New Delhi, 18 August, 2023 – The inaugural session I of the CLFMA of India symposium concluded on a high note on Friday, August 18, 2023. The event, held at Hotel Le Meridien in New Delhi, witnessed the participation of esteemed dignitaries and industry leaders, who shared valuable insights on the future of the animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, sectors in the country.
The session began with an auspicious lighting of the lamp by esteemed guests, including Guest of Honour Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, and CLFMA Chairman Mr. Suresh Deora along with Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Convenor, CLFMA, Hon. Secretary Mr. Abhay Shah. The chairman felicitated Shri. Parshottam Rupala with a bouquet, shawl, and memento to mark the occasion.
Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, the convenor of the event, delivered a warm and welcoming address, setting the tone for an engaging and informative session. This was followed by a thought-provoking address by Mr. Suresh Deora, Chairman of the CLFMA of India, who highlighted the industry’s potential and challenges.
The highlight of the event was the prestigious CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award. It recognized two exemplary individuals for their significant contributions to the livestock industry. The award was announced and presented recognizing their achievements and dedication to the sector. Shri. Nadir B. Godrej, Past Chairman, CLFMA OF INDIA and Chairman & MD of Godrej Industries Ltd. and Shri. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.) were honohonoured with the CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards were presented by Shri. Parshottam Rupala.
Shri. Nadir B. Godrej thanked CLFMA for the award with full heart and spoke about his journey in the animal feeding business. The glimpses he shared were not only fascinating but inspiring too. Shri. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.) humbly thanked for the honour and nostalgically remembered how the sector has given him the vast knowledge, experience, insights and friends he adores today.
The much-awaited Livestock Survey Report (Volume – II) was also launched at the event. Hon’ble minister Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Chairman Mr. Suresh Deora, Mr. Nadir B. Godrej, Shri. Tarun Shridhar, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati and honorary Secretary Mr. Abhay Shah, were present on the dais to unveil the report. The report provides valuable insights into the current state of the livestock sector and outlining future opportunities and challenges. The report is expected to serve as a guiding resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.
Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, Shri. Parshottam Rupala, delivered an address at the event. As they say storytelling is the best way to communicate life experiences, our guest of honour shared his life insights with stories of inspiration and success.
He shared valuable insights into government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the growth and development of the livestock sector. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to the development and growth of the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying sectors in the country.
Hon’ble minister emphasised that the “Livestock holds an ancient tradition that connects us to our roots. Before we became an agricultural nation, we were herders, showing the deep-rooted connection we have with animals. Animals once relied solely on nature for their sustenance, grazing from morning till afternoon, trusting in their fate. But with amendments in animal feeding practices, we have become the top milk producer in the world contributing 24% of global milk production, emphasizing the importance of conscientious farming.”
Although he raised concerns that “Livestock farmers are currently facing challenges with fodder availability. This affects health of animals which directly impacts the income of cattle herders. So the industry needs to address this issue on a large scale along with the need for proper care and attention of livestock.” He added “The government’s efforts to merge technology with livestock are commendable. The introduction of vaccination and mobile veterinary units revolutionized the care of livestock.”
Shri Rupala is very hopeful for the fisheries sector as well. In his speech he brought everyone’s attention to inspiring numbers. “India has tremendous potential to lead the world in the fisheries sector. From a mere Rs 3680 crore expenditure from independence till 2014, to a 20,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana today, the transformation in fisheries sector is astounding. With the volume of aquaculture soaring from 30,000 crore in 2014 to 63,000 crore today, the potential to lead the world in this sector is within our grasp. Together, let us unlock the immense potential within our communities, industries, and government to become global leaders in fisheries.”
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abhay Shah, honorary Secretary of the CLFMA of India, expressing gratitude to all the distinguished guests, esteemed speakers, delegates and participants for their valuable contributions and making the inaugural session a resounding success. This was followed by a networking lunch.
The CLFMA of India conference had set a strong foundation for the subsequent sessions, and discussions that would take place over the following days. With the enthusiastic participation of industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, the symposium aimed to explore strategies and solutions for the sustainable growth of the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying sectors, contributing to the overall development of the country.
About CLFMA of India :
CLFMA, also known as The Compound Feed Manufacturers Association, was established in June 1967. Over the years, it has gained recognition and support from various stakeholders including the Central and State Governments, livestock farmers, and related organizations. With a membership of 250+, CLFMA represents all sectors of the livestock industry. This includes entities involved in feed manufacturing, poultry, dairy, aquaculture business, animal nutrition and health, veterinary services, machinery and equipment, as well as processing, distribution, and retailing of meat and ancillary services such as banking.
In addition to its domestic recognition, CLFMA is also acknowledged by international sectors. It is highly regarded by government departments, agricultural universities,
Veterinary colleges, and national research institutes within India. Furthermore, CLFMA is respected by related industries outside the country.
For more information, please visit [www.clfma.org](http://www.clfma.org).
