The two-dayPFI 37th AGM witnessed the presence of over 950 participants from across India and 111 sponsoring companies, reflecting the strength and unity of India’s poultry community.
The AGM began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising growth, progress and prosperity in the poultry sector.
Mr Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India, welcomed all participants, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all sponsoring companies for their valuable support in making this 37th AGM a grand success with their presence. PFI President said this PFI AGM is an occasion where the entire country’s poultry sector has gathered on a single platform to connect, share experiences and deliberate on the future course of action. The entire value chain of the poultry sector is present on this platform—ranging from farmers, breeders, feed millers, and integrators to medicine and equipment companies, doctors, scientists, and associations.
Mr Ranpal Dhanda further said India is a young nation today, and one of our greatest challenges is delivering affordable, high-quality nutrition to as many people as possible. Eggs and chicken play a vital role in this. For us, these are not merely poultry sector products; they are crucial components of nutritional and protein security. Therefore, in the future, PFI will vigorously advance the “Mission Protein India” initiative.
The inaugural address was followed by the Annual Report presented by Mr Ravinder Singh Sandhu, Secretary, who highlighted the following activities being done by PFI in the last year.
Regarding the Bird Flu Vaccine Policy: Bird Flu has been a major concern for farmers. PFI has consistently raised the issue of LPAI and HPAI vaccines with the government. As you all know, the PFI team worked hard to secure permission for the LPAI vaccine and maintained continuous coordination with the Department of Animal Husbandry (Government of India) regarding the HPAI vaccine. PFI with support from other national poultry associations, has achieved significant success in this regard; now, the HPAI vaccine can be manufactured in India and legally imported.
Efforts to ensure farmers can easily obtain the Pollution Board NOC: To address this, the PFI team held meetings with the Haryana government, advocating for the exclusion of the poultry sector from the ‘industry’ category regarding Pollution Board NOCs. We proposed a separate policy for poultry NOCs that requires minimal documentation. PFI Team is hopeful that the Haryana government will soon issue a notification on this matter.
Regarding Market Committee fees for maize and pearl millet (bajra) –Taking this issue seriously, the PFI team held a meeting with the Haryana government. This meeting took place under the chairmanship of our senior colleague and Honourable Cabinet Minister, Shri MahipalDhanda Ji, and was attended by the Chief Secretary of Haryana and senior officials from the Mandi Board; other poultry associations also participated alongside the PFI team.
Initiative for biogas plant subsidies for breeder and layer farming – Poultry waste poses a major challenge for our fellow farmers. The cost of installing biogas plants to dispose of this waste is very high; consequently, our team has voiced the farmers’ concerns to the Government of India, specifically requesting a subsidy of ₹1 crore for biogas plants.
Regarding rising Soya DOC prices – Our team conducted a survey to identify the underlying causes and discovered that soya stocks were being hoarded. In response, we wrote to the PMO and the relevant ministry, urging them to impose an upper limit on soya stockpiling. This intervention halted the rise in soybean prices; while we had anticipated a sharp price surge due to hoarding, the situation was successfully brought under control.
Regarding maize quality and production – Thanks to the sustained efforts of the PFI team, we have observed a significant increase in maize production in the North this year compared to previous years. Through various maize-focused seminars, we have been consistently raising awareness among farmers about maize quality to ensure there is no shortage in the future, given the rising demand.
PFI purchases a plot for a laboratory – 400-square-yard commercial plot has been purchased in Panipat for the PFI laboratory. The project report is ready, and work is set to commence shortly. The laboratory will be completed soon, providing the poultry sector with enhanced technological support. Its primary objective is to offer farmers and the entire poultry sector superior technical support, accurate disease identification, and scientific information.
VIV Select India Exhibition– PFI has enabled even small-scale farmers to experience an international exhibition. Our team brought in thousands of farmers from across the country to provide them with insights into poultry-related technologies, ensuring that advanced technology reaches even the smallest of farmers.
Later, the Financial Report was presented by Mr. Rahul Khatri, Treasurer, which was unanimously approved by all the PFI Members. Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Vice President (HQ) extended Vote of Thanks. Mr. Gupta extended special thanks to all PFI Executive Committee Members, Industry Leaders, Technical Speakers, Delegates, Media partners and the entire management team for their dedicated efforts and teamwork.
A high-level panel discussion on “Indigenous Viral Strains for Poultry vaccines: Strengthening Disease Control Through India Specific Solutions” was there which was very well moderated by Dr. Nitin VasantraoKurkure and the distinguished panel included Dr. PremanshuDandapat, Dr. NK Mahajan, Dr. Shirish Nigam, Dr. Sanjay Gavkare and Dr.Gowthaman. Press and Silver & Bronze category sponsors were felicitated for their continuous support, by presenting mementoes. Dr. JeetendraVerma, Executive Committee Member, Poultry Federation of India, extended Vote of Thanks. The evening concluded with a musical program and cocktail dinner, offering networking opportunities and celebrating unity within the poultry fraternity.
The second day of the 37th Annual General Body Meeting of Poultry Federation of India continued with insightful policy sessions, dignitary addresses and recognition of excellence in the poultry sector.
This was followed by launch of Mission Protein India and its mascot by the Honourable Chief Guest Shri MahipalDhanda, Minister of Education, Government of Haryana, along with all the dignitaries on the dais.Mission Protein India is an initiative by PFI to promote protein awarenessby launching an Instagram page titled “Mission Protein India.” This initiative will provide the general public with information regarding the nutritional value of protein. Our goal is to ensure that accurate, scientific information reaches everyone, enabling people to understand the importance of better nutrition for their health and adopt it into their lifestyles.
Later Mr. Vijay Sardana, Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Techno-Legal Advisor, Poultry Federation of India gave Keynote address. National Poultry Export Mission –On behalf of Poultry Federation of India,it was proposed toEstablish a National Poultry Export Mission 2035, with PFI, DAHD, APEDA, MoFPI, Commerce Ministry and relevant state governments working against annual milestones. The Proposed US$10 Billion Export Basket.India should move progressively from bulk shipments to specification-based shipments. The buyer should be able to specify: weight + cut + fat level + packaging + certification + microbiological standard + halal status + traceability.That is how a commodity becomes a differentiated export product. The objective should be to establish Indian processing companies as international suppliers.
Dr. Sunil Neelam, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research gave interesting and highly appreciated presentation on “Strategy to Meet Maize Requirement for Poultry in Changing Scenarios”.This was followed by address by Mr. Ashok Thakur, Guest of Honour and Director, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India(NAFED). Mr. Thakur offered all the support to poultry sector as it’s creating lot of employment among young generation. His emphasis on strengtheningprotein security, feed security, farmer welfare and sustainable growth provided important direction for the sector.
The honourableChief Guest, Shri MahipalDhanda, Minister of Education, Government of Haryana addressed the gathering which was truly insightful and inspiring. It was indeed an honour and privilege to hear his valuable thoughts and guidance. The clarity of his vision and his commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders were highly appreciated by all the delegates. The honourable Chief Guestconcluded by saying together, let us take Indian Poultry to greater heights and contribute meaningfully to the vision of a Healthy, Prosperous and Viksit Bharat.
Mr. Ricky Thaper, Joint Secretary, delivered The Vote of Thanks by appreciating Hon’ble Chief Guest Shri MahipalDhanda Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Government of Haryana, and the Guest of Honours for graciously sparing their valuable time to join and bless the 37th AGM.
The Panel Discussion on “Beyond Maize and Soy-Alternative Feed Ingredients for Efficient and Cost-Effective Poultry Production” was very nicely Moderatored by Dr.TarunShridhar and the panellist included Prof. Dr. PK Shukla, Dr. Ashok Kumar Pattanaik, Dr. Amit Das, Dr. Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj, Dr Nataraja Hulegondi and Dr. Ajay Deshpande.
This was followed by the insightful addresses by leading voices from the poultry industry that added tremendous value to the AGM. The poultry leader’s; Mr. Divya Gulati, Mr. Vasant Kumar, Mr. Madan Mohan Maity and Mr. Bahadur Ali’s perspectives highlighted the sector’s key challenges, emerging opportunities and the need for stronger collaboration among farmers, industry, scientists and policymakers.
Later, there was mementoes presentations to Special Guests & Poultry Industry Associations and Super Platinum, Platinum, Diamond & Gold Sponsors. Mr. Rahul Khatri, Treasurer, extended a vote of Thanks. The 37th AGM of the Poultry Federation of India concluded on a highly positive and inspiring note, reaffirming our collective commitment to the growth, sustainability and long-term strength of India’s poultry sector. and celebrating unity within the poultry fraternity.
