PIONEERING WOMEN – IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

We are proud to celebrate the unwavering dedication of women leaders who tirelessly contribute to our poultry industry. Women have been an integral part of the poultry sector, driving its continuous growth and success. From farmers to processing plant workers, to veterinarians, and every role in between, the poultry industry owes much of its productivity to the steadfast commitment of these remarkable women.

In our commitment to supporting and empowering women in the industry, we launched a new section in our magazine, “Pioneering Women in the Poultry Industry,” starting with our October issue. Through this platform, we aim to shine a spotlight on the achievements and stories of these extraordinary women.

In our current issue, we have the privilege of featuring an interview with Ms. Meghana Mukherjee Salvi, Director of Glamac International Pvt Ltd. Meghana Mukherjee Salvi is not only a talented poet, writer, and blogger but also a keen observer of market dynamics and trends, with a strong inclination towards discussing economics. Her guilty pleasure is getting lost in the pages of a good book. Hailing from Bombay, she shares her life with her husband and exceptional in-laws.

Meghana’s journey is a testament to her determination and ambition. She followed in her father’s footsteps by initially pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s noteworthy that her educational background includes a graduation in Mathematics, followed by a master’s degree in Economics.

We invite you to read her inspiring story and insights in this issue as we continue to champion the exceptional women who make a difference in the poultry industry. Stay tuned for more empowering narratives!

“Be confident in your abilities because you have the power to break the glass ceiling.”

…Meghana

 

Poultry Creations- Can you share your journey and experience as a women in the poultry industry? What inspired you to get involved in this field?

Meghana- Initially, being one of the few females in a male-dominated industry felt daunting. But, my experience till now has been gratifying. I experienced ubiquitous optimism and encouragement from industry veterans and key poultry industry drivers. Not only was I welcomed with open hands, but I have often felt my peers, colleagues and mentors nurturing me to find my foothold in the industry. As an industry, we are eager to embrace the flavour of budding entrepreneurs, especially women who can run the show and take the sector to soaring heights.

My father, Mr Abir Mukherjee, has always inspired me never to shy away from challenges and I followed my father’s footsteps and joined the poultry industry. I grew up observing the industry and idolizing my father for the commendable feat he would consistently achieve in his remarkable career of over 33 years. As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be like him. When he started Glamac International Pvt. Ltd. a few years ago, I was excited to participate in the venture and see how the journey unfolds. Though poultry is a niche industry, it is technically driven and backed by consistent innovation, significantly boosting my creative flair. I knew with my existing skill set and my father’s guidance, I could add value to our company and the Poultry industry.

Poultry Creations- In your experience, what are some of the most significant barriers that women often face when entering or advancing within the poultry industry?

Meghana- Our industry framework naturally is such, which creates significant barriers to women’s participation in poultry. For starters, women face limited access to Education and Training.
Further, prevalent gender bias discourages women’s participation in the industry. A lack of financial resources, including credit and investment, impedes women from starting or expanding their poultry business. Also, in a country like India, societal expectations and cultural norms restrict women from pursuing careers in a male-dominated industry like ours. Moreover, women poultry farmers need help accessing markets, negotiating fair prices, and integrating supply chains.

Addressing such barriers will require a comprehensive approach which includes educational institutions, industry stakeholders, policymakers and communities to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in poultry.

Poultry Creations- Can you provide examples of successful initiatives or stories where women have made a notable impact in various aspects of the poultry value chain?

Meghana- Recently, I came across a brand called Kerala Chicken. Kudumbashree started it with the animal husbandry department and Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation (KEPCO). The brand ensures the availability of premium quality chicken products at affordable prices to consumers. Kerala Chicken engages micro-enterprises run by women entrepreneurs to produce and supply nearly 50% of the chicken consumed by the state. Today, it has benefitted 364 women entrepreneurs and achieved a sales turnover of over 100 crore in just 5 years.

“And, of course, the contribution of Anuradha Desai, Chairperson of V H Group, has been prodigious in shaping the entire Indian poultry industry. In India, Venkateshwara Hatcheries pioneered the organised poultry business. And, under the able hands of Mrs Desai, the group incorporated both backward and forward integration, creating an integrated poultry organisation.”

Poultry Creations- Collaboration is often key to achieving meaningful change. Could you share any partnerships or collaborations that have been instrumental in advancing the cause of women in the poultry industry?

Meghana- When I had just entered the industry, somebody told me poultry would aid India’s prosperity faster if the industry facilitated further women empowerment. These words stuck with me. As you rightly mentioned, collaboration paves the path for meaningful change; I would like to share one initiative called the National Smallholder Poultry Development Trust(NSPDT). It enables the needy rural women in India to establish and successfully run their poultry enterprises. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute undertakes multiple trainings to equip the farmers, but women’s participation is low. If these trainings take place nearer to their homes, more females will be able to join. Another example is Hatching Hope, a collaborative effort to address malnutrition and poverty by engaging rural women in poultry rearing. It supplemented rural families’ income and became a source of nutrition.

If the industry’s significant stakeholders join their hands towards fruitful collaboration, it will transform the outlook of women’s participation in the poultry industry.

Poultry Creations- How can the industry encourage more women to pursue careers or businesses in poultry farming and related sectors?

Meghana- Firstly, there needs to be awareness about our industry as a whole. Beyond our industry network, only some know the poultry industry’s constituents.
In 2022, the Indian poultry market reached a value of USD 28.18 billion and is slated to grow at an average of 8.1% CAGR between 2023 and 2028. In the coming decade, considerable investment in capital and research, optimum capacity utilisation, availability of raw materials and effective feed strategy are monumental to meet the rising protein requirements of the country. Evidently, the poultry industry has a massive scope to generate employment. However, to encourage women’s participation, understanding their existing challenges can prove helpful.

Incorporating digital transformation and merging the poultry sector with IT will alter the existing gender disparity. Initiatives like offering subsidised education for females pursuing veterinary sciences will increase their participation. Women should be incentivised by providing online training workshops/courses to learn at their convenience. Establishing only women’s guilds/forums/networks where they can connect, collaborate and coexist. Multiple companies share the success stories of women in poultry on different social media platforms. Also, flexible work arrangements will help accommodate women’s diverse roles and entail their participation. Harbouring such proactive steps will create an inclusive culture for the poultry sector.

Poultry Creations- Could you elaborate on the role of education and mentorship in empowering women to overcome challenges and pursue successful careers in poultry farming and related areas?

Meghana- Indeed, education and mentorship are vital in empowering women to acquire the necessary skill sets and build a successful career in the poultry industry. Today, poultry farming has become highly technical, research-oriented and mechanised. Thus, to align with the altering needs of the industry, structured and comprehensive learning courses, access to knowledge-sharing forums and hubs, and techno-commercial training are required. It will equip the farmers regarding disease management, climactic challenges, feed ingredients, bio-security, and poultry waste management.

Poultry rearing and production is a crucial source of income and nutrition for many rural families and sees considerable women employment. While education can help them make informed decisions, mentoring will complement the process by offering practical insights and network opportunities. Training programs and course modules designed in their native language, engaging female role models and veterinarians to spread awareness, will provide access to better markets, volume purchasing of raw materials and shared veterinary services.

While the integration operation model has spearheaded the industry’s growth by supporting and safeguarding the farmers from market risks and assuring fixed-rearing prices, a massive scope still exists in disseminating knowledge and training.

Poultry Creations- Can you share your experiences and insights on how women can navigate and overcome challenges when they are the minority gender in meetings and conferences, particularly when traveling alone for such events?

Meghana- There will often be situations where we are the minority gender in meetings or conferences. But, in my experience, confidence and assertiveness have always helped me establish my presence and forge reliable friendships in the industry. Also, if I am travelling alone, I thoroughly research the event and the attendees and familiarise myself with the key participants and topics. First, being part of a like-minded community and building a professional network is essential.

I urge women to participate in forums and leverage social media platforms to establish connections. And seek out peers or mentors who might be attending the event as they can provide valuable insights about accommodation and travel.

Poultry Creations- What message or advice would you give to young women who are considering a path in the poultry industry?

Meghana- We have come a long way, but, there is an even longer journey that awaits. While we have arrived, it is also our responsibility to stay, nurture, and inspire other women.

I would like to tell every woman out there who is eager to join the poultry industry and also to those who are sceptical, “Be confident in your abilities because you have the power to break the glass ceiling.”