The visit underlined the potential of integrating grassroots empowerment with professional management to build sustainable and commercially viable poultry enterprises. Discussions focused on smallholder economics, cooperative governance, and pathways to integrate rural producers into organised poultry value chains.
The Kesla initiative began in 1993 as a livelihood programme for landless and marginal households, particularly women from tribal and Dalit communities. Over time, it evolved into a federated producer company model, with MPWPCL established in 2006. Today, it stands as a nationally recognised example of how collectivised smallholder poultry farming can compete with large commercial operations while delivering strong social impact.
MPWPCL currently operates across 17 districts, engaging over 9,000 women producers organised into 17 collectives across 300+ villages. The enterprise reports annual revenues exceeding ₹455 crore, generates ₹20–25 crore in annual producer incomes, and creates employment for more than 1,000 rural youth.
During the visit, CEO Deepak Tushir guided the delegation through MPWPCL’s integrated value chain and institutional systems, while COO Mridu Pawan Hazarika shared insights on governance, risk management, and balancing commercial viability with social objectives.
The team also toured the company’s fully automated pellet feed manufacturing plant at Kiratpur Industrial Area, Itarsi, established in 2018. With a capacity of 200–250 metric tonnes per day, the facility ensures consistent feed quality and strengthens productivity and cost efficiency for member producers.
Dr. P. K. Shukla, President of the Indian Poultry Science Association, emphasised the scientific and economic robustness of the model.
Bayas described the Kesla–MPWPCL experience as “a living demonstration of how professionally managed, women-led smallholder systems can complement commercial poultry enterprises,” reiterating IPEMA’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth in India’s poultry sector.
