Guwahati: Godrej Agrovet, a major player in the cattle feed business, has unveiled Godrej Pride Hog, premium feed meant for Assam farmers to improve productivity and reduce the cost of sows maintaining, crucial for India’s swine farming industry.
During an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East (BNE), CEO of the Animal Feed Business at Godrej Agrovet A.Y. Rajendra revealed that the feed has been developed to help farmers tackle weight gain, immunity and efficient production.
“The concept behind the product is that it allows farmers to raise the pigs in 180-200 days so that they weigh 100 kilograms, thereby allowing them to have two production cycles a year, which in turn would increase their income substantially,” he explained.
Assam contributes nearly 40 per cent of India's pig population, making it an important hub for the swine industry. The region has a strong cultural and economic reliance on pig farming, with a high demand for pork products within the state and nearby regions.
However, local farmers have been confronted with long rearing cycles, outbreaks of diseases like African Swine Fever, and variable feed quality, all of which have limited productivity and profitability. Godrej Agrovet has, therefore, developed 'Godrej Pride Hog' to assist farmers in increasing weight faster and reducing the costs of pig rearing.
"We have been engaged with the animal feed business in Assam for the last 20 years. This new product is a premium pig feed intended to bring in better weight gain, improved immunity, and higher livability of the pigs," Rajendra said.
The new feed product comes in three variants that answer the needs for different stages of pig development: Pig Starter (25 kg), Grower (50 kg), and Finisher (50 kg). While keeping the exact prices under wraps, A.Y. Rajendra said the products would be priced competitively.
"This feed is best utilized with a collaborative approach that Godrej Agrovet is undertaking by engaging entrepreneurs, innovative farmers, government departments, and universities to provide the same to farmers to uplift their economic returns," he further mentioned, emphasizing that such partnerships will form a strong support ecosystem for the pig farming community in the region.
"Godrej Agrovet has selected Assam for the product launch because of the high market potential in the region. All research and development for this product was done in the Northeast, and thus, it caters to the regional requirements, as well," the CEO added during the interview.
"We are very positive about achieving good results," he added when questioned regarding the expectations for growth through this new product.
Rajendra further revealed that the company is considering setting up a manufacturing plant in Assam. "We are working on meeting the minimum threshold volume required to set up a factory. Once we reach that target, we will start planning for a production facility," he stated.
The company is currently in talks with the government to explore potential locations for the factory. Godrej Agrovet is leveraging its expansive network of over 1,200 channel partners, including retailers and distributors, to ensure product reach.
"Additionally, the company has been utilizing digital platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube to raise awareness about the product. We conduct regular farmers’ meetings at the village level to not only introduce our products but also to educate farmers on other key aspects of pig farming with animated videos in local languages and to educate farmers about disease prevention and management,” Rajendra explained.
ALSO READ: Tripura: Cross-Border Projects Worth Rs 1,300 Crore Stalled Amid Bangladesh Political Unrest
One of the benefits of the new feed is its ability to enhance the growth rate of pigs. According to Rajendra, previously, it took farmers one year to raise a pig. However, with the new premium feed, the weight of the pig can reach 100 kg within 180 to 200 days, allowing two batches to be completed within the same period. This will bring double income to farmers, thereby leading to increased economic growth.
"We would look at doubling the number of batches per year, which is bound to more than double the farmers' income and contribute significantly to their economic progress," he told BNE.
Godrej Agrovet is focused on market expansion and strengthening connectivity with farmers. While Rajendra remains open to processing operations in future, he believes the company is still in a nascent stage and is set to manage the need for processing capacity over time.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
