6th AGM of INFAH held at Mumbai

The 6th Annual General Meeting of INFAH was held on 11th August 2017 at Mumbai. The meeting was attended by close to 100 industry colleagues representing Indian Animal Health and Nutrition Industry.

In the welcome address by Dr. D.K. Dey, Vice President-INFAH, he expressed that the role of INFAH has become more significant to meet the new challenges, adopt new culture and practices, be more proactive towards our role in policy making decisions and overall creating new opportunity for sustainable growth by adopting best professional and ethical practices.

INFAH is totally committed to meet the expectations of its members. However, it would need constant encouragement and guidance from all who matter.

Dr. Arun Atrey, President INFAH congratulated all the members for being a part of INFAH's journey of the last 6 years. Dr. Atrey discussed the vision of INFAH and highlighted various successful representations of INFAH. He also emphasised on the need and role of desired manpower for the industry. Dr. Atrey appreciated the contribution of MC members, SC members and INFAH member companies. He also extended his gratitude towards the support of MOH, MOA, Research Institutes and other associations of the industry.

Mr. Satish Pasrija, Past President & Chairman Sub Committee on Feed Supplements, presented the GST representation in detail. INFAH Members were appraised about entire process of representations done at central, state level and with key stakeholders of GST council.

The AGM proceeded along the well planned agendas.

Agenda: 1: To read & approve Minutes of Meetings of 5th AGM held on 12th August 2016

The minutes of 5th AGM were read by Mr. Vijay Teng, General Secretary, proposed by Dr. Jeetendra Verma, Delacon and seconded by Mr. Divya Gulati, Nurture Aqua.

Agenda: 2: To present & approve the Annual Report of INFAH's activity for the year 2016-17

Mr. Vijay Teng made a comprehensive presentation on the various activities of INFAH undertaken in 2016-17. He also applauded the "Passion" of managing committee and subcommittee members for the untiring and sincere efforts.

Agenda: 3: To present for approval audited balance sheet & income-expenditure accounts together with the Auditors Report

Dr. P.G. Phalke presented the Balance Sheet & Accounts of INFAH. The Auditors Report & Statement of Accounts for the year ended on 31st March 2016 were read, discussed & approved by members.

Agenda: 4: To appoint Auditor to audit the accounts of the Federation during the year 2017-18

The agenda was proposed by Dr. S. K. Karkhanis (Boehringer Ingelheim) and seconded by Mr Deepak Khosla (Ventri Biologicals).

Agenda: 5: To Elect Managing Committee for the period 2017-19

Dr. Phalke announced the New Managing Committee for the Year 2017-19. Dr. D.K. Dey (President), Mr. Vijay Teng (Vice President), Dr. Vijay Makhija (General Secretary), Dr. Shirish Nigam (Joint Secretary), Dr. P.G. Phalke (Tresurer) and executive members include Dr. Arun Atrey (Immediate Past President), Dr. Jeetendra Verma, Dr. B. P. Manjunath, Mr. Anurag Agrawal, Mr. Satish Pasrija (Past President), Dr. Sandeep Karkhanis and Mr. Divya Gulati.

At the end there was an open discussion platform for INFAH members in which Dr. Ramdas Kamble (Chembond) shared his thoughts on "Encouraging start ups in Veterinary sector", Mr.Rajesh Aggarwal (Ashish Life Science ) shared his thoughts on veterinary products ( e.g dewormers ) to be sold through OTC route , Dr. Abhishek Garg (Alivira) views on communication of HSN codes to INFAH members post GST regime.

Guest Speaker Presentations

During the AGM Following Insightful presentation were made by Guest Speakers

"Corporate Governance, Role & Liabilities of Directors in changing times" presentation made by Mr. Jayesh Udeshi (Company Secretary, Virbac India Private Limited).

He emphasized that becoming a company director has become a very serious business and should not be undertaken lightly or unadvisedly, becoming a company director or already a director, it is very important that one should understand its duties and responsibilities and the potential consequences of their breach.

Presentation on "Rural Outreach & Animal Health" by Shri R. S. Sodhi Managing Director, GCMFF (AMUL).

He shared rich insights on Indian Dairy Industry, Opportunities for Animal Health Industry, Major Hurdles/Road Blocks of Dairy Industry which may be the opportunities for animal health industry. His presentation received standing ovation from the delegates.

Presentation on Dynamics of Animal Health Business Strategy in changed environment By Mr. Sunil Madhok (Strategy Consultant & Ex Director of Pfizer India Limited).

He Highlighted that India ranks 1st in milk production, 3rd largest in production of poultry eggs and ranks 5th largest in production of poultry meat. Yet Indian Animal Health Market is 1.6% of Global Market The gap between being leading dairy & poultry producer vs. the size of the Animal Health Market reflects an element of the existing potential to expand the market. He also shared strategy models which can be adopted by the Industry.

INFAH Award

On the occasion of the 6th AGM, INFAH Recognized the contribution of individuals towards development of AH sector in the form of "INFAH Award".

The awards were presented to Dr. Vilas Adhikari, Renowned Nutritionist; Shri Ravindra Kumar Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Natural Remedies; and Shri Sushil Kumar Agrawala, Chairman, Indian Herbs.

Dr. Adhikari has played a major role in the evolution of Indian Nutrition Industry. A former chairman of PFNDAI, he is today the most sought after speakers on "Fortification of Foods" at Nutrition Institutes.

Shri Ravindra Kumar Agarwal has been recognized for taking knowledge of Ayurveda across the boundaries, valuing traditional system of medicine and having over three decades of leading expertise in Ayurveda. He is also benefactor to many major charitable institutes across the country.

Mr. Sushil Kumar Agrawala has been recognized for his exemplary contribution to society at large and Animal Health Industry in particular. He has been a guiding force to develop and transform Veterinary Ayurveda. He is imparting his immense knowledge and wisdom to younger generation as a visiting faculty to many institutions.