Page 26 - 10 Most Influencive Leaders of Agriculture 2019

another aspect of tremendous focus
the farmers in terms of price and
working capital management, and
that in turn affects us and the sector diversify, the crop in surplus will
as a whole. Traditionally, India
is not an agricultural exporter, so
we and our farmers have to learn
how to manage surpluses. Working
with the farmers and encouraging
them to continue to invest in their
farming is a strong focus and huge
challenge for us.”
“Traditionally, India is not an
agricultural exporter, so we and
our farmers have to learn how to
manage surplus.”
Crop diversification is another
priority GAVL is encouraging
farmers to consider and implement. predictably, while the lack of
Balram admits the education
surrounding diversification has
been slow, but he believes farmers,
the government and the private
sector are gradually coming
on board as they realise the
advantages of expanding India’s
agricultural sector to other markets. 20% of the country’s districts in
“This is critical, and something
we should be very conscious of
in terms of crop production,” he
says. “We may be producing lots
and lots of certain crops, but we
still have shortages of oil seeds,
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for example or, in some seasons,
of vegetables. Whereas, if we
be produced less and the crop we
are currently importing can be
produced more.”
“GAVL is helping disseminate
all this information to help our
farmers. Ultimately, depending on
their conditions, working capital
status, and irrigation capability, the
farmer is the best judge of what to
grow. But when they seek guidance
and information, GAVL is there
to help and provide immediate
support.”
Ironically, and perhaps more
natural calamities result in surplus
for some of India’s farming
communities, others are still
victims of the devastating effects of
disease and monsoons.
Last year, India’s monsoon deluged
floods, while another 40% faced
drought due to a 20% deficit in rain
and another 10% suffered a 10%
rain deficit.
“Anything can come and hit our
crops and animals and this is
for us,” Balram says.
“In spite of the fact we are a
profitable company, our margins
are still narrow which, from
my point of view, is a risk.
Agribusinesses are so dependent
on God’s will, that we have to keep
on improving the sustainability of
the company.”
Balram is convinced one solution
to improving farming practices
is to connect farmers via
digitalisation.
Government schemes, including
the direct benefit transfer scheme
for fertiliser subsidies, are already
delivered electronically and
Balram believes technology will
continue to spread to rural areas at
a rapid rate. “I feel very strongly
about this,” he says.
“Many goods and services
delivered to our rural population
in the future will be through
digitalisation, and my sense is that
rural India will digitalise much
faster in terms of transactions.
So, GAVL has to be ready
and ensure that in all areas of
business, farmers are connected
to technology. This will be critical
and is a key focus for the future.”
Meanwhile, within GAVL, efforts
are being made to retain and
engage employees, particularly
following acquisitions. While
Balram acknowledges the
tremendous challenge of
integrating a new business into the
company, he doesn’t discount the
difficulties involved in assimilating
new teams.
“It takes time to adjust when
new teams come on board
after acquisitions,” he admits.
“Culturally, we are very different
in the sense that we are a value-
December 2019