Building Your Career in Agriculture: AVIPRO Employee Perspectives

On 15 April 2025, the Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), AVIPRO, and the Agricultural Society organized an insightful session at the RBLT, University of Mauritius. It aimed to connect students with poultry industry professionals, offering guidance on career pathways and internships. The talks were delivered by the technical cadres of the industry, who shared their work experiences at AVIPRO poultry sector. They were accompanied by Ms Roomy Kanaksabee and Ms Ornella Brun of the AVIPO HR department.

Mr. K. Boodhoo addressed the audience on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty, Associate Professor J. Govinden Soulange. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of such gatherings, noting that they play a crucial role in opening up career perspectives for graduates and fostering connections between students and industry professionals.

The AVIPRO team with the HoD APS, Dr R.Brizmohun (on the right)  and Mr K.Boodhoo (in black polo shirt)  of the Animal Production Unit of the FoA

Introduction
When purchasing a pack of Chantecler chicken, ordering from a Chantefrais outlet, or enjoying a bucket of KFC, individuals interact with the end result of a vast, intricate, and deeply Mauritian chicken operation. Behind these familiar names stands AVIPRO, a foundational pillar of the Eclosia Group.

1. Importance of Agriculture : The vital role of agriculture in "feeding the country" ("Nourrir nos pays") was emphasized, alongside the resilience required in this challenging sector.
2. AVIPRO & Eclosia : AVIPRO is presented as the founding company of the Eclosia Group (formerly Food and Allied), established approximately 60 years ago by Michel de Spéville to achieve self-sufficiency in chicken production in Mauritius, reducing dependency on imports.
3. Impact & Self-Sufficiency : The growth of AVIPRO contributed to establishing the Mauritian poultry industry, achieving national self-sufficiency. This proved crucial during events like the COVID-19 pandemic when imports were restricted.
4. Group Structure & Brands : The Eclosia Group in Mauritius includes AVIPRO (chicken rearing/production) and NML (New Maurifoods Limited) for processed goods (sausages, nuggets under brands like Farmstead and Cristo) and canned/salad items (Regal, Bonduelle). Key brands mentioned include Chantecler (fresh chicken) and Chantefrais (retail franchises).
5. Workforce & Regional Presence : A significant female workforce was noted, with efforts made to encourage participation from women in the sector. AVIPRO operates across 33 sites in Mauritius and has expanded regionally to Madagascar (focusing on selling chicks to local farmers), Kenya, and Rwanda (replicating the Mauritian production model). This represents more than just raising birds; it is a high-tech enterprise. The integration of "Smart Farms" was highlighted, leveraging sensors and data analytics to monitor energy consumption, gas levels, and temperature, ensuring optimal conditions and efficiency.
6. Consumption & Production Chain : Mauritian per capita chicken consumption is high (~30kg/year), due to accessibility and affordability enabled by local production. The complex multi-generational breeding process (grandparent, parent, broiler stock) managed by AVIPRO is crucial for maintaining a constant supply.
7. Values : Values such as family, collaboration, innovation, collective strength, and the core mission of feeding the nation were emphasized.

An "École de Vie": Cultivating Talent from Diverse Backgrounds

The main ideas expressed by several AVIPRO technical cadres during the discussions are outlined below. Career journeys, experiences within the company, and key values associated with work were highlighted. Perhaps the most compelling aspect is the human story. AVIPRO is described as more than just a workplace; it is referred to as an "école de vie" – a school of life.

Overall Themes:

• Growth and Development : Personal and professional growth opportunities within AVIPRO are strongly emphasized. Internal advancements, training programs (like leadership courses), and the chance to learn and develop new skills are consistently mentioned.
• Company Culture and Values : Discussions reveal a supportive and collaborative company culture. Values such as rigor, listening, understanding others, polyvalence, respect, and a sense of purpose in contributing to the nation’s food supply are highlighted.
• From Diverse Backgrounds to Poultry Expertise : Non-traditional entry paths into the poultry industry are shared, demonstrating openness to diverse skill sets and backgrounds. Adaptation and learning on the job are emphasized.
• Pride and Passion for the Work : Despite the realities of the industry (including animal processing), pride in work and its importance in feeding the country are expressed. Fascination with the poultry lifecycle and continuous improvement in genetics and quality are also highlighted.
• Importance of Teamwork and Support : The significance of supportive colleagues, mentors, and team collaboration is a recurring theme, contributing to individual and collective success.
• Embracing Innovation and Progress : Awareness of and interest in innovation and new technologies within the poultry industry are evident, with some employees having observed advancements abroad.
• Advice for Future Employees : Advice to students emphasizes preparedness to learn, invest effort, and avoid expecting perfection from the outset. The final speaker offered powerful advice: "Perfection is not required to start. Readiness is essential – readiness to listen, learn, commit, and contribute."

These personal stories revealed the following features: palpable passion for work, commitment to continuous learning (supported by leadership training, international travel for exposure to new technologies, and even pathways to complete MBAs while working), resilience in facing challenges, and the development of crucial management skills. Significantly, multiple speakers noted strong support for women, fostering an inclusive culture within a traditionally male-dominated agricultural sector.

Conclusion:

To the young graduates seeking a meaningful and impactful career, AVIPRO stands as a gateway to growth, innovation, and contribution to a vital industry. As a company that values resilience, teamwork, and continuous learning, AVIPRO invites the next generation of agricultural leaders to take bold steps into a dynamic field where passion meets purpose. Your journey could begin here—shaping the future of agriculture and helping feed the nation.