Successful Conclusion of Inaugural Session I for 64th National Symposium 2023

New Delhi  – The inaugural session I of the CLFMA of India symposium
concluded on a high note on Friday, August 18, 2023. The event, held at Hotel Le Meridien
in New Delhi, witnessed the participation of esteemed dignitaries and industry leaders, who
shared valuable insights on the future of the animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries,
sectors in the country.
The session began with an auspicious lighting of the lamp by esteemed guests, including
Guest of Honour Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
& Dairying, Government of India, and CLFMA Chairman Mr. Suresh Deora along with Mr.
Divya Kumar Gulati, Convenor, CLFMA, Hon. Secretary Mr. Abhay Shah. The chairman
felicitated Shri. Parshottam Rupala with a bouquet, shawl, and memento to mark the
occasion.
Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, the convenor of the event, delivered a warm and welcoming
address, setting the tone for an engaging and informative session. This was followed by a
thought-provoking address by Mr. Suresh Deora, Chairman of the CLFMA of India, who
highlighted the industry’s potential and challenges.
The highlight of the event was the prestigious CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award. It
recognized two exemplary individuals for their significant contributions to the livestock
industry. The award was announced and presented recognizing their achievements and
dedication to the sector. Shri. Nadir B. Godrej, Past Chairman, CLFMA OF INDIA and
Chairman & MD of Godrej Industries Ltd. and Shri. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.) were
honoured with the CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards were presented by
Shri. Parshottam Rupala.
Shri. Nadir B. Godrej thanked CLFMA for the award with full heart and spoke about his
journey in the animal feeding business. The glimpses he shared were not only fascinating
but inspiring too. Shri. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.) humbly thanked for the honour and
nostalgically remembered how the sector has given him the vast knowledge, experience,
insights and friends he adores today.
The much-awaited Livestock Survey Report (Volume – II) was also launched at the event.
Hon’ble minister Shri. Parshottam Rupala, Chairman Mr. Suresh Deora, Mr. Nadir B. Godrej,
Shri. Tarun Shridhar, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati and honorary Secretary Mr. Abhay Shah, were
present on the dais to unveil the report. The report provides valuable insights into the current
state of the livestock sector and outlining future opportunities and challenges. The report is
expected to serve as a guiding resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and
researchers.
Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, Shri.
Parshottam Rupala, delivered an address at the event. As they say storytelling is the best
way to communicate life experiences, our guest of honour shared his life insights with stories
of inspiration and success.
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He shared valuable insights into government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the
growth and development of the livestock sector. He also highlighted the government’s
commitment to the development and growth of the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying
sectors in the country.
Hon’ble minister emphasised that the “Livestock holds an ancient tradition that connects us
to our roots. Before we became an agricultural nation, we were herders, showing the deeprooted connection we have with animals. Animals once relied solely on nature for their
sustenance, grazing from morning till afternoon, trusting in their fate. But with amendments
in animal feeding practices, we have become the top milk producer in the world contributing
24% of global milk production, emphasizing the importance of conscientious farming.”
Although he raised concerns that “Livestock farmers are currently facing challenges with
fodder availability.. This affects health of animals which directly impacts the income of cattle
herders. So the industry needs to address this issue on a large scale along with the need
for proper care and attention of livestock.” He added “The government’s efforts to merge
technology with livestock are commendable. The introduction of vaccination and mobile
veterinary units revolutionized the care of livestock.”
Shri Rupala is very hopeful for the fisheries sector as well. In his speech he brought
everyone’s attention to inspiring numbers. “India has tremendous potential to lead the world
in the fisheries sector. From a mere Rs 3680 crore expenditure from independence till 2014,
to a 20,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana today, the transformation in
fisheries sector is astounding. With the volume of aquaculture soaring from 30,000 crore in
2014 to 63,000 crore today, the potential to lead the world in this sector is within our grasp.
Together, let us unlock the immense potential within our communities, industries, and
government to become global leaders in fisheries.”
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abhay Shah, honorary
Secretary of the CLFMA of India, expressing gratitude to all the distinguished guests,
esteemed speakers, delegates and participants for their valuable contributions and making
the inaugural session a resounding success. This was followed by a networking lunch.
The CLFMA of India conference had set a strong foundation for the subsequent sessions,
and discussions that would take place over the following days. With the enthusiastic
participation of industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, the symposium aimed to
explore strategies and solutions for the sustainable growth of the fisheries, animal
husbandry, and dairying sectors, contributing to the overall development of the country.