The agriculture sector is the largest source of livelihood in India. The country is one of the largest producers of agriculture and food products in the world. In 2022-23, India’s agriculture sector growth rate was estimated to be at 3.5% and it was 3.0% in 2021-22. The gross value added (GVA) in agriculture and allied activities grew a targeted 4% for 2022-23. The country produces many crops and food grains such as rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, coffee, jute, sugarcane, tea, millets, cashew nuts, groundnuts, dairy products, fruits, etc. 

However, commercial poultry sector needs to be focused to increase egg production and availability of eggs in the State. Given the potential of the sector, Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) considers dairying, livestock, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture as high-growth engines and has recommended a focused policy for the same. Odisha ranks 10th in Cattle & Poultry population and 9th in terms of Goat and Sheep population in the Country. Poultry is the dominant meat in the state accounting for 56 per cent of total meat production in 2022-23.

Odisha ranks 10th in egg production in the country. Per capita availability of eggs has also increased from 45 eggs per annum in 2014-15 to 74 eggs in 2022-23. This is still less than the per capita availability of eggs at all India level (101 eggs/year). In terms of composition of eggs, duck has just 0.3 per cent share in total egg production while 99.7 per cent comes from fowl. 90 per cent of total egg production comes from improved commercial poultry and around 10 per cent comes from backyard poultry.

Rising disposable income, population growth and greater awareness of dietary diversity have been driving the demand for protein-rich products like eggs and chicken. In Odisha, there is a daily requirement of 120 lakh eggs against current production of around 95 lakhs per day. APICOL is tracking layer application and facilitating potential entrepreneurs/investors in providing requisite support and approval for setting up their farms under MKUY. There is a need to promote commercial poultry to increase egg production and per capita availability in the State.

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with Business Standard and S3 Agro Vision Pvt Ltd, organized a highly insightful session on the "Agriculture, Processed Food & Poultry Based Enterprises with Focus on Exports." The event aimed to explore the potential of agriculture and poultry-based enterprises in the export sector, while also providing a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and insights.

The session was graced by notable speakers and dignitaries from various sectors, including government, customs, export inspection, and industry leaders, who delved into the opportunities and challenges of expanding the agriculture, processed food, and poultry sectors, with an emphasis on export potential.

Mr. Bibhuti Bhusana Dash, IOFS, Special Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha in his keynote address, emphasized the exponential growth seen in the agriculture and food processing sectors over the past decade. He highlighted improvements in per capita availability and production. While the state's exports were traditionally dominated by mines and minerals, Mr. Dash noted that there was an emerging opportunity in agriculture and related industries that needed further exploration.

Mr. Abhinav Yadav, IRS, Additional Customs Commissioner, Customs Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar spoke about the growing interest from small enterprises in entering the agriculture, processed food, and poultry sectors. He pointed out that this sector is a significant source of employment, with government efforts focused on job creation. Mr. Yadav also noted the government's push to support small businesses and help them scale up in the export market.

Mr. A.K. Sharda, Managing Director, S3 Agro Vision Pvt Ltd discussed the crucial role played by the government in supporting the sector. He lauded the government's policies, which he described as some of the best, and emphasized how these policies have enabled the agriculture and poultry industries to thrive and explore international markets.

Dr. Bharat Majhi, Deputy Director, Export Inspection Agency (EIA), Bhubaneswar delivered a detailed presentation on the testing parameters and compliance required for exports in the agriculture and food processing sectors. His insights on quality control, safety standards, and compliance were vital for businesses looking to expand their reach in international markets.

Mr. Satyanarayan Nanda, Vice President, Unilight Pvt Ltd spoke on the importance of Exim (Export-Import) insurance and how it plays a crucial role in mitigating risks for businesses engaged in export activities. He outlined how insurance could help businesses manage financial uncertainties and protect against potential losses in the global market.

Mr. Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Director, APEDA, Kolkata shed light on the role of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) in promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products. He highlighted APEDA’s initiatives in fostering international trade, particularly in the food and poultry sectors.

Mr. Rajen Padhi, Honorary Convenor, International Trade Promotion Think Tank, WTC Bhubaneswar & Commercial Director, B-One Business House Pvt Ltd shared his insights on global trade markets, emphasizing the significant demand for Indian food products and poultry in markets such as the United States and Europe. He also pointed out that the UAE is emerging as a key trading partner, especially for food exports and poultry.

Ms. Ishita Ayan Dutta, Editor, Business Standard, Kolkata expertly moderated the session, engaging with the speakers and ensuring the flow of conversation was both informative and engaging. She provided valuable context and kept the audience involved throughout the event.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar welcomed the attendees and introduced the session’s objectives, setting the tone for an engaging discussion on the future of the agriculture, processed food, and poultry industries in the export sector.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. The session provided valuable insights on the challenges, opportunities, and policies shaping the agriculture, processed food, and poultry export sectors, leaving attendees inspired and well-informed about the growth potential in these industries.

The session was a great success, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of agriculture, processed food, and poultry-based enterprises, and their export potential. The collaborative efforts of World Trade Center Bhubaneswar, Business Standard, and S3 Agro Vision Pvt Ltd ensured that industry stakeholders walked away with actionable knowledge and a renewed perspective on global trade opportunities.

The session was held on Friday, 21^st February 2025 at Conference Hall, 5^th Floor, Annex Building, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar.