The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India opened its 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 67th National Symposium in Mumbai on September 11, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, experts, academicians and stakeholders from across India’s animal agriculture sector.
Held at The Leela Mumbai, the two-day event is themed ‘Animal Agriculture – The Backbone of Sustainable Development’.
The symposium is focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, with particular attention to feed security, production, sustainability, animal health, innovation and strengthening the wider livestock value chain.
Divya Kumar Gulati
The opening session featured the Chairman’s address by Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman of CLFMA of India, followed by a thematic address by Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.), former Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.
Senior government officials, including Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary AHD, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, and Dr Muthukumarasamy B, Joint Secretary (NLM), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, also addressed the gathering.
Feed security emerges as a major industry priority
Addressing the gathering, Mr Gulati highlighted the growing importance of securing supplies of key feed ingredients, particularly maize and soybean meal.
“The demand for maize continues to remain high, and ensuring adequate production must be one of our prime focuses,” he said.
He pointed to soybean meal availability as another critical concern for the feed industry and stressed the need to strengthen domestic production and build a more resilient feed ecosystem.
Mr Gulati also acknowledged the role of industry associations in addressing common challenges and advancing animal agriculture through greater collaboration.
Rising demand puts pressure on production and nutrition
Mr Gangwar highlighted the rapid growth in demand for livestock products and the need to improve both production and productivity.
According to him, agriculture is growing at around 12%, while rising demand for livestock products and an expected increase in protein intake will create a greater need for an efficient and strong animal nutrition industry.
He also pointed to a broader transformation taking place in the livestock sector, from traditional production and sustenance towards a more organized enterprise.
An integrated value chain connecting farmers, feed manufacturers, processors, markets and other stakeholders, he said, will be necessary to make the sector more efficient and sustainable.
Divya Kumar Gulati welcomes Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary AHD, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India.
National Livestock Mission support for feed resources
Dr Muthukumarasamy highlighted government initiatives supporting the feed manufacturing sector and efforts under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) to strengthen seed production, including maize and sorghum.
The availability and cost of feed remain significant challenges for both manufacturers and farmers. Addressing these challenges, he said, requires simultaneous attention to animal genetics, disease control and vaccination, and research and development.
He further emphasized the importance of empowering farmers to become more self-reliant and strengthening their ability to produce and manage resources within their own farming systems.
CLFMA recognizes industry and emerging talent
The inaugural program also featured the CLFMA Awards and Student Awards Ceremony, recognizing contributions to the animal agriculture sector and encouraging young professionals and students.
Jagbir Singh Dhull received the CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry.
The CLFMA Gold Medals were presented to Dr Abhishek Venkat in Poultry, Dr Mehnaaz Qayoom in Dairy and Shreya Awasthi in Aqua for their achievements and contributions in their respective fields.
The program also saw the launch of the CLFMA Souvenir and Survey Report, providing sector-related insights and reflecting the association’s efforts to contribute to the development of animal agriculture in India.
Jagbir Singh Dhull receives the CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award during the inaugural program.
Discussions to continue on the sector’s future
The symposium will continue with knowledge-sharing and discussions covering feed and raw-material availability, production, sustainability, animal health, innovation and the development of a stronger animal agriculture ecosystem.
The remaining deliberations are expected to bring industry and policymakers together to exchange perspectives and explore collaborative approaches for building a more resilient and sustainable animal agriculture sector in India.
Sponsors and industry representatives on stage during the inaugural program.
Note: images were provided by CLFMA of India