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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’s Sustainability Report FY 2023 is structured around Yara’s 5Cs approach to sustainability: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute

 Yara India, a part of Norwegian multinational Yara International – the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial, and environmental solutions, today released its second Sustainability Report. The report outlines Yara India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy, and implementing sustainable farming practices. The company has set a target to cut GHG emissions by 70,000 tCO2e by 2026.

Additionally, the report details Yara’s efforts to enhance the sustainability of its operations in India and the progress made towards these goals. Throughout the reporting period, Yara’s digital platforms have effectively disseminated knowledge, reaching over 4.6 million farmers with valuable insights and guidance.

The sustainability report is structured around Yara’s 5Cs approach to sustainability: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute. These pillars are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address critical areas such as resilient governance, efficient resource allocation, environmental stewardship, empathy-driven solutions, and overall societal improvement. The company has outlined a plan to invest in initiatives and programs that will reduce operating costs, provide new revenue opportunities, mitigate operating risks and increase the female workforce across the value chain.

On the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “In an era where the resource use efficiency is declining, our focus is to ensure nutrition sufficiency to help improve farm productivity and incomes.  For the same, Yara offers lower carbon footprint fertiliser portfolio, prioritize practices that restore soil health over time and contribute to move India towards a nature positive food future. Empowering women farmers is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic investment in the future of agriculture. At Yara India, we are actively bridging the gender gap and unlocking the untapped potential of women farmers. Through our partnerships with 15 women exclusive FPOs, each with an average of 2,000 members, we are directly supporting approximately 30,000 women farmers and 120,000 members within the farming community. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape which is visible as a key imperative in our sustainability report as well.”

Speaking on the occasion, May-Elin Stener, the Ambassador of Norway to India, said, “As the largest shareholder in Yara, the Norwegian government is proud to support Yara’s objectives, which align closely with the government’s priorities: improving food security, supporting sustainable farming practices, adapting to climate change, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Yara contributes to improving food security not only by offering high-quality products but also by educating farmers in best practices for optimal yields and healthier soil. The 2023 Sustainability Report demonstrates Yara’s commitment to creating a more environmentally sound and gender equal agricultural sector in India. This report highlights not just your achievements, but also your ongoing dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.”

Company’s Sustainability Report FY 2023 is structured

Collaboration will bring together BioPrime’s cutting-edge SNIPR technology-based “Chiron” and Yara India’s expertise & leadership in crop nutrition.

 BioPrime AgriSolutions, a leading ag-biotech startup harnessing the power of agricultural biotechnology for sustainable and resilient farming practices, announced a strategic partnership with Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International, the world’s leading crop nutrition company. Bringing together BioPrime’s cutting-edge SNIPR technology-based “Chiron” with Yara India’s expertise & leadership in crop nutrition, this collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone in serving farmers with sustainable solutions mitigating the risk of crop failures due to weather uncertainties & boosting the crop yields.

Chiron, developed by Bioprime, leverages the cutting-edge SNIPR technology, utilizing small molecules to modulate plant responses effectively. This fast-acting formulation is designed to enhance flower count and improve flower-to-fruit conversion, resulting in a significant increase in crop yields. Additionally, Chiron helps in delivering better qualitative parameters like uniformity of produce & higher-grade output leading to additional profits for the farmers. Farmers have benefited with its capacity to mitigate climatic uncertainties and provide them with a reliable solution for achieving superior crop yields despite changing and challenging agricultural conditions.

“We are excited to collaborate with Yara India to deliver sustainable solutions built on the back of nature for the benefit of farming community”, said Dr Renuka Diwan, CEO of BioPrime. “Together with Yara India, we have the huge opportunity to cater to the unmet needs of the farmers facing the brunt of weather uncertainties leading to loss in yield”.

Speaking on the partnership, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “We are delighted to announce Yara India’s strategic partnership with Bio Prime, a leading player in biostimulants. This alliance signifies not just our mutual commitment to innovation and sustainability, but also a shared vision of a greener future for India. Yara India is committed to enhancing crop nutrition and soil health, ensuring healthier crops and improved livelihoods contributing to a nature positive food future”.

This partnership between Bioprime Agrisolutions and Yara India marks a significant milestone in the agricultural sector, paving the way for innovation and sustainability in farming practices. Together, we are poised to empower farmers with the tools and solutions they need to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

Collaboration will bring together BioPrime's cutting-edge SNIPR

With this certification, Yara joins a league of prominent organizations recognised for an exceptional work environment with an enviable culture.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has been certified as a Great Place to Work®, in the category of mid-size organisations from February 2024-February 2025. The Great Place to Work Certification recognises employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

Description automatically generated Yara India has received this certification for the first time, based on the direct feedback from employees that was provided as part of an extensive anonymous survey about their experience at Yara India. With this certification, Yara joins a league of prominent organizations recognised for an exceptional work environment with an enviable culture. The survey showcased employees’ appreciation for Yara’s flexible approach, openness to innovation, and transparent practices, which contributed to this prestigious acknowledgment.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “We are thrilled to be recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’. This certification is beneficial to us as it provides us with a globally recognized and research-backed verification of great employee experience. We at Yara have always aimed to create an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative workplace environment, nurturing talent, and supporting their ambitions in the industry. Our continuous growth efforts as an organization and as a part of this industry, align with our global commitment to responsibly nourish the world, while uplifting the local community towards a nature positive food future.”

Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Their mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organizations to truly capture, analyse, and understand the experience of all employees. Their Certification, Best Workplaces™ Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from employees in 150 countries around the world.

With this certification, Yara joins a league

 The campaign aims to empower the farmers to produce high-quality yields that are both nutritious and sustainable.

 Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, announced the launch of its new digital campaign, “Kissan ka Sachcha Yaar”. The campaign is aimed at highlighting Yara’s commitment to empowering farmers to produce high-quality yields that are both nutritious and sustainable.

The campaign coincides with the launch of FarmCare 2.0, an innovative app designed to support farming communities across India. The app provides farmers with real-time weather updates, soil management guidance, efficient fertilizer use, and a convenient online marketplace connecting them with nearby Yara Crop Nutrition Centers (YCNCs).

In India where 43 per cent of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture, farming is more than just an occupation—it’s a way of life— deeply rooted in community and camaraderie. Farmers share a unique bond, characterized by their willingness to support each other at all times. Yara recognizes this bond and aims to strengthen it further through the “Kissan ka Sachcha Yaar” campaign.

The visual language of the campaign draws inspiration from the deep sense of community among Indian farmers. It captures the spirit of collaboration and unity, symbolizing the everyday acts of kindness and support that define the farming brotherhood. From sowing seeds to reaping the harvest, Indian farmers work hand in hand, embodying the essence of true friendship.

Moreover, the campaign emphasises that Yara isn’t just a supporter of farmers; it’s also a friend to retailers. By empowering both farmers and retailers alike, Yara nurtures a relationship based on mutual growth and prosperity. Through collaborative efforts, Yara ensures that the farming ecosystem flourishes, benefiting all involved.

Commenting on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “We are thrilled to launch our latest campaign, ‘Kissan ka Sachcha Yaar’. It embodies Yara’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the agricultural communities in India. This initiative underscores our pledge to forge enduring partnerships, drive sustainable growth, and pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow, together with our valued farming community and retailers and pave the way for a prosperous tomorrow.”

Yara’s “Kissan ka Sachcha Yaar” campaign is a testament to the brand’s commitment to supporting the farming community in India. By empowering farmers and retailers, Yara aims to create a sustainable future for all.

 The campaign aims to empower the farmers

The partnership aims to support potato farmers in enhancing crop productivity and quality to gain acceptance for produce in the market.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has signed an MoU with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was signed by Vinaya Kumar Sharma, Head Commercial, Yara India, at the 2nd International Conference and Buyer-Seller Meet in Agra on February 04, 2024. The strategic partnership aims to support potato farmers in enhancing crop productivity and quality to gain acceptance for produce in the market. The primary objective is to introduce them to emerging digital technologies and building their capacity for higher efficiency and sustainability in farming practices.

Following the MoU signing, Dr Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, visited Yara’s Knowledge Grows Centre (YKGC) in Agra, which serves as a centre of excellence, fostering development and enhancing the best farming practices. During the visit, officials from the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the leadership team of Yara India interacted with potato farmers and toured four demo potato plots, which showcased the efforts Yara has made to enhance crop productivity and contribute to farmers’ livelihood.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “We are excited to partner with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, on this transformative journey towards enhancing the productivity and profitability of potato farmers in the region. Our collaboration is focused on building an ecosystem that supports and uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers, while also revolutionising food systems for a healthier and more resilient future. We are committed to working closely with other value chain players, from seed to final output companies, along with our team of Yara Agronomists, to introduce digital innovations such as our newly revamped FarmCare app and improve food quality.”

Dr Atul Kumar Singh, Director- Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Yara India’s partnership with the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh, is a significant step towards empowering potato farmers in the region. This partnership will introduce farmers to cutting-edge digital technologies and innovative solutions that will significantly enhance crop productivity and quality, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the farmers and their families. The Yara Knowledge Grow Center in Agra is an excellent platform for developing and enhancing the best farming practices, and we are confident that our farmers will benefit greatly from the knowledge and expertise shared by Yara’s team of agronomists.”

Yara Knowledge Grow Center (YKGC) in Agra is a center of excellence for developing and enhancing the best farming practices. The YKGC serves as a platform for conducting physical meetings and actively engages with the local community by conducting regular training programs for farmers.

The partnership aims to support potato farmers

The app introduces groundbreaking tools such as “map-my-farm,” real-time weather updates, a fertilizer calculator, and a digital leaf colour chart for accurate nitrogen assessment in crops.

Yara India, a subsidiary of the Norwegian multinational Yara International and a global leader in crop nutrition, proudly introduces the upgraded FarmCare app on World Soil Day. The app redefines the landscape of digital solutions tailored to farmers’ needs. Launched initially in 2021, the revamped app stands as a testament to Yara’s commitment to providing real-time agricultural solutions and empowering farmers through technological innovation.

The enhanced FarmCare app features a user-friendly interface and introduces groundbreaking tools such as “map-my-farm,” real-time weather updates, a fertilizer calculator, and a digital leaf colour chart for accurate nitrogen assessment in crops. A noteworthy addition is an integrated marketplace offering Yara product details, store locations, personalized crop insights, and knowledge advisories.

With over 4.5 million downloads and 2.2 million registrations, the FarmCare app has become an indispensable resource for 1.3 million active farmers across key states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Providing insights for a diverse range of crops, including wheat, paddy, sugarcane, maize, beans, onions, and cotton, the app empowers farmers to optimize their agricultural practices.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “In the dynamic landscape of India’s agri-tech revolution, the revamped FarmCare app exemplifies Yara’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge agricultural solutions. Empowering farmers with a user-friendly interface, the app facilitates insightful weather pattern comprehension, digital soil analysis booking and resource optimization. Yara is dedicated to Indian agriculture beyond technology and continues to actively contribute to the enrichment of soil health and working towards growing a nature-positive food future. It is important to note that depletion of secondary and micronutrients in the soil is fast becoming a limiting factor in improving yields as well as nutritive value of the crops. This can be addressed by easier registration of new generation micronutrients at state as well as national level.”

Highlighting the pivotal role of soil health in Yara’s mission, it operates a state-of-the-art soil analysis lab in Babrala, UP. The cutting-edge facility conducts assessments covering chemical, physical, and biological aspects of soil, providing farmers with invaluable insights to manage soil effectively, optimize food production, and enhance the environmental benefits of soil. In line with Yara’s dedication to fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in India, the soil analysis lab is a key component of its comprehensive approach.

Yara is committed to Indian agriculture beyond technology, encompassing community development, environmental sustainability, and strategic initiatives that uplift local farming communities. This strategic approach reinforces Yara’s enduring dedication to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in India.

The app introduces groundbreaking tools such as

To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot program is underway, integrating 500 farmers in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh into the Zinc Wheat value chain.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS). HPS’s objective is to seamlessly incorporate nutrient-rich seeds and foods into global agricultural systems, empowering vulnerable communities to boost their intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Together they are committed to the successful implementation of the project “Establishing Nutri-Farms with Smallholder Farmers in India.”  To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot program is underway, integrating 500 farmers in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh into the Zinc Wheat value chain. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the approach, with the ultimate aim of expanding its reach to benefit a larger number of farmers and communities in the future.

The strategic partnership seeks to transform food systems through a focus on delivering nutritious food to all individuals, with a special emphasis on vulnerable communities. The project employs a comprehensive approach that combines the use of biofortified seeds with capacity strengthening of farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including efficient nutrient management. This approach aims to enhance farm productivity and bolster farmers’ resilience toward food and nutrition security.

In ensuring a sustainable supply chain, the project facilitates the connection of farmers to relevant markets, enabling them to access businesses in the biofortified value chain. This not only contributes to improved food quality but also positively impacts the income and livelihoods of farmers. Additionally, the project fosters collaboration with public sector stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the adoption of nutrition-smart agricultural techniques.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “We are delighted to collaborate with HarvestPlus Solutions on a transformative journey towards nutritional security, focusing on sustainable solutions to shape a nature positive food future. Our partnership focuses on enhancing farm productivity, improving food quality, uplift farmer livelihoods and revolutionize food systems for a healthier and more resilient future.

Ravinder Grover, Regional Coordinator – Asia, HarvestPlus said,” “We are excited to join hands with Yara India to set up nutrition smart farms in India. By combining our expertise, we aim to introduce innovative bundles that promote sustainable farming practices and enhance crop nutrition and yield. This collaboration stands as a testament to our shared dedication to building a healthier, more resilient future for communities around the world.”

To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was addressing the knowledge sharing session ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential- 2035’, organised by FICCI.

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India said that it is imperative to adopt technology and create infrastructure to build a resilient agriculture sector in India.

Addressing the knowledge sharing session ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential- 2035’, organised by FICCI, Kumar stated that earlier the government had a production centric approach in the agriculture sector but now we focus on the entire value chain. Every country across the world is embracing newer technology, following innovative ways to build a strong agriculture value chain. “By adopting these measures along with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we can make Indian agriculture sector more robust, resilient, climate smart to match the global standards,” he added.

To promote infrastructure in the agriculture sector, Kumar said that the government introduced agriculture infrastructure fund scheme. “Till date, close to Rs 30,000 crore has been disbursed for these projects and this in turn has brought in investments around Rs 50,500 crore. This is going to change the landscape of the agriculture sector in the country as it is through infrastructure only that we can address the other inefficiencies in the supply chain,” he added.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, YARA South Asia said, “The agri-channels who have been in this space for over 50 years are the original start-ups of Indian agriculture- they believed in the future of Indian agriculture and committed themselves to making India self-sufficient by serving farmers with right agri inputs and technology support. Channel partners must be recognized for providing the last-mile connectivity from lab to land.”

Siraj Hussain, Advisor, FICCI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt of India said, “FICCI is thrilled to have partnered with Yara India for this knowledge-sharing event, ‘Harnessing Agriculture’s Potential – 2035’. This partnership opens doors to explore needs of input dealers and channel partners.”

Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Pvt Ltd said that we can improve our farm production by utilizing high-quality seeds, proper crop nutrition, and efficient mechanization in the farming process.

Kaushal Jaiswal, Co-Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee and MD, Rivulis Irrigation India Pvt Ltd said with so much potential in the agriculture sector, it becomes imperative that the Agri channel partners are suitably identified, supported and handheld so as to mainstream them for the long run. 

Deepak Verma, Domain Lead- Agriculture, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) said that ONDC brings all technology providers on one platform to provide unified solutions to the end user.

Arvind Chaudhary, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India said that there is a need to create awareness about balance use of fertilizers in farming.

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Ministry

The sustainability report centres on the 5C approach to sustainability at Yara: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute

Yara India, a part of Norwegian multinational Yara International – the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial, and environmental solutions, announced the release of its first India Sustainability Report. The report describes Yara’s approach to enhancing the sustainability of its business processes in India and progress towards change. Yara India has reached 11.8Mn farmers digitally and positively impacted the lives of 68,000 members of the farmer fraternity through its partnerships with more than 125 FPOs across 13 states.

The sustainability report centres on the 5C approach to sustainability at Yara: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute. These pillars align well with UN SDGs, while addressing areas like GHG emission reduction, energy conservation, water stewardship, circularity, and biodiversity. The company developed a plan to invest in initiatives and programme creation in areas that will lower operating costs, induct higher female workforce across value chain, provide revenue opportunities, and lower operating risks.

On the occasion Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, ” Our work enables us to impact sustainably along the manufacturing and agricultural value chains, while offering high-tech solutions to the farmers feeding the globe. Our teams are also assisting us consistently in this endeavour and we are also relying on them for innovative ideas to enhance productivity, eradicate waste, and reduce costs. Through our initiatives, we have been able to reach out to 11.6Mn farmers and directly support 68,000 members of the farming community across 13 states.”

The company is already creating and developing solutions that cater to the changing needs of farmers and reduce environmental impacts. The report, which aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative, highlights company accomplishments such as:

Commit: 11.6 Mn farmers reached through online sessions, partnerships with more than 125 FPOs across 13 states enable us to directly connect with and support around 68,000 members of the farmer community. Yara Crop Nutrition Centres (YCNC) attracts 0.7- 1.0 million farmers monthly.

Channelise: Created opportunities for women in customer-facing roles such as agronomy and sales and as agri-entrepreneurs; partnered with 7 women-only FPOs and Women formed 50% of the Yara India Advisory Council, which has been established to guide the organisation across various strategic business imperatives

Care: Impacted 65,000 lives through our CSR initiatives; special initiatives for physical, mental & emotional well-being of our people. 99 per cent of full-time employees covered through training sessions during the year

Concern: Measures towards, reducing scope 1 GHG emissions are being undertaken along with rigorous process for waste segregation and recycling. Installation of 600 KLD MBR based sewage treatment plant for water treatment is underway.

Contribute: Generated employment for 1535 people. Supported 55 small businesses.

The sustainability report centres on the 5C