India Eyes Saarc And African Poultry Markets

The Indian poultry industry, in a runup to the 3-day first Saarc poultry conference being organised in the city from September 24, has drawn ambitious plans to tap the vast poultry market in the Saarc and African countries.

The conference will be addressed by poultry scientists, trade representatives and high level ministerial delegations from these countries.

The main objective of the conference being organised by the India branch of the World Poultry Science Association (WASP) and DR BV Rae Institute of Poultry Management & Technology is to have better poultry trade relationship amongst the developing countries. The Indian poultry industry will showcase its capabilities at the conference.

 

With the exception of India, the poultry industry in most of the Saarc and African countries is dominated by multinational corporations from Europe and the US.

"We want to showcase our capabilities in the poultry sector to our neighbouring and African countries since most of these countries does not know that we have the technical expertise that can match the developed world," Anuradha Desai, president of WPSA, India branch said.

Desai, who is also the chairperson of the Rs 750 crore Venkateshwara Hatcheries group pointed out that technology and products if sourced from India by the developing countries could be much cheaper as compared to the developed world.

The lack of interaction and poultry trade between the Saarc and African countries has resulted in consumers paying very high prices for the poultry products in these countries.

"In Sri Lanka one Kg of broiler chicken costs Rs 300 for a consumer, while the same is under Rs 60 per Kg in India. We are looking at exploring these markets by providing them with our expertise and products," Desai said.

Agriculture ministers of Mauritius and Sudan are also expected to participate in the conference. An exhibition on the Indian poultry industry is also being organised to coincide with the conference.