Industry leaders unite to shape the roadmap for animal agriculture in India with a strong focus on agriculture exports
Two-day power meet in Hyderabad puts agri-exports, rural livelihoods, and global leadership on centre stage
Hyderabad, 23rd August 2025: The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India successfully concluded its 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 66th National Symposium on 22nd & 23rd August 2025 at the Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Themed “Animal Agriculture in India – The Way Forward”, the two-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, sector experts, and stakeholders to shape a unified roadmap for India’s animal agriculture sector, with a strong emphasis on boosting agriculture exports.
The symposium highlighted the immense potential of India’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, with the poultry industry growing at an impressive 8% annually, making it both one of the most affordable sources of protein and a vital contributor to rural income. Export opportunities in markets such as the UAE, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bahrain, along with 65% vertical integration, are enabling cleaner, healthier products and stronger global competitiveness. At the same time, challenges like avian influenza and rising kidney infections in states such as West Bengal, Assam, and Telangana pointed to the urgent need for better vaccination, stronger biosecurity, and greater R&D investments. Aquaculture discussions underlined the huge untapped domestic opportunity, with 76% of India’s 1.4 billion population consuming non-vegetarian food and over 80% not meeting daily protein requirements, positioning the sector as critical for nutrition and economic growth. While rising US tariffs on shrimp exports pose challenges, they were reframed as opportunities to boost domestic demand, enhance farmer returns, and create value-added products for Indian consumers. With government support through schemes like FIDF and PM-MKSSY, and by fostering stronger industry-government partnerships, both poultry and aquaculture are set to become more resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
While there are challenges, there’s also an incredible amount of potential waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s poultry, dairy, fisheries, or aquaculture, the way forward lies in collaboration, innovation, and sustained effort. It lies in coming together — as farmers, industry leaders, policymakers, and academia — and working towards solutions that are practical, scalable, and sustainable.
Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman at CLFMA of India, said, “India is home to the world’s largest livestock population and accounts for 13% of global milk production. The sector contributes 30.23% to agricultural GVA and 5.5% to the national economy, making it a cornerstone of national growth, rural prosperity, and nutritional security. Yet, this is only the beginning of our growth story. With the right policies, stronger cold-chain and processing infrastructure, and faster adoption of innovation, we can evolve from being the world’s largest producer to one of its most influential exporters. CLFMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to turn this vision into reality.”
“We have also proposed the establishment of:
- Export Oriented Zones (EOZs)
- Livestock Export & Domestic Development Authority
These strategic bodies will significantly enhance ease of doing business and boost the global competitiveness of the Indian poultry sector by ensuring:
- Access to raw materials at global price parity.
- A simplified regulatory framework for domestic and international trade.
- Market creation and diversification through government-to-government collaboration and coordinated branding strategies through FTA.”
The symposium was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Sri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Sports and Youth Services; Sri Sabyasachi Ghosh, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; and Dr. Muthukumaraswamy B., Joint Secretary (NLM), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
The CLFMA delegation included:
● DY. Chairman Mr Sumit Sureka
● DY. Chairman Mr Naveen Pasuparthy
● DY. Chairman Mr Abhay Parnerkar
● DY. Chairman Mr Abhay Shah
● Hon. Secretary Mr Nissar F. Mohammed
● Treasurer Mr R. Ramkutty
● Convenor, Mr Vijay Bhandare
A special highlight of the event was the launch of the CLFMA Souvenir, encapsulating the association’s achievements, sector insights, and future vision. The programme concluded with a networking dinner, live performance, and the felicitation of sponsors, media representatives, guests, and invitees, marking a celebratory end to two days of engaging discussions and knowledge exchange.
About CLFMA of India:
Founded in June 1967 as The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association, CLFMA of India is the apex body for the country’s livestock sector. It represents over 250 members across various sub-sectors, including feed manufacturing, poultry, dairy, aquaculture, animal nutrition, and veterinary services. CLFMA is recognised by Central and State Governments, livestock farmers, government agencies, agricultural universities, veterinary colleges, and national research institutes. As the voice of the Indian livestock industry, CLFMA advocates for sustainable growth, industry standards, and policy development, contributing significantly to the advancement of the animal protein value chain in India and internationally.
The theme “Animal Agriculture in India – The Way Forward” aims to highlight the path towards a future-ready livestock sector — one that embraces innovation, technology adoption, policy support, and responsible practices. This includes:
● Strengthening value chains across dairy, poultry, fisheries, and small ruminants
● Adoption of digital tools, genomics, precision nutrition, and climate-smart practices
● Encouraging public-private partnerships, infrastructure investment, and scientific R&D
● Empowering women and youth, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring inclusive growth
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