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Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, India, Start ups, Supply Chain

The report highlights that 85 per cent of farmers accessed financial services through Arya.ag’s platform, and 87 per cent of MSMEs accessed working capital.

Arya.ag, India’s largest and only profitable grain commerce platform, has released its latest Impact Performance Report, showcasing its transformative impact on farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the agricultural sector. Conducted in collaboration with 60 Decibels and sponsored by Quona Capital, the report emphasises Arya.ag’s pivotal role in expanding access to financial services and reducing wastage in the agricultural landscape.

The report highlights that 85 per cent of farmers accessed financial services through Arya.ag’s platform, and 87 per cent of MSMEs accessed working capital, underlining Arya. ag’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion. The platform’s unique offerings were deemed irreplaceable by 60 per cent of farmers, who found it difficult to identify a suitable alternative to Arya.ag. Notably, 79 per cent of farmers reported an increase in their earnings due to Arya.ag’s services.

A key outcome of Arya.ag’s intervention is the significant reduction in farm produce wastage. 67 per cent of farmers reported a decrease in wastage, with 73 per cent of individual farmers noting a reduction compared to 58 per cent of farmers associated with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The reduction in wastage was more pronounced in South India, where 64 per cent of farmers reported a substantial decrease in farm produce wastage, compared to 35 per cent in the rest of India.

For MSMEs, Arya.ag’s impact was equally in-depth. 86 per cent of MSMEs reported an improved ability to plan and manage working capital, while 89 per cent experienced enhanced access to raw materials at the right time, demonstrating Arya.ag’s role in strengthening the agricultural supply chain.

Speaking about the report, Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-founder of Arya.ag, stated, “These results validate our mission of creating equitable value chains in agriculture. By bridging critical gaps in finance and market access, we’re not just improving businesses; we’re transforming lives and fostering inclusive growth across India’s agricultural landscape.”

Looking forward, Arya.ag is committed to refining its offerings based on these insights, with an ambitious goal to impact over 10 million farmers in the next 3-4 years. The company plans to facilitate over $3 billion in agri-loans and create commerce linkages of over $4 billion, while expanding its storage footprint by more than fourfold by 2028.

As Arya.ag continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and business growth within India’s agricultural sector, helping stakeholders across the value chain thrive in a more equitable and efficient market.

The report highlights that 85 per cent

Agro Universities, Company News, India

Empowering MSMEs and agricultural entrepreneurs through business management and capacity building training.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, announced the launch of the second cohort of the Yara Leadership Academy (YLA) in India. Building on the tremendous success of its first cohort, YLA Cohort 2 aims to improve the leadership and business management abilities of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture industry with Unifiers Social Ventures Private Limited and Connected Technologies LLP as key partners.

YLA was introduced in 2022 and its first cohort was tested in Kenya and India. As a result, a strong network of about 1,000 agro dealers was established throughout the two countries. 500 MSMEs and their affiliates completed the program successfully in India alone, with an emphasis on encouraging female leaders and youth involvement. Driven by the encouraging responses from stakeholders, Yara has raised its investment in agribusiness capacity building by a substantial margin. The second cohort of the Yara Leadership Academy now includes participants from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, alongside continued efforts in Western Uttar Pradesh. This year, the program aims to graduate 700 applicants from over 70 districts across these regions.

The 15-week comprehensive Yara Leadership Academy curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, such as business management, agronomic knowledge, and regenerative agricultural practices. The program contains courses on business establishment, budgeting, growth mindset, product quality, customer service, and other crucial areas of business operations. The program offers participants both digital access via tablets and in-person networking sessions. Through practical tasks and exercises, these modules foster cross-learning and enable participants to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge to their respective enterprises. A team of 15 coaches supports the 700 candidates on the ground, ensuring they not only complete the program but also effectively apply their new knowledge to their businesses.

Notably, this year has seen a significant increase in female participation, with the ratio of female participants rising from 22 per cent to an impressive 28.3%. Yara is also extending its vision beyond retailers to include Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Independent Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Bihar, a special group of women from Babrala Self-Help Groups, young girl learners, and participants from Bayer BLF Centres.

Speaking on the initiative, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “At Yara, we envision a future where Indian agriculture is not only productive but also sustainable, resilient, and equitable. Achieving this vision requires more than just providing premium inputs, it demands empowering and upskilling all individuals who form the very backbone of the industry, and that includes actively encouraging and supporting the vital contributions of women in agriculture. The Yara Leadership Academy is our commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks to build thriving businesses and drive positive change across the entire agricultural landscape.”

Empowering MSMEs and agricultural entrepreneurs through business

Company News, Finance, India

At least 40 per cent of the proceeds will be allocated to women borrowers, while the rest will support farmers, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $125 million loan agreement with L&T Finance to support financing in rural and peri-urban areas in India, particularly for women borrowers.

The funding comprises a loan of up to $125 million from ADB, and an agreement to syndicate an additional $125 million co-financing from other development partners. At least 40 per cent of the proceeds will be allocated for women borrowers, while the rest will support farmers, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and loans to purchase new two-wheeled vehicles. 

“Rural India, with 65 per cent of the country’s population engaged in agriculture, contributes almost half of the national income,” said Suzanne Gaboury, ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations. “This partnership with L&T Finance, which has the capacity to provide credit at scale, allows ADB to support individual livelihoods and small businesses, with a specific focus on reaching women borrowers.”

Despite steady rural economic growth, rural communities face significant barriers to accessing financial services. About 70 per cent of marginal farmers do not have a bank account and 87 per cent lack access to credit. Women are disproportionately affected, with only 14 per cent having access to credit.

Microloans, farm equipment loans, two-wheeled vehicle loans, and MSME loans have been identified as segments with strong growth potential anticipated in the medium term. By focusing on lending in rural and peri-urban areas of lagging states in India, the project is strategically aligned with the goals of India’s Ministry of Rural Development.

At least 40 per cent of the

Company News, Finance, India, Start ups

Ayekart’s dedication to fostering partnerships is evidenced by over 16,000 MSME partners registered on the platform.

Ayekart, a leading FinTech and integrated digital technology platform specialising in the food and agri value chain, announced significant milestones in the fiscal year 2022-2023 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event highlighted the company’s achievements in facilitating financial transactions, empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and building strong customer connections.

Ayekart reported a Gross Trade Value (GTV) of Rs 657 crores for the fiscal year 2022-2023, astounding growth of nearly 5X compared to the previous year. The momentum continues in the current fiscal year, with the company already surpassing its previous GTV record.

Debarshi Dutta, Co-Founder & CEO of Ayekart, expressed his commitment to advancing technology, nurturing partnerships, and driving financial empowerment. He stated, “Our growth has been marked by remarkable progress, and our unwavering commitment to empowering traditional businesses and enriching communities is evident. Our core focus on impacting the lives of marginal farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and SMEs across India has been the bedrock of our success. The AGM solidifies Ayekart Fintech’s position as an industry frontrunner, poised to shape the future of financial technology.”

Since its inception in December 2020, Ayekart Fintech has processed over 70,000 transactions, exemplifying its essential role in empowering businesses of all sizes. With a thriving ecosystem and advanced technology, the platform has facilitated a robust financial landscape for entrepreneurs and farmers.

Ayekart’s dedication to fostering partnerships is evidenced by over 16,000 MSME partners registered on the platform. This accomplishment reflects the company’s mission to drive financial inclusivity and prosperity.

Dutta further added, “Ayekart’s strength lies in nurturing connections with customers. By understanding their unique needs, we are committed to enhancing businesses through technology and finance, solidifying our role as a trusted partner for sustainable growth. Since inception, our strategic vision has ensured consistent profitability, contributing to our ability to innovate and deliver value to stakeholders.”

Starting with a team of 30 employees in 2022, Ayekart now boasts over 130 professionals. The expansion to six locations, including four new offices in Pune, Araku, Lucknow, and Gangavaram, has broadened the company’s reach and impact.In July, Ayekart moved to a new head office in Mumbai, aligning with the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled services and fostering a productive and collaborative work environment.

Ayekart's dedication to fostering partnerships is evidenced