VETCONVERGENCE 2026 concludes with roadmap for strengthening livestock, poultry sectors

The second edition of VETCONVERGENCE 2026, the Vice-Chancellors' Conclave organised by the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, with the support of the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)–Poultry India, concluded successfully in Hyderabad after deliberating on strategies to align veterinary education and research with industry needs.

Held on July 11 and 12 at Hotel AVASA, the two-day conclave brought together more than 30 Vice-Chancellors from veterinary universities across the country, along with policymakers, scientists, academicians and industry leaders under the theme "Aligning Livestock Research with Industry Demand and Entrepreneurship Development."

Former Union Minister and former Governor of Himachal Pradesh Bandaru Dattatreya attended the conclave as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he called for making veterinary education more practical, industry-oriented and outcome-driven. He stressed the need to produce employable graduates equipped with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, while advocating demand-driven research, technology transfer and stronger partnerships between universities and industry. He also highlighted the significant contribution of women in the poultry sector and emphasised the importance of promoting inclusive growth.

The conclave featured six panel discussions on key issues, including demand-driven veterinary research, entrepreneurship development, agribusiness incubation, technology commercialisation, start-up promotion, future research priorities for the poultry sector and the application of Artificial Intelligence in livestock development.

A commemorative souvenir of VETCONVERGENCE 2026 was unveiled during the inaugural session, symbolising the collective commitment of academia and industry towards collaborative progress.

The IPEMA delegation was led by its President Uday Singh Bayas, along with Treasurer M. Srikanth and other senior members. The event also witnessed participation from prominent industry representatives, including Prof. M. Gnana Prakash, Vice-Chancellor of PVNRTVU, Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director of Srinivasa Farms, and O.P. Singh, Managing Director of ABTL.

Dr Niteen Vasantrao Patil, Vice-Chancellor of MAFSU, led the academic deliberations and knowledge-sharing sessions during the conclave.

Speaking on the occasion, Uday Singh Bayas, President of IPEMA–Poultry India, said the conclave had created a strong platform for dialogue between academia and industry, adding that the recommendations and institutional commitments made during the event would contribute to the growth of farmers, entrepreneurs and the overall livestock and poultry ecosystem.

During the conclave, IPEMA–Poultry India also unveiled the official poster of the 18th Poultry India Expo 2026, scheduled to be held at HITEX, Hyderabad, from November 25 to 27, 2026, with the Poultry Knowledge Day Preceding the expo on November 24, 2026. The organisers said the event would bring together global stakeholders to showcase innovations, knowledge and collaboration in the poultry industry.