The Poultry Federation of India (PFI) successfully hosted its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hotel Leela Ambience, Gurugram, yesterday. The first day of highly anticipated event brought together influential stakeholders from the poultry sector with attendance of more than 820 enthusiasts, marking a pivotal moment in the industry’s calendar.
The AGM featured a series of insightful sessions that addressed pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within the poultry industry. Experts, policymakers, and business leaders engaged in discussions on industry trends, technological advancements, and growth strategies to enhance the sector’s resilience and innovation.
Acute Maize shortage in President’s Address
PFI President Mr. Ranpal Dhanda expressed optimism about the industry’s future while acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, particularly the acute maize shortage this year. Highlighting PFI’s proactive measures, he shared that the federation is working closely with farmers to promote maize cultivation in non-traditional areas. He also announced the formation of statewide committees to address localized issues and support farmers more effectively.
“This AGM provided an essential platform for dialogue and networking, driving the future of poultry farming in India,” Mr. Dhanda remarked.
Secretary’s Insights
PFI Secretary Mr. Ravinder Singh Sandhu shed light on fluctuating DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles) prices and quality concerns, noting that manufacturers also face challenges that require immediate attention. He pointed out the growing impact of ethanol production on maize availability and quality, which has become a significant concern for both farmers and the poultry industry.
Mr. Sandhu emphasized PFI’s commitment to initiatives like the “Protein for All” program and advocated for updated insurance policies to better support farmers during crises.
Voices from the Field
Haryana-based maize farmer Mr. Ravi Lather shared his journey of expanding his farming operations from 5 acres to 300 acres in just three years, attributing his success to collaboration with PFI. “This growth is a testament to the remarkable progress of India’s poultry industry,” he said.
Leadership Announcements
PFI’s leadership team saw minor changes, with Mr. Ricky Thaper transitioning from Treasurer to Joint Secretary and Mr. Rahul Khatri taking over as the new Treasurer. Mr. Thaper, who has been associated with PFI for over two decades, also praised the young team at IPEMA for their successful organization of the 16th Poultry India Exhibition.
Technical Advancements
Mr. S.K. Malhotra delivered an enlightening talk on the potential of immunotherapy in poultry farming, emphasizing its transformative impact on profitability for farmers.
Poultry India Speaks
IPEMA President Mr. Uday Singh Bayas expressed gratitude to PFI for its unwavering support of the Poultry India Exhibition. He celebrated the event’s record-breaking attendance of over 42,000 visitors this year and invited prominent leaders, including Mr. Chakradhar Rao and TPF President Mr. Mohan Reddy, to share their experiences from the recently concluded Hyderabad expo.
Innovative Partnerships
The event also marked a milestone partnership as PFI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). TERI’s team of over 200 scientists is conducting groundbreaking research to develop algae that can enhance omega-3 fatty acid content in poultry manure. This innovation has the potential to reduce commercial farms’ dietary omega-3 requirements while improving overall sustainability.
The day concluded with the felicitation of bronze sponsors, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event.
