Call for Nominations: Dr. B.V. Rao Poultry Entrepreneurs Global Icon Awards 2025 – Honoring Excellence in India’s Poultry Sector
Dr. B.V. Rao Poultry Entrepreneurs Global Icon Awards 2025
Recognizing Excellence in Poultry Innovation, Enterprise & Impact
Organized by: Pashudhan Praharee
In association with: Veterinary Association of India (VAI), Goel Vet Pharma, Dr. CM Singh Endowment Trust , and LITD – Livestock Institute of Training & Development
About the Award
The Dr. B.V. Rao Poultry Entrepreneurs Global Icon Awards are India’s most prestigious honors in the poultry sector, instituted to celebrate visionary individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the growth, innovation, and transformation of poultry farming in India.
Named after Padmashree Late Dr. B.V. Rao, the legendary founder of VH Group and pioneer of India’s Silver Revolution, the award pays tribute to his legacy as the Father of the Indian Poultry Industry. His work laid the foundation for India becoming the 2nd largest egg producer and 3rd in broiler production globally.
Poultry Sector at a Glance
- The Indian poultry industry is now valued at ₹2,500 billion (FY 2022-23), and revenues are expected to grow 8-10% in FY24.
• The sector supports millions of livelihoods across rural and urban India, including farmers, hatchery workers, feed producers, transporters, and allied services. - Egg production in 2022-23 stood at ~ 138.38 billion eggs, making India one of the top producers globally.
• Annual growth driven by rising incomes, growing middle class, urbanization, shifting dietary preferences, efficient genetics and feed conversion improvements.
• Organized vertical integration, improved cold chain & processing infrastructure (from live birds to chilled/frozen & value-added products), and better availability of feed and inputs are strengthening the sector.
Key Dates
- Nomination Opens: 29th September 2025
- Last Date for Submission: 8th October 2025
- Result Declaration & Award Ceremony: 10th October 2025
- Occasion: World Egg Day (2nd Friday of October)
- Mode: Virtual Platform
Award Categories
The awards will be presented in multiple categories, including:
- Best Technology Company
- Best Innovation Company
- Fastest Growing Company
- Best Poultry Feed Company
- Best Poultry Health Company
- Best Poultry Equipment Company
- Most Integrated Company
- Best Poultry Processing Company
- Best Poultry Brand
- Social Impact Award
- Poultry Startup Award
- Poultry R&D Award
- Poultry Exports Award
- Best Poultry State
- Poultry Farmer Award – Layers & Broilers
- Poultry Professional Award
- CEO of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Note: Categories may be revised based on nominations and jury discretion.
Important Dates
- Nomination Opens: 29th September 2025
- Last Date for Submission: 8th October 2025, 10:00 PM IST
- Award Ceremony: 10th October 2025 (World Egg Day)
- Mode: Virtual Platform
Award Details & Entry Guidelines
Nomination-Based Recognition
Eligibility:
Open to individuals, startups, companies, and institutions with significant contributions to poultry farming, innovation, breed development, feed, health, equipment, exports, or social impact.
Nomination Format:
- Profile of nominee (max 500 words)
- Description of work/achievement (max 1000 words)
- Supporting documents, photos, or media coverage (optional)
- Group entries allowed for institutional nominations
Submission Email:
pashudhanpraharee@gmail.com
Registration Fee
- ₹500 only (covers entry for all categories)
- Bank Details:
- Account Name: PASHUDHAN PRAHAREE
- Bank: IDBI BANK
- Account No: 1131102000001779
- IFSC Code: IBKL0001311
- UPI Options: Google Pay / Paytm / PhonePe to 8092877290
- Proof of Payment: Screenshot or transaction details must be attached with submission
Declaration Format
“I/We have read and accept all conditions of the competition and wish to enter the following nomination for the Dr. B.V. Rao Poultry Entrepreneurs Global Icon Awards 2025. I declare that the submitted profile and supporting materials are unaided works of my own and I am eligible to enter this competition.”
Signed: …………………………………
Date: …………………………………
Terms & Conditions
- Eligibility:
- Nominations are open to individuals, startups, companies, and institutions actively engaged in poultry farming, innovation, breed development, feed, health, equipment, exports, or social impact.
- Each nominee must demonstrate verifiable achievements and contributions in their respective category.
- Submission Format:
- All nominations must be submitted in the prescribed format via email to pashudhanpraharee@gmail.com.
- Supporting documents, photographs, and media coverage may be attached to strengthen the nomination.
- Registration Fee:
- A non-refundable registration fee of ₹500 is mandatory for each nomination.
- Proof of payment (screenshot or transaction receipt) must be attached with the nomination email.
- Nominations without payment proof will be considered invalid.
- Deadline Compliance:
- The last date for submission is 8th October 2025, 10:00 PM IST.
- Late entries will not be entertained under any circumstances.
- Minimum Entry Requirement:
- A minimum of 50 valid nominations per category is required for the award to be conferred.
- Categories with fewer than 50 entries may be withheld or merged, subject to jury discretion.
- Jury Evaluation:
- All nominations will be reviewed by an independent jury panel comprising experts from the poultry industry, veterinary sciences, and allied sectors.
- The jury’s decision will be final and binding, and no correspondence will be entertained regarding the outcome.
- Content Authenticity:
- All submitted content must be original and unaided.
- Plagiarized or misrepresented entries will be disqualified.
- Publication Rights:
- By submitting a nomination, participants grant Pashudhan Praharee the right to publish selected profiles, achievements, and visuals for promotional and educational purposes.
- Award Ceremony:
- Winners will be announced and felicitated on 10th October 2025, coinciding with World Egg Day, via a Virtual Platform.
- General Conditions:
- The organizers reserve the right to modify, cancel, or reschedule any aspect of the award process due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Participation implies acceptance of all terms and conditions listed herein.
How to Apply
Interested individuals and institutions may submit nominations in the prescribed format:
Nomination Format
- Award Category
- Name
- Mobile
- Organization
- Designation
- Address
- Pashudhan Praharee Lifetime Membership (Yes/No)
- Work/Achievement Summary (Max 2 pages)
Submit your nomination via email to: pashudhanpraharee@gmail.com
Accepted formats: MS Word / PDF
Who Can Apply
- Poultry veterinarians and specialists with exemplary contributions
- Entrepreneurs and consultants driving innovation in poultry farming
- Breeders and scientists with global impact in layer/broiler strain development
- Startups and companies transforming poultry production and sustainability
Award Value
- Citation
- Award Certificate
- Memento
- National Recognition on World Egg Day
PADMASHREE LATE Dr. B.V. RAO
Padmashree Dr. B.V. Rao: The Visionary Who Hatched India’s Poultry Revolution
Celebrating the Legacy of the Father of Indian Poultry Industry
In the annals of India’s agricultural transformation, few names shine as brightly as Padmashree Late Dr. Banda Vasudev Rao (1935–1996)—reverently known as the Father of Indian Poultry Industry. His life’s work not only redefined poultry farming in India but also laid the foundation for a thriving, technology-driven sector that today supports over 12 million livelihoods and contributes ₹8 lakh crore to the national GDP.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Born in Chanchalguda, Hyderabad, Dr. Rao’s fascination with chickens began in childhood, watching them brood with quiet intensity. After exploring various jobs—from telephone operator to police staff—he found his calling in poultry farming through a training program at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, where he impressed his American mentor, Moore, by successfully managing 500 birds.
With no capital to start his own venture, his wife Uttaradevi Rao sold her jewelry and, with the help of friends, secretly invested in a 7-acre plot near Pune. Thus began the journey of Venkateshwara Hatcheries Ltd., founded in 1971, which within a year captured 70% of India’s market share. Today, the VH Group is one of Asia’s largest integrated poultry conglomerates, with operations in 17 countries spanning hatcheries, feed, vaccines, equipment, and processed foods .
Revolutionizing Poultry Health & Education
At a time when chick immunization was a major challenge, Dr. Rao lobbied the government to include poultry vaccines in the import list. He later established India’s first indigenous vaccine production facility in 1978, followed by Ventri Biologicals and Srini Biologicals, reducing dependency on imports and improving disease control.
He also built a 40,000-layer farm and a 5,000-broiler-per-week unit to serve as hands-on training grounds for students, along with a mother lab to address avian health challenges. His commitment to education led to the establishment of the Dr. B.V. Rao Institute of Poultry Management and Technology, which continues to train future poultry professionals.
The NECC Movement: “My Egg, My Price, My Life”
Perhaps Dr. Rao’s most transformative contribution was the creation of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) in 1982, modeled after Dr. Verghese Kurien’s milk cooperative. With over 300 grassroots meetings, he united poultry farmers under one banner, empowering them to set fair egg prices and reclaim control over their market.
His slogan—“My Egg, My Price, My Life”—became a rallying cry for farmer dignity and economic justice. NECC remains a cornerstone of India’s poultry marketing infrastructure.
Global Recognition & Enduring Legacy
Dr. Rao served as President of the World Poultry Science Association (India Chapter) from 1993 to 1996, and was posthumously inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame in Istanbul (2004). His visionary leadership transformed poultry from a backyard activity into a scientifically managed, globally competitive industry.
Today, India ranks 2nd in global egg production and 3rd in broiler chicken output, a testament to his pioneering efforts. His legacy is celebrated annually on World Egg Day and National Chicken Day (November 16), with industry-wide tributes and consumer engagement campaigns .
A Role Model for Rural Transformation
Dr. B.V. Rao’s life is a beacon for development professionals, entrepreneurs, and veterinarians. His blend of scientific rigor, grassroots empathy, and entrepreneurial courage continues to inspire generations. He proved that with vision, integrity, and community spirit, even the humblest beginnings can hatch revolutions.
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat @2047, his legacy reminds us that livestock and poultry are not just economic engines—they are instruments of rural empowerment, nutritional security, and national pride.
Pashudhan Praharee salutes the enduring legacy of Padmashree Dr. B.V. Rao and remains committed to recognizing and nurturing the next generation of poultry innovators through initiatives like the Dr. B.V. Rao Poultry Entrepreneurs Global Icon Awards.
Recognition and Global Leadership
Dr. Rao’s immense contributions were widely recognized:
- Awarded the Padmashree in 1990 for his role in modernizing Indian poultry.
- Served as President of the World Poultry Science Association (India Chapter) from 1993–1996.
- Honored as a Distinguished Poultry Scientist in the International Poultry Hall of Fame, Istanbul (2004, posthumously).
Impact on the Indian Poultry Sector
Dr. B.V. Rao’s efforts transformed poultry farming into:
- A multi-billion-dollar industry supporting over 2 million livelihoods.
- A key driver of the rural economy, empowering farmers and women.
- A major contributor to nutrition security, making eggs and chicken affordable protein sources for millions of Indians.
- A globally competitive sector, with Indian poultry products reaching international markets.
Legacy
Dr. Rao passed away in 1996, but his vision lives on through:
- The continued success of the VH Group.
- The strength of the NECC cooperative model.
- The millions of farmers and entrepreneurs who found livelihoods through poultry.
He remains a role model for agripreneurs across India, embodying the principles of perseverance, innovation, and collective empowerment.
Dr. B.V. Rao’s journey is more than a success story; it is a testament to how one individual’s vision can transform a nation’s food and farming landscape. From small backyard flocks to a globally competitive poultry sector, his contributions continue to inspire farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Indeed, Dr. Rao will forever be remembered as the “Father of the Indian Poultry Industry” – a pioneer who turned eggs and chicken into symbols of economic growth, nutritional security, and farmer empowerment in India.
For queries, contact:
📞 9431309542
