Scientists, researchers to discuss diseases, avian flu, AI impact on poultry

Nagpur: Over 300 scientists, researchers, and academicians are set to convene at the first-ever All India Poultry Science Association conference, hosted by the Nagpur Veterinary College, affiliated with the Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (MAFSU), from October 16-18 at its Seminary Hills campus. The conference will serve as a platform to address critical issues facing the poultry sector, such as the looming threat of emerging influenza viruses and diseases, the impact of avian flu, and the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in poultry farming.
Bahadur Ali, managing director of Indian Broiler Group, will be the chief guest, and GL Jain, principal advisor of Venkys Group, will be the guest of honour.
India's poultry industry has witnessed significant growth, with the country ranking as the 7th largest broiler producer and 3rd largest egg producer worldwide. The sector plays a crucial role in providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and employment in rural areas.
The Indian Poultry Science Association (IPSA), established in 1989, has been instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the poultry industry, boasting a membership of over 1,500 individuals, including academicians, scientists, students, and industry professionals.
The conference, themed ‘Shaping the Indian Poultry Sector for Sustainable Growth', will feature various technical sessions, keynote addresses, and lead paper presentations covering a wide range of topics, such as poultry nutrition, management, health, vaccines, AI, welfare, processing, economics, and entrepreneurship. Students will have the opportunity to participate in poultry judging, egg recipe displays, a national poultry quiz, campus placement, and post-conference industry visits. The conference will also showcase industry stalls, providing a platform for networking and knowledge exchange.
On the final day of the conference, a farmer-industry interaction session will be held to address and resolve issues faced by poultry farmers. The conference will be presided over by the MAFSU VC Niteen Patil who will be the chief patron. Dr SV Upadhye (DI & Dean, Vet Science), Dr NV Kurkure (Director of Research), and Dr AU Bhikane (Director of Extension Education) will be the patrons. Dr AP Somkuwar, Associate Dean of Nagpur Veterinary College, will be the chairman, while Dr MM Kadam, professor of the Poultry Science Department, will be the Organizing Secretary. The conference will also be attended by Dr Ajit Ranade, President of IPSA and former Dean of Mumbai Veterinary College.