Pioneering Women in the Poultry Industry
Dr. Pinky Roy Ingewar, NSM, Jefo Nutrition Inc., Canada
In this issue of Poultry Creations magazine, we extend a warm welcome to Dr. Pinky Roy Ingewar, National Sales Manager at JEFO Nutrition Inc. Canada, under the compelling theme of “Pioneering Women in the Poultry Industry.”
In this exclusive interview with Dr. Pinky Roy Ingewar, a notable personality in the poultry industry, we uncover the dynamic path that has led her to become a pioneer in the realm of poultry science and business. From her early days as a Production and Quality Control Manager to her current prestigious role as the National Sales Manager at JEFO Nutrition Inc., Canada, Dr. Pinky Roy Ingewar’s career showcases versatility and expertise. With a remarkable background in both veterinary science and a wealth of experience working across international borders, she offers invaluable insights into product development, market strategies, and the delicate balance between professional success and personal life.
Join us as we explore her diverse experiences, significant contributions, and inspiring perspectives that have shaped her remarkable journey in the ever-evolving landscape of the poultry industry.
“My advice to all women, whether in poultry or any other business, would be to confidently express yourself and choose your desired career path, whether it’s in sales, marketing, consultancy, research, or any other stream. Stay focused and strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working hard to shine your name and contribute to enhancing your country’s reputation on the global stage.”
Dr. Pinky Roy Ingewar
Poultry Creations: Throughout your career, you’ve navigated various roles from Production and Quality Control Manager to a Consultant for international companies and now as a National Sales Manager at JEFO Nutrition Inc. Canada. How have these diverse positions shaped your understanding of the poultry industry, and what key lessons have you learned along this journey?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: The diverse roles I’ve undertaken have undoubtedly bolstered my comprehension of the Poultry Industry. It’s essential to stay focused on our goals while remaining adaptable to new technological advancements. Being early adopters of these innovations grants a distinct advantage in this dynamic industry landscape.
Poultry Creations: Your role as a consultant allowed you to introduce and market products successfully across India and neighbouring countries. Could you share a specific instance where your strategic approach to product launch and distribution made a notable impact on the market, and what were the key factors that contributed to its success?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Certainly! My role as a consultant facilitated successful product launches in India and neighboring countries. One standout instance was the introduction of Multifan-Vosterman Ventilation in the poultry industry and the incorporation of Humic acid properties in aquaculture. These successes were driven by seizing the first-mover advantage and targeting specific niche markets tailored to these innovative products.
Poultry Creations: Balancing the roles of a veterinarian and a professional in the poultry industry is unique. How has your veterinary background influenced your approach to product development, animal health, and your broader contributions to the industry?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: My initial foray into the Poultry Industry stemmed from my master’s thesis in poultry science, bolstered by the B V Rao scholarship grant. Genetics and nutrition have exerted significant influence, shaping the present landscape of the poultry industry. As a veterinarian, my comprehension of genetics, nutrition, and animal husbandry practices has proven invaluable in guiding techno-commercial decisions, substantially amplifying my contributions to the industry.
Poultry Creations: Your research work and academic achievements have been recognized with awards and presentations at prestigious conferences. Could you discuss one of your research projects that significantly contributed to advancements in poultry science or had a notable impact on industry practices?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: My Ph.D. research focused on layers, specifically investigating “Welfare Behavior and performance of laying hens at different stocking densities and flock size in California and furnished cages.” At the peak of the cage-ban issue, there was a notable scarcity of scientific data on this subject. Prior to my research, there was a pivotal absence of comprehensive studies on layers in cages. The welfare and behavioral studies conducted on layers at MAFSU, Nagpur, I believe, hold significant potential to benefit the industry.
Poultry Creations: With your extensive experience working globally in the poultry sector, how do you assess the current standing of the Indian poultry industry in terms of its strengths, challenges, and potential for growth or innovation compared to international standards? What specific areas or strategies do you believe could further elevate the Indian poultry sector on the global stage?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Are eggs and chicken receiving fair compensation for their protein content compared to other sources in India? While branding and exports can offer temporary advantages to poultry producers, maintaining a prominent position relies on enhancing domestic consumption. Boosting home consumption is vital, demanding efforts to increase per capita consumption levels for sustained industry growth and stable market conditions.
Poultry Creations: Traveling alone for international seminars and exhibitions can be challenging, particularly for women. How do you handle and manage these trips effectively while representing the poultry industry worldwide?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Yes, initially, international travel posed challenges, especially prioritizing safety. I recall an incident from 2011 when I was en route to The Netherlands but landed in Frankfurt due to an ash problem. Armed with international roaming and Google, I navigated the situation by researching how to travel from Frankfurt to Amsterdam by train. Upon arrival in Amsterdam, I requested the visiting company to arrange a taxi from the airport. This experience marked my first tour in Europe, and this incident was a part of that journey.
Poultry Creations: Behind every successful person, there’s often someone providing support and encouragement. Could you share the role of any influential person, mentor, or supporter in your life—whether a family member, colleague, or friend—who has been instrumental in your achievements and professional growth in the poultry industry? How has their guidance or support impacted your journey and contributed to your success?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Certainly, there are a few individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my career. Firstly, my mother – Shobha Roy. Her presence at home has provided invaluable support, enabling me to travel for work without any concerns. Secondly, my husband, Dr. Sachin, has been a strong motivating force, encouraging me to pursue various endeavors, including my PhD. He constantly urges me to bring out the best in myself.
Lastly, my first employer in the poultry industry, Hon’ble Member of Parliament-Chevella, Telangana, Dr. Ranjith Reddy sir. He served as both a mentor and an exceptional boss. During my tenure as a production cum laboratory manager at Rohini Minerals, he guided me in comprehending the operations of a poultry feed mill, contributing significantly to my professional growth.
Poultry Creations: In what ways has Dr. Sachin’s expertise in poultry nutrition, strategic planning, and sales and marketing significantly contributed to your professional growth or achievements in the poultry industry?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Dr. Sachin is a remarkable techno-commercial professional. His extensive knowledge in poultry nutrition, particularly in feed additives, has been immensely beneficial in enhancing my understanding of the market dynamics. His adeptness in cultivating relationships, sales, and marketing strategies is truly commendable and sets an example to learn from. He delves deep into the technical aspects of products and skilfully positions them in favor of both the farmers and the industry. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping my growth and achievements in the industry.
Poultry Creations: As a mother of two daughters, could you elaborate on how the support and understanding from your daughters have impacted your ability to manage the demands of your successful career in the poultry industry while maintaining a fulfilling family life? How do they contribute to your work-life balance?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: This is a challenging question. I am grateful to God to give me very understanding daughters. They have grown up in a household with a traveling father and a working mother. They have been very independent and helpful. They could manage themselves with some help and that has really helped me to grow in my career successfully.
Poultry Creations: As a successful woman in the poultry industry, what message or advice would you like to share with other women aspiring to pursue careers in this field? What encouragement or guidance would you offer to those considering entering the poultry industry?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: My advice to all women, whether in poultry or any other business, should be confidently expressing yourself and choose your desired career path, whether it’s in sales, marketing, consultancy, research, or any other stream. Stay focused and strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working hard to shine your name and contribute to enhancing your country’s reputation on the global stage.”
Poultry Creations: Drawing from your extensive experience in the poultry industry, what constructive suggestions or improvements would you recommend to enhance the content or offerings of Poultry Creations magazine?
Pinky Roy Ingewar: Poultry Creations is excelling in its coverage of various topics and articles, showcasing a diverse range of valuable content. Specifically, the magazine’s dedication to highlighting pioneering women in the poultry industry is commendable, contributing greatly to empowering and motivating women in this field. This inclusive approach, along with its comprehensive coverage, reflects the magazine’s commitment to the industry’s growth and development. My heartfelt best wishes are always extended to the magazine for its continued success.
Dr. Pinky Ingewar was awarded the Best PhD Thesis Award for the year 2021 during the XXXVII Indian Poultry Science Association Conference and National Symposium 2022 (IPSACON 2022) held at DUVASU, Mathura
