Disruptive innovations key to livestock sector’s growth

“Disruptive innovations at every step in the animal protein value chain are necessary to sustain growth and profitability of India’s livestock sector in future” said B. Soundararajan, Chairman, CLFMA of India, commenting on the occasion of World Creativity and Innovation Day being celebrated on 21 April every year by the United Nations.
CLFMA of India is the apex body representing the dynamic livestock sector in India. Having had many illustrious leaders such as Adi Godrej at its helm as Chairmen in the past, the 50-year old industry association is recognised as one among the eldest and highly reputed in India. It currently has over 230 members representing diverse sub-sectors of animal protein value chain including feed manufacturing; poultry, dairy and aquaculture business; animal nutrition and health, veterinary services, machinery and equipment; processing, distribution and retailing of meat; and ancillary services such as banking.
World Creativity and Innovation day is celebrated for six days from the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci. “As one of the most creative individuals lived on earth, he was a visionary par excellence, who had the courage and ability to think out of the ordinary. He personified creativity; his ideas were ground-breaking, unique, and were way ahead of his time. His prototypes paved way for numerous inventions and discoveries in diverse streams such as biology, architecture, engineering, physics, medicine, astronomy, and of course, fine arts. For a moment, let’s think what we can learn from da Vinci’s inspiring life,” Soundararajan said.
“From business perspective, every industry needs fresh ideas from outside the system; every industry needs next-gen, young and bright minds with the clear vision and traits such as grit and perseverance to make a positive contribution to the society. It is impossible to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without their significant participation and contribution. We strongly believe the country’s fast-growing livestock sector offers huge opportunities for those who are willing to explore,” Soundararajan opined.
“In the last decade, the world is witnessing how Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based technologies are transforming animal-agribusiness sector in unimaginable ways. For example, wearable devices on animals provide real-time data to monitor feed intake, stress levels or disease symptoms so that these can be addressed promptly not only to enhance productivity but animal welfare as well,” he added.
“Similarly, soil sensors help farmers analyse moisture or nutrient levels to cut down unnecessary irrigation or fertiliser application and contribute greatly to cost savings as well as environmental sustainability. These innovations provide us wealth of information to analyse every process deeper for continuous improvement. It is only a matter of time before we see all these are widely used in India” he further said.
“Besides, innovations such as e-commerce through mobile phones, coupled with analytics positively disrupted retailing in India in the recent years. Now a days, through mobile apps and with just a few clicks, consumers can get their preferred type, preparation and variety of meat and seafood delivered at their doorsteps at affordable prices year-round without compromising on their two most important needs – convenience and quality.” he mentioned.
“But at the outset, we must be concerned about who is going to feed us in future and how to ensure food and nutritional security of the billion-plus population while remaining focused on sustainability of our unique and precious biological ecosystem. It is important to ensure India’s animal-agribusiness sector attracts the best talent, sparkling brains and skilled hands from different fields and retains them. Traditional business paradigms; entrenched perceptions and outdated practices must pave way to newer and fresher ideas and concepts that only today’s youth can bring in,” Soundararajan said.
“Only then innovations can sprout and flourish. This industry must be seen as one of the preferred career paths by youngsters, who currently lack awareness about the ocean of opportunities available. Every one of us working in the industry must actively step up to create awareness among students who are aspire to become tomorrow’s professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders” Soundararajan concluded.