EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: SECOND GENERATION POULTRY ENTREPRENEURS
We are delighted to present an engaging dialogue with Mr. Mayank Miglani, a remarkable entrepreneur who has embarked on a remarkable journey, transitioning from multinational corporations to the heart of India’s vibrant poultry industry. Mayank’s unique blend of international exposure in food chain management and entrepreneurship lends a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities that lie within the Indian poultry sector.
In this conversation, we delve deep into Mayank’s experiences, sharing his insights and expertise. We discuss the intricate web of complexities the industry faces, encompassing environmental concerns, labor issues, and the recurring predicament of egg and broiler prices often falling below production costs. Mayank generously shares his invaluable recommendations and strategic insights to not only navigate these obstacles but also to steer the Indian poultry sector towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
MAYANK MIGLANI
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
VIPS FEEDS PVT LTD
CHIK FRESH FARMS PRIVATE LIMITED
The new generation has the ability to innovate better and as the industry is still transforming there’s a huge scope to settle in the industry with a distinguished identity.
Poultry Creations: Can you share with us your journey and the inspiration behind your involvement in the poultry industry as a second-generation entrepreneur?
Mayank: I studied BBA Entrepreneurship for my bachelors integrated with Swiss business school. So I always had that innovative and problem-solving mindset. Discussing the insights with my father I realised that the major portion of our poultry industry is still unorganised. Making the industry a great opportunity for an entrepreneur like me to dive into the industry with the vision of transforming the industry in a much more organised way.
Poultry Creations: How has your academic background in International Food Chain Management and Entrepreneurship and Innovation contributed to your role as a director in the poultry sector?
Mayank: My academic background is totally in line with how I wanted to take our family business ahead. The international food chain program helped me understand the core concepts of the supply chain of the food chain industry. Entrepreneurship and Innovation helped me understand how to bring in new ideas and technology and make it work for your company.
Poultry Creations: You’ve worked with Flevofood in the Netherlands as an intern in Supply Chain and CSR. Can you tell us about the key takeaways and experiences from your international exposure that you’ve applied in your poultry ventures back in India?
Mayank: Flevofood’s ideology is to source products directly from local farmers and sell them to consumers to minimise the cost. Completing the chain of Farm to fork model. For my venture, I am transforming and connecting all our ventures to make the whole chain of poultry and poultry products on the Farm to folk model.
Poultry Creations: You have previously worked with multinational companies abroad. What motivated you to return to India and become involved in your family business?
Mayank: The major reasons that motivated me to return to India are:
1. Indian poultry industry is growing every year by 7-8%, which is much more than major industries across the globe.
2. Seeking growth in the industry, our family business needs a transitional change in the technological and innovational mindset to keep up with the growth of the Indian poultry industry.
3. Increased inflation in the major countries abroad makes it difficult to afford a life there.
Poultry Creations: In your role, you’ve been involved in research and innovation in the supply chain industry. Can you highlight any notable innovations or initiatives that you’ve introduced within Chik Fresh Farms and VIPS Feeds Pvt Ltd to enhance the poultry sector?
Mayank: One of the concepts that I really want to implement is reverse logistics which will eventually help in reducing the waste from the supply chain and making another source of revenue.
Poultry Creations: As a second-generation entrepreneur, how do you envision the future of the poultry industry in India? What strategies are you implementing to empower and advance this industry further?
Mayank: The Poultry industry is seeking tremendous growth and transformation in a more organised way. Due to changes in policies and consumer behavior, the percentage of processed chicken in the live market is going to increase eventually. One of the other reasons for this change would be that the new generation is very much literate about the product they want to buy, and this changes the demand for poultry and poultry products.
Poultry Creations: Chik Fresh Farms and VIPS Feeds Pvt Ltd are both significant players in the poultry sector. Can you shed light on the key goals and objectives you have set for these organisation’s in the coming years?
Mayank: In the coming years, both organisations will be working on a common goal to produce a quality chicken with the connected supply chain meaning having its own feed mill, hatchery, farms, processing, further processing and its own retail points. This end-to-end model will make it easier for the consumers to have the background information of the product. Which will eventually help our customers to have that trust in our product. VIPS Feeds is looking forward to expanding its horizon and doubling its production by the end of 2024. Chik Fresh Farms will continue working on the self-farming model expanding the production of broiler chicken.
Poultry Creations: Sustainability and ethical practices are becoming increasingly important in the poultry industry. How are your companies addressing these aspects in your operations?
Mayank: Our modern poultry farms are reinventing the definition of sustainable farming. A combination of practices like Waste management, sustainable water practices and energy use efficiency are some of the ways our organisation is addressing Sustainability and ethical practices.
Poultry Creations: In the Indian poultry industry, there are often uncertainties, with instances of broiler prices falling below the production cost. What recommendations or strategies do you propose to navigate and address these challenges effectively?
Mayank: To address these challenges, we as a poultry industry need to work together on increasing the price of protein that the customer is buying in the form of chicken. Chicken is one of the cheapest sources of protein available for consumers. I recommend working on having a full chain of production of chicken which will help in lowering the cost of production eventually giving more margins to fight the competition and survive the uncertain situations.
Poultry Creations: The Indian Poultry Industry faces significant challenges, including issues related to pollution, animal cruelty, labor, fluctuations in raw material prices, and frequently observed situations where table egg and broiler prices fall below their production costs. What recommendations or strategies do you suggest addressing and overcome these multifaceted challenges effectively?
Mayank: These significant challenges have been affecting the growth of the industry for a very long time. One of the best strategies would be to transform our working structure in a more organised way and follow the SOPs provided by the authorities.
Poultry Creations: Your professional journey took you from multinational companies to your family’s poultry business, providing you with a unique perspective. For the second generation, who also have a family history deeply rooted in the poultry industry, and may be at a crossroads deciding their path, what profound insights or guidance would you wish to convey regarding their potential role and participation in the family business, considering your own experiences and successes?”
Mayank: As a second generation who also has a family background in the poultry industry, I would recommend that international exposure really played a huge role for me to understand the pros and cons of joining my family’s poultry business. I would suggest keeping all the horizons open for consideration before deciding on something. The new generation has the ability to innovate better and as the industry is still transforming there’s a huge scope to settle in the industry with a distinguished identity.
I wholeheartedly appreciate the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received from my father, Mr. Vijay Kumar, and my uncle, Mr. Parveen Kumar. I cannot thank my friends and loved ones enough for their ongoing mentoring and encouragement.
