In our journey we visited many faces with our poultry industry legends, and one among them is Dr. D.K. Dey – Executive Director – Immeureka Animal Health Pvt. Ltd.
1. Where are you from?
I am an Indian. Originally, I hail from Jamshedpur, now settled in Hyderabad — the most inclusive city and Poultry Capital of India.
2. What is the best thing you like in your journey?
Meeting people and interacting with them. Long back, during my Intervet days, one of my international marketing colleagues told me that people’s emotions are the same globally. There may be socio-cultural differences, but emotions remain the same.
This is the greatest truth I have realized and the best part of my journey.
3. What has been your right motivation from the start until now?
I was never a great student during my academic days. However, life has taught me that “motivation to do good in whatever you do is the best mantra for success.” It is not necessarily true that only toppers reach the highest levels in professional life.
Giving my best, being a team member, and learning from mistakes have been my key motivations.
4. Why did you choose the Poultry/Livestock profession?
Honestly, we didn’t have much choice during student life. Like many others, I too tried for medical entrance, and Veterinary Science was my second option. However, once I enrolled in Veterinary Science, there was no looking back.
My quest for meeting people across the globe and my passion for traveling brought me to this profession.
5. Compared to other big players in the industry, how is your organisation different?
I have a fascination for creating something new. The first Poultry division of Hoechst in India was created under my leadership.
My knowledge of the vaccine business — techno-commercial and regulatory affairs — was strengthened during my Intervet days, which gave me the confidence to create Globion, in joint venture with Lohmann Animal Health.
With this proven track record, I went on to create Immeureka Animal Health, my new start-up company. It is different because Immeureka invests heavily in research — in vaccines and feed additives — to cater to the international market.
6. Please tell us about your family.
I am married to Ila, and we have a beautiful daughter, Protyusha. Both Ila and Protyusha are the powerful decision-makers and policy-makers of our family.
7. What do you think about your organisation’s roadmap for the next 5 years?
We are setting up a vaccine manufacturing unit in Tumkur, Bangalore. Considering the long gestation period of such projects, I feel that a 10-year roadmap is more appropriate.
We aim to cater to poultry, companion animals, dairy, and aqua segments with specialty healthcare solutions and vaccines.
8. What is your message to the next generation entering this business?
The next generation should realize that the Indian animal health sector has the potential to become a global leader — just as the Indian pharma sector has become the “pharmacy of the world.”
However, they must also understand that India imports almost 82% of APIs from China. Therefore, just doing formulations and trading is not enough. They need to invest in infrastructure, R&D, and process development, duly supported by regulatory and marketing activities.
With this, we can create many Indian multinationals. Trust me, acceptance of our products is high in international markets, but shortcuts are not an option.
9. What is your favourite food?
I love chicken and fish. And, of course, I enjoy drinking with good company.
10. What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include reading and listening to music.