LDF India, India’s Premier Livestock, Dairy, and Fisheries Trade Exposition and Knowledge Conclave, to be Held in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, July 5, 2023: The highly anticipated Livestock, Dairy, and Fisheries (LDF) India event, encompassing all three verticals, will take place in Hyderabad this September, announced Dr. C. Suvarna, Former Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Speaking at a press conference held at Hitex, she highlighted the significance of the event in showcasing the region’s strengths, export potential, and the remarkable benefits of the livestock, dairy, and fisheries sectors.
The decision to choose Hyderabad as the host city stems from the strong foundation laid by both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telangana, in particular, boasts the highest livestock population in India and contributes to one-third of the country’s egg production. The region’s prowess in the fisheries sector further solidified Hyderabad’s selection as the venue for this prestigious event, Dr. Suvarna stated.
The three-day business-to-business expo, jointly hosted by Hitex and Aqua Farming Technologies and Solutions Pvt. Ltd., will feature over 100 exhibitors from various parts of India. The event has garnered support from key organizations such as MSME, NFDB, the Government of Telangana, Telangana Hotel & Restaurant Association, Telangana Chefs Association, and the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA). Additionally, HEIFER International, a global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger, will serve as the knowledge partner, while the World Trade Centre Shamshabad and Visakhapatnam will extend their outreach support.
Srikanth T.G. Srikanth, Business Head of Hitex, emphasized the participation of India’s animal protein trade, processing, technology, machinery and equipment, retail, logistics, and cold-chain industries in the expo.
Telangana, with more than 98% of its population consuming meat/fish, holds the distinction of being the state with the highest percentage of meat/fish consumers. It also boasts the third-largest inland water spread in the country and ranks fifth in terms of freshwater fish production, valued at Rs 6,100 crore for the year 2022-203, a significant three-fold growth compared to 2017-2018, as stated by Dr. C. Suvarna.
The state has been attracting substantial investments in the sector, including the proposed construction of the world’s largest integrated freshwater Aqua Hub near Mid Manair Dam in Rajanna Sircilla District. Additionally, FreshtoHome, the world’s largest fully integrated e-commerce platform for fresh fish, meat, and seafood, has committed to investing Rs 1,000 crore in Telangana.
Telangana Government, aiming to bolster the sector, plans to release a remarkable 85.6 crore fishlings and an additional 10 crore shrimp seedings this year, according to TG Srikanth.
India’s livestock, dairy, and fisheries sectors are not only promising but also make significant contributions to the country’s economic growth. The livestock industry alone accounts for approximately 4.11% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to over 22 million people. Similarly, the fishing industry plays a crucial role, representing around 1.07% of the gross national product and employing approximately 14 million individuals, TG Srikanth added.
