Germany's EW Group to invest ₹200 crore in India's poultry sector

Lohmann Layers India to boost chick distribution capacity amid rising global competition

New Delhi: (Lalit Lanjewar)

Germany-based leading agribusiness firm EW Group has announced plans to invest ₹200 crore in India’s poultry sector over the next three years. The investment will be made through its newly established Indian subsidiary, Lohmann Layers India.

The company stated that it has acquired JK Breeders Pvt Ltd through its subsidiary International Layer Distribution (ILD). Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. With this acquisition, EW Group has formally initiated direct operations in the Indian market.

Antonio Paraguassu, Managing Director for Asia and Australia at ILD, said that India is among the world’s most important and fastest-growing poultry markets. He noted that the establishment of Lohmann Layers India reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Indian farmers.

Surendra K. Jangid, Managing Director of Lohmann Layers India, stated that the company had worked with JK Breeders under a franchise model for the past 15 years but will now operate directly in the market. He confirmed that ₹200 crore will be invested over the next three years.

According to the company, it will manage the commercial distribution of day-old chicks across the country. Plans include developing breeding capacity for approximately 400,000 layer parent birds, enabling the annual distribution of around 30 million day-old chicks. The company also intends to establish modern hatcheries and incubation centers in multiple states, focusing on advanced breeding technology and modern infrastructure.

Currently, Lohmann Layers holds an estimated 6–7 percent market share in India. The company aims to expand this share to 20 percent in the layer chick replacement segment. It faces competition from major players including Venky’s, Skylark, Novogen, and Hy-Line.

Meanwhile, France-based global layer genetics company NOVOGEN has also strengthened its presence in India through a partnership with AGHI Group via Easy Poultry Innovation LLP. According to an announcement by AGHI Group in late January 2026, bookings for Novogen layer chicks were progressing rapidly and were expected to be fully booked through June 2026.

NOVOGEN is a globally recognized genetics company supplying layer birds to more than 60 countries. Its breeding, research, and performance standards are trusted worldwide. The Novogen Ultra Light strain has been developed with a focus on Indian climatic and production conditions.

Demand for eggs and poultry products in India continues to rise steadily. Industry experts expect organized farming, improved genetics, and modern hatchery technologies to significantly enhance production capacity. These investments are anticipated to boost farmers’ incomes, generate employment, and accelerate modernization of the poultry sector.