; Qatar now buys at premium rates from EU and US.
Health Advisory
Poultry Farmers Asked to Be Cautious in Using Ingredients
Maize and soya bean meal moisture levels favour mycotoxin growth — Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai urge poultry farmers to be cautious. Forecast: 23–36°C with partly cloudy skies, isolated drizzle, and ~4 km/h northerly wind.
Heat Advisory
Take Precautionary Measures, Farmers Told
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai issue a heat-stress advisory: 41°C maximum, 27°C minimum over four days with ~6 km/h SE wind. Cool drinking water, amino acids and oil supplementation in feed, vitamin C and electrolytes in water — and vitamins A, E, C raised 5–10% above standard inclusion to prevent immune suppression.
Nutrition
The Benefits of Eating Poultry Meat and Eggs Regularly
Nepal Feed Industry Association (NFIA) and the Department of Livestock Service (Ministry of Livestock Development) jointly launched a Kathmandu awareness drive on regular poultry consumption — claiming benefits against diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. Campaign slogans: Kukhura Khaon, Anda Khaon and Sabaile Khaon, Sadhai Khaon.
Tariff
New Power Tariff for Poultry Units — AP ERC Order
Andhra Pradesh ERC's new retail supply rates took effect April 1: ₹3.75/unit for poultry farming (LT III & IV) and ₹4.75/unit for hatchery and feed mixing (HT). Fixed charges per kW per month: ₹21, ₹55.12 and ₹385 respectively. AP Poultry Federation president V. Sundar Naidu advises separate connections for feed mixing units to optimise charges.
Disease
Poultry Industry in Jitters as Mercury Shoots Up
About 3,000 birds died at a Hayatnagar farm from Ranikhet (Newcastle Disease virus) — exacerbated by extreme heat and water shortage. Telangana State Poultry Federation's E. Pradeep Rao reports retail bird at ₹175 while egg prices fell on reduced demand. Samples sent to High Security Animal Lab, Bhopal; no flu symptoms observed. Vaccination had been skipped on the affected farm.
Nutrition
India Needs Three Times More Eggs to Meet Required Standards — Radha Mohan Singh
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, citing the National Nutrition Institute's standard of 180 eggs per person/year, said India currently provides only 63 — even though the country produces ~83 billion eggs annually and is among the world's top producers. The government is supporting BPL families through the National Livestock Mission to triple production.
State Initiative
Promotion of Livestock & Poultry — J&K Animal Husbandry Schemes
Minister of State Abdul Majid Paddar updated the J&K House on the Rural Backyard Poultry Scheme — providing cash and birds to BPL families in Poonch district to make it self-sufficient. Dairy support via Integrated Dairy Development Programme and National Mission for Protein covers Jammu including Haveli; Mini Sheep Farms drive organised wool production. High-breed cattle and modern vet diagnostics planned.
Industry Outlook
Growing Poultry Industry
Industry veteran OP Singh forecasts a conservative 6%+ CAGR for India's poultry sector — driven by affordability, availability, convenience and the absence of socio-religious inhibitions. Pressure mounts from international players seeking market access. A domestic poultry IPO is mainstreaming the industry and could fund the cold-chain and distribution infrastructure that the sector still lacks.
Heat Advisory
Avoid Feeding Poultry During Day Time
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) advises against feeding poultry between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and asks for cold drinking water 4–8 p.m. to prevent night-hour mortality. The IMD predicts 40°C on April 17 rising to 41°C on April 18–19, with ~6 km/h southeast wind and both day & night temperatures rising.
Sports · Business
Mick Pennisi Calls It Quits After 17-Year PBA Career to Focus on Poultry Business in Thailand
Fil-Australian big man Mick Pennisi (42) retires after 17 PBA seasons — five championships across Red Bull (3) and San Miguel (2) — to relocate to Thailand and run his poultry business. Globalport's Eric Arejola and team manager Bonnie Tan confirmed the decision after a Batang Pier win. Pennisi was just 33 points short of the PBA's 5,000-point club; he's the 8th player ever with 700+ three-pointers.
Market Analysis
India Poultry Feed Market Forecast — 2020
Demand for poultry feed in India keeps rising — driven by rising population, broiler meat demand and compound feed adoption per the 19th Livestock Census. Broiler segment dominates; manufacturers are enriching feeds with prebiotic and probiotic supplements. Contract farming boosts compound feed demand. Southern region led the market in 2014, followed by Eastern, Northern and Western zones.
Investment
IBS Synergies to Invest US$150m in Romanian Poultry Industry
Indian investor IBS Synergies (Chandigarh, founded 2010) plans a ~US$150 million greenfield project in Romania — a new hatchery, slaughterhouse and poultry meat processing plant in an undisclosed location. The investment is expected to create 500+ new jobs. IBS Synergies is part of the multi-industry IBS group.
Education
9 Chicken and Egg Questions to Ponder
From whether store eggs can hatch to free-range vs cage-free, the cholesterol myth, GMO feed, the meaning of yolk and shell colour — Jessi Bloom (author, Free-Range Chicken Gardens) and Harvard's Prof. Erin Rimm answer the nine most common chicken-and-egg questions. Whole eggs: ~70 cal, ~6.3 g protein.
Disease Mgmt
Easy Mistakes to Avoid When Managing Respiratory Disease in Poultry
DVM David French warns that recombinant vaccines can outpace serology — leaving false negatives that suggest no protection when birds are in fact protected. He advises careful timing of respiratory challenge vs vaccination, combining serology, virus isolation and PCR — and even eliminating a vaccine when it itself is the source of the challenge.
Heat Advisory
Poultry Farmers Asked to Ensure Protein in Feed
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai advise: 104°F max / 78.8°F min, ~5 km/h SE wind, RH 28–70%. Adequate protein with sufficient lysine and methionine in feed helps avoid egg-weight variation under fluctuating temperatures.
Heat Tolerance
Poultry Farmers Asked to Supplement Vitamin C in Feed
Even with reduced temperatures (36°C / 23°C), Agromet Field Unit (VCRI) and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai advise continued Vitamin C and electrolyte supplementation through feed and drinking water to improve heat tolerance in birds. Cloudiness and evening winds will keep day-time peak low — but the supplementation should continue.
Architecture
Chickenville — An Eco-Friendly Poultry Farm in Croatia by SKROZ Architecture
Zagreb-based SKROZ architecture's Chickenville in Rakov Potok (near Samobor) is a multifunctional eco-poultry farm and tourist-educational site — 400 layers in 4 breed blocks, 100 broilers and 30 chicks across raised, openable units in unfinished fir and chicken wire. A central public street connects visitors to coops without disrupting farm operations; Chickenville even has its own coat of arms.
Innovation
Genetically Modified Chickens Lay Cancer-Fighting Eggs — Japan's AIST Breakthrough
Researchers at Japan's AIST, the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (Ibaraki) and Tokyo's Cosmo Bio Co. bred GM hens that lay eggs containing interferon beta — a protein effective against cancer, hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. The method targets up to 100 mg per egg and could cut drug-production cost by 90% (vs $900 per few micrograms today).
Winter Care
Keep Poultry Warm, Dry in Winter to Maintain Egg Production
Patricia Hester (Purdue) and Michael O'Donnell (Delaware County Extension) on cold-weather pastured-poultry care: insulated housing, unfrozen water, draft-free dry bedding (straw, wood chips), HFAC standards on exits and ventilation, calcium via crushed oyster shells, and a timer-driven light to compensate for shorter days.
Monsoon
Drop in Temperature to Induce Excess Feed Intake in Poultry
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) advisory: cloudy skies and scattered rainfall over three days; max 34°C / min 24°C, ~7 km/h westerly wind. Active southwest monsoon may induce excess feed intake and feed wastage — farmers asked to observe the weather and feed poultry accordingly.
Weather
Prevailing Temperature to Affect Poultry — Egg Production & Weight to Decline
Agromet Field Unit (Veterinary College & Research Institute) and Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai advisory: 34°C max / 20°C min with foggy nights. High diurnal swing reduces feed intake; farmers asked to cut feed energy by 50 kcal to 2,500 kcal/kg and use stress-alleviating medicines. Krishi Vigyan Kendra also advises bore-well water-quality testing.
Disease Mgmt
Reduce Clostridia to Reduce Its Effects — Targeted Bacillus Microbial Solutions
US researchers estimate subclinical necrotic enteritis cuts body weight 12% and lifts feed conversion 10.9% — costing US$370–739 per flock. Texas A&M's Audrey McElroy and Sichuan Agricultural University researchers describe Bacillus-based microbial solutions targeting C. perfringens, with a 2,000+ broiler-sample trial showing reduced pathogen prevalence and improved gut health.
Nutrition
Increasing Profit in Free-Range Poultry Production Through Improved Welfare
Nutritional interventions targeting dietary protein and insoluble fibre reduce aggressive behaviour in free-range hens — increasing hen-day production and liveability by at least 10% and lifting profitability by ~20%. Feed alone accounts for 60%+ of total production cost. The article outlines four scenarios from healthy margin to a 57% profit drop, with diet design returning the upside.
Webinar
Webinar — How to Limit the Impact of Intact Beaks in Parent Stock
Wageningen University's Ingrid de Jong and Roxell's product manager Yousef Daoud join Poultry World editor Fabian Brockotter to discuss management and feed measures that prevent feather pecking and cannibalism without resorting to invasive beak trimming. Live from the Netherlands at 15:30 CET — free attendance.
Biosecurity
Managing Sick Poultry and Emergency Situations
Prevention and management are core to disease control: isolate sick birds, get a qualified diagnosis, follow chemical labels, observe withholding periods to prevent egg residues — and call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 for any large mortality. Avian influenza and Newcastle disease are the emergency triggers needing an action plan with quarantine measures.
Trade
Hong Kong Opens Poultry Market for India — $2 Billion Opportunity
Two months after Kuwait lifted its ban, Hong Kong opened its $2 billion poultry market to Indian eggs and egg products. Even a 10% capture in 2016-17 would triple India's exports from $106 mn (FY15) to $300 mn. Apeda's UK Vats welcomed the move; Godrej Agrovet's Balram Yadav urged AI-zoning. Strict avian-influenza-free conditions and HK $50,000 fines for non-compliance.
Trade
Poultry Industry Demands Permission to Import Feed During Lean Period
PFI's Dinesh Bhosale and analyst Dipak Chavan flag two-year losses from high maize and soya prices, adulteration concerns and consecutive droughts that hit rural consumption. Imported soyameal is ₹3,000/tonne cheaper including duties — the industry seeks an April–September import window when there is no local harvest. Two big feed firms went bankrupt in two years.
State Policy
Poultry Policy Aims to Make Odisha Self-Sufficient in Chicken & Egg
Odisha's Fisheries & Animal Resources Minister Pradeep Maharathy says the State has adopted a Poultry Policy with land leases (Anabadi via Tehsildars), subsidies, baby chicks and feed support for unemployed youth. Per-capita: only 55 eggs vs need of 180. Opolfed retail counters expanding in cities with planned online booking; growers urged to set up reproduction and processing centres.
State Initiative
57 Poultry Projects Set Up in Jammu & Kashmir — Registrar Cooperatives
Registrar Cooperatives Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad reports the J&K Co-operative Department has set up 57 poultry projects with ₹14 crore total investment — ₹7 crore as bank loans, ₹3.50 crore as share capital and ₹3.50 crore as subsidy from State Cooperative and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Inspection conducted across Budgam district projects.
Innovation
Organic Poultry Feed Launched — ICAR-CMFRI's 'Self Farming for Safe Food' Initiative
ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendra of CMFRI Kochi released a safe layer poultry feed in 10 kg packets — formulation by ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Bareily — under the 'Self Farming for Safe Food' programme. CMFRI director A Gopalakrishnan, KVK head Shinoj Subramanian and animal-science specialist Smita Sivadasan led the launch. KVK plans Kudumbashree-led scale-up.
Equipment
7 Key Benefits of Using Poultry Battery Cages in Modern Day Chicken Rearing
Why modern battery cages still earn their place: manure separation cuts disease risk; 60% of eggs in mayonnaise/cakes/sandwiches come from battery-cage hens; automated bisected feed pipes and overhead nipple watering reduce labour and feed spillage. A-type units accommodate 60–128 birds in a small footprint, with durable galvanised iron build for breeders, layers and POL chickens.
Business
How to Increase the Profitability of Your Poultry Farm — Scaling, Outsourcing & Risk
A 20,000 sq ft house can yield ~$15,000–19,000 net annually but demands 24/7 commitment and technical know-how (controllers, static pressure, water quality). Six 40,200 sq ft houses can theoretically reach $200,000–240,000 net — only with reliable hired help and outsourced experts. Validate current profit and demand before scaling; bankruptcy is the same at any size.
Beginner Guide
How to Start Poultry Farming in India — A Practical Guide
India ranks third globally in egg production and fifth in chicken meat. This beginner's guide covers site selection (away from cities, near water, predator-free), housing (south-facing, ventilated, ≥50 ft between sheds), feed forms (mash, pellets, crumbles, 38 nutrients), the three farming types — broiler (40 g–1.5 kg over 6 weeks), layer (18–78 weeks; 2.25 kg feed → 1 kg eggs) and country chicken — and core disease management.
2016
Global
Bill Gates — Chickens Are the Ultimate Solution to Poverty
Bill Gates announced the Gates Foundation's partnership with Heifer International — 100,000 chickens donated to impoverished families worldwide. His research in West Africa shows 8-10 chickens can yield 40 chicks in 3 months and earn an owner over $1,000/year (vs. the $700 extreme-poverty line). Gates calls it a 'bootstrap' solution — chickens multiply, are cheap, and empower women entrepreneurs.
Policy
Govt Will Support Poultry Industry — Etala Rajender
Telangana Finance & Civil Supplies Minister E. Rajender pledged full state support for sustainable poultry development while inaugurating the International Poultry Expo 2016 at HITEX, Madhapur, alongside Animal Husbandry Minister T. Srinivas Yadav. After touring stalls and engaging with farmers, federation leaders and businessmen, Rajender committed to raising sector concerns with CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao — and acknowledged Dr BV Rao's foundational contribution to placing Indian poultry on the global stage.
Industry
Poultry Firms Fear Profit Fall on Imports of Costly Feeds
After two consecutive droughts, India's ₹67,000 crore poultry sector imports maize and soya for the first time in years. Government approved 5 lakh tonnes of maize with duty exemptions (2.3 lakh tonnes already arrived) per CLMFA's Gajendra Varma; Charoen Pokphand's Sanjeev Pant flags major drops in Bihar and MP output. ICRA reports record maize prices, FY14-level production costs and ₹67–68/kg realisation for FY16's first 9 months — ten major integrators' FY15 revenue growth fell to 11% from 20%+ in the previous four years.
Policy
Government to Set Up 'Poultry Blocks' in 14 Districts — Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government, in a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, approved 'intensive poultry development' blocks across 14 districts on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis — adding 28 new groups to the existing 16. The state is coordinating with the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) to sell eggs and earn profit for the new blocks, supporting farmer income and rural employment. The same Cabinet greenlit Tejaswini (300 women-only buses across 5 municipal corporations) and renamed Samruddh Gram Yojana to Smart Gram from 2016-17.
Policy
Poultry India Suggests Tailoring GST Structure for Farmers — 10th Edition
At the 10th Poultry India Expo (Novotel & Hitex Exhibition Centre, Izzat Nagar, Hyderabad), IPEMA President Harish Garware urged a GST structure aligned with PM Modi's Make In India to benefit farmers, with eggs and chicken meat taxed on par with grain and dal. 200 Indian and 50 international exhibitors from 32+ countries; 800+ delegates attended Knowledge Day.
Market
Poultry Business Becomes Viable on Rebound in Prices
After 9 months of losses, chicken and egg prices rose 25–30% in two months on supply crunch. Heat-driven mortality jumped to 8–9% from a normal 2–3% as birds couldn't tolerate above 40°C. Industry leaders Balram Yadav (Godrej Agrovet) and Ramesh Khatri (Poultry Federation of India) project sustained recovery; feed costs (maize, soya) up 10–15% in 2–3 weeks.
Trade
Mr. Harish Garware Comments — Poultry Farmers Will Benefit and Recover Losses This Season
Drought across ~10 states pushed egg wholesale to ₹375 per 100 in May (peak ₹440 in Hyderabad) as production fell 25–30% — well above the typical 5–10% summer drop. Harish Garware (Poultry India EC) projects margin recovery after two years of ₹60–75/bird losses; 10–15% of units have shut, and Namakkal birds dropped from 50 mn to 45 mn. UP attracts farmer migration from Punjab/Haryana.
Trade
Broiler Chicken Prices Jump Close to 40% Due to New Year Demand
Farm-gate broiler chicken rose from ₹65/kg (Dec 18) to ₹90/kg (Dec 28) — close to 40% — driven by Christmas/New Year demand, the north-India cold wave and farmer-led production cuts after six months of losses. Mumbai sales nearly doubled from 5–6 lakh to 8–10 lakh birds/day. PG Pedgaonkar (Venky's) and Vasant Kumar Shetty (AIBCC) say farmers need ~₹75/kg sustained for 3 months to recover costs.
Policy
When Small Egg Farmers in India Win Big, Hens Benefit Too!
India's Innovative Poultry Production Project (IPPP) under the National Livestock Mission scales up backyard poultry across 15 states — aiming to double farmer incomes by 2020 while moving away from battery cages and industrial farms. Currently, 70% of eggs come from commercial farms; FAO data attributes ~14.5% of human-induced GHG emissions to animal agriculture.
Policy
Eatala Rajender Keeps Promise — Poultry Placed in Agriculture, Exempt from GST
Telangana's Finance Minister Eatala Rajender placed poultry under the Agriculture category, exempting it from GST — acting on his speech at the 10th Anniversary Poultry India Expo (HITEX, Nov 23). The expo drew 200 Indian + 50 international exhibitors from 32+ countries; 950 attended Knowledge Day. Devendra Choudhry's productivity-doubling vision; Deepa Malik on 8 eggs/day for Rio Silver; Legends Honour to Drs Vishwanath Dubey & P. Selvaraj.
2015
Exports
Kuwait Lifts Ban on Indian Poultry — OIE Declares India HPAI-Free
Kuwait lifted the ban on import of eggs from India according to Apeda, following the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) declaring India free from the highly pathogenic Avian influenza. The original ban was imposed in 2013 by GCC countries. Namakkal accounts for nearly 95% of India's egg exports. Though Kuwait was a small market (~5 containers/month), the move signalled renewed GCC confidence.
International
Poultry Sector Invited to Join Meat Industry Export Drive — UK / Defra
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has invited the British Poultry Council (BPC) to join the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) — a Defra/industry partnership launched in 2008 to secure overseas market access. UKECP already includes Quality Meat Scotland, Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland and Hybu Cig Cymru (Wales), and drafts export health certificates with FSA, BPA and RCVS. BPC's Maire Burnett says the existing Poultry Export Certificate Users Group already covers similar ground; talks with AHDB's Peter Hardwick continue.
Health
IC Vaccine Likely to Save India's Poultry from IBD — Dr Marcelo Paniago, Ceva
India is positioned to become a leading Asian nation adopting the immune-complex (IC) vaccine, says Dr. Marcelo Paniago, Director of Global Veterinary Services at Ceva Sante Animal, France — speaking at an ICAR-CCARI event in Old Goa. The vaccine targets infectious bursal disease (IBD/Gumboro) and is expected to be available in India in one to two years. "I have no doubt that the producers will rapidly adopt it because it makes their lives much easier," Paniago said.
Training
SKUAST-K Scientists Enlighten Farmers About 'Profitable' Backyard Poultry
Under the Mera Gavun Mera Gaurav (MGMG) initiative, SKUAST-K's Center for Research on Poultry (CRP) partnered with KVK-Ganderbal for a two-day training titled "Profitable Backyard Poultry Farming for Socioeconomic Upliftment of Rural Farmers" at the CRP training hall. Three senior scientists — Dr. A.A. Khan, Dr. I.U. Sheikh and Dr. P.A. Reshi — led farmer interactions for villages including Chaterhama, Shalimar, Buserbugh and Warpoh; Dr. Khan urged farmers to "stay in constant touch with university scientists for profitable poultry farming."
State Focus
Poultry Farming Lures Kashmir Entrepreneurs — 3,000+ Farms in the Valley
Srinagar has emerged as a hub for poultry farming entrepreneurship with 3,000+ farms in the valley. Gulzar Ahmad (26, Kanipora, Nowgam) grew Gulzar Poultry Farms from 1,000 to 9,000 birds via the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute training program. Schemes from the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer's office offer ₹1 crore+ for large operations; IPD projects run at Hariparbat (Srinagar) and Mattan (Anantnag). Kashmir consumes 400 lakh birds/year but rears only 140 lakh locally — 350 lakh imported in 2012-13.
Awareness
Poultry India Launches National Protein Awareness Campaign — Pune
Poultry India launched the all-India 'Eat Right, Eat Healthy' Protein Awareness Campaign in Pune on September 23, 2015 — addressing India's protein deficiency: 194.6M deficient and undernourished Indians, 65M children under-5 stunted. The PRODIGY survey (1,260 respondents, 7 cities) found 80% of all Indians (91% vegetarians, 85% non-vegetarians) protein deficient. Voices: Harish Garware, OP Singh and Dr Geeta Dharmatti. Government of India joined Poultry India for World Egg Day (Oct 9, 2015).
Policy
AP Government to Invest ₹575 Cr in Poultry Sector — Poultry Development Policy
Targeting the title of biggest egg and poultry meat producing state in India, the Andhra Pradesh government announced its Poultry Development Policy with ₹575 crore investment over four years — projected revenue of ₹6,775 crore, direct employment to 1.68 lakh families and indirect employment to 6 lakh families. Plans include egg processing units in PPP mode, primary egg processing and collection centres, and chicken processing units in Chittoor, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
Policy
Minister Appeals to Poultry Farmers & Feed Manufacturers to Set Up in J&K
J&K Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Science & Technology Sajjad Ghani Lone appealed to India's biggest poultry, equipment and feed manufacturers to set up business in Jammu & Kashmir at the 9th edition of Poultry India in Hyderabad — assuring fast-track implementation and protected investments. He unveiled a Rs 2,000 crore vision document to achieve poultry, meat and milk self-sufficiency by 2025, mitigating ~Rs 3,500 crore annual import bill (Dairy ₹814.79 cr · Poultry ₹423.44 cr · Sheep ₹380 cr · Feed/Fodder ₹413 cr).
Industry
India Leading in Poultry Development — 8% Annual Growth
Speaking at the third AAHP convention and national symposium on Poultry Health and Welfare, ICAR-CCARI Director Eknath B. Chakurkar said India is among the leading countries in modern poultry development at ~8% growth per annum. Dr. Sanjay Gavkare (GM Technical, Venkateshwara Hatcheries, Pune) added that even though ~22% of the sector remains disorganised, India has reached a level playing field with advanced countries in bird nutrition and health — and that bird flu fears are "hype blown out of proportion."
Consumer
Some Switch to Chicken as Dal Prices Soar — Bengaluru
As tur dal touches Rs 150/kg, moong Rs 130, green gram Rs 120 and urad Rs 195/kg, Bengaluru households are switching to chicken at Rs 110/kg. Madiwala poultry shop operator Lakshmi Sagar reports daily sales jumping from 900 kg to 1,500 kg. Vegetarian households (Vishnu Priya) and even strict vegetarians (Sonia Gupta) report increasing egg and chicken intake. Poultry India's O P Singh: "India produces 225 million eggs a day — eggs are the best protein source after mother's milk"; average Indian intake remains below 30g daily vs WHO's 1g per kg body weight.
Training
Steps to Boost Poultry Business — CPDO & KVASU Joint Action Plan
The southern regional office of the Central Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO), Bengaluru — under the Union Ministry of Agriculture — has signed a joint action plan with the College of Avian Sciences and Management at KVASU to boost germ-plasm production, enhance research and improve marketing of poultry products in Kerala. CPDO regional director P.S. Mahesh addressed a week-long training for researchers and entrepreneurs covering management, hatchery, feed mill, processing, project formulation, pollution control, disease control and poultry finance.
Training
Skill Gap Is a Big Issue — Indian Poultry Industry
At the Indian Poultry Science Association Annual Conference, Dr. P.V.K. Sasidhar (IGNOU) flagged the skill gap in India's poultry sector. With ~2,530 million chickens needing 2,530 vets at 1 per million birds, the country has ~6,350 vets working in poultry full-time — but only 200 join annually. Projected need: 708 vets by 2015 and 1,140 by 2020 at 10% growth. KVASU's Directorate of Entrepreneurship (Dr. T.P. Sethumadhavan) will partner with the Agriculture Sector Skill Council of India; polytechnic colleges proposed for lower-level technical manpower.
Awareness
Protein Awareness Campaign Reaches Telangana — 'Eat Right, Eat Healthy'
Poultry India's all-India Protein Awareness Campaign — launched in Pune the previous month — moved into Telangana, one of the country's largest poultry producers backed by CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao. India ranks 3rd globally in egg production (after China and the USA), employs 25M+ people and contributes ₹95,000 crore annually, with 1 of every 5 Indian eggs from Telangana & AP. Yet 194.6M Indians are protein-deficient and 65M children under-5 are stunted; the Government of India joined Poultry India for World Egg Day (Oct 9, 2015) — voices: Harish Garware, OP Singh, Ranjith Reddy, Dr Janaki Srinath.
Policy
Government to Ensure Sustainable Growth Path for Poultry: Javadekar — 9th Edition
At the 9th Poultry India Expo (Hitex Exhibition Centre, Izzat Nagar, Hyderabad), Union Minister Prakash Javadekar pledged to safeguard India's poultry industry — among the world's top five egg and chicken producers — from interests targeting modern cage systems. Telangana mulled parity with the agriculture sector. 240 exhibitors from 40 nations attended; sector worth ₹93,000 crore and employs 6.1 million.
Event
Poultry India Announces 9th Edition of Poultry Exhibition
IPEMA's 9th Poultry India Exhibition + Knowledge Day 2015 — Nov 24 at Novotel & Hitex Exhibition Centre, Izzat Nagar, Hyderabad. CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao to inaugurate; Nadir Godrej to deliver Knowledge Day keynote. India produces 24 crore layer birds and 20 crore eggs daily; sector growing 11–14% annually with the theme 'Sustainable Growth for All'.
State Initiative
Poultry Parks to Be Set Up Across State — KVASU
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) plans to establish poultry parks in association with industry and entrepreneurs, VC B. Ashok announced at Prebav 2015. ASAP CEO M.T. Reju emphasised the sector's potential to create employment through entrepreneurship and skill development; ASAP is identifying skill gaps to design tailored programmes.
Awareness
Vijayawada Selected for World Egg Day Campaign — NECC South India Hub
NECC selected Vijayawada as its World Egg Day hub for South India — joined by CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Agriculture Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao at Indira Gandhi Stadium with a 2K run. Andhra Pradesh produces one in every five eggs nationally (1,309.59 crore eggs in 2014-15); per-capita 99 eggs/year vs national 68 vs Nutrition Council target of 180.
Policy
Why Tur Dal Is Rs 200 Per Kilo (and Why It Will Be as Much in 2016)
Tur dal touched ₹210/kg amid two consecutive monsoon failures, weak MSP support, low irrigation (16%) and a national protein shift to eggs, milk and chicken. India produces 16–20 million tonnes of pulses but yields lag Myanmar (2×) and Egypt (4×). Per-capita egg consumption in urban India climbed from 17.76 (1993) to 38.16 (2012). Source: scroll.in.
Industry Trend
Poultry Industry Shifting From Live to Processed Chicken
Telangana's poultry industry is moving from live (95%) to processed chicken (5%) as KFC, McDonald's and other QSR chains expand. Ranjith Reddy (Poultry Breeders Association of Telangana) and IPEMA's Harish Garware sought relaxed feed-import norms and the long-pending agriculture status for the ₹90,000 crore industry, citing pressure from feed costs and import restrictions.