In the last five years, the agriculture sector has grown at an average growth rate of 4.18 percent per year. According to the Economic Survey (2023-24) presented to parliament, the allied sectors of Indian agriculture are steadily emerging as robust growth centres and promising sources for improving farm incomes. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the Livestock sector grew at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.38 per cent. The contribution of Livestock to the total Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied sectors also increased. In 2022- 23, the Livestock sector contributed 4.66 per cent of the total GVA, significantly boosting the per capita availability of milk, eggs and meat, according to the economic survey.

The Livestock sector is an important sub-sector of agriculture which plays a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural sector, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers. Poultry production in India valued at $ 30 billion has taken a huge-leap in the last four decades, emerging from conventional farming practices to commercial production systems with state-of-the-art technological interventions. Currently the sector is estimated to employ more than 6 million people either directly or indirectly. The small and medium size farm (5000 birds onwards) mostly engaged in contract farming systems under larger integrators or companies.

A report titled ‘Vision 2047’ Indian Poultry sector by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has stated that the growth in the poultry sector in the country has been attributed to the commercial poultry industry which accounts for 85% of production while the rest of 15% of the output comes from the traditional backyard poultry.
India has transformed their poultry farming industry through major investments in breeding, hatching, rearing, and processing of chicken. India, as the third-largest producer of eggs (129.60 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (aprox. 6 million tonnes) globally. As per the FAOSTAT 2, the USA has 17% share in global poultry meat production followed by China (12%), Brazil (11.7%), Russia (3.8%) and India (3.5).

According to a latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) working paper on ‘Livestock and Poultry Inflation in India’, within livestock, poultry meat production (from broiler industry) has grown steadily with the emergence of vertically integrated poultry producers. However, the annual per capita consumption of poultry meat aprox. 6.5 kg in India, is low by global standards. Broilers bird placement in India is about 5-5.5 billion annually while the layer placement is estimated at around 300 million.

India ranks fourth globally in terms of livestock feed (poultry, dairy, aqua) production at 52.83 million tonne (MT) in 2023, which is an increase of more than 13% compared to 46.58 MT in 2022. India’s soybean production is estimated around 12.2 MT against Brazil (169 MT) and USA (120 MT) in 2023. However, according to feedback received from various poultry associations, broiler feed demand was 16 MT in 2022-23 and projected to increase to 18.6 MT in 2025-26. Layer feed demand is currently projected at 11.9 MMT which is likely to increase to 15.9 MMT by 2025-26. Cattle feed demand is expected to rise from 16.03 M to 19.64 MT in the next couple of years. Aqua feed is likely to rise from 2.43 MT to 3.1 MT. Overall feed demand is set to rise to 57.24 MT by 2025-26. Soymeal consumption for broiler, layer, cattle and aqua feeds is projected to increase from 6.6 MT to 7.33 MT.

Recently, there has been increasing reports of adulteration in soybean meal, which could adversely impact the growth of the poultry sector. The adulteration reduces the nutritional value of the poultry feed and may result in severe health implications of birds, yield and can cause mortality of birds which can hit farmers’ income through loss in output. At present there are no strict measures initiated for dealing with the issue.

Creation of a Bureau of Indian Standard certification for soybean meal would result in the poultry farmers getting access to quality and nutritionally enriched feed which would be vital for maintaining the health of poultry and ensuring optimal productivity in the rising poultry sector.
With rising demand for feed, the output has to increase in comparison to increase in demand. To sustain the growth in the livestock sector, Import Liberalization for corn and soybean /soybean meal is must. Soybean meal is a key protein source for poultry feed and directly impacts the health, growth, and yield of birds. According to SOPA reports, soybean production in the 2023-24 oil year (October-September) is estimated at 11.87 million tonne (MT) while carry forward stock was 2.4 MT and imports were 0.6 MT. Out of these, 1.3 MT has been retained for seed purpose while total stock available for crushing is 13.58 MT.

In the case of soybean meal output, 9.46 MT was produced in 2023-24 oil year and there was carry forward stock of 0.11 MT and imports were 0.25 MT. Out of the total availability of soybean meal, 2.1 MT were exported while around 0.8 MT was used as domestic consumption for food purpose in 2023-24 oil year. Around 6.6 MT of soymeal used for feed last oil year.

The government recently substantially hiked import duties on both refined and crude edible oil – palm, soybean and sunflower. This move is expected to boost market prices of soybean. The government has just approved the national mission on edible oils-oilseeds with an outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore aimed at boosting edible oil production from the current level of 12.7 million tonne (MT) to 20.2 MT by 2031. Area under oilseeds will be increased to 33 million hectare from the current level of 29 million hectare. The mission aims to increase oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to 69.7 MT by 2030-31. The edible oil mission will focus on enhancing the production of key oilseeds– rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soybean and sunflower. In addition, the program aimed at increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary oilseeds like cottonseed and rice bran.

Despite such considerable growth in the livestock and poultry sector, the feed prices have remained volatile. Stating that there has been increasing diversion of maize towards industrial use and ethanol production, the CII’s report had stated that the current growth level of maize and soybean production in the country will be insufficient to meet the demand of the poultry industry. The CII has urged the government to allow imports of Genetically Modified (GM) maize and soybean because of ‘unprecedented increase’ in prices while adding that interest of the domestic producers should be protected too.

In August, 2021, the government had relaxed import rules to allow the first shipment of 1.2 MT (million tonne) of Genetically Modified soybean meal to support the domestic poultry industry after a record spike in prices. The composition of animal feed is 65% is energy source mostly from maize, bajra and broken rice while rest is protein source mostly from soybean meal and groundnut extraction. There is an urgent need to formulae strategy for meeting the demand supply gap for corn and soybean meal in livestock feed – poultry, dairy and aqua for sustaining growth in the sector. Several south Asian countries including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have allowed imports of GM Soybean / Soybean Meal.

About the Author

Mr. Ricky Thaper is Treasurer, Poultry Federation of India and in his career of more than 35 years in Poultry, has attended several specialized courses and programs on Poultry around the world. Mr. Thaper has attended prestigious international events including the International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta, USA, the International Exposition for Food Processors in San Francisco, USA, World’s Poultry Congress in Montreal, Canada, VIV Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey, SPACE Poultry and Livestock Exhibition in Rennes, France, VIV EUROPE in Utrecht, The Netherlands, ILDEX Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and many more. Through the prestigious Cochran Fellowship Program, Mr. Thaper had attended poultry and aqua feed preparation short course at Texas A&M University, USA in 2000. Additionally, he completed courses on extrusion processes at the Food Protein Research and Development Centre, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Texas A&M University, in 2005, and on soybean processing at the National Soybean Research Centre, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA in 2008.

Mr. Thaper actively connects and collaborates with global poultry communities, promoting industry advancements. His dedication to animal care and enthusiasm for the poultry sector has earned him multiple awards at national and international events in last three decades. Mr. Thaper is also Regional Advisory Council Member of the Soy Excellence Center-India. Mr. Thaper provides inputs to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Inflation Analysis Team on future price movements and food price outlook of poultry meat and feed at regular intervals. Mr. Thaper is on Editorial Board of several Journals and has contributed several write-ups on the poultry sector which have been published in several national and international journals. He has also delivered several lectures on various global platform.

In a landmark tour, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Trade Team from South Asia, comprising delegates from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, alongside delegates from Nigeria in Sub-Saharan Africa, visited the heart of the U.S. soybean industry. Their journey, organized by USSEC, spanned a week and involved insightful discussions with industry leaders, hands-on farm visits in Missouri and Illinois States and participation in the highly anticipated Global U.S. Soy Summit, “Soy Connext” in San Francisco, California.

Highlights of the U.S. Soybean Industry Tour

Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC, in the beginning of the tour gave an engaging presentation outlining the team’s schedule. The program featured visits to soybean farms, grain elevator facilities in St. Louis, Missouri and Bloomington, Illinois and an exploration of river lock dam facilities. The visiting Delegation engaged directly with U.S. Soy industry leaders, gaining in-depth knowledge of the nation’s soybean value chain.

The delegation’s visit to the Cargill Grain Elevator Facility in St. Louis offered a unique opportunity to understand the large-scale operations that make U.S. soybeans a dominant force in the global market. Ms. April Sloan, Plant Manager at Cargill, provided a comprehensive tour, showcasing the latest technological innovations in grain storage and export operations.

Further enhancing the delegation’s understanding of cutting-edge agricultural practices, the team visited the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Missouri. Here, more than 400 scientists work towards improving global nutrition through crop innovation.

Mr. Mike Manson, Development Officer at the center, led the group through the facility, introducing them to pioneering research aimed at addressing global food security challenges.

In Illinois, the delegation was welcomed by Mr. Jerry Gaffner and Mr. Scott Gaffner, third-generation farmers at Gaffner Family Farm, where they observed sustainable soybean and corn farming practices. The Gaffner family’s dedication to mechanization and environmental stewardship exemplifies the leading role of U.S. farmers in advancing sustainable agriculture.

The visit to Riddell Farm in Sparland, Illinois, continued the delegation’s immersion into advanced farming methods. Mr. Jay Riddell, a fourth-generation farmer, shared the farm’s success in utilizing mechanization to boost crop yields while prioritizing sustainability. This visit was further enriched by the participation of Ms. Eileen Pabst, International Markets Manager at the Illinois Soybean Association and Mr. Mark Read, Vice Chairman of the Global Soy Excellence Center Steering Committee, who provided valuable insights into global agricultural practices.

Global U.S. Soy Summit “SoyConnext”:
At the Global U.S. Soy Summit “Soy Connext” in San Francisco, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted over 800 international buyers and sellers from 62 countries. This major event highlighted the strengths of the U.S. soybean industry, with U.S. farmers projected to produce 4.6 billion bushels of soybeans for the 2024/25 crop, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.

A key feature of the summit was the emphasis on sustainability. The Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) label, which promotes products verified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) received significant attention.

Rosalind Leeck, USSEC Executive Director, highlighted the growing demand for the SUSS label, with 25 companies recognized at the event for their commitment to sustainability and adoption of the label. Among the recognized companies were Grupo Bios (Mexico), New Anthoney’s (South Asia), Miyoshi Foods Co. (Japan), Sajo Daerim (Korea), PT. Azaki Food Internasional (Southeast Asia), and TTET Oil Union Corp. (Taiwan). The SUSS label, now featured on over 1,000 products globally, reflects U.S. Soy’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The summit underscored the importance of collaboration and data-driven insights in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and meeting global nutritional needs.

USSEC Chair Lance Rezac remarked, “It’s truly a humbling experience to bring so many key customers from around the world together to meet with U.S. exporters and expand their understanding of the value U.S. Soy offers. Compared to recent years, the price is right for buyers to benefit from U.S. Soy’s many advantages. While soybeans are sold as a commodity oilseed, U.S. Soy is recognized for its premium quality, which enhances operational efficiencies for livestock farms, feed mills, and oil crushers, introduces better flavor profiles in the soy foods sector, and exemplifies on-farm stewardship with the lowest carbon footprint. Events like Soy Connext are essential for showcasing these strengths and fostering global collaboration.” As I reflect on Soy Connext, I’m struck by the upbeat mood among the soy trade. Prices are great for buyers now, and that was reflected in San Francisco. A sincere thank you to those who purchased U.S. Soy during Soy Connext.

We’re seeing more and more of our customers acknowledging the significant value that comes with choosing sustainable U.S. Soy for their products—and more who are recognizing the value in showing that commitment to sourcing sustainably with a consumer-facing Sustainable U.S. Soy packaging label.

During Soy Connext, U.S. soy farmers sat down to share insights about this year’s crop and talk about on-farm practices and the drivers behind their decision-making.

Ms. Anja Manuel, Cofounder and Partner of Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC, at the Soy Connext Conference, gave us a glimpse of geopolitics around the world. Ms. Manuel said that it will continue to be a wild ride, but she believes our best days are still ahead of us.

A Collaborative Future:

Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, expressed the importance of the summit, saying, “Soy Connext serves as a platform for unveiling new data and fostering collaboration. Our technical experts help global customers understand how U.S. soy, with its superior feed conversion ratios and sustainability credentials, is an essential partner in addressing the world’s growing protein needs.”

Mr. Kevin Roepke said SoyConnext is the flagship event for the US Soybean Export Council. Our signature adjunct team tours scatter throughout the United States to showcase the sustainable soybean crop by highlighting the transportation/logistics capabilities, agronomy innovation and explains the incredible value proposition of US soy. US Soy has intrinsic characteristics which set it apart from the world like lower moisture and damage and higher digestibility and metabolizable energy.

Throughout the course of history, we’ve seen that leaning into trade has been a major impetus to achieving rapid economic growth. Moreover, the US is not only the world’s largest exporter of food but also the largest importer. This paradox highlights the need for looking at global markets to increase consumer choice and build more resilient and sustainable food supply chains” – Kevin Roepke, Regional Director- South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA), USSEC

Mr. Jaison John, Team Lead – India at USSEC, further elaborated on the vital role U.S. Soy can play in enhancing food security for India’s vast population amidst inflationary pressures. “Ensuring nutritional security for India’s population of 1.4 billion is a significant challenge, but U.S. Soy can be a vital partner in this effort,” he said. “With its high-quality protein and versatile food applications, U.S. Soy can enhance food security, support sustainable agriculture, empower local communities, and foster economic growth.”

Ms. Colby Pinkstone, Senior Director, Strategic Programs at US Soybean Export Council moderated one of the sessions on second day.

The delegates were able to interact with farmers to lean how this is possible and what make US soy so unique. Together, our industries were able to build stronger relationships; and by collaboration and connection at events like this, we can nourish the world.

Throughout the course of history, we’ve seen that leaning into trade has been a major impetus to achieving rapid economic growth. Moreover, the US is not only the world’s largest exporter of food but also the largest importer. This paradox highlights the need for looking at global markets to increase consumer choice and build more resilient and sustainable food supply chains”

During the event, Mr. Naveen Pasuparthy, President of the Karnataka Poultry Breeders and Farmers Association (KPBFA), signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USSEC to promote the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program in Karnataka State. This MOU reflects a shared commitment to enhancing global nutritional security through sustainable and innovative practices.

The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) and U.S. Soybean Export Council are already offering free online courses in India, including the SEC India Poultry Production and Management course and the Feed Milling Basic Certificate Course. These programs equip trainees with foundational knowledge and continued learning through the SEC digital platform, providing both regional and international exposure. As the poultry industry increasingly requires skilled experts, this initiative is vital in preparing the next generation to sustain and advance the sector.

At the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Global Advisory Panel meeting, Ms. Tori Sorensen, Chairperson of SEC, welcomed the attendees, which included leadership from USSEC, state soybean associations, and SEC Regional Advisory Council members from across the globe. Mr. Mark Read, Vice Chairman of SEC, updated the panel on ongoing activities, while committee chairs reviewed the budgets allocated to SEC initiatives.

Dr. Vijay Anand, Center Lead – India, Soy Excellence Center, highlighted the SEC’s alignment with India’s “Skills India” program. Launched in January 2024, SEC in India has already introduced specialized courses in poultry, feed-milling, and soy foods, marking significant progress in industry skill development. Dr. Vijay emphasized that India’s large animal husbandry and soy foods sectors require significant workforce training, and SEC’s globally sourced expertise is helping prepare young professionals for the challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

There was Regional Panel Introduction by Center Lead, Global Advisory Panel Member and Regional Advisory Council. The meeting ended with the closing comments from Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC.

The U.S. tour and Global Soy Summit “Soy Connext” have highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The insights and experiences gained are set to greatly impact efforts to promote U.S. soy in South Asia and beyond. The support and hospitality from the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Soy Excellence Center have been invaluable, driving advancements in global nutritional security and fostering stronger international collaborations.

As the summit concluded, it became evident that international cooperation is key to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the world’s increasing protein demands. The event served as a powerful testament to the U.S. soy industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.

Myself as one of the member of the South Asia delegation and the Regional Advisory Council Member of the Soy Excellence Center, this tour has deepened our understanding of the U.S. soybean industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global nutrition. The experiences and insights gained will have a lasting impact on our efforts to promote U.S. soy in South Asia.” My gratitude to Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa; Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of U.S. Soy Marketing & Sustainability; Ms. Hibah Ameer, Regional Head of Communications; Mr. Jaison John, Country Lead- India; Dr. Vijay Anand, Center Lead-India, Soy Excellence Center, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Country Lead- Nepal; Mr. Saram Pokhari, Country Lead-Pakistan; Mr. Khabibur Rahman, Country Lead- Bangladesh; Dr. Khurram Shahbaz, Regional Special Projects Facilitator, South Asia, Ms. Dhanu and Mr. Tara S Rawat from USSEC India, Ms. Nikita from USSEC Dubai and all other team members of the U.S. Soybean Export Council for their efforts in highlighting the sustainability and global benefits of U.S. soy.

(Poultry Creations: A Monthly Magazine for Poultry Industry)

New Delhi – The India-U.S. Agricultural Synergy Summit, organized jointly by the U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) with support from various industry associations, held on 30th January 2024 at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi. The summit emerged as a pivotal moment, shaping the trajectory of sustainable agribusiness growth in India. The event served as a dynamic platform, bringing together key industry leaders, experts, and associations to deliberate on transformative strategies for the nation’s agricultural landscape.

Mr. Clay M. Hamilton, Minister Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, US Embassy, delivered impactful opening remarks. Dr. Seth Meyer, Chief Economist, US Department of Agriculture, presented insightful perspectives on opportunities and challenges in the Global Agricultural Space. Mr. Suresh Chitturi delivered a compelling presentation on the State of the Indian Livestock Sector, and Dr. Vijay Singh, Professor from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA, shared valuable insights on India-US collaboration in Industrial Starch Processing.

The highlight of the summit was the panel discussion, titled “Win-Win Agriculture: Aspirations for Future Collaboration,” featuring prominent figures such as Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director, South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC; Mr. Reece Cannady, Director, U.S. Grains Council; Mr. Naveen Pasuparthy, President, KPFBA; and Mr. Ramakanth Akula, CEO, The Waterbase Limited.

Distinguished panellists, including Mr. Suresh Deora (CLFMA OF INDIA), Mr. Chandan Shirgaokar (All India Distillers’ Association – AIDA), Dr. CK Jain (GULSHAN POLYOLS LTD), and Mr. Sumit Agarwal (Soy Food Promotion and Welfare Association), actively participated in fruitful discussions, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue. Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Vice President, and Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer, from the Poultry Federation of India also participated in this event.

Key takeaways from the summit include the projection of a remarkable 15% growth in protein consumption by 2031 and commendable initiatives by the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, introducing eggs in mid-day meals as significant steps towards enhancing nutrition.

A milestone achievement during the event was the launch of the India Soy Excellence Centre by Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC, further solidifying collaborative efforts between India and the U.S. in the field of agriculture.
The summit, jointly supported by industry associations including the Poultry Federation of India, CLFMA of India, All India Poultry Breeders Association, Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association, Soy Food Promotion & Welfare Association, and others, showcased the power of collaboration in fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

The summit concluded on a positive note, encapsulated in the phrase: “Together, let’s feed the minds of those who feel the world.” This sentiment underscores the shared commitment of stakeholders to contribute to global food security and foster a sustainable future for the agricultural sector.