By Dairy Dimension Staff Writer | April 3, 2025
Hyderabad, India — On April 3, 2025, the Soy Excellence Center (SEC)–India hosted the final in-person session (Part 3) of its advanced Feed Formulation Lab, concluding a hybrid training program designed to upskill professionals across India’s animal nutrition sector. The event brought together members of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) of SEC–India, along with leadership from the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and key U.S. stakeholders from the Global Advisory Panel (GAP) of SEC.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mark Read, Chairman of SECs and Director at the Illinois Soybean Association; Anne Meis, Vice-Chair of SECs and Director at the Nebraska Soybean Board; David Williams, GAP member from the Michigan Soybean Committee; and Kellie Gypin, SEC Focus Areas Advisor, USSEC.
This third and final session, hosted in Hyderabad, drew nearly 50 participants who had successfully completed the online modules of Part 1 and Part 2. The in-person segment focused on hands-on training in BestMix software and advanced concepts in feed formulation and nutrition. Global experts including Mr. Kemal Burak Kayhan, Director, Feedback Yazilim, Türkiye; SIRRI Kayhan, USSEC, Türkiye; Dr. NC Manju, Poultry Nutrition Consultant; and Dr. Sushil Silva, Regional Head of Animal Nutrition, USSEC (SAASSA region), led the lectures and demonstrations.
“SEC India is addressing the nation’s increasing protein needs through capacity-building and workforce training programs,” said Kevin Roepke, Regional Director – South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC. “Our world-class curriculum is equipping a new generation of agribusiness professionals with the tools to succeed—and contribute to nutrition security through higher protein consumption.”
In just over a year since its launch, SEC–India has trained over 500 entry-level to mid-career professionals in the poultry, aqua, dairy, and food processing sectors. The center is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of India’s protein economy by addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing competencies across the value chain.
According to Vijay Anand E. Pilli, the SEC–India program is designed to meet the skill development needs of India’s extensive workforce in animal husbandry and soy foods. “Our goal is to offer access to the latest technical insights—delivered by global and regional experts—and help create a resilient and capable protein sector,” he said.
Participants praised the curriculum for its relevance and depth. One attendee noted, “The course gave me global context on how poultry nutrition is evolving, and how feed formulation is becoming increasingly precise.” Another shared, “The instructors were highly experienced, and the content was both practical and forward-looking.”
Professionals interested in participating in future SEC–India programs can visit www.soyexcellence.org
