soybean field

USSEC Explores New Market Opportunities in North India

India is a vast country with widely varying topography and many climate patterns, which can present challenges from an operations perspective.  India’s animal species and management practices also differ considerably.  USSEC - India’s feed team is on a continual quest to develop new markets for the use of soy-based feeds.  USSEC – Feed/Meal Program Director Dr. P. Emmanuel Vijay Anand along with team members Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Yadu Nanadan and Mr. R. Umakanth spent two days investigating new opportunities for feed marketing in Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s northern provinces.

Roughly 30 participants belonging to various industry sectors were assembled for an initial round-table deliberation with the help of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Palampur.  Stakeholders were comprised of researchers, private entrepreneurs, feed millers, government representatives and scientists.  A two-pronged approach was used in this deliberation; the stakeholders presented the province’s attributes and problems and the USSEC team simultaneously examined each issue and converted it into an opportunity.  Meat consumption would be higher in this province as it is situated in a temperate region.  This trend is further supported by the fact that the province also has a regular influx of foreign visitors whose numbers were estimated at 10.7 million from 2011 to 2012.
In order to spark business thinking, the USSEC team made a conservative estimate on feed and soy requirements if visitors to the province consumed one portion of 200 grams (g) chicken, two eggs and one portion of 100g fish.  This translated to 10,000 metric tons (MT) of feed and 2500 MT of soy meal that could potentially be used.  The team discussed problem solving and production possibilities if chicken, eggs and cold/warm water fish species were to be produced on a commercial scale within the province.  Currently, a neighbouring province takes advantage of this market.  As a business model, the Himachal province could attempt to contain the revenue generated from visitors if it initiates production of protein foods and tries to gradually become self sufficient.
The team also visited several research facilities and private business operations and examined the resource potential, transportation and logistics situation in order to create further strategies and advise the planners and investors in the Himachal Pradesh province.
 

The USSEC team was honored with traditional local caps
The USSEC team was honored with traditional local caps
USSEC feed team consultants participated in a round table in India’s Himachal Pradesh province
USSEC feed team consultants participated in a round table in India’s Himachal Pradesh province