In Loving Memory of Dr. Anand Prakash Sachdev

Early Life and Education

Born in Firozpur, Dr. Anand Prakash Sachdev was a distinguished veterinary professional whose career spanned over six decades. He earned his veterinary degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur, in 1958, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Husbandry from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in 1959.

Professional Journey

  • Dr. Sachdev’s career was marked by a seamless transition from public service to corporate leadership:
  • 1959 1962: Superintendent, Cattle Breeding Farm, Bassi (Government of Rajasthan).
  • 1962 1964: Lecturer at DAV College, Ajmer (University of Rajasthan).
  • 1964 1966: District Manager, Animal Health Division, Pfizer Ltd.
  • 1966 – 1978: General Manager at Bhagwan Dass & Company (Unichix). In 1972, he traveled to Czechoslovakia to facilitate the historic introduction of the Grandparent PSD breed to India.
  • 1978 1983: General Manager of Marketing at Kegg Farms.
  • 1983 1984: Vice President at Arbor Acres Farms. Entrepreneurship and Global Impact

In 1984, Dr. Sachdev became a pioneer in the field by launching Blue Cross Consultants, one of the first independent veterinary consultancies in India. Through this venture, he promoted the Hybro (Broiler) and Hisex (Layer) breeds across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

A Legacy of “Firsts”

  • Dr. Sachdev was a visionary who modernized the Indian poultry landscape through:
  • International Development: Leading livestock projects for the Government of Zambia.
  • Innovation: Introducing plastic egg trays to the Indian market and facilitating vaccine imports from Rhône Mérieux, France.
  • Trade: Serving on delegations to the Middle East to study the poultry meat and egg trade.
  • Strategic Leadership: Serving as the Program Coordinator for the US Grains Council (1994–2004), where he championed the use of corn in poultry diets.

Final Years and Retirement

  • Following his formal tenure with international councils, Dr. Sachdev remained a vital force in the industry:
  • 2004 2015: Continued active work as an independent consultant across the livestock and food processing sectors.
  • Philanthropy: During this period, he expanded his portfolio to include significant philanthropic activities, giving back to the community that supported his long career.
  • Retirement: He officially retired in 2017, though he remained a beloved figure in the professional community, staying in close contact with his industry peers and friends until his passing.

Dr. A.P. Sachdev’s contributions laid the foundation for the modern Indian poultry industry. He will be remembered as a mentor, a pioneer, a visionary leader and Gem of the Gems..