Second Cohort of Yara Leadership Academy to Empower MSMEs in Agriculture

New Delhi, Sep 18 (KNN) Yara India has officially announced the launch of the second cohort of the Yara Leadership Academy (YLA), building on the success of its first cohort.

Aimed at bolstering the leadership and business management capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture industry, the program is in partnership with Unifiers Social Ventures Private Limited and Connected Technologies LLP, the company revealed in a recent statement.

First introduced in 2022, YLA was piloted in both Kenya and India, creating a robust network of approximately 1,000 agro dealers across the two nations.

In India, 500 MSMEs completed the inaugural program, with a strong emphasis on promoting female leadership and youth participation.

Buoyed by positive stakeholder feedback, Yara has significantly increased its investment in capacity building for agribusinesses.

This year, the YLA program has expanded to include participants from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, in addition to continuing its presence in Western Uttar Pradesh.

Yara aims to graduate 700 applicants from over 70 districts, providing a substantial opportunity for MSMEs to enhance their business skills and knowledge of sustainable farming practices.

The 15-week intensive curriculum covers essential areas such as business establishment, financial planning, growth strategies, product quality control, and customer service.

The program also emphasises regenerative agriculture, preparing participants for the future of farming. A dedicated team of 15 coaches will be on the ground, supporting the 700 participants to ensure they can effectively implement their new skills within their businesses.

Notably, this year’s program has seen a sharp rise in female participation, growing from 22 per cent to 28.3 per cent.

Yara is also broadening its reach to include Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Independent Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Bihar, and special interest groups like women from Babrala Self-Help Groups and young girl learners.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director of Yara South Asia, highlighted the company’s vision, stating, “At Yara, we envision a future where Indian agriculture is not only productive but also sustainable, resilient, and equitable. Empowering all stakeholders, especially women, is key to this transformation.”

Participants will receive certifications from esteemed bodies like the Management and Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) and the National Council for Vocational Education (NCVET), further enhancing their market readiness and business acumen.

(KNN Bureau)