Dr. Sekhar Sushil Basak
Vetpreneur
Innovista Feeding Solutions

India’s poultry industry has transformed from a small-scale operation into a technologically advanced, vertically integrated sector, driving significant growth. With a projected market size of $66.37 billion by 2034, it offers diverse investment opportunities and is poised to become a global leader in protein production.

The Indian poultry industry is no longer a cottage enterprise quietly clucking in the background of our agricultural economy. It has matured into a robust, vertically integrated, and technologically forward sector that not only feeds a nation of over 1.4 billion but now stands poised to feed the world.

Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and participating in this evolution firsthand. As a veterinarian and entrepreneur, my journey has been closely tied to this sector’s growth—through the lens of both science and strategy. Today, I firmly believe that India’s poultry industry presents one of the most compelling investment and innovation opportunities globally.

THE GROWTH STORY: FROM BACKYARDS TO BILLIONS

India’s poultry sector has achieved remarkable growth. With a current market size of USD 30.46 billion in 2024, it is projected to more than double to USD 66.37 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.1%. India ranks third globally in egg production and fifth in broiler meat, housing over 850 million poultry birds as per the 20th Livestock Census.

This expansion is being fueled by rising incomes, urbanization, health consciousness, and a dietary shift toward protein. Per capita egg consumption reached 85 eggs per year in 2023–24 and is expected to rise further. Broiler meat production stands at 5.3 million tonnes, reflecting a growing appetite for affordable, culturally neutral, protein-rich foods.

RURAL LIVELIHOOD AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Indian poultry industry is its social impact.

Backyard poultry continues to thrive across rural India, especially among women-led households and small-scale farmers. Roughly 30% of poultry birds in India are reared in such setups, contributing to nutritional security and rural income.

By supporting micro-entrepreneurship, training, and tech access at the grassroots level, we not only build a stronger industry but also foster equitable growth.

GOVERNMENT AS A GROWTH PARTNER

What makes this story unique is the coordinated support from the Indian government. Flagship initiatives like the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) have mobilized capital and subsidies to build infrastructure—from hatcheries and feed mills to modern slaughterhouses.

The Poultry Venture Capital Fund and disease control programs such as ASCAD are further driving rural participation, entrepreneurship, and flock health. In 2023, India achieved a significant milestone with WOAH’s recognition of HPAI-free compartments, opening doors to global export markets.

Incentives for cold chain logistics, feed innovation, and digitalization have also made it easier than ever for private players and foreign investors to enter and scale.

TECHNOLOGY: THE NEW GROWTH DRIVER

Modern poultry farming in India is not just about rearing birds—it is now a data-driven, AI-supported, vertically integrated enterprise. Leading players are leveraging:

• IoT for flock health monitoring
• Automated feeding and watering systems
• Predictive analytics for disease management
• Sensor-based environmental controls in hatcheries

Integration across the supply chain—from breeding and feed to processing and distribution—is enabling better control, reduced wastage, and increased profitability.

EXPORT POTENTIAL AND INDIA’S GLOBAL PLAY

India’s poultry industry is steadily expanding its global footprint. With disease-free compartments now internationally recognized, and compliance with international food safety standards becoming the norm, Indian poultry companies are eyeing markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Processed poultry—especially frozen, ready-to-cook, and marinated products—is gaining traction in these markets. Strategic investments in packaging, branding, and logistics can help Indian producers tap into higher-value global segments.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN

Rising protein consumption, has created a fertile ground for foreign investors to participate across the entire value chain.

1. Equity investment in high-growth startups

Startups like Eggoz, Licious, and FreshToHome are reshaping the poultry and protein market.

• Eggoz has raised ~$15M and expanded into herbal eggs and protein-based snacks, offering clean-label, farm-fresh products.
• Investors can join early-stage funding rounds or co-invest alongside VCs like NABVentures, IvyCap, and Sequoia.
• Strategic partnerships or acquisitions by global nutrition or meat brands offer a quick route into the Indian market.

2. Contract farming & technology transfers

India’s semi-organized poultry sector presents immense scope for foreign innovation:

• Joint ventures with Indian integrators can bring in advanced breeding, disease-resistant genetics, and efficient feeding systems.
• Licensing or supplying smart feed technologies, veterinary drugs, and farm automation tools can upgrade farm productivity. This is especially impactful in Tier 2–3 regions where tech adoption is low.

3. Greenfield & brownfield investments

Investors can build or acquire:

• Modern processing units for poultry meat, egg powder, and ready-to-cook products.
• Cold chain logistics, feed mills, and biotech production units.

India allows 100% FDI in food processing under the automatic route, supported by incentives under:

• PM Kisan Sampada Yojana
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
• Startup India Program

4. Public market exposure

While many poultry startups are private, investors can tap public companies:

Venky’s India – a fully integrated poultry conglomerate.

Godrej Agrovet – with a significant animal feed and poultry division.

Exposure to large FMCG brands investing in poultry value chains also provides indirect access.

5. Export and trade collaborations

India offers a cost advantage, skilled labor, and strategic location to serve high-demand markets:

• Partner with Indian exporters of processed poultry and egg products.
• Set up export-oriented facilities aligned with halal, antibiotic-free, and HACCP standards to cater to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

6. Support ecosystem startups

India’s backend poultry ecosystem is growing fast. Investors can fund:

• B2B startups in poultry farm management (IoT, AI)
• Diagnostic tools, smart feeding systems, and cold-chain delivery platforms.

CONCLUSION: THE TIME TO INVEST IS NOW

India’s poultry sector is not just growing—it’s rising strategically.

With a projected value of ₹8,430 billion (Indian rupees) by 2033 and robust government support, the industry is evolving into a global protein powerhouse. For international investors, agribusiness innovators, and policy thinkers, India offers:

• Strong fundamentals
• Diverse investment options
• High growth and impact potential
• Favorable FDI and policy environment

This is not merely an agri-sector success story. It is a food security movement, a sustainability opportunity, and an economic multiplier. As India embraces its role as a global food supplier, the poultry sector stands at the frontline—efficient, evolving, and ready for scale.

Let us not miss this moment. For those looking to invest in a future where innovation meets impact, India’s poultry industry is the place to be.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sekhar Sushil Basak is a pioneering first-generation entrepreneur and veterinarian, known for shaping the modern landscape of India’s poultry industry. As the founder and strategic mind behind Innovista Feeding Solutions, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and business acumen.

Recognized by Forbes India and Outlook Business, Dr. Basak has built one of India’s most consumer-friendly and forward-looking poultry supplement companies. With over three decades of experience, he remains a passionate advocate for innovation, rural empowerment, and sustainable growth in the livestock sector.