INDIAN POULTRY INDUSTRY-THE ROAD AHEAD : An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Jeetendra Varma
Strengthening Disease Resilience, Scientific Innovation and Global Competitiveness
An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Jeetendra Varma
President, World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), India
Special Interview | Poultry India Expo 2026 Special Edition
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
A Vision for a Stronger, Healthier and Globally Competitive Indian Poultry Industry
As India continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading poultry-producing nations, the industry faces important opportunities and challenges in disease prevention, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, scientific innovation, sustainable production and global competitiveness.
In this exclusive interview for the November 2026 Special Edition of Pashudhan Praharee, dedicated to Poultry India Expo 2026, Hyderabad, we bring together the perspectives of Dr. Jeetendra Varma, President, World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), India.
Through five carefully curated questions, Dr. Varma shares his perspectives on the future of India’s poultry sector, emerging disease challenges, responsible antimicrobial use, advances in poultry nutrition and technology, and the role of scientific institutions and professional collaboration in shaping the industry’s roadmap towards 2030.
The interview was conducted through email correspondence, with questions shared by the editorial team of Pashudhan Praharee and responses provided by Dr. Varma.
The conversation offers valuable insights for poultry veterinarians, scientists, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders committed to advancing India’s poultry sector.
Interview Conducted by:
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh
Editor-in-Chief, Pashudhan Praharee
Dr.JEETENDRA VARMA
President, World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), India
INTERVIEWEE
Question 1: The Future of India’s Poultry Industry
India has emerged as one of the world’s major poultry-producing countries. From your perspective as President of WVPA India, what are the most critical priorities for strengthening the industry’s productivity, disease resilience, scientific capacity and global competitiveness over the next five years?
Dr. JEETENDRA VARMA:
I believe the production efficiency is key factor and very important for global competitiveness. This includes proper poultry health management, disease management, advanced scientific management practices, automation, innovative and precision nutrition solutions, proper breeding policies, usage of latest digital platforms, artificial intelligence and climate management. There should be holistic approach towards reducing the cost of production and proper marketing strategies. Producing world class quality product automatically opens the doors for our product in the global market. We should come out of shortcut and corner cutting methods in production practices.
Question 2: Poultry Disease Prevention and Vaccination Strategies
Emerging and re-emerging poultry diseases continue to pose serious challenges to farmers and the industry. What improvements are needed in vaccination programmes, disease surveillance, farm-level biosecurity and coordination between veterinarians, government agencies and the poultry industry to reduce disease-related losses?
DR .JEETENDRA VARMA:
This is most challenging question in today’s perspective. Disease management has become the greatest challenge for filed veterinarians and the companies’ technical advisors. The most important part of this is- proper disease diagnosis. Without substantial evidences and proper analysis, companies are declaring certain diseases which may not be prevalent at that time. This is inducing certain disease which is not present at all. At this point Govt agencies should play a vital role with poultry industry to properly investigate the scenario and declare accordingly. I do not see any change is required in vaccination schedule at this moment and this is a local farm issue which the farm veterinarians are doing very well.
Question 3: Antimicrobial Resistance and Responsible Poultry Health Management
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly important One Health concern. What practical measures should Indian poultry producers adopt to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use while maintaining flock health, productivity and economic viability? How can veterinarians and the industry strengthen responsible antimicrobial stewardship?
DR.JEETENDRA VARMA:
Lot of work is happening on this front from the Govt and concerned agencies. AMR is a very serious concern for us as a responsible poultry stakeholders and opinion makers. The farmer is ignorant when he is using any antibiotics which is being used in medical treatment but our veterinarians and pharma companies are aware which antibiotics can be used which should be strictly avoided. There should be conscious decision from companies, not to sell the antibiotics which has cross resistance chances of antibiotic resistance and can lead to AMR.
There are many alternative solutions available in the market to replace antibiotics but at a little higher cost which our consumer is ready to pay. A reliable and trusted brand should be created which is free from any antibiotics, chemicals or any other residues. Winning consumers trust is very important by giving the right chicken egg and meat with global quality standards.
Question 4: Scientific Innovation, Nutrition and Sustainable Production
Advances in poultry nutrition, biological products, diagnostic technologies and precision farming are creating new opportunities for the sector. Which innovations do you believe have the greatest potential to improve feed efficiency, bird welfare, environmental sustainability and farm profitability in India, particularly for small and medium-scale producers?
DR. JEETENDRA VARMA:
Each and every aspect of poultry farming is important for any successful poultry producing venture. Nutrition plays a very vital and larger portion of production, any advances in precise nutrition with proper utilization of nutrients will help to reduce the cost of production. I already said proper disease diagnosis and critical analysis of production data is important to do proper health management. Environment sustainability is very important to use the natural resources available today. Everyday the climate is behaving differently hence nature earth care should be mandatory SOP for all the poultry producing companies and farmers. More awareness is required in this direction.
Question 5: WVPA India’s Role and the Roadmap to 2030
How can WVPA India further strengthen collaboration among poultry veterinarians, researchers, academic institutions, government agencies and industry leaders? What key initiatives would you recommend to build professional capacity, encourage young veterinary professionals and position India as a stronger contributor to global poultry science and production by 2030?
DR. JEETENDRA VARMA:
WVPA is a scientific association of poultry health specialist engaged in innovations, new research in poultry diseases, vaccination, health management etc. WVPA is strengthens the research activities related to disease diagnosis, surveillance and the solutions required by putting all the related relevant new research at one place. WVPA India collaborate with Govt authorities to help them take decisions in favour of country and industry. WVPA is engaged with research institutions, veterinary colleges to train the scientists, young researchers, students on new technologies and innovations. A more dedicated approach will be finalised to engage more students to take up Poultry Science as their career and work in the industry. This WVPA does it by providing young researchers and students to attend national and international events by providing them travel grants. This increases their exposure and creates interest to join poultry industry.
We sincerely thank Dr. Jeetendra Varma for sharing his valuable perspectives and insights with Pashudhan Praharee. His views on poultry health management, scientific advancement, responsible antimicrobial use and professional collaboration provide meaningful direction for the future of India’s poultry sector.
This exclusive interaction is part of our special editorial initiative for Poultry India Expo 2026, aimed at bringing together the voices, experiences and perspectives of leading professionals and stakeholders shaping the poultry industry.
