Poultry Federation of India Celebrates 35th AGM: A Milestone in Shaping the Future of the Poultry Sector

The Poultry Federation of India (PFI) inaugurated its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a grand session at Hotel the Leela Ambience, Gurugram, on 27 – 28 December 2024. The event was attended by over 800 delegates, including poultry farmers, breeders, feed manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, industry leaders, government officials, policymakers and experts—all committed to shaping a sustainable and innovative future for the poultry sector.

The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India. First and foremost, he thanked all the attendees for joining the 35th AGM of PFI. He mentioned that the Poultry Federation of India has been working for the betterment of poultry farmer and poultry sector since 1988. He highlighted the Federation’s continuous efforts to raise the concerns of farmers before both the government and the industry. The biggest issue today is the rising cost of maize and the Poultry Federation of India is actively working on this issue. Discussions are ongoing with the ministry on this matter and the Federation has raised this concern with the agriculture minister as well.  They are also in touch with agricultural farmers to increase maize production, with some farmers already working on it.

Mr. Ranpal Dhanda stated that the Federation has launched campaigns like “Protein for All” to increase the consumption of poultry products and ensure fair prices for poultry farmers.

Key updates on the federation’s progress were shared, including the Annual Report presented by Mr. Ravinder Singh Sandhu, Secretary, Poultry Federation of India and the Presentation of Accounts by Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer, PFI. Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Vice President (HQ), expressed gratitude for the continued support toward PFI’s shared vision and objectives.

The session also featured the announcement of the election results by Returning Officer, CA S.S. Katyal, followed by the formal introduction of the newly elected leadership of the Poultry Federation of India. The audience warmly welcomed the new team, demonstrating strong support for the federation’s shared vision and objectives.

The newly elected leadership team of the Poultry Federation of India is as follows:

• Mr. Ranpal Dhanda – President
• Mr. Sanjeev Gupta – Vice President (HQ)
• Mr. Ravinder Sandhu – Secretary
• Mr. Ricky Thaper – Joint Secretary
• Mr. Rahul Khatri – Treasurer

Recognition and Technical Sessions

After a networking high tea, the event continued with insightful technical presentations by leading experts, including Mr. S.K. Malhotra, Dr. Ali Asgar, Dr. B.C. Dutta, Dr. Rahul Sawarkar, and Dr. Sushil Silva, covering topics vital to the advancement of the poultry industry. In recognition of the vital role of the sponsors in supporting PFI’s efforts, mementos were presented.

Memorable MOU Signing Ceremony

Memorable MOU Signing Ceremony: A key moment in the proceedings was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PFI and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), symbolizing the commitment to sustainable practices and innovation within the poultry industry. Eminent Speakers emphasized the pivotal role of poultry farming in agriculture, stating, Poultry farming is a backbone of our agricultural economy, contributing significantly to state and national development. It provides livelihoods to more than a million people and remains dedicated to supporting its growth. We are committed to addressing challenges and ensuring that this vital sector continues to thrive.

The day concluded with delegates appreciating the arrangements and networking opportunities provided by PFI’s AGM.

The Poultry Federation of India continued its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Day 2, December 28, 2024, at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram, Haryana. The day featured a series of insightful technical sessions, engaging presentations, and discussions aimed at driving progress in the poultry industry. The proceedings began with a technical session by Mr. S.K. Malhotra, followed by a session by Mr. Nemanja Todorovic. Afterwards, Dr. Lipi Sairiwal, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GOI, delivered an informative presentation related to various initiatives introduced by Government of India which benefited numerous farmers attending the AGM.

At the 35th AGM, Mr. S.K. Malhotra highlighted immunotherapy as a game-changer in poultry farming. By strengthening disease resistance, reducing antibiotic dependence, and enhancing productivity, immunotherapy offers sustainable solutions to meet growing market demands.

He showcased successful case studies where farms increased profitability by up to 20% through healthier flocks and market access for antibiotic-free products. While challenges remain, Mr. Malhotra urged the industry to embrace this innovative approach, emphasizing it as the key to a resilient and sustainable future in poultry production.

Mr. Malhotra highlighted the following key advantages:

• Enhanced Disease Resistance: Immunotherapy helps flocks build stronger immunity against common diseases like Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and coccidiosis.
• Reduced Antibiotic Dependence: By minimizing the need for antibiotics, producers can align with consumer preferences for antibiotic-free products and meet stricter regulatory requirements.
• Improved Flock Productivity: Healthier birds exhibit better feed conversion ratios, higher growth rates, and improved egg production.
• Cost Savings: While immunotherapy may have an initial investment, it reduces long-term costs by lowering disease outbreaks and mortality rates

Further sessions focused on innovations in poultry nutrition and management. Represantives from Poultry Farmers Regulatory Committee, Tamilnado on the topic “Broiler Chicken Promotion Initiatives” followed by Dr. Javed Mulani presented on “How to Increase the Share of Processed Chicken Meat,” followed by a presentation by Dr. N.K. Mahajan, on “Advancement in Poultry Vaccination & Biosecurity”.

A key highlight of the event was the distribution of mementos to the Super Platinum, Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and silver sponsors, recognizing their vital contributions. The attendees celebrated the sponsors’ significant role in the industry’s ongoing success and the event’s overall impact.

Strategies to Grow Egg Demand

The afternoon session focused on boosting egg demand in India, with Mr. Suresh Chitturi’s presentation on “Strategies to Grow the Demand of Eggs in India,” which was highly appreciated by delegates. A panel discussion moderated by Mr. Nasir from India Today Kisan Tak followed, addressing trends and strategies for poultry growth.

Ministerial Insights:

Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President, PFI, extended a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Minister during the 35th Annual General Meeting of PFI. In his address, Mr. Dhanda acknowledged the Hon’ble Minister’s unwavering support and responsiveness, noting that the Hon’ble Minister has always been available for discussions and has attentively considered the concerns of the poultry sector.

He outlined a significant challenge currently faced by the industry— rising maize prices, driven by increased demand from the ethanol industry. He emphasized that with the growing requirements of both the poultry and ethanol sectors, the demand for maize will continue to escalate in the future.

To address this pressing issue, Mr. Dhanda proposed a two-pronged approach:

1. Short-term Measures:

• Bringing maize under open procurement policies to ensure fair access for both the ethanol and poultry industries.
• Allowing the import of genetically modified (GM) maize to alleviate the immediate supply shortfall.

2. Long-term Strategy:

• Implementing measures to enhance domestic maize production by introducing advanced seed varieties and increasing per-hectare yield. He stressed that this approach would ensure a steady maize supply for the poultry industry while improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Additionally, Mr. Dhanda urged the Hon’ble Minister to consider establishing cold storage facilities at key locations for storing eggs and chicken during periods of low prices, thereby ensuring price stability and minimizing wastage. He further recommended the formation of a Poultry Development Board with representation from PFI, aimed at facilitating policy-making and fostering sustainable growth of the poultry sector.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Dhanda reiterated the urgency of resolving the maize pricing issue, emphasizing that a timely and effective solution is essential for the sustained development of the poultry industry.

The day’s highlights included the address by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairying, Shri (Prof.) S.P. Singh Baghel. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the poultry sector through focused policies and initiatives. The Hon’ble Minister acknowledged concerns over maize shortages due to ethanol production and assured collaboration across ministries to balance industry needs. “True progress lifts all hands, honors all roots, and sustains every branch of the tree,” he stated, pledging to seek intervention from the hon’ble  Prime Minister if required. He also highlighted the need to promote poultry consumption and educate the public about protein requirements and the misconceptions surrounding eggs and chicken. He further appreciated the efforts made by PFI for promotion of protein intake by Egg and Chicken through various TV Commercials.

The day’s milestones included the launch of PFI’s State Committee. At the end the formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ricky Thaper, Joint Secretary, PFI, who appreciated the invaluable support of poultry farmers, sponsoring companies, special guests, farmers associations, media and participants.