World Kick-Off Meeting for WVPA Asia Meeting 2026 Held in New Delhi
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), in association with WVPA India, and with Agrinnovate India Limited and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, as Knowledge Partners, successfully organized the Kick‑Off Meeting for the 7th WVPA Asia Meeting on 9 January 2026 at NASC Complex, New Delhi.
The meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, ICAR. Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University, was the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), DAHD, served as Special Guest. The meeting set the strategic direction for the international conference to be hosted in New Delhi on 9–10 October 2026.
The kick-off meeting brought together leaders from government, academia, industry, research organisations, and professional bodies to discuss priorities, partnerships, and the roadmap for the Asia Meeting. Deliberations focused on strengthening disease preparedness and biosecurity, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), accelerating digital transformation, improving nutritional efficiency, and advancing sustainable and profitable poultry production across Asia.
Key highlights:
- Dr. Ajit S. Ranade delivered the opening remarks, outlined the meeting objectives, and moderated the panel discussion.
- Dr. Shirish Nigam, Secretary, WVPA India, highlighted Asia’s critical role in global poultry production, noting that the region contributes nearly 50% of the world’s egg and chicken output, and emphasized the need for coordinated regional collaboration.
- Dr. Jeetendra Varma, President, WVPA India, presented the action plan and roadmap for the 7th WVPA Asia Meeting, including the proposed programme structure and preparatory milestones.
- Mr. Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director, Srinivasa Group (Keynote Address), outlined India’s rapid growth in poultry production. He noted India’s current egg production of approximately 149 billion eggs annually, per capita consumption of 106 eggs per year, and projected growth to 200 billion eggs. He also highlighted India’s position as the world’s fifth-largest poultry meat producer, with per capita chicken consumption of 7.5 kg and annual sectoral growth of 8–10%.
- Dr. Praveen Malik, AHC, DAHD and CEO, Agrinnovate India Limited, encouraged industry stakeholders to raise practical issues and reaffirmed government support for collaborative initiatives.
- A special online address by Prof. Dr. Sjaak, WVPA Global President, highlighted WVPA’s global activities and its role in promoting international knowledge exchange.
- Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Hon Vice‑Chancellor, Bihar Animal Science University, Guest of Honour, emphasized industry-led research, stronger industry–academia partnerships, and support for rural and backyard poultry systems.
- Senior ICAR leadership, including Dr. M. L. Jat (DG, ICAR), Dr. Divakar Hemadri (ADG, Health), and Dr. A. K. Samanta (ADG, Nutrition), pledged institutional support for the Asia Meeting. The DG assured participants of adequate maize availability for poultry farmers in the coming period.
Leadership Panel Discussion
The meeting concluded with a Leadership Panel Discussion on “What Asia Expects from India’s Poultry Leadership”, featuring representatives from poultry industry associations, integrators, animal health and feed companies, and academia. Mr. Ranpal Dhandha, President, PFI, Dr Yash Goyal, MD, MSD, Mr Vijay Teng, President, INTAS, Mr Uday Singh Bayas, President, Poultry India, Dr Arun Atrey, CEO, Zenex AH, Dr Sanjay Gavkare, GM, Venkys, Dr CB Pathak, VP, VIP, Dr Ali Asgar, MD, Saife VetMed, Dr Leena Bora, Makams Industries, Dr NK Mahajan, Mr Mohit Malik, Mr SK Malhotra, Dr Divakar Hemadri, ADG, ICAR, Dr AK Samanta, ADG, ICAR, Maj Gen ML Sharma, Gen Secy, NAVS were among the panelist. The panel discussed public–private collaboration, student engagement and capacity building, technology transfer, and strategies to strengthen preparedness against transboundary diseases and AMR. Industry associations also committed to supporting student participation and sponsorships.
Closing
The kick-off meeting reaffirmed India’s readiness to host an inclusive, high-impact international forum that will advance science, policy, and industry practices in poultry health and production across Asia. The organisers thanked all participants, speakers, and partner organisations. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. B. Barman.
