Category Archives: Business

New Relic Announces Manivannan Govindan as Senior Director of Enterprise Sales, Asia

Bangalore India – May 15, 2025 — New Relic, the Intelligent Observability company, announced the appointment of Manivannan Govindan as Senior Director of Enterprise Sales, Asia. Govindan brings 25+ years of monitoring and observability sales experience to the role, where he has driven significant value at several organisations including Cisco, Amazon, and CA Technologies. 

Manivannan Govindan 

Based in Singapore, Govindan will join a dynamic and highly experienced regional leadership team. This includes Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan Simon Lee, Group Vice President of Customer Adoption Rob Newell, recently appointed Senior Director of Enterprise Sales for Australia and New Zealand Denis Maguire, as well as other key senior leaders driving strategic growth and customer success across the region.

“Asia is a very promising market for New Relic. There is tremendous growth potential across traditional enterprises looking to modernise, as well as digital natives requiring scale and agility,” said New Relic Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan, Simon Lee. “With extensive experience in the Asian observability market, I couldn’t be more excited to have Manivannan join the team and take our Asian business to new heights, while delivering real value for our customers.”

Businesses in the Asia Pacific region are turning to observability tools to improve operations, reduce cloud spending, and deliver better customer experiences. According to Gartner, worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to total $723.4 billion in 2025, up from $595.7 billion in 2024. Gartner also predicts that 90% of organisations will adopt a hybrid cloud strategy by 2027, presenting a challenge in synchronising data across hybrid cloud environments. The New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform enables businesses to optimise operations by addressing rising cloud costs and tool proliferation, while improving customer experiences.

“Customers in Asia are rapidly driving digital transformation and adopting multi-cloud and containerised applications, while retaining complex backends in hybrid architectures,” said New Relic Senior Director of Enterprise Sales Asia, Manivannan Govindan. “New Relic is uniquely positioned to help Asian enterprises achieve visibility across their entire IT estates, ultimately helping them reduce complexity while ensuring the availability and performance of their digital services. I couldn’t be more excited to join the team and help demonstrate the power of the New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform.”

Govindan’s appointment comes after a series of innovations and enhancements. This includes New Relic’s reimagined Partner Program, which has been designed to fuel business growth for its partner ecosystem with stronger incentives for partners, as well as new and simplified certifications and enhanced training. In addition, 20+ innovations and integrations that leverage AI-strengthened intelligence and insights to drive business uptime were recently announced across the New Relic Intelligent Observability Platform.

Goyal Salt’s FY25 PAT grown by 40.11% to Rs 13.24 crore

Jaipur, May 14, 2025: Goyal Salt Limited, leading FMCG player which specializes in salt, has announced its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025.

FY25 Financial Highlights

• Total Income in FY25 was at ₹ 129.97 crore, as compared to ₹ 117.70 crore in FY24, up by 10.39%
• EBITDA was at ₹ 11.94 crore as compared to ₹ 7.45 crore in FY24; registered a growth of 60.27%
• PAT was at ₹ 13.24 crore as compared to ₹ 9.45 crore in FY24, increase of 40.11%

Operational Highlights

• Company had inaugurated India’s largest natural salt plant in salt capital of India, Gandhidham in the month of April, 2025
• Total capacity of the company is 2,200 MT per day and 6,60,000 MT per year

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “We are delighted to report all time high net revenues of ₹ 129.97 crore for the year.

The Gandhidham plant is expected to increase Goyal Salt’s production capabilities and more than double its turnover in two years to ₹ 275 crore. The Gandhidham facility is a landmark achievement towards strengthening our operations and expanding presence to western and eastern markets in the country. With such plant capacity enhancement, we are poised to boost our market share, consolidating our leadership role in the industry.

With the new capacity on board the company will have full utilisation in FY27 and with both volume and price growth due to branding efforts in both Northern, Western and Eastern markets the company is going to achieve higher revenues with the current expanded capacity.”

ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL Leads dollar550K Seed Round in LUZO – Powering the Future of Tech-Enabled Wellness

May 14th, 2025: ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL Inc. has led a $550K seed funding round in Salonsurf Ventures, the company behind LUZO, a curated marketplace for salons, spas, and wellness clinics.The round includes participation from several investors, notably including the Founders of Swiggy Dineout and Orra.

Founded by Anurav Dave, Nikhil Kalwani, and Maan Jetley, LUZO is building a digital platform that streamlines the way consumers discover and book beauty and wellness services. The platform addresses the growing demand among India’s urban consumers for high-quality, convenient, and tech-enabled experiences.

With over 65% of India’s population under 35 and increasing awareness around self-care, there is a rising preference for premium grooming services. LUZO responds to this shift by offering a seamless way to explore, compare, and book curated services across verified providers.

Harsh Deordhar, Principal at ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL added, “LUZO’s model is grounded in clear market demand, user-first design, and efficient execution. The beauty and wellness space in India is undergoing a digital transformation, and LUZO is well-positioned to play a defining role in shaping its evolution.”

The capital raised will be used to strengthen LUZO’s technology infrastructure, expand its partner network in Tier-1 cities, and increase brand visibility among its target audiences.

Anurav Dave, Co-founder of LUZO further added, “Our goal is to make luxury wellness more accessible and frictionless. This investment supports our next phase of growth as we expand our reach and enhance user experience through technology.”

ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL continues to invest in ventures driving cultural and consumer change, with LUZO representing a step forward in building the digital future of beauty and wellness.

LuxeGlamp expands to UAE with Landmark Eco-Tourism Project in Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain / New Delhi – 14 May 2025: Luxeglamp Eco-resorts, the pioneers of luxury glamping in India, has opened its first overseas glamping destination at Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company has announced the commencement of operations of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the UAE’s first dedicated eco-tourism glamping resort.

The project, the foundation stone for which was laid by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Umm Al Quwain, signaling the emirate’s shared commitment to responsible and future-forward tourism, is located in the heart of the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, offering ten glass-domed suites, each spanning nearly 1,000 square feet.

Antony Thomas, Founder and CEO of LuxeGlamp, said, “LuxeGlamp UAQ is a celebration of what Indian eco-luxury hospitality can achieve globally. We’re proud to share our nature-first design philosophy with the world. A highlight of the destination is Luxe Bistro. This stunning glass-domed fine-dining restaurant delivers a fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, crafted with local and sustainable ingredients”.

Spread over 50 acres and with a build-up area of 3 acres is a first-of-its-kind project in the region, LuxeGlamp UAQ merges luxury hospitality with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, redefining conscious travel in the Middle East. It is designed to offer a sustainable and luxurious glamping experience, becoming the regions most significant eco-tourism venture. These panoramic domes are meticulously designed to blend into the mangrove ecosystem and offer guests private plunge pools, wooden decks, saunas, and hammocks—all with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding mangroves.

The resort features

Sustainability Highlights:

• • 100% eco-conscious design: no permanent structures, no piling, and zero soil disturbance
  • Solar-powered operation across the property
  • Structures made from recyclable materials including tempered glass and aluminium

• Use of sustainable bamboo for 80% of wood applications
• No single-use plastics
• Interiors feature elegant Balinese design fused with local cultural elements

Founded by Indian entrepreneur Antony Thomas, LuxeGlamp has become a recognized name in India for its award-winning, eco-sensitive glamping retreats in India at Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala. With the launch of LuxeGlamp UAQ, the brand proudly steps onto the global stage, showcasing Indian innovation in sustainable tourism.

Farmley Completes dollar40 Million Series C Fundraise Led by L Catterton

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025 – Farmley, a rapidly-growing healthy snacking brand in India, today announced that it has completed a $40 million Series C fundraise led by L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm. Existing shareholders such as DSG Consumer Partners also participated in the fundraise. The investments position Farmley to further scale the briskly-evolving dried fruits and nuts segment of the country’s healthy snacking market.

The dried fruits and nuts segment of India’s healthy snacking market is expected to expand by around 14% annually over the next six years to cross $8.5 billion by 2031 on the back on secular tailwinds. These include consumers’ increasing propensity to swap unhealthy snacks for healthier ones, as well as eat these snacks not only when they feel peckish, but also to meet other needs such as post-workout nourishment and small meal replacement. Consumers are also increasingly opting for branded snacks that offer consistent quality via organized sales channels with better hygiene standards than unorganized ones, just like they have in other packaged food categories.

Farmley has become the fastest-growing brand in its category by offering a diverse portfolio of wholesome, better-for-you snacks via its omnichannel distribution network. Seeking to redefine the future of healthy snacking through innovative products, the company crafts indulgent yet guilt-free snacks based on the goodness of dried fruits and nuts. These include India’s widest range of flavoured makhanas, as well as trail mixes, date bites, and seeds which have garnered market-leading advocacy rates.

Underscoring Farmley’s growing appeal, its revenue has risen by approximately 55% annually over the past two years to reach around INR 370 crore in FY25. Significantly, the company has generated such momentum while also achieving profitability, attesting to its financial discipline. Moreover, its unique farm-to-palm model empowers farmers, promotes sustainable practices, and delivers exceptional quality to its customers.

Commenting on the investment, Farmley Co-Founders Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal said, “We are committed to reimagining snacking for the modern Indian consumer, transforming what was once considered mere convenience food into a wholesome delightful experience. We are thrilled to partner with L Catterton as its differentiated combination of global and local insights into our industry, as well as proven operating capabilities will be instrumental as we continue revolutionizing the healthy snacking landscape in India. Our roadmap includes penetrating untapped regional markets, developing cutting-edge product formulations that blend nutrition with exceptional taste, and leveraging advanced food technology to create snacks that truly nourish both the body and the palate.”

L Catterton Partner and Head of India Anjana Sasidharan added, “Farmley has been able to astutely capitalise on long-term consumer trends with its better-for-you positioning and high-quality products which resonate with customers. Its robust dried fruit and nut sourcing capabilities, prolific new product development engine, and strategic partner status across key sales channels have been vital drivers of the company’s growth in its category. We are excited to collaborate with the talented team at Farmley to further realise the company’s potential by drawing on our experience in building multiple food brands across the world.”

L Catterton has significant experience building brands in the packaged food sector across the world. Current and past investments in the space include Cholula Hot Sauce, Ferrara Candy Company, Goodles, Kettle Foods, Kodiak, Little Moons, NotCo, Planted, and Plum Organics.

Career Transition and Salary Growth Drive 60% of Working Professionals to Pursue Finance Certifications

A recent study exploring upskilling trends among finance professionals conducted by Zell Education has revealed a significant shift in how mid-career individuals are approaching continued learning. The report highlights that a growing majority of finance learners today are working professionals seeking to future-proof their careers in an evolving economic landscape shaped by digital transformation, regulatory changes, and emerging financial technologies.

According to the study by Zell Education, 60% of individuals currently pursuing finance certifications are working professionals, while 40% are fresh graduates. This shift signals a strong motivation among mid-level talent to sharpen their skills, pivot into new roles, or seek career advancement. The most in-demand certifications among this group include ACCA, CFA, and CPA programs that offer global relevance and technical depth. Learners are increasingly prioritizing structured, mentor-led programs over self-paced formats, citing better guidance and outcomes.

The motivations behind this surge in upskilling are multifaceted. Career transition and salary growth emerged as the top two drivers. Professionals are not just looking to climb the corporate ladder within their current roles but are also exploring lateral moves into high-growth sectors. Notably, industries such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), fintech, consulting, and startups are witnessing a marked increase in demand for certified finance talent.

The study also found that nearly 45% of professionals who complete a certification experience tangible career benefits—be it a promotion, a role change, or a salary hike within a year of completion. This figure underscores the strong return on investment that continued learning offers, especially in a domain as dynamic as finance.

Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist. Time constraints and lack of employer support are the most commonly cited hurdles faced by working professionals pursuing certification programs. However, there is encouraging movement on the corporate front, with a growing number of companies beginning to sponsor upskilling initiatives, indicating a broader recognition of the importance of workforce development in finance.

“Today’s finance professionals are not just looking to move up the ladder—they’re looking to pivot into high-growth areas like ESG investing and fintech. This study confirms a shift in mindset from job security to skill-based agility”, said Pratham Barot, CEO & Founder, Zell Education.

The average age of professionals opting for finance certifications lies between 26 and 30, reflecting a critical career phase where individuals are weighing long-term growth against evolving industry demands. Additionally, new areas such as ESG investing and fintech are gaining popularity, pointing to a shift in the competencies professionals now consider essential for the future.

Hansgrohe India Launches LavaPura Element S, Redefining Smart Hygiene for Modern Bathrooms

India, 14 May 2025— hansgrohe, the premium German brand in bathroom and kitchen solutions, officially announced the launch of its latest innovation — the LavaPura Element S series of e-toilets for the Indian Market. Blending effortless hygiene, design-led luxury, and modern-day convenience, the LavaPura Element S reaffirms Hansgrohe’s commitment to transforming everyday bathroom rituals through smart technology, sustainable design, and understated elegance.

Crafted primarily for private residences but equally suited for high-end hospitality environments, the LavaPura Element S series is engineered to meet Indian lifestyle needs — offering intuitive features, seamless installation, and reliable performance tailored for local conditions.

“Smart bathrooms are no longer aspirational; they’re becoming essential in modern homes and hotels. We’re seeing a clear shift in Indian consumer preferences toward intuitive, hygiene-focused bathroom solutions,” said Abhijeet Sonar, Head of Marketing, India and SAARC Region, Hansgrohe. “The LavaPura Element S series delivers just that — a lifestyle upgrade that combines advanced hygiene features with minimalist, user-friendly design. We’re excited to bring this innovation to discerning homeowners and hospitality spaces across India.”

Highlights of the LavaPura Element S:

eSanitize Ion Sterilisation:
Innovative electrolysed water technology cleans and sterilises inner walls and nozzles with up to a 99% sterilisation rate. After sterilisation, the ions naturally revert to water, ensuring a natural and skin-friendly cleaning process.

UV Sterilisation:
Antibacterial material nozzles are reinforced with UV sterilisation, maintaining cleanliness after every use.

Hygiene Effect Pure Shield® Technology:
For ceramic surfaces that are prone to contact with the human body (such as the inner wall of a toilet), Using reassuring materials containing effective antibacterial factors, offering users enhanced protection and peace of mind.

OdorFresh Water-Based Odour Neutralisation:
Specialised odor-spraying technology neutralises odours without relying on consumables, delivering a sustainable and low-maintenance solution.

AquaHelix 360° Vortex Flush:
A silent, powerful 360° vortex flush system ensures thorough coverage with minimal noise and is operable even during power outages.

AquaWash Multi Comfort Wash:
Multiple wash modes — including bidet wash, feminine wash, massage wash, and moving wash — offer a gentle, progressive hot water experience for personalised comfort.

Apart from the stand-out features, the comprehensive design aesthetics also consist of IPX4 waterproof remote control; Status breathing light displaying functional operational modes; sensing night light, automatic flush and opening and closing covers; multi stage seat-heating and SmartClean glazed surface that is easy to clean.

In a post-pandemic world, where hygiene and smart automation are rapidly reshaping consumer expectations, hansgrohe’s LavaPura Element S series represents the next frontier in bathroom innovation.

The LavaPura Element S is now available across India through hansgrohe’s extensive dealer and showroom network. With this launch, Hansgrohe India continues to set new benchmarks in premium bathroom solutions, offering consumers a smarter, cleaner, and more luxurious everyday experience.

hansgrohe stands for holistic bathroom experiences that combine water- and energy-saving technologies, intelligent functions and long-lasting quality. With timeless and innovative premium products, the brand supports a sustainable lifestyle and transforms daily water routines into extraordinary experiences. Driven by a unique pioneering spirit, hansgrohe, together with its long-standing partner PHOENIX, creates living environments and product solutions for bathrooms and kitchens that enrich everyday life with more design, comfort and enjoyment. Within the internationally active Hansgrohe Group, the premium brand hansgrohe manufactures, markets and distributes showers, shower systems, bathroom and kitchen faucets, bathroom accessories, furniture, sanitary ceramics and kitchen sinks worldwide under the hansgrohe brand. hansgrohe. Life is waterful.

Tim Hortons launches India’s Coolest Boba Ever

National, 14.05.25: Tim Hortons® India is thrilled to introduce its brand-new Summer Poppers with Popping Boba – first time ever in India! These delightful little #SummerPoppers are bursting with juicy flavor, offering a fun and exciting twist to your favorite sips. Ditch the boring—sip into something BOBA-licious! Inspired by the vibrant summer flavors that India loves, our all-new Summer Poppers come in three exciting variants: Spicy Jamun, Mosambi Litchi, and Aam Panna. Each sip promises a refreshing burst that will invigorate your summer mood.

Our Summer Poppers range brings together three captivating variants, each a tribute to India’s most cherished tastes, crafted for pure enjoyment. Spicy Jamun delivers a bold, tangy twist on the classic Indian berry with a hint of spice that tingles your taste buds. Mosambi Litchi offers a refreshingly sweet blend that combines zesty sweet lime with exotic litchi notes. Aam Panna brings the nostalgic raw mango goodness that India adores, reimagined with playful popping pearls that burst with every sip and tingle your taste buds. Each #SummerPopper transforms an ordinary beverage moment into an adventure of texture and taste, every sip delivering tiny explosions of flavor. It’s the perfect way to beat the sweltering Indian summer heat while indulging in a trendy treat that’s taking the world by storm.

On this launch, Tarun Jain, CEO of Tim Hortons India, shared, At Tim Hortons India, we’ve thoughtfully crafted our new Summer Poppers range to celebrate timeless Indian flavours in an exciting Popping boba platform that will appeal to our discerning customers across all age groups. We understand that today’s consumers are looking for more than just a thirst quencher – they want an experience that’s not only Instagram-worthy and culturally relevant, but also refreshingly delicious. By combining the global trend of popping boba with India’s most signature flavors, we’re creating a perfect summer getaway that’s as much fun as it is refreshing.”

These trendy Popping Boba beverages are now available across all Tim Hortons® cafés nationwide, as well as through Swiggy and Zomato. Don’t miss the chance to try these limited-edition #SummerPoppers and Your ultimate summer refresher is here—get ready to sip, chill, and thrill!

Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company Ltd. announces steady performance for FY2024-25

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025: Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company Ltd. (RNLIC), one of India’s leading life insurance companies, today announced its audited financial results for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. The company delivered a steady performance across key metrics while continuing to strengthen its customer focus and operational resilience.

For FY2024-25, RNLIC reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₹247 crore, reflecting a strong growth of 25% over the previous year (₹198 crore in FY2023-24). The company’s Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at ₹38,725 crore, marking a 9% year-on-year growth. New Business Premium (NBP) grew to ₹1,245 crore, and Total Premium rose to ₹5,711 crore, reflecting steady business momentum.

The company continued to maintain a strong Solvency Ratio of 235%, well above the regulatory requirement, reflecting a robust balance sheet and prudent capital management.

Customer-centricity remained a core pillar, with a Claim Settlement Ratio of 98.9%, as on March 31, 2025, and ₹3,523 crore paid in benefits to ~5.4 lakh customers during the year, an increase of 8% over the previous year. The company’s 13^th month persistency for FY2024-25 by premium* stood at a healthy 80.8%, reflecting strong customer trust and continued engagement. The number of active advisors grew by 13%, increasing its active advisor base to nearly 69,000, further strengthening the company’s reach and advisory capability.

In a reaffirmation to its long-term commitment, RNLIC declared bonuses to its participating policyholders and distributed bonuses totalling ₹351 crore during the FY24-25, rewarding 5.2 lakh customers for their continued confidence in the company. This marks the 24^th year of consistent bonus declarations, supporting RNLIC’s promise of long-term value creation and financial security for its customers.

The company’s Embedded Value rose to ₹7,397 crore, up from ₹6,885 crore in last fiscal supported by consistent business performance and improved operational efficiencies.

Key Financial Highlights (₹ in crore):

 Employee Focus: Certified as Great Place to Work in 2025, for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting commitment to employee well-being. Also recognized as Top 50 Large Workplaces Building a Culture of Innovation for All.

Product Innovation: Launched 6 new innovative and thoughtful products complying with IRDAI Regulations across various segments that cater to the varied needs of our customers.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Ashish Vohra, Executive Director & CEO, Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company, said: “We are pleased to report a year marked by strong performance and improved profitability, driven by disciplined execution, customer-first thinking, and robust fundamentals. Our continued focus on strengthening distribution, enhancing customer experience, and maintaining financial prudence has helped us navigate a dynamic environment. The combined strength of IIHL and Nippon Life Insurance, backed by their shared commitment to long-term growth and excellence, will help us unlock greater outcomes for all stakeholders, drive strategic expansion, and continue building a legacy of trust for the future. We remain committed to building a future-ready, customer-centric life insurance company with a clear vision to scale and lead with trust, innovation, and performance.”

Lawrencedale Agro Processing India Posts Positive Net Profit in Q4 2024-25, Setting a New Benchmark in India’s Competitive Agtech Sector

Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India – May 14, 2025:Lawrencedale Agro Processing India Private Limited (LEAF), a pioneering full-stack agri-tech services company headquartered in the Nilgiris, today announced a positive net profit for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2024-25. This landmark achievement positions LEAF among the very few players in India’s rapidly growing agritech landscape to attain net positive earnings, setting a new benchmark for sustainable financial viability in a sector that remains deeply complex and capital-intensive.

Founded over a decade ago with a singular mission to transform rural agricultural ecosystems, Lawrencedale Agro Processing has evolved into a formidable platform driving farmer-centric innovation across South and Central India. Its comprehensive model spans the entire agricultural value chain—from scientific crop advisory and precision input delivery to transparent procurement, digitised payments, and access to formal credit. Today, LEAF partners with more than 1.4 million smallholder and tribal farmers, creating a robust ecosystem that enhances farmer incomes while ensuring environmental stewardship and long-term rural resilience.

India’s agritech sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. With a market value of USD 878.1 million in 2024 and a projected CAGR of 10.93%, the sector is expected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2033. Yet, the path to profitability remains elusive for the vast majority of agtech start-ups. Structural constraints such as fragmented landholdings, poor access to finance, and logistical inefficiencies continue to undermine scalability. Against this backdrop, LEAF’s positive net profit in Q4 2024-25 emerges not merely as a financial milestone, but as a validation of its resilient operating model and strategic foresight.

Key Drivers of Profitability

1. Scientific Farming Interventions:

LEAF’s investment in agronomic intelligence and precision farming practices has yielded a 30% increase in production volumes. These interventions, tailored for hyperlocal agro-climatic conditions, have also reduced the cost of cultivation by enabling farmers to use inputs judiciously and sustainably. The resultant gains in yield and quality are directly translating into higher incomes for farmers and improved supply chain efficiencies for buyers.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:

LEAF’s initiatives are deeply aligned with global goals on climate-resilient agriculture. From advocating for low-carbon farming practices to enhancing soil organic content through regenerative techniques, the company has contributed meaningfully to environmental improvement. Independent assessments indicate a tangible reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health across regions under LEAF’s influence, positioning the company as a conscientious partner in India’s green transition.

3. Transparent Farm-Gate Procurement:

LEAF has redefined procurement by introducing end-to-end traceability and price transparency at the farm gate. This disruption of traditional middlemen-led supply chains has led to a consistent 56% to 78% rise in farmgate incomes for partner farmers. LEAF’s direct procurement model, which ensures payments within 48 hours, now delivers 22% higher value on average to farmers compared to legacy systems—affirming the company’s role in driving fairer rural markets.

4. Digital Financial Inclusion at Scale:

One of LEAF’s most transformative innovations is the LEAF Farmer Network (LFN), a digitised ecosystem that connects farmers to markets, financial institutions, and service providers. Developed in partnership with Mastercard and supported by leading banks and NBFCs, the LFN platform enables over a million farmers and 500 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to access formal credit, receive direct payments, and manage transactions seamlessly. With offline-enabled smart cards and digital payment gateways, LEAF is dismantling the informal credit system that has historically trapped farmers in cycles of debt.

The integration of digital workflows, biometric verification, and mobile-based crop advisory is fostering a new generation of financially literate and economically empowered farmers. For many of these communities, financial inclusion has become the cornerstone of resilience, enabling savings, access to insurance, and long-term planning.

Vision from the Leadership

Palat Vijayaraghavan, Founder and CEO of Lawrencedale Agro Processing, remarked, “Achieving a positive net profit in the fourth quarter of FY 2024-25 is both a validation of our integrated, farmer-first model and a reflection of the enduring value of inclusive innovation. In a sector often burdened by scale and logistical complexity, this milestone stands as proof that it is indeed possible to blend social purpose with financial discipline.”

He further added, “Our vision is not limited to profitability. We are building a resilient agricultural ecosystem that uplifts marginalised communities, fortifies national food security, and contributes meaningfully to environmental sustainability. This is our true north.”