IPJA Technical Seminar in Tanuku Highlights Key Challenges Facing Andhra Pradesh Poultry Industry

The Indian Poultry Journalists Association (IPJA), in collaboration with the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), the Andhra Pradesh Poultry Federation (APPF), and the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), organized a technical seminar that drew 350+ poultry farmers from the region. The day-long event addressed critical challenges facing the poultry industry and proposed actionable solutions to bolster its growth.

Key Resolutions and Appeals

The seminar urged the state government to revive the Andhra Pradesh Poultry Development Corporation to address regional poultry farmers’ concerns. It also appealed to the central government to establish a National Egg Board to streamline and resolve issues faced by poultry farmers across India. To stabilize egg prices nationwide, the seminar advocated for facilitating the import of genetically modified (GM) maize and promoting egg exports from the Tanuku region.

The gathering emphasized skill development by recommending that the Skill Development Council introduce polytechnic courses in poultry, modeled after reputed institutions in Pune and Coimbatore, run by private companies like VHL and Suguna. Additionally, it called on the Higher Education Department to launch a B.Sc. Poultry Science program, similar to the one at L.B. College, Warangal, Telangana.

Inaugural Ceremony and Key Addresses

The seminar commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, including Mr. K.V. Subba Rao (President, APPF), Mr. Padala Subba Reddy (Secretary, APPF), Dr. K. Somi Reddy (Srinivasa Hatcheries), Mr. Uday Singh (President, IPEMA), Mr. P. Chakradhar Rao (Founder President, IPEMA), Mr. Santosh Ire (Secretary, VIPs), Dr. R. Srinivasa Rao (Secretary, VIPs, AP), Mr. M.K. Vyas (President, IPJA), Mr. M.N. Rao (Vice President), Mr. N.S.N. Murthy (Treasurer), and Mr. Shashank Purohit (Joint Secretary).

In his welcome address, IPJA President Mr. M.K. Vyas proposed forming a committee comprising farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to explore a single-window system for marketing Tanuku eggs and directly importing maize. Mr. M.N. Rao, Vice President of IPJA, emphasized that a National Egg Board could effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by poultry farmers by coordinating with state-level poultry corporations. He also highlighted IPJA’s efforts, in partnership with IPEMA, to conduct technical seminars nationwide. IPJA launched a dedicated YouTube channel to educate stakeholders on poultry-related matters, which was unveiled during the event in the presence of poultry farmers and dignitaries.

Mr. Uday Singh urged farmers to attend the Poultry India Exhibition, scheduled for November 26–28, 2025, and shared highlights from the 2024 exhibition, which has earned recognition as a leading global event. Mr. P. Chakradhar Rao, addressing the audience in Telugu, encouraged farmers to participate in the exhibition with their families and stressed the importance of egg quality to meet consumer demands. He suggested that NECC should certify egg quality to command premium prices.

Technical Insights and Industry Challenges

Dr. K. Somi Reddy, in an audio-visual presentation, outlined current challenges and opportunities in poultry farming. Echoing the vision of the late Padmashree Dr. B.V. Rao, he predicted the adoption of advanced technologies, such as sensor cameras and sound boxes, to monitor bird weight, feed intake, and health via smartphones.

He stressed unity among farmers to uphold announced egg prices, reinforcing Dr. Rao’s slogan, “My egg, my price, my life.” Dr. Reddy raised concerns about maize supplies diverted to ethanol production, labor shortages, and the need for automation in egg collection. He also highlighted biosecurity, salmonella, E. coli, and yolk color issues, alongside emerging concerns like bird welfare, enriched cages, and environmental regulations. Proper disposal of dead birds was flagged as a critical area needing improvement.

Dr. Reddy noted that only 65% of eggs produced are consumed locally, with the remaining 35% posing marketing challenges. He observed that per capita egg consumption in India stands at 109, well below the National Institute of Nutrition’s recommended 180 eggs annually. As a signatory to UN precision livestock farming commitments, he urged the industry to aim for a target of 470–500 eggs per bird to enhance efficiency.

Farmer Unity and Industry Practices

Mr. K.V. Subba Rao, President of APPF, issued a stern warning against improper dead bird disposal, which tarnishes the industry’s reputation. He expressed frustration over farmers underselling eggs, violating announced prices due to disunity and trader manipulation. He lamented that some farmers fall into debt traps by prioritizing short-term gains, allowing traders to exploit them.

Mr. Padala Subba Reddy, General Secretary of APPF, echoed these concerns, criticizing farmers’ reluctance to change detrimental practices over the past 40 years. He highlighted the severe consequences of selling dead birds, which reintroduce diseases to farms, and urged farmers to resist underselling to maintain dignity and financial stability. He also addressed the maize shortage driven by ethanol production, which has inflated feed costs, pushing even cash-rich farmers into credit dependency.

Technical Presentations

The seminar featured insightful presentations by industry experts:

– Dr. Parag Mahadik discussed the use of enzymes in poultry feeds.

– Dr. Dhirendra Kumar addressed bird flu in poultry.

– Dr. Pavan Kumar spoke in Telugu about premixes in feeds.

– Dr. Srinivasa Rao Rama Raju presented on gut health in poultry.

– Mr. Ramesh Yedlapati highlighted the benefits of Black Soldier Larvae in improving litter conditions, reducing odor, and composting dead birds.

– Dr. K. Balaswamy debunked myths linking cholesterol to heart problems.

The event paid rich tributes to the late Smt. Uttaradevi and the late Padmashree Dr. B.V. Rao with a visit to their statues, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of Mr. Vijay Singh, a founder member of IPEMA and chairman of Vijayaraj Poultry Equipment.

Mementos were presented to sponsoring companies, including Poultry India, ABTL, Vesper, Venworld, RR Animal Health Care, Super Enviro, NECPC, Swiss Chemie, Amantro Agro, and Adelbert, by Mr. NCH. Venkatraju, President of the Godavari District Poultry Farmers Welfare Association. Mr. Shashank Purohit proposed the vote of thanks, concluding the seminar.