Booming HPAI-free Poultry Exports

India's poultry industry is poised for a significant boost as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recently approved the country's self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments. This approval is expected to have a substantial impact on India's poultry exports.

- Nitin Konde

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India’s poultry exports reached a peak of 6.64 lakh tonnes valued at $134.04 million during the 2022-23 fiscal year, nearly doubling from the previous year’s figures. In 2021-22, poultry shipment volumes were at 3.20 lakh tonnes, valued at $71.03 million. Alongside the recent self-declaration, global factors such as the impact of the Ukraine war have also contributed to the surge in the global demand for Indian poultry products.

India's assertion of being HPAI-free in its poultry compartments reinforces its market credibility. This declaration instils confidence among international buyers regarding the safety, quality, and disease-free nature of Indian poultry products. It serves as a testament to the nation's commitment to stringent biosecurity measures and efficient disease control protocols.

To achieve this benchmark, the government and private players undertook significant steps, including the complete eradication of the poultry population, disposal of infected eggs, feed, litter, and other materials, disinfection and cleaning up of infected premises, as well as the restriction of poultry and poultry products to and from outbreak areas. These measures, outlined in an official statement, were pivotal in obtaining the HPAI-free status.