Think Grain Think Feed January 2021

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Volume 7 | Issue 3 January-2021

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EDITORIAL Publisher & Editor Prachi Arora prachi.a@benisonmedia.com

Managing Editor Dr. T.K. Walli Former Head, Dairy Cattle Nutrition, NDRI

Consumer awareness is the key Many a time certain media reports project the Indian Poultry and livestock industry as the major source of spreading AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) in human

Subscription Head Gaurav Chander g.chander@benisonmedia.com

beings which is largely based on assumptions rather than scientific facts. India anyway lacks scientific data to prove such claims. In this issue, we covered different industry experts to understand the ground realities and how the industry is preparing to combat the issue. A clear

Designing & Online Marketing Head Ashwani Verma info@benisonmedia.com

message that came out of conversation was about consumer awareness. Please read the cover story on pg 8 to understand expert views.

Last year poultry industry suffered huge losses due to COVID-19 and its rumors. The industry hardly started to recover from the losses that bird flu hit the sector. But this time experts are directly trying to educate the consumer

Published by BENISON Media: SCO 17, 2nd Floor, Mugal Canal Market, Karnal - 132001 (Haryana) Tel: +91 184 4047817 info@benisonmedia.com www.thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in www.benisonmedia.com

about the safety of eggs and chicken. Prof. G Devegowda, well renowned Indian Poultry Expert proactively made an awareness video that has made rounds on social media

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

and got 1000+ views in less than 48 hours only on Think

Dr. Dinesh T. Bhosale Former Chairman, CLFMA of India Dr. S.P. Vinil Poultry Expert Mr. Amit Sachdev Indian Representative, US Grain Council Dr. P.E. Vijay Anand US Soybean Export Council Dr. Suhas Amrutkar Subject Matter Specialist, Animal Nutrition, MAFSU, Parbhani Dr. SN Mohanty Former Principal Scientist, CIFA Dr. Meeta Punjabi Mehta Agricultural Economist Raghavan Sampath Kumar Commodity Expert Dr. Swamy Haladi Feed Additive Expert Dr. R Gnana Sekar Lead Consultant, GS Dairy Farm Consulting Dr. Suraj Amrutkar Assistant Professor, Dept. of ILFC, SKUAST-J, Jammu

Grain Think Feed pages, and even translated version is getting played on various organized and unorganized chicken corners in South India. Another video by Mr. JagbirDhull, Skylark Hatcheries is also getting spread on Monthly Magazine for Feed Technology

social media. The most interesting act was by Mr. Arun Madhav of Lotus Farms who put his image with his daughters eating chicken to give the right message to the consumers. Then many other players and associations like IB Group, Venky's, Nandu's chicken, Zorbian Chicken, PFI, etc. also posted on social media and interacted with general media to present the real picture. Read pg 27 for recent information released by Govt. of India.

We hope you enjoy the issue and wish you all a happy new year!

Prachi Arora

MonthlyVollume Magazine for 10 Feed Technology 1 | Issue | August 2015

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Contents R&D

ARTICLE

05 Novus partners with biotech innovator Agrivida to bring innovative technology to the market

14 Benefits of feeding Urea Molasses Mineral Block as a feed supplement to ruminants and the precautions to be taken in its use.

18 Nutritional Intervention to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry Birds

COVER STORY

08 Expert views on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

INDUSTRY NEWS

06 Indian soymeal demand in international market

MARKET PROJECTION

13 Lower world ending stocks for Corn

26 Joint efforts of farmers and private investors can change the fate of Indian Agriculture – Learning from Indian Poultry industry 28 India's Maize Exports at Six-Year High

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Think Grain Think Feed is a monthly magazine published by BENISON Media at its office in Karnal. Editorial policy is independent. Views expressed by authors are not necessarily those held by the editors. The data/information provided in the magazine is sourced through various sources and the publisher considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible. However, the publisher accepts no liability for the material herein and consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk.

Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither BENISON Media, nor any of its employees or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for such persons’ and companies’ activities. All legal matters are subjected to Karnal Jurisdiction.

Disclaimer : The published material and images are sourced from various websites and newspapers, and used for information purpose only, if you have any issue, please inform us at info@thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in. BENISON Media or Think Grain Think Feed is not liable for any claim prior to written information.

Novus partners with biotech innovator Agrivida to bring innovative technology to the market Rajiv Singh, CEO of Agrivida, echoed Meagher's enthusiasm about the partnership: “The Agrivida team has been undertaking ground breaking work in biotechnology innovations to express functional proteins in grain. That work has led to the development of a sustainable production platform with application potential for many types of feed additives, and we are Novus International, Inc., a global leader in nutrition and health solutions for the animal agriculture industry, announced plans to redefine its business through an enhanced focus on gut health and innovation. The Missouribased company is making good on its strategy with a new partnership.

“Novus and its Board of Directors are very excited to announce the partnership with Agrivida,” said Novus CEO and President Dan Meagher. “Agrivida's novel and innovative technology allows for the delivery of feed additives in a completely unique and very sustainable way – directly inside of the grain. It is technology like this that will further show Novus's commitment to our customers: to help them produce wholesome,

affordable food in an efficient and sustainable way.”

Agrivida, a privately held biotechnology company based in Massachusetts, was founded in 2003 by scientists from MIT who discovered a way to incorporate feed additives directly into corn grown for production animals.

By having the additive inside of the grain, the molecules are more efficiently absorbed, and producers can improve both animal performance and their bottom line.

The partnership combines Novus's nearly 30 years of research, sales and marketing experience with Agrivida's unique technology, allowing both companies to grow the customer base as well as explore new innovative products and solutions through R&D collaboration.

thrilled to partner with Novus, an organization that shares our commitment to improving the world of animal health and nutrition through new technologies.”

Meagher adds, “We believe our customers value innovative, sustainable solutions to their challenges that also improve their cost position, and they will be eager to integrate a novel technology that delivers these advantages. We look forward to bringing this technology to customers and having them join us on the journey to continue transforming our industry.”

Novus is making Agrivida products available to its customers in the U.S. immediately while registration is underway to expand to other countries.

Source: Novus

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R&D

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Indian soymeal demand in international market first half of the current

Image Source: investing

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INDUSTRY NEWS

fiscal year to 1.31 lakh tonne against 1.10 lakh tonne during the year-ago period. Overall, oil meal exports to the US recorded highest growth among importing nations.

Among other countries, Taiwan and Vietnam registered 15.17 % and 14.26 % increase, respectively, in Indian oilmeal imports during the Indian soya bean meal

India's soya meal exports

period. Soya meal export

exports have touched

surged 144% on year to

growth was a meagre 0.11

around 6-7 lakh tonne until

200,000 tonne due to a

% or 11,000 tonne in the

December 2020 and is

revival in demand, led by

first half of the fiscal year

likely to cross around 12-14

opening up of economies

compared to 6% growth in

lakh tonne in the 2020-21

across the globe, observed

overall oilmeal shipments.

(October-September)

SOPA.

season, senior industry

The United States

executive director, Solvent

officials said. DN Pathak,

Department of Agriculture

Extractors' Association of

SOPA executive director,

(USDA) has reduced India's

India (SEA), Indian soya

pointed out that there had

crop estimate to 90 lakh

meal is given priority in the

been a robust demand for

tonne versus earlier

US since it needs non-GM

Indian soya bean meal.

estimate of 114 lakh tonne.

soybean.

Soybean meal export prices

Lowering of India's soya

“Barely 5% of the soya

are attractive at around

bean production estimate

bean crop in the US is non-

by nearly 20% had added

GM and those who want

fuel to the bullish

non-GM soy products there

$520 per tonne and Rs 36,300 per tonne, industry officials said. Typically, price of the Indian soya meal variety is higher than the international ones, but this year India has an advantage in exporting more as the recent global rally in soybean prices has made Indian soya meal competitive. In November,

06

According to BV Mehta,

sentiments and a bullish year for soya bean is expected during the greater part of 2021, industry experts said.

Significantly, the US has

have to pay a premium.

That's the reason way the Indian soya meal is competitive,� he said. SOPA chairman Davish Jain had earlier stated that US had emerged as the biggest

turned out to be India's

buyer of such specialised

biggest soya meal buyer.

soya meal and its demand

Soya meal exports to the

was growing.

US increased 19.5% in the

Source: financialexpress

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Image Source: biomerieux

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COVER STORY

Expert views on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Many a time certain media reports project the Indian Poultry and livestock industry as the major source of spreading AMR in human beings which is largely based on assumptions rather than scientific facts. Such claims may be based on inaccurate estimates or inappropriate methods or extrapolating a narrow database whereas ground realities is quite different. Still, as a responsible industry, we are working towards the AMR-NAP intervention plan 2017-21 to combat this issue. Think Grain Think Feed virtually interacted with various experts to know their opinion on the subject. Please read the excerpts below: Dr. V. Ramasubramanian, Infectious Disease Expert, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai quoted Dr Stuart B. Levy (Pioneer on Antibiotic Resistance), “Antibiotic resistance is inevitable�. When you start using antibiotics it is just a matter of time when antibiotic resistance starts Dr. V. Ramasubramanian

emerging.

A bug that is resistant to one antibiotic is likely to develop resistance to others. When antibiotics is used on one person, the entire community gets affected as it changes the gut microbiome and the resistant bacteria is transmitted one to another through plasmids and

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

can get into the community.

addresses the important

“Till now it was believed that

policy and regulatory issues

antibiotic is connected only

in relation to antibiotic use.

to human use while recently

Though there are many

it is found that 75% of the

challenges AMR being a very

usage of global antibiotic is

complex issue with the

in the non-human arena i.e.,

involvement of many

poultry, sericulture, fish,

stakeholders, there has been

meat, pork producing farms

a continued effort across the

where maximum usage of

sectors to create awareness

antibiotic is observed,” said

and to rationalize the use of

the human expert with more

antibiotics.

than three decades of

“Govt of India has

experience.

implemented a few stringent

Antimicrobial resistance is

regulations to minimize the

one of the major health

use of antibiotics including

challenges of the current

enforcement of Schedule H1

century. We lack sufficient

categorization for all-

data on the use of antibiotics

important antibiotics,

in Indian food animals.

restriction on animal use of

“A massive awareness drive

critically important antibiotic

should be conducted among

Colistin etc. There have been on-going efforts from organizations like ICMR, ICAR on disease surveillance and to create a comprehensive database on the prevalence of AMR infections,” said Dr Arun Atrey, INFAH. Further mentioning on the role of INFAH, he said the association has been

Dr. Ani Bency Jacob

supporting the 'One Health

the poultry, dairy and swine

approach' and actively

farmers along with

participating with scientists,

veterinarians on the issue,”

institutes, and organizations

said Dr Ani Bency Jacob,

like IVRI, FAO, DAHD, FSSAI,

Animal Nutritionist, Ministry

IAAVR to create awareness

of Fisheries, Animal

for Judicious use of

Husbandry and Dairying,

Antibiotics.

Government of India.

“With the increased

National Action Plan

awareness within the

The Indian NAP for AMR is a

concerned departments and

well-designed

consistent pursuance of

comprehensive plan that

INFAH, a separate veterinary

Dr Arun Atrey CDSCO in 2018 for the regulation of veterinary drugs & biologicals. INFAH is closely working with the authorities for formulating specific regulatory processes & guidelines applicable to animal healthcare products,” he added.

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is the competent authority that outlines the standards & guidelines of feed additives.

Currently, FSSAI is also in the process of framing out policies & guidelines for the regulation of Animal Feed & Feed Additives. INFAH is closely working with FSSAI for the formulation of the new regulations.

“The NAP is based on one health approach, which is the need of the hour. Priority should be given to regular vaccinations of meat and

“

FSSAI is also in the process of framing out policies & guidelines for the regulation of Animal Feed & Feed Additives

division was established at

09

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COVER STORY

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

milch animals, which would reduce the frequency of incidence of diseases and thereby use of antibiotics,” said Dr Ani. Medicated feed additives play a very important role in controlling many infectious diseases in animals and also to produce safe food for humans. Animals require an

10

“

these action plans have to identify all the relevant stakeholders followed by the mapping of available infrastructure and capabilities of these stakeholders to arrive at a tangible One Health Action Plan.

appropriate method of

drugs. The practice of

Plan.

providing the desired AGPs

feeding low levels of

In India although health is a

for their better growth so

antibiotics to food-

state subject and individual

that they can help improve

producing animals poses no

states can formulate

productivity & provide the

immediate or imminent

decisively actions only very

best quality of food, milk,

threat to human health.

few states have developed a

and other secondary

Many Antibiotics used in

Strategic Action Plan based

products. The Animal Health

animal feed are not critically

on National Action Plan

industry is currently focusing

important antibiotics and

against this silent pandemic.

on biosecurity solutions,

some of them are exclusive

Kerala was the first state in

vaccinations, and the use of

for veterinary use.

the country to have ramped

suitable alternatives like

Kerala – first state to

up efforts to control AMR,

Probiotics, organic acid, etc.

address the issue

and this plan was guided by

to reduce the use of

In addressing issues such as

WHO and was launched by

antibiotics in farm animals to

AMR, it must recognize that

the Chief Minister of Kerala

the extent possible.

the drivers for this complex

in October 2018. The state

“It is worth noting that the

issue lie across domains

plan is called Kerala AMR

total withdrawal of these

encompassing human health,

Strategic Action Plan

effective representatives of

animal health, environment,

(KARSAP) and has been

feed additives may lead to

fisheries, and water

operationalized through a

the enhanced use of

sanitation, hence can only be

One Health response which

prescribed antimicrobial

resolved through

was formulated under the

drugs for treatment which

intersectoral Action Plans,

leadership of the Health

might raise complexities with

which are the cornerstone

Minister Ms K K Shylaja.

possible loss of production

for action by the State. Such

“In the first year of

as well as economic returns

Action Plans are the starting

implementation of KSRSAP

for the farmer, as

point for the implementation

the focus was on improving

experienced in many

of control strategies and

Awareness & Understanding

countries,” said Dr Atrey.

these action plans have to

AMR and start some AMR

INFAH stated many scientific

identify all the relevant

surveillance systems. The

reviews have concluded that

stakeholders followed by the

extension & training wing of

antibiotics used in humans is

mapping of available

the Livestock Management

one of the major driving

infrastructure and

Training Centres (LMTCs)

forces behind the antibiotic

capabilities of these

located across various

resistance problems

stakeholders to arrive at a

districts of Kerala. Each of

encountered in human

tangible One Health Action

these centres trains around

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Dr. Robin Paul 200 farmers every month.

The Kerala State Veterinary Council the statutory registration body controlling veterinary practice is now conducting the Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) program for Veterinarians on AMR. The Veterinary University has AMR included

develop baseline data on

renowned Poultry expert for

AMR in Kerala, based on this

more than 4 decades and

baseline information further

President of Veterinarians of

AMR control strategies are to

Poultry industry based in

be developed,” he added.

Bangalore also updated Dr

“Although some work on

Ramasubramanian about the

tackling AMR has started,

present scenario of the

but still, Kerala has a lot of

Indian Poultry Industry which

work to do like the lack of

is quite different from

details of Antimicrobial

previous decade or so.

Usage (AMU) and molecular

“Nearly 30-40% of the

epidemiological data on the

producers are not using

full spectrum of Antibiotic-

antibiotics but using

Resistant Genes (ARGs) will

alternatives to antibiotics –

impact the ability to interpret

like organic acids, probiotics,

prevalence/surveillance data

enzymes, etc. Two years

on AMR when they are

back, when FSSAI lied down

available. The absence of

guidance for antibiotic usage

regulatory compliance on

in all animals including

the existing weak regulations

poultry, it clearly mentioned

for feed safety and poor

permitted and nonpermitted antibiotics and

in its curriculum with an aim

also laid down the maximum

to improve the

residual limit of antibiotics if

understanding of AMR and

at all it is to be used in case

promote prudent use of

of disease outbreak.

antibiotics,” said Dr. Robin

Whenever there is a disease

Paul, Public Health, State

outbreak, we use antibiotic

Veterinary Department,

but we withdraw at a certain

Kerala.

period under the guidance of

“Regarding Surveillance, the

qualified veterinarian,” said

Veterinary Department has completed staff training to

Dr Devegowda.

G. Devegowda

the lab personnel of

“Due to good quality of

microbiology divisions on

stakeholder awareness

produced products, India is

WHO-NET, an Information

further complicates the

able to export egg powder

System for Monitoring

issue,” he further added.

to Japan some European

Antimicrobial Resistance.

Updating medical

These labs are now doing

professional

AMR surveillance in Animals

During a virtual interaction,

and Foods with an aim to

Prof. G Devegowda,

“

Every gram of broiler or layer feed produced in India is designed under supervision of qualified nutritionist

countries like Germany,” he added.

“Even many Quick Service Restaurants in India like KFC, McDonald, Dominos, etc. specify their requirement of antibiotic-free eggs and chicken. Nearly 80% of poultry production under the organized sector providing sanitized water, sterilized feed

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COVER STORY

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

“

industry is very rare. The

Nearly 3040% of the producers are not using antibiotics but using alternatives OP Singh along with good biosecurity measures due to which bacterial load drastically come down,” he added.

The poultry expert agreed that 20 years ago antibiotics was used in poultry as growth promoters but now due to better awareness among producers and consumers for antibiotic-free chicken and eggs, the scenario is completely different now.

Hence it is assured that egg and chicken produced in India is antibiotic-residue-free though not antibiotic-free.

Mr. OP Singh, Poultry entrepreneur with more than 3 decades of experience also participated in the virtual

quality of feed fed to chicken

the challenge instead

is far better in quality

targeting an industry which is

nutrition and balance than

already practicing sizeable

human food. Biosecurity

ethical production process.

plans implemented at various

Legislation is the only way

levels in breeding farm is far

After listening to both Poultry

better than living standards of

experts, Dr Ramasubramanian

villages etc. where most of

shared the concern is the

population is living in,” he said

impact that is faced on a

while assuring about safe

regular basis when several

chicken and egg production

patients lose their life due to

in India.

AMR issues.

Moreover, as per CDSCO data,

“India has various laws but

48% of antibiotic are freely

the problem is the

sold from medical stores

enforcement of the laws. It is

without prescription. Then

the question of hygiene and

how it is justified to focus on

sanitation. Use of over-the-

industry which is farmer

counter antibiotics. Human is

oriented. Risk is much more in

also a huge contributor to it.

case of human as it is highly

We are not looking at

unorganized in terms of

antibiotic residues which end

consumption of antibiotics,

up in human plate but at

hygiene and sanitization,

antibiotic-resistant bacteria

conductance of the antibiotic

which may be found in fish,

delivery mechanism.

chicken or even vegetables

Mr. Singh added commodities

consumed by human and

like water, food crop (grains,

then change their

pulses) etc. are also not

microbiome. Legislation and

regulated. Even hospital born

enforcement of rules is the

disease resistance issues data

only way to minimize or

is also not available with

control this issue,” he added.

government of India.

He concluded while saying

facts among the human

“I believe western world is

that it is the responsibility of

expert. When he asked

trying to target Indian poultry

every citizen of India to use

various authorities like ICMR

industry which is growing by

antibiotic appropriately.

and FSSAI about the residue

leaps and bounces and

Dr Devegowda suggested

meeting to present scientific

that one can accumulate from

threatening their existence on

having more regular

per capita consumption of 5

cost of production. We are

interaction with medical

kg chicken per annum,

surely going to compete in

professionals to avoid such

nobody could answer.

global trade with our scale of

confusion about poultry,

production and existence,” he

dairy, and other livestock

added.

products. This would help us

“Every gram of broiler or layer feed produced in India is

12

comprehensive in countering

designed under supervision

Mr. Singh opined that all

to send the right message to

of qualified nutritionist.

scientist should work on

the general public and also

Chances of error in chicken

National Action Plan which is

mass media.

Lower world ending stocks for Corn Amit Sachdeva, U.S. Grains Council A demand driven rally and supply issues with South American/Black Sea origin took corn market higher.

Rally was also brought out by the WASDE report, as corn yield was lowered to 10.794 MT/Hac, corn production down at 360.25 MMT. Overall US corn ending stocks are expected at 39.4 MMT, lowest in many years and lower than 2015/16.

Production in Argentina and Brazil cut by 2.5 MMT in all.

Overall global crop was reduced by 9.6 MMT, which added fuel to fire. Overall world ending stocks were lowered by 5.2 MMT. China export increased by another 1 MMT to 17.5 MMT. US corn on exchange moved up by $14/MT against last week. As on 15 Jan 2020, US corn for Mar closed at $209.2/MT; May $210.46/MT and Jul $209.43/MT. FOB prices moved up as well, likewise. FOB prices at US Gulf indicated at $254248/MT and PNW at $272265/MT for the period FebApr 2021. Brazilian corn was indicated at $277/MT, up $10/MT against last week, and also Black Sea origin corn up $10/MT at $257/MT. The export limits set by Argentina; Russia putting

export tax on Barley and corn

low. Prices on FOB basis (US

at Euro 15 and Euro 25.MT

Gulf) indicated at $320-

respectively from 15 Mar

318/MT, up $18/MT; prices at

2021 also aided the upward

PNW on FOB basis indicated

market movement. Ukraine

up $12/MT at $313-311/MT.

too has asked the

Protein for animal feed is

government to limit exports

expensive and countries

to 22 MMT, to avoid shortage

continue to import as there is

for animal feed.

a need. CNF prices to Vietnam

Sorghum continues to find a

were up $20/MT at $354-

market in China and exports

357/MT. The demand for

are expected to be 7.36 MMT.

CGM is up, leading to

Sorghum production in US is

increased prices, which

increased to 9.475 MMT.

reached a peak of $770/MT

Sorghum price on FOB basis

(FOB), added $84/MT to last

(Texas) was up by $16/MT at

week’s prices. CGF prices also

$332/MT. Australian Barley

were up by $45/MT at

prices were reported p by

$275/MT.

$5/MT at $230/MT on FOB

Internal freight rates as well

basis and Russian Barley up

and international container

$21/MT at $241/MT.

freight rates remain high,

US DDGS prices remain

leading to higher delivered

higher as production remains

prices.

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MARKET PROJECTION

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

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ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Benefits of feeding Urea Molasses Mineral Block as a feed supplement to ruminants and the precautions to be taken in its use.

Amir Amin Sheikh Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu Introduction The production of livestock is an integral part of farming systems. The principal forages used in India for feeding livestock are crop residues and dry grasses. These crop residues are low

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

nutrient supplementation is essential in this scenario to improve the use of these poorquality roughages.

Considering the availability and price of concentrate mixture, poor farmers can hardly afford them. To overcome this limitation, animal nutritionists across the world have shown that the nutritional value of crop residues can be enhanced if it is complemented by deficient nutrients (Makkar, 2002).

in nitrogen, minerals, vitamins, high in fiber and lignin, low in digestibility and thereby,limiting its intake by the animals. Feeding of such lowgrade feeds as the major part of ruminant diet result in low nutrient intake and thus, in the low productivity in animals.The performance of the animals on such diets results often in sub-optimal performance, which is reflected in sluggish growth, delayed maturation, longer inter-calving periods and poor milk yield. Strategic

The Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) was developed at NDDB (1983) and has been further enhanced at IVRI (Garg et al., 1998). Supplementation of Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) can show promising effects on improving the use of nutrients and also the productivity of animals (Prasad et al., 2001). UMMB supplementation can increase feed digestibility by up to 20 percent, increase the nutrients received by animals, and increase feed intake by 25 to 30 percent (ESGPIP, 2007). It can be fed throughout the year, but during the dry season or when the animals graze lowquality fodder, they are more beneficial. Liquid supplements based on molasses with added nitrogen, minerals and vitamins have recently been shown to improve growth rate and reproductive performance in cattle as another approach to increase nutrient utilization. The benefits for feeding UMMB

are: a)

Safe and uniform micronutrient delivery vehicle

b)

Safe delivery Vehicle for NPN

c)

Increase NPN utilization

d)

Vehicle for delivery of molasses or fermentable rumen carbohydrates to rumen microbes

e)

Reduce dustiness of concentrate feed

f)

Reduce feed sorting

g)

Increase the feed intake as a whole and enhanced palatability

Urea-molasses-mineral block (UMMB) is a strategic feed supplement for ruminants that promote the growth of rumen microbes throughout the day with a constant source of fermentable nitrogen. UMMB supplementation significantly increases feed intake, milk yield, and growth rate and is, therefore, a costeffective approach in maximizing the use of locally available feed resources for increased productivity.

UMMB provides fermentable nitrogen, energy, and minerals intermittently through licking, which is necessary for optimum microbial growth. Microbial protein can add 30-40 % of an animal's crude protein requirement. UMMB supplementation in the ration is quite beneficial, especially when fed cropresidue-based diets, as ruminants, can produce microbial protein from nonprotein nitrogen.

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ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Molasses is noted for its sugar content and sugars usually contribute 60-65% of the solids in sugarcane molasses. Increasing the rate of carbohydrate fermentation could result in more effective capture of rumen degradable protein and improved supply of metabolizable protein to the dairy animals. Urea is a nonprotein nitrogen compound; the nitrogen portion of urea is used as the building block for the production of protein by rumen microbes. Most urea contains about 46% nitrogen and protein contains 16% nitrogen.

Therefore, when urea is

Ingredients

Example I

Example II

Molasses

45 %

40 %

Urea

15 %

5%

Mineral mixture

15 %

3%

Salt

8%

2%

Calcite powder

4%

-

Bentonite

3%

-

Cotton seed meal

10 %

-

Deoiled mahua seed cake

-

10 %

Wheat bran converted to protein, the Crushed maize crude protein equivalent value of urea is about 281%.

Urea contains no other useful feed component such as energy, minerals, or vitamins. Ruminant, through rumen microbial agency convert urea to the protein via ammonia and carbon dioxide obtained from the degradation of soluble carbohydrates. The excessammonia released from urea is transported to liver, where it is reconverted to urea to get it detoxified and then excreted out through urine.

Composition of UMMB UMMB is made from various ingredients, each of which in the mixture has its own contribution. In general, it consists of Molasses, Urea, Mineral mixture, Salt, Calcite Powder, Bentonite, Cottonseed meal, Deoiled mahua seed cake, Wheat bran, and crushed maize. The composition of the Urea Molasses Mineral Block is given below. The composition may vary according to the availability of feed ingredients.

Precautions while supplementing UMMB ·Feed to ruminants only

16

-

20 % (sheep, goats, and 20 % cattle). ·Do not feed to

monogastric animals i.e., horses, donkeys, or pigs. ·Do not feed to young

ruminants less than six months of age (kids, lambs). ·Blocks should be used

as a supplement and not as the basic ration. · A minimum of coarse

forage in the rumen is essential. · Never give blocks to

an emaciated animal with an empty stomach.

There is a risk of poisoning due to excessive consumption. · The quantity of blocks

fed to sheep and goats should be limited to 100 grams/day while for cattle it should be limited to 500-700 grams/day. · The blocks should

never be supplied in ground form or dissolved in water as this can result in over consumption · Supply sufficient

amount of water ad-lib.

References are available upon request

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Image Source: WIRED

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ARTICLE

Nutritional Intervention to Address Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry Birds Dr Partha Das Head-Technical, Kemin Industries South Asia Pvt. Ltd.

Antimicrobial products used in animal food production helps to treat infectious causes, and as well as for growth of promotional purposes. It increases the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics and increases the chances of developing antimicrobial resistance over time.

Resistance to antimicrobials is a serious global health issue. European Union banned the usage of antibiotics as growth promoters from 2006, and a few Asian countries followed such a ban. A great awareness started building up amongst the public on this front. So, the food animal producers in countries like the US voluntarily started withdrawing the usage of Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) while using manage mental measures and alternative products to AGPs. The objectives of antibiotic-free (ABF) chicken production ensure the consumers that the chicken is free from antibiotic residues & antibiotic resistance and addresses chicken & human health awareness. The measures that are recommended by Kemin in ABF chicken production include – hatchery hygiene, biosecurity, cleaning and disinfection of farms, sanitized water, feed mill hygiene, and nutritional measures that include the usage of alternatives to AGPs. Nutritional Measures to Reduce Anti-microbial Resistance

18

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

E)

F)

physiological system

nutritional factors of raw

Maintain a well-

materials should be within

balanced

the standard limits. Itavoids

neuroendocrine system

large variation in nutrient

Optimal digestion and

levels and ensures the health

absorption in gut G) Secure strong intestinal barrier to reduce bacterial challenges Maintaining all the above factors will support ABF chicken production and eliminate AMR development without ill effects on animal productivity.

Nutritional Programs to Successfully Address AMR in Chicken 1. Raw material Quality Control: Manufacturing poultry feed

nutrient loss and gut health.

All raw materials should be routinely screened to check the nutrient variation, and procurement should be followed for raw materials with minimum variation.

Proper storage of raw materials and finished feed avoids higher nutrient loss, rancidity, pathogen, insect, mold, or mycotoxin

this may aggravate if we

inspection orthe quality

compromise with safety and

audit must be routinely

quality of raw materials in

followed for all raw

terms of pathogen load and

materials and finished feed

nutrient levels. The raw

to comply with standard

materials presumably should

guidelines.

and school of thoughts that

to bacterial contamination,

can control anti-microbial

like E. coli, Salmonella,

resistance (AMR) in chicken.

Clostridium, etc. Mold and

Some of the important areas

toxin levels of microbes,

to consider under nutritional

mold & pesticides should be

perspective are as below.

below standard or within

A)

Ensure a stable and

accepted levels. Regular raw

healthy gut ecosystem

material checking for rodent

in chicken

or insect infestation as well

Effective immune status

as physical appearance

of birds

eventually control its safety

Reduction of systemic

and nutrient levels, and it

infections or challenges

should comply with standard

status in birds

a direct correlation with

contamination. The quality

avoid unnecessary risk due

D) Control of oxidative

should be regularly assessed since rancidity has

harness several diseases, and

There are several principles

C)

like oils, rice polish, etc.,

without antibiotics may

be of vegetable origin to

B)

safety of birds. Rancidity parameters of raw materials

permissible limits.

Adulteration level and anti-

2. Raw Material Selection: Gut viscosity and digesta flow are two important criteria that regulate the development of the intestine, gut motility, rate of nutrient absorption as well as maintain healthy microbiota in the intestine.

High digesta viscosity may have a negative role on the above physiological conditions. Addition of a high level of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs') to chicken diets through higher inclusion of raw materials

19

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ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

rich in NSP, i.e., wheat, rye,

20

cells leading to cellular

may effectively reduce

etc., leads to increased gut

damage and intestinal

stress or

viscosity and reduced

inflammation. Providing

immunosuppression. A

nutrient absorption,

broad-spectrum probiotics

good quality fat level

particularly saturated fats.

warrant better gut integrity

increases during summer

Hence raw materials that

and a healthy gut

stress to reduce body heat

hold good for optimum gut

ecosystem. Gut acidifiers

increment and benefit the

viscosity will ensure better

will maintain the required

extra calorific value of oil.

digestion and minimum

gut pH and enhanced

Consider broad-spectrum

nutrient wastage. Raw

enzymatic secretions.

enzyme application

materials with a high level

Vitamin C and organic

covering maximum

of soluble NSPs' and non-

chromium ensures better

substrate (multi NSPase,

degradable substrates

glucose metabolism, reduce

carbohydrase,

should have restricted

stress, and oxidative

multiprotease) to ensure

usage in feed formulations.

damage to the tissues.

better digestion, absorption,

Also, the use of broad

Butyrates increase the

and bird performance.

spectrum NSPase enzyme

absorptive surface area of

5. Maintain Superior

and biosurfactants have

enterocytes and enhances

Immune Statusof Birds:

been shown to positively

nutrient absorption.

Intensive farming conditions

affect gut viscosity and

Prebiotics effectively

laid the importance of

improve digestion &

stimulate the gut

maintaining the strong

nutrient absorption. Certain

ecosystem, gut health, and

immunity in birds

raw materials with a high

immune status of birds.

throughout the life cycle.

level of nutrient variation

4. Nutrient Level

Optimal nutrition plays a

like dried distillers grains

Optimization of Diets:

pivotal role in minimizing the

with solubles (DDGS), rice

Birds need sufficient

incidence of disease by

gluten, wheat, deoiled cakes

nutrient levels to support

enhancing immunity.

(DOC) should be carefully

maintenance and

Essential amino acids like

used by considering more

production demands and

arginine, threonine, valine,

accurate nutrient values.

fulfill requirements during

and glutamine are known to

3. Ensure Healthy Gut

stress conditions and

have a role in

Ecosystem and Prevent

immunosuppression.

immunomodulation. Ensure

Intestinal Inflammation:

Formulations need to be

that these requirements are

Birds' gut as well as enteric

considered based on the

fulfilled conditionally.

system subjects to several

digestible amino acids and

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin

challenges and infections

ideal protein concept, rather

D3 aid in developing

once the birds are under

than crude protein to

immunity. Also, among the

stress. Factors such as

reduce protein wastage,

trace minerals, zinc,

stress, pathogen, feed

litter borne disease and

manganese, and selenium

contaminants can loosen

body heat. Excess amino

have a positive effect on

the intercellular tight

acids and protein should be

immunomodulation, wherein

junctions of the intestine

avoided to ensure better

additional supplementation

leading to a syndrome

nutrient balance and

of 10 to 15 % might be

called leaky gut. A leaky gut

uptake. Provision of buffer

crucial. Better electrolyte

facilitates the bacterial

nutrients like metabolizable

balance in the body is

pathogens & toxins to pass

energy (ME), macro and

important for better osmotic

in between the epithelial

micronutrients, and salts

regulation and transport of

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

essential nutrients, which

starch gelatinization,

Alternative products to AGPs

eventually support a strong

pelleting, optimum pellet

are employed primarily for

immune system and

durability index (PDI), and

promoting growth and

optimum feed intake.

particle size, etc., play a

infection prevention, with

pivotal role in ensuring

fewer options available for

quality feed and superior

treatment. In addition to the

bird performance. Optimum

nutritional measures, we

particle size distribution in

need to focus on

feed has a positive effect on

management strategies

the gizzard function, nutrient

including biosecurity, water

absorption, sustained digesta

management, vaccination for

flow, and better bird

prevailing diseases, and

productivity.

regular disinfection. Further,

processing is vital to

Summary

complement the effects by

maintain uniform quality

Nutritional intervention plays

reducing the risk of

feed and bird productivity.

a critical role in allowing

pathogens being introduced

Factors like proper grinding,

farmers and veterinarians to

and spreading in the herd or

mixing, steam conditioning,

reduce the usage of AGPs.

Additives like the combination of organic chromium and vitamin C and beta-glucans help in facilitating better immunity levels in birds.

6. Feed Plant Process and Quality Control: Maintaining standard guidelines for feed

flock.

References will be available on request.

2021

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Mexico to confirm if GM corn ban applies for livestock feed Image Source: Eat Local Grown

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Mexico's main agricultural lobby on Saturday criticized the government's decision to ban genetically modified corn, while organic growers hailed the move that should protect smaller farmers.

Mexico will “revoke and refrain from granting permits for the release of genetically modified corn seeds into the environment,” stated a decree issued in early January, which also mandated the phase out of GMO corn imports by 2024.

Proponents of GMO corn say the ban on domestic cultivation would limit the options of Mexican farmers, while phasing out its importation could imperil the food chain.

“The lack of access to production options puts us

22

at a disadvantage compared to our competitors, such as corn farmers in the United States,” said Laura Tamayo, spokeswoman for Mexico's National Farm Council.

“On the other hand, the import of genetically modified grain from the U.S. is essential for many products in the agrifood chain,” added Tamayo, also a regional corporate director for Bayer, whose agrochemical unit Monsanto makes weedkiller Roundup and the GMO corn designed to survive application of the pesticide.

Opponents of GMO crops say they contaminate ageold native varieties of corn and encourage the use of dangerous pesticides that endanger public health and

harm biodiversity.

Mexico is largely selfsufficient in white corn used to make the country's staple tortillas, but depends on imports of mostly GMO yellow corn from the United States for livestock feed. It was unclear whether the decree will phase out imported GMO corn for livestock, or whether the rules will only apply to corn grown for human consumption.

As per USDA data, the country has been second largest importer of GM Corn.

The rules mandate a phase out by 2024 of the use of the herbicide glyphosate, used in Roundup, the same year that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador leaves office.

Source: Reuters

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Last year, the African swine fever killed many pigs in Assam, subsequently the import of the animal was prohibited in Manipur.

The contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in Manipur, said officials, assuring that the situation is under control.

Director of state veterinary and Animal husbandry Dr Chaoba Singh said that the disease has been detected in the Salungpham area in Thoubal district and NongmaichingChingkhong (Wakha) area in Imphal East district.

“So, the said areas have been sealed and sanitised. One km radius of the area has also been contained to prevent further spread of the disease,” Dr Chaoba said.

“The surveillance is going on within 10 km radius of the areas too.”

Singh suspected the illegal import of pigs as the reason behind the disease. Last year, the ASF killed many pigs in Assam, subsequently the import of the animal was prohibited in Manipur.

Meanwhile the district administration of Thoubal in its order issued on January 2, under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Contagious Diseases in Animals Act 2009, notified “controlled areas” for ASF at Kangyambem, Lokchao, SalungphamMamangLeikai.

At the same time, Imphal

Image Source: Twitter

African swine fever case in Manipur

East District administration in its order on January 4, declared a piggery farm as “infected premises” at NongmaichingChingkhong (Wakha) area in the district.

disease and to pursue vaccine development.

Source: Hindustan Times

The district administrations also banned sale of pig, pork, feed and related items in these “controlled area” and “infected zones” apart from restricting the movement of pig from the place where it is kept within the above area and zone, the orders said.

“Any person/institution/ organisation found violating any of those containment measures shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under the Act,” it said.

ASF continues to pose challenges for the global pork industry. Research continues throughout the world to gain more knowledge about this

23

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Another step of Srinivasa Farms towards sustainability Image Source: The Hindu

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INDUSTRY NEWS

A 2.4 tonnes per day capacity

Chitturi, said in a recent

Srinivasa Hatcheries and

compressed biogas project

release.

XEMX Projects, Solika Energy

based on poultry litter has

The CBG project exclusively

is in the process of setting

been set up in Udityal village

uses poultry litter as raw

up a second CBG project in

near Balanagar here.

material and is located next

Telangana. It will come up in

Claimed to be the first such

to a large commercial

Kandukur, a village on the

in Telangana, the project of

poultry farm with over 4.5

way to Srisailam from

Solika Energy will supply

lakh birds. All the raw

Hyderabad, and have a CBG

compressed biogas, in

material from the poultry

production capacity of 3

cylinders, to an Indian Oil

sheds will be collected to

tonnes per day.

Corporation (IOC) outlet in

generate biogas.

Mr. Chitturi said that Solika

Attapur. Commercial sale at

In addition to CBG, the plant

has developed a unique

the outlet is expected to

will also generate around 15

process of ammonia

begin next month.

tonnes of organic manure as

reduction which results in

The CBG plant was formally

a by-product daily. Solika

sustained reuse of water

opened in the last week of

Energy has developed the

making the biogas plant zero

December by Executive

project under the

liquid discharge. The process

Director and State Head of

Sustainable Alternative

removes and reduces all

IOC for Telangana and

Towards Affordable

impurities like feathers,

Andhra Pradesh RSS Rao

Transportation (SATAT)

stones, and sand. Solika

along with International Egg

scheme of the Union

plans to provide the organic

Commission Chairman and

Ministry of Petroleum and

manure to the local farming

Srinivasa Farms Group

Natural Gas.

communities, he said.

Managing Director Suresh

A company backed by

24

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Joint efforts of farmers and private investors can change the fate of Indian Agriculture – Learning from Indian Poultry industry While farmers in the north

years, with private investors

when private investments

agitating against three agri

joining hands with poultry

come in. Infrastructure

reform Bills apprehend that

farmers. Private investment

development, including

private players would exploit

has played a major role in

processing plants, are the

them and dominate the

infrastructure development

result of private investment

sector, the poultry farming

in poultry farming and

in Maharashtra's poultry

segment in Maharashtra with

thousands of farmers have

farming industry,” said

an annual turnover of

reaped the benefits of the

Shetty.

? 35,000 crore has flourished,

growing industry,”

Infrastructure support from

thanks to the joint efforts of

Maharashtra Poultry Farmers

private players come in the

farmers and private

and Breeders Association

form of improved poultry

investors.

President Vasant kumar

birds, day-old chicks at

One of the agri reform laws

Shetty told BusinessLine. He

subsidised rates, hatchery

introduced by the

added that it is absolutely

units and training sessions.

government seeks to create

wrong to close the doors on

Agriculture analyst Deepak

a new legal framework for

private investment

Chavan says that

contract farming, which is

apprehending that investors

Maharashtra has a new

being opposed by farmers from Punjab and Haryana and Opposition parties saying that farmers will be at the receiving end in the exercise.

However, Maharashtra's poultry farming industry depicts a different picture, according to poultry farmers.

Poultry production has a long history of backyard farming, but the picture has changed in the last few years

supply chain of maize

the farmers.

farmers who are directly

Private players in

supplying their produce to

Maharashtra control

the poultry industry.

commercial production of

“Maharashtra has been

layer poultry birds (egg-

implementing reforms in

laying poultry birds raised

the Model Act since 2003

for commercial egg

and private companies

production) and broiler

producing cattle feed are

poultry (chicken bred and

directly purchasing raw

raised for meat production).

The private enterprises involve farmers in contract

in Maharashtra, thanks to

farming for the broiler

contract poultry farming.

poultry, which is sold under

“Poultry farming has

26

and entrepreneurs will loot

brand names.

flourished in Maharashtra,

“Our experience shows that

especially in the last 10-15

new opportunities arise

material from farmers,” he said. As poultries purchase maize directly from farmers there is a synergy between the poultry business and farmers, which has no place for the middleman, said Chavan.

Source: businessline

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

27

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

Image Source: The Economic Times

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INDUSTRY NEWS

India's Maize Exports at Six-Year High India's maize (corn) exports have surged to a six-year high in the first half of the current fiscal with shipments already having trebled compared with the whole of last fiscal. This fiscal's shipments are the highest since 2014-15, when India exported 28.25 lakh tonnes valued at $66.72 million (Rs 4,037.51 crore). Since then, though maize production has hit record levels of over 28 million tonnes, exports have lagged.

28

Statistics from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) show that maize exports in the first half of the fiscal were 9.22 lakh tonnes valued at $184.52 million (Rs 1,376.83 crore) compared with 3.70 lakh tonnes worth $142.78 million (Rs 1,019.30 crore) the whole of the last fiscal.

According to APEDA statistics for April-November, exports of other cereals, which includes maize, were 15.04 lakh tonnes valued at $327 million (Rs 2,389.22 crore).

the whole of 2012-13.

Drop in shipments after 2012-13 record shipments

trend

Maize exports have nosedived since record shipments of 47.88 lakh tonnes worth $1.03 billion (Rs 7,096 crore) in 201213, before the change in fortunes witnessed this fiscal.

In this background, can India sustain the maize export trend seen this fiscal? One of the main reasons for the higher shipments is Bangladesh, which has imported a record 67 per cent of the commodity shipped out of India.

The Bangladesh Factor Bangladesh imported a record 6.18 lakh tonnes valued at

$122.25 million till September.

Before this, the neighbouring nation had imported a maximum of 5.16 lakh tonnes worth $139.93 million during Stakeholders views on the The rise in exports comes within months after domestic users such as the poultry and starch industries raised a hue and cry over maize not being available in ample quantities last year. More than the availability, they complained of domestic prices being unviable for the sectors. “Last year, prices had surged to Rs 26 a kg and we had to import to fulfil our requirements,� said Vangili Subramanian, president, Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers Marketing Society (TNEPFMS).

Current maize prices ruling below MSP

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Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

current season (July 2020-June 2020) across the country.

Bangladesh has imported maize from India at prices between $200 (Rs 14,700) and $240 (Rs 17,650) a tonne, much lower than MSP. Globally, maize prices are quoted between $232 (Rs 17,000) a tonne from the US and $243 (Rs 17,750) from Argentina – all free-on-board. This will now give more headroom for increasing offer prices for exports. Simultaneously, domestic prices will likely gain.

Higher Kharif production estimated this year

Currently, maize is available at Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, the hub of the poultry industry, at Rs 15 a kg. Maize is ruling at different rates between Rs 1,200 a quintal and Rs 1,400 depending on the quality and moisture levels, though below the minimum support price of Rs 1,850 a quintal fixed for the

According to Chennai-based exporting firm Rajathi Group director Madan Prakash, maize exports have gained this year in view of a good crop this year during Rabi and Kharif.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Rabi maize that hit the markets in April this year was a record 9.01 million tonnes. Kharif crop, as per the

Ministry's first advance estimates of foodgrains for 2020-21, will likely be 19.88 million tonnes against 19.68 million tonnes last Kharif season.

“Getting material for exports is not an issue, though we have been affected by a shortage of containers. The maize crop will now begin to arrive from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Exports can continue till May,” Prakash said.

“Once Indian domestic prices touch Rs 1,700 a quintal, we lose out on export opportunities,” said an exporter, without wishing to identify.

Advantages for Indian maize in global market Prakash says Indian maize can fill in demand as poultry feed as long as prices can match Brazil. “Even if our prices are at par with Brazil, we will gain.

One reason is freight advantage and shorter

ASK FEED EXPERT A new feature introduced on official website of Think Grain Think Feed.

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Now you may ask all your queries directly to the Industry experts and get their answers.

CATEGORIES Feed Safety Animal Nutrition - Poultry Feed Processing Feed Storage

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INDUSTRY NEWS turnaround time. We can deliver within 20 days, whereas Brazil shipments take 45 days.

“Second, we can export in containers (24 tonnes) and small bulk vessels of 5,000 tonnes capacity,” he said.

Indian maize exports can continue around current levels in the long-term if prices are competitive for importers and production can meet domestic demand. In fact, users project production to be higher than the first estimates made by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Maize production this year has been boosted by farmers in Bengal switching over from jute. “Maize is not as labourintensive as jute and last year

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Jan 2021

prices for the fibre were low, leading to the switch-over” said a raw jute industry source.

Bengani, who expects demand for Indian maize at current prices, cautions that domestic users will have to pay prices closer to the MSP or else they could face problems in finding supplies. Rajathi Group's Prakash said that the Indian government should allow maize exports, while also permitting imports, thus allowing a free play for market forces citing last year's example. When maize prices zoomed last year, domestic users imported 3.18 lakh tonnes, up from about 30,000 tonnes in 2018.

Imports are facilitated by the Centre annually allowing 5 lakh tonnes shipments into the country under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) regime. This allows imports of maize at a lower customs duty of 15 per cent compared with the normal 50 per cent. Normal imports also attract 5 per cent Integrated goods and services tax and 10 per cent social welfare surcharge. “We can export maize on a long-term basis if the Union government doesn't resort to panic reaction such as banning shipments as in the case of onions or even maize some years ago,” said Prakash.

Source: swarajyamag

IB Group Inaugurated ABIS Poultry Feed Plant in Muzaffarpur, Bihar

30