By Chandran Iyer
In the heart of Chhattisgarh, far from the glass towers of metro cities and the buzz of unicorn startups, lives a man whose vision has transformed the way India consumes its most accessible protein “chicken”. Bahadur Ali, fondly known as Bahadur Bhai, is not just a poultry entrepreneur; he is a grassroots visionary, a job creator, and a nation-builder.
From a modest beginning with just 200 chicks and ₹10,000 borrowed rupees, Mr. Ali has built one of India’s largest and most respected integrated poultry and agribusiness empires “IB Group”, with a turnover exceeding ₹13,000 crores, over 20,000 employees, and a network of more than 30,000 contract farmers.
Rooted in Soil, Soaring in Vision
Born in a small village near Raipur, Bahadur Ali’s journey defies every cliché. No business school degree. No family legacy in large-scale industry. No investor backers. Just an unrelenting drive to succeed and uplift others.
“I learned early that life doesn’t wait for perfect timing,” he says. “You have to create the right time with courage and action.”
Inspired by the protein gap in India and the need for sustainable food systems, Bahadur Bhai saw chicken and eggs not just as commodities but as solutions. In a country battling malnutrition and poverty, he saw protein as empowerment.
Building IB Group: One Feather at a Time
Today, IB Group stands tall as one of the most fully integrated poultry and protein enterprises in India, with:
- Hatcheries, breeder farms, commercial broiler operations
- Feed production capacity of over 11,000 tons per day
- Processing plants with export-grade facilities
- Cold chain logistics and value-added ready-to-eat products
- And a growing footprint in over 30 cities and international markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia
From 40 million birds placed per month to R&D in poultry nutrition, and health, IB Group’s scale is matched only by its unwavering commitment to innovation and farmer empowerment.
“We built backward and forward integration not as a business tactic, but as a survival imperative,” says Bahadur Ali. “Only when you control the supply chain, can you ensure quality, affordability, and viability for the business and the farmer.”
Rural Empowerment, Not Just Revenue
For Bahadur Ali, success is not defined by revenue graphs, but by the number of lives touched. His pioneering contract farming model has transformed the lives of thousands of rural Indians from landless workers to confident agri-entrepreneurs.
Under this model, IB Group provides chicks, feed, technical know-how, and takes full market risk ensuring farmers receive a steady and dignified income.
“Our goal is not just to grow chickens it is to grow people,” he says. “We aim to create a wave of rural entrepreneurs who can transform their villages and inspire others.”
The IB Poultry Training Institute in Raipur has already trained over 1,500 youth, many of whom now run their own poultry farms, becoming the new face of rural prosperity.
A Next-Gen Enterprise in the Making
While Bahadur Bhai still starts his day at 7 AM, checking feed mixes and flock health, the next chapter of IB Group is already being written.
His daughter, Zoya Afreen Alam, Director at IB Group, is spearheading the company’s expansion into new-age retail, branding, digital transformation, and value-added protein products from ready-to-cook to ready-to-eat.
“Succession for us is not just about inheritance. It’s about earning, innovating, and staying grounded,” he says. “We are building a future-ready organization with soul.”
Sustainability as a Way of Life
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword at IB Group it is embedded into its DNA.
“We believe that business must serve both people and the planet,” says Dr. R. K. Jaiswal, President, IB Group. “From solar power and water conservation to AI-based poultry health monitoring and zero-waste initiatives, we’re building a model that future generations can be proud of.”
IB Group converts poultry waste into organic manure and biogas, uses renewable energy across operations, and is investing heavily in data-driven agriculture. It is one of the few companies in India applying technology, ethics, and inclusivity to scale responsibly.
Vision Beyond Borders
Looking ahead, IB Group has set its sights on global expansion, especially into value-added poultry exports, processed protein snacks, and supply chain optimization.
“India has the potential to be the protein bowl of the world,” says Bahadur Ali. “But we need to build quality, scale, and trust. We are ready to take that leap.”
Even amid market volatility, disease outbreaks like avian flu, and supply chain shocks like COVID-19, IB Group has emerged stronger. “Every crisis is a teacher,” says Ali. “The key is not to panic but to prepare better next time.”
A Legacy Forged in Grit, Guts & Giving
Awards like Krishi Ratna, Agri Icon of the Year, and National Livelihood Entrepreneur Award now line his office walls. But his pride lies in the smiles of his farmers and the protein security of rural India.
He doesn’t aspire to be just an industrialist. His dream? To be remembered as a man who gave India healthier meals and gave its villages a better tomorrow.
“I always tell young entrepreneurs success without purpose is noise. Let your work feed the nation, create livelihoods, and inspire others.”
From the tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh to the cold chains of export markets, Bahadur Ali’s journey is not just a business story it’s a movement, a model, and a message.
“You don’t need wings to fly,” he says with a smile. “You just need the courage to leave the ground.”
And through every cluck in his farms, every delivery across India, and every village youth turning into an entrepreneur that courage continues to soar.