From 1 to 3 February 2010, partners VNU Exhibitions and Inter Ads Exhibitions organised VIV India 2010, its second edition in Bangalore. Following a strong day of business on day 1, the second day was truly overwhelming with a large number of small- and medium-sized poultry, aquaculture and cattle farmers, feed mill owners, nutritionists, veterinarians, big investors as well as industry stalwarts pouring as large groups into the Exhibition Halls at BIEC, Bangalore.

With 7,904 trade visitors in three days, VIV India 2010 outperformed its previous edition by 137 per cent. Visitors marked the trade show with a 7.1. Exhibitors so far marked VIV India 2010 with a 7.2.

The opening of VIV India 2010 was formally announced by Professor K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in the Government of India during the opening session held on 1 February 2010 after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said: "India is ready to provide technological help to its neighbours to prevent the entry of livestock diseases, if they wanted."

Following a request from the poultry industry, the Minister said that he would hold talks with the Government of Kerala in a bid to convince about the need to either withdraw or reduce the tax being levied on poultry products in the state.

Exhibitors and visitors were reported to be highly impressed with the turn around of large number of visitors both from India and abroad.

Strong attendance at the technical events

The opening session focused on 'Steering Livestock to Food Security'.

Addressing a large audience at the opening session, the Minister said: "The Union Government is examining a proposal for launching a national dairy plan with a budget of 174 billion rupees (INR) to achieve a target of producing 180 million tonnes of milk a year by 2021-22."

Highlighting the importance of dairy, poultry and fisheries sectors in the growth of agrarian economy, he said the country's agricultural sector could achieve the targeted growth rate of four per cent by next year only if the allied sectors such as those three sectors grew by eight to nine per cent.

Dr N. Rajagopal, director of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services in the Government of Karnataka, said that that the state has good potential for export of livestock products as the cost of these products was lesser in Karnataka than other states.

Rabobank clearly linked growth in the production of safe meat, eggs and milk with securing sufficient food supplies for the rapidly growing Indian population.

Another seminar conducted jointly by VIV India and CLFMA OF India on 'Feed fortification' emphasised on the essence usage of vitamins, minerals, enzymes such as phytase for improving feed quality.

On day 2, Novus International organised a full-day conference titled 'Poultry industry road map: success or survival', in which national and international speakers expressed views on government support for the poultry industry, food safety legislation and grain scenario in India and Worldwide in 2010 and 2020.

Product seminars

Sumitomo Chemical organised a product seminar themed at Amino Acids on 1 February, which was attended by key players of the Indian as well as international livestock industry.

CJ Bio BU launched its new product Biotector on 2 February in the presence of livestock professionals from India and abroad.

DSM Nutritional Products organised a seminar highlighting the role of eubiotics in improving gut health in poultry production.

Investment and growth opportunities in livestock sector in Karnataka

VIV India 2010 hosted a first ever unique opportunity offered by the Government of Karnataka to hold a round table discussion, chaired by Shri Revu Naik Belamagi, Honourable Minister of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries in the Government of Karnataka as an initiative of Public participation for the development of Livestock sectors in the state.

The discussion had a selection of 20 Indian and international prospective suppliers, having ten minutes presentation of their activities and ambition for a joint participation for utilising the resources available in the livestock sector in the state of Karnataka. By selecting VIV India as a platform to organise such a meeting, the Government of Karnataka expressed the importance of joining forces by national and international suppliers to achieve maximum growth and quality.

Key areas of livestock sector with growth opportunities included: livestock development, feed development, organised animal breeding service, veterinary services, extension and training services, meat processing, cold storage facilities, wool processing and cow urine processing.

Any companies interested to join for the above investment programme can contact Dr K.V. Kulkarni, Joint Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services in the Government of Karnataka or Dr Ambedkar Road (email: [email protected] and [email protected]).

This full-day meeting took place on the final day of the event, which offered plenty of last-minute business opportunities.

VIV India 2012 will return to BIEC Bangalore in the spring.