Inaugurating the show -- in which more than 100 companies from over 16 countries participated and more than 300 stalls were put up -- Mr. Lakshmaiah, who is himself involved in poultry trade, said the use latest know-how, as being put to use in the West, was all the more necessary in the State, which was occupying the number 1 rank in the country.

The Minister stated that thanks to the government incentives, poultry industry was thriving in the State. It could get a boost if latest technology was used.

Referring to a plea by a representative of the industry to relax norms for ban of poultry exports in over 30 zones across the country in the event of a calamity like bird flu, he assured to take up the issue with Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The industry wanted the ban limited to the affected zone and allow other to export.

The IPEMA and Exhibition Advisory Committee, comprising representatives of seven major poultry associations are jointly organising the exhibition.

According to The Hindu, a two-day poultry conference will commence on Thursday.