The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India successfully held its 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 66th National Symposium on August 22 and 23, 2025, at the Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The event, themed “Animal Agriculture in India – The Way Forward,” gathered policymakers, industry leaders, sector experts, and stakeholders to create a cohesive strategy for enhancing India’s animal agriculture sector, particularly focusing on increasing agricultural exports. The event began with a welcome address by Vijay D. Bhandare, Convenor and Managing Committee Member of CLFMA of India. This was succeeded by a Chairman’s Address from Mr.
Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman of CLFMA of India, who emphasized the sector’s vital role in bolstering rural livelihoods, ensuring national food security, and improving India’s position in global agricultural trade. Setting the discussions in motion, Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.), delivered the thematic address, underscoring the importance of animal agriculture in the economic and nutritional fabric of India. The symposium also recognized exceptional contributions through the esteemed CLFMA Awards and Student Awards, celebrating both industry accomplishments and the potential of new talent. Distinguished attendees included Prof. S. P.
Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Sri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Sports and Youth Services; Sri Sabyasachi Ghosh, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; and Dr. Muthukumaraswamy B., Joint Secretary(NLM), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Divya Kumar Gulati stated, “India is home to the world’s largest livestock population and contributes to 13% of global milk production. The sector represents 30.23% of agricultural GVA and 5.5% of the national economy, positioning it as a cornerstone of national development, rural prosperity, and nutritional security. However, this is just the start of our growth narrative.
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With appropriate policies, improved cold-chain and processing infrastructure, and quicker adoption of innovations, we can transition from being the largest producer to one of the most influential exporters globally. CLFMA is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to realize this vision.” Gulati also mentioned the proposal for the establishment of Export Oriented Zones (EOZs) and a Livestock Export & Domestic Development Authority, which are expected to enhance the ease of doing business and improve the global competitiveness of the Indian poultry sector by ensuring access to raw materials at global price parity, simplifying the regulatory framework for trade, and creating market opportunities through government collaborations and coordinated branding strategies via FTAs.
The CLFMA delegation included Deputy Chairmen Sumit Sureka, Naveen Pasuparthy, Abhay Parnerkar, and Abhay Shah, along with Hon. Secretary Nissar F. Mohammed, Treasurer R Ramkutty, and Convenor Vijay Bhandare. A notable feature of the event was the release of the CLFMA Souvenir, highlighting the association’s achievements, insights into the sector, and future aspirations. The program concluded with a networking dinner, live entertainment, and the recognition of sponsors, media representatives, guests, and attendees, marking a festive conclusion to two days of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.