“Innovations in Poultry Disease Management for a Safer/ Healthier World.”
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), in association with WVPA India and with Agrinnovate India Limited and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) Ministry of Animal Husbandry, as Knowledge Partners, successfully organized the Kick‑Off Meeting for the 7th WVPA Asia Meeting on 9 January 2026 at NASC Complex, New Delhi. The meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, ICAR. The Guest of Honor was Dr Inderjeet Singh, Hon VC BASU and Special Guest Dr Pravin Malik, AHC set the strategic course for the international conference to be hosted in New Delhi on 9–10th October 2026.
The kick‑off meeting brought together leaders and stakeholders from government, academia, industry, research organisations and professional bodies to deliberate on priorities, partnerships and the roadmap for the Asia Meeting. deliberations focused on strengthening disease preparedness, biosecurity, accelerating digital transformation, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), improving nutritional efficiency, and advancing sustainable and profitable poultry production across Asia.
Key highlights:
Dr. Ajit S. Ranade delivered the opening remarks and provided an overview of the meeting agenda and objectives and was moderator for the panel discussion.
Dr. Shirish Nigam (Secretary, WVPA India) addressed the strategic role of WVPA India in strengthening Asia’s poultry knowledge network, underlining that Asia accounts for approximately 50% of the world’s egg and chicken production and that coordinated regional cooperation is essential for future growth.
Dr. Jeetendra Varma (President, WVPA India) outlined WVPA India’s action plan and roadmap leading up to the 7th WVPA Asia Meeting (9–10 October 2026), and briefed attendees on the proposed programme structure and preparatory milestones.
Mr. Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director, Srinivasa Group (Keynote Address), highlighted India’s rapid growth trajectory in poultry production. He noted that India currently produces approximately 149 billion eggs annually, with a per capita egg consumption of 106 eggs per person per year, and projected that egg production could reach 200 billion in future years. On poultry meat, Mr. Chitturi observed that India is the world’s fifth‑largest producer, with per capita chicken consumption around 7.5 kg per person per year, and an expected sectoral annual growth of 8–10%.
Dr. Praveen Malik Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC) DAHD, Government of India; CEO, Agrinnovate India Limited) urged industry stakeholders to bring forward practical issues and suggestions to strengthen the poultry sector and reaffirmed the Animal Husbandry Department’s support for collaborative initiatives.
The programme included a special online address by Prof. Dr. Sjaak, WVPA Global President, who highlighted WVPA’s international activities and the association’s role in fostering global exchange among poultry health professionals.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh Hon Vice‑Chancellor, Bihar Animal Science University, Guest of Honour emphasised industry‑led research and stronger industry‑academia partnerships, and called for initiatives that support rural and backyard poultry systems.
High‑level participation and active contributions from ICAR leadership included Dr. M. L. Jat (DG, ICAR), Dr. Divakar Hemadri (ADG Health) and Dr. A. K. Samanta (ADG, Nutrition)all of whom pledged support and provided guidance for the Asia Meeting.
Leadership Panel Discussion
The meeting concluded with a Leadership Panel discussion on “What Asia Expects from India’s Poultry Leadership”, comprising representatives from poultry industry organisations and associations, major integrators, animal health and feed companies, and academic and research experts. Mr. Ranpal Dhandha, President, PFI, Dr Yash Goyal, MD MSD, Mr Vijay Teng, President, INTAS, Mr Uday Singh Bayas President, Poultry India, Dr Arun Atrey, CEO Zenex AH, Dr Sanjay Gavkare GM, Venkys, Dr CB Pathak VP VIP, Dr Ali Asgar, MD Saife VetMed, Dr Leena Bora Vamso, Dr NK Mahajan, Mr Mohit Malik, Mr SK Malhotra, Dr Divakar Hemadri ADG ICAR, Dr AK Samanta ADG ICAR, Maj Gen ML Sharma Gen Secy NAVS were among the panelist. The panel explored regional expectations, potential avenues for public‑private collaboration, student engagement and capacity building, technology transfer, and pathways to strengthen preparedness against transboundary diseases and AMR.
Notable commitments announced during the session included support from industry associations to promote attendance and sponsorship for veterinary students and emerging professionals.
Closing
The Kick‑Off Meeting reaffirmed India’s readiness to host an inclusive and high‑impact international forum that will advance science, policy and industry practice in poultry health and production across Asia. The organisers expressed their appreciation to all participants, speakers and partner organisations for their active contributions. The meeting closed with a formal word of thanks by Dr. B. Barman.
About WVPA & WVPA India
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) is a global professional body founded in 1959 that brings together veterinarians and avian health professionals from academia, research, government and industry. WVPA presently has branches across multiple countries and works to promote scientific exchange and best practice in poultry health and production. WVPA India is the national branch facilitating regional cooperation and the organisation of the WVPA Asia.
For any enquires pls contact, WVPA India or Agrinnovate India Limited at dr.barman@gmail.com. Pls visit www.wvpaasiameeting2026.com