Archives September 2023

Sterling and Wilson and DataVolt sign an MoU for the development and construction of state-of-the-art data centers

Sterling and Wilson

New Delhi; 13 September 2023: Sterling and Wilson Private Limited (“Sterling and Wilson”), a Shapoorji Pallonji Group Company, and one of India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Data Volt Information Technology Company (“DataVolt”) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a sustainable data center developer and operator with interests in the Worldwide emerging markets. The MOU intends to develop and construct data centers in accordance with the highest international standards in respective countries.

The data centers will leverage DataVolt’s expertise in Project Development along with Sterling and Wilson’s unparalleled experience in designing and building large scale DC’s that are sustainable and future-ready for hyperscalers, colocation players, telcos & enterprise customers. Both companies have a proven track record of integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices seamlessly.

DataVolt is developing and operating future-ready, innovative, and environmentally conscious data centers for a connected world. As part of the Vision Invest group, DataVolt has ample expertise in developing and operating renewable power, computing, networking, cooling, and water treatment and reusage critical infrastructure. DataVolt integrates advanced technologies and sustainable practices in its data centers.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, CEO, Data Centre Business, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited said, “We are honoured to collaborate with DataVolt for deploying data centers in strategic markets. With this important partnership, we look forward to creating additional DC capacity and be part of realising DataVolt’s vision of promoting a knowledge-based economy, job opportunities and strengthening the technology sector. This is an important milestone for our business, and we are excited for this new journey. Data centers are key to support business’ growth trajectory, adopt digital technologies and enable new business models. At Sterling and Wilson, we have a proven track record of delivering complex EPC projects and are confident that we can deliver state-of-the-art data centres that will meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability”, he further added.

“Through this strategic alliance with Sterling and Wilson, DataVolt is poised to revolutionize the data center industry. We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions that not only drive efficiency but also prioritize environmental stewardship”, said Rajit Nanda, CEO at DataVolt.

Sterling and Wilson commenced Data Centre services in 2015, and in a short span of time, has emerged as one of India’s leading Data Centre EPC players in the sector. It has executed 20+ DC projects with total IT load of over 60 MW in India and international markets, with leading players like Telecom Egypt and MainOne (an Equinix company). The Company is currently executing projects in India, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

India’s First Aerial Action Film ‘FIGHTER’ Gets Its Own Merchandise Line

FIGHTER

13th September 2023: Viacom18 Studios and Marflix’s ‘Fighter’ is one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Fighter’ marks a milestone as India’s first aerial action franchise. Starring superstars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, the film promises to deliver heart-pounding action sequences, captivating visuals, and an unforgettable cinematic experience. An ode to the valor of the Indian Air Force, the film will release on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day on 25th January 2024.

A blue pillow with drawings on it

Description automatically generatedBlack White Orange, a leading licensing and brand solutions agency in India, has been appointed as the Licensing Partner by Viacom18 Studios for ‘Fighter.’ Known for its expertise in designing, curating and developing merchandise and licensing programs for entertainment properties, it will collaborate closely with the ‘Fighter’ Movie to bring a wide range of exclusive merchandise to fans and enthusiasts. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and memorabilia, this partnership aims to provide fans with an immersive experience beyond the big screen. The range will also be available on the D2C brand www.a47.in, a label that celebrates India & its achievements through official merch like ISRO, Indian Infantry, and our indigenous IAF aircraft LCA Tejas.

Commenting on the partnership, Ajit Andhare, COO Viacom18 Studios, said, “Fighter is a highly anticipated film that pushes boundaries as India’s first aerial action franchise, and we are excited to bring its captivating world to life beyond the screen. Viacom18 Studios is happy to partner with Black White Orange as the exclusive Licensing Partner for ‘Fighter’s’ merchandise line. Through a meticulously crafted collection of apparel and accessories, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling universe of ‘Fighter’ and own exclusive items that pay homage to the valor of the Indian Air Force and the iconic characters of the film. We urge everyone to get ready to embark on this extraordinary journey with ‘Fighter’ and indulge in the excitement it brings!”

Expressing his thoughts on extending the “Fighter” experience beyond the big screen, Director Siddharth Anand shares, “We want to leave no stone unturned to make this experience a memorable one for our audience. Thus, Mamta Anand, the producer on ‘Fighter,’ was very keen on coming up with a merchandise line for our film ‘Fighter.’ She then planned with Viacom 18 to engage in an exciting collaboration with Black White Orange, who will now help us bring our envisioned ‘Fighter’ experience to life. With our unique merchandise line, fans will get a one-of-a-kind opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the world of ‘Fighter,’ celebrating the unwavering valor of the Indian Air Force.”

Adds Bhavik Vora, Founder & CEO, Black White Orange Brands Pvt. Ltd, “Fighter is not just a film; it’s an experience that celebrates the Indian Air Force, and we are thrilled to have been entrusted by Viacom18 Studios to bring their vision to life on merchandise. Through our partnerships, BWO will create a high-quality and aspirational merchandise program that will allow fans to connect with the film on a deeper level. We are also excited to launch the ‘Fighter’ range on our own D2C platform, www.a47.in, a brand that celebrates the rich pop culture of India, and it will be great to see the ‘Fighter’ collection alongside our official merch for ISRO and units of the Indian Armed forces. With our expertise and commitment, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience for fans and further elevate the captivating world of ‘Fighter.’”

The goal of this collaboration with Black White Orange is to create an engaging and immersive brand experience for the fan base of all ages by exploring several licensing and retail partnerships across India.

Parle Products collaborates with IBM to drive digital transformation using cloud and AI

INDIA, Bengaluru, 13th September 2023-– IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the expansion of its collaboration with Parle Products, the largest-selling biscuit brand in India, to further the company’s digital transformation journey. By deploying cloud and AI for business solutions through the course of the engagement, Parle was able to reduce sourcing cost, enhance sales forecast accuracy, and lower cost to serve and optimize overall IT infrastructure.

Prior to embarking on the transformation journey, Parle was dealing with complexities in their intricate supply and distribution network because of non-differentiated strategies across products as well as channel and fulfilment approaches. This resulted in service level constraints and higher cost to serve. Since its association with IBM in 2014, Parle has been able to bring operational efficiencies by leveraging the cloud and AI capabilities of IBM Consulting.

In the latest phase of the engagement, IBM Consulting is also collaborating with Microsoft to implement the Azure Databricks Lakehouse, AI engine for Auto Replenishment and SAP Ariba solutions at Parle. By helping Parle better leverage Azure platform for data insights, IBM Consulting is helping the company realise even greater operational resilience, agility, and scalability.

Sanjay Joshi, CIO, Parle Products said, “Parle’s nearly decade-long collaboration with IBM, leveraging both its technology expertise and consulting capabilities, has been paved with multiple milestones, all of which has helped us achieve our digital transformation vision. Our joint efforts to not only implement newer SAP solutions but migrate the entirety of existing SAP and non-SAP workloads to the cloud has driven many crucial KPI’s and enhanced overall efficiency. The similar collaboration on deploying Microsoft Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform will definitely provide our business functions with data driven insights and help them take critical decisions. With IBM Consulting, we are poised to unlock newer avenues of growth and remain at the forefront of industry evolution.”

Kamal Singhani, Country Managing Partner, IBM Consulting – India/South Asia said, “Today, leveraging exponential technologies like cloud and AI are fundamental to every company’s competitiveness by transforming the way that they meet customer demands and operate their businesses. Our long-standing collaboration with Parle has reached another milestone where a fundamental shift is being brought to the core strategic units of the organization. Collectively, this is resulting in improved operations and increased revenue, helping them better serve customers.”

Across the various phases of the engagement, Parle also leveraged IBM’s leading security and industry expertise to drive growth. The enterprise-wide transformation is revamping the operations at Parle to encompass a spectrum of business functions including:

Procurement Transformation: IBM’s “Full Cycle Procurement” solution helped Parle understand the current state of the procurement function and identity value drivers. Each phase of procurement – sourcing, purchasing, category management and payment – were closely observed to develop the procurement transformation strategy and optimise KPIs. This resulted in significant operational improvements such as increased revenue growth and cost optimisation, like 80% reduction in time to quote to compare, 80% automation in operational procurement and 2-5% savings across key categories.

Supply Chain Evolution: Collaborating with Parle’s teams, IBM implemented a robust SAP-based backbone – SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) – to harmonise processes. This helped reduce overall stockout instances while optimising the logistics cost to serve. This resulted in improvement of forecast accuracy by 10% and reduction in weighted average distance by 10%, making availability of products to customers much faster.

HR Transformation: The key focus for Parle was to design and drive employee performance KPIs. The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goal management along with Employee Central helped effectively map the end-to-end performance management process. These efforts helped align employee performance KPIs with company objectives, leading to faster appraisal cycles and transparent performance assessment.

Zigly celebrates 2 nd Anniversary, plans to expand in Tier 2 cities for pet care

Zigly celebrates

Mumbai, 13 September 2023: The demand for pet care is increasing rapidly in India. To cater to this demand, Zigly, (Cosmo First Limited) India’s first tech-enabled omnichannel pet care brand, marks its second anniversary with strategic expansion into Tier 2 cities.

With experience centres launched in Lucknow, Indore and Noida, Zigly aims to tap into these emerging pet care markets as part of their ambitious growth plan to achieve 2X expansion by 2024.The pet care industry in Tier II cities is still in its nascent stage compared to the major metros, but it has been gradually expanding. Tier II cities in India have been experiencing a growing trend in pet adoption and an increase in the demand for pet care services. Many tier II cities now have dedicated pet stores, grooming salons, and veterinary clinics to cater to the needs of pet owners. With this expansion, Zigly continues to redefine the pet care landscape, providing unparalleled services and products for beloved furry companions.

Further, as part of the second anniversary, Zigly will be organising their 2ndBirthday Bash event at Zigly stores on 17th Sep to celebrate with pets and pet parents. Along with this, Zigly will distribute close to 5,000 reflective collars across India for street dogs as part of the ‘Sparkle for Strays’ campaign.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Mr Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First said, “Zigly aims to reshape the pet care landscape by creating an ecosystem. As there’s a demand for quality care and guidance from pet parents, we are taking a focused step forward by expanding Zigly’sfootprint into these Tier II cities where this need is still developing. By offering a comprehensive range of services and products tailored towards this clientele, we want to create a space for happy pets.”

As per Decipher Market Research Agency, India’s pet care market is rapidly expanding at a rate of 16.5% and is projected to reach $1,932.6 million by 2030. Aligning with this positive market trend, Zigly has solidified its position as a comprehensive 360-degree pet care ecosystem, boasting 18 experience centres spanning India. These centres are strategically located to ensure convenient access for pet parents in search of top-tier care for their beloved furry companions.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First said, “As we celebrate our second anniversary, Zigly proudly extends its footprint into the heart of Tier II cities where more and more families are embracing pets as part of their lives. However, as this trend gains momentum, the need for quality pet care becomes increasingly evident. At Zigly, we recognize the significance of this change, and our expansion into Tier-2 cities is a strategic move to serve the untapped gap. Reports state that many Tier 2 and 3 cities have an average cart value close to Tier 1 cities. With this, we foresee our customer base to multiply in the coming months and help us fast track our goal of achieving a monthly GMV of INR 5 Crores from the ecosystem we built.”

Additionally, Zigly has a specially designed clothing line for dogs, cats, and other pets. The center also has a dedicated section for pet services including veterinary and diagnostics services, grooming, spa, and salon, ensuring that your pets not only feel but also look their best. The brand is also renowned for hosting spectacular launch parties where pets and their parents revel in a gala time together. With captivating pet photography and exciting games, these events are a true celebration of the special bond between pets and their families.

Visit Zigly Experience Centres, log on to www.Zigly.com or download the Zigly App.

Khaan Paan Rajasthan at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

Khaan Paan Rajasthan

Experience the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Rajasthan right in the heart of Hyderabad at the Rajasthani Food Festival Khaan Paan Rajasthan. Our skilled chefs have meticulously crafted an exquisite menu that will transport your taste buds to the regal lands of Rajasthan. Relish a sumptuous feast featuring iconic Rajasthani delicacies such as Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, and Gatte ki Sabzi among many others, each dish a masterpiece by our culinary artisans. Join us for a taste of royalty like no other featuring culinary highlights from the kitchens of the famed Raajsi traditions.

Where: Food Exchange at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana.

When: Sunday Brunch: 17th September 2023

Time – 12:30 AM to 04:00 PM

Dinner: 8th -17th Sep 2023

Time – 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM

PVR App Hits Remarkable Milestone with 10 Million Android Downloads

PVR App

13th September 2023: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India announced a significant achievement in the digital realm as its flagship mobile application, PVR Cinemas- Movie Tickets crossed the remarkable milestone of one-crore download on Google Play Store since its launch. This accomplishment positions it as the number 1 non-aggregator cinema app in the Entertainment category defined by the Google Play Store and positions it at an impressive #20 in the overall Entertainment category rankings based on total number of downloads.

PVR has relied on numerous digital interventions to enhance the customer experience, and the mobile app has played a significant role in this digital journey. The app connects moviegoers with the latest film releases, showtimes, and convenient ticket booking options. The app’s journey to 1 crore downloads reflects its popularity among cinephiles and underlines its seamless user experience. The PVR app allows consumers to book tickets on both PVR and INOX cinemas across the country.

Speaking about this milestone, Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX Limited said, “We’re extremely delighted to have crossed 1crore+ downloads of the PVR Mobile App on Google Play Store. This is a clear validation of the trust and love that our patrons have reposed in our brand over the years. Ticket booking is the first part of our customer journey and we want to make it as seamless as possible for them with constant upgradation adding new features so that they are completely at ease. While ticket booking through mobile app has increased post covid, it has also contributed towards enhanced customer engagement, affinity and stickiness among our customers”.

To celebrate the milestone, PVR INOX is extending a special offer to new app users. By using the offer code “APP100” during their first booking on the mobile app/website transaction, customers can enjoy a discount of INR 100.

The PVR Android App, available for free download on the Google Play Store has captured the hearts of millions of moviegoers by offering a seamless and user-friendly experience with plenty of features. This includes curated movie and cinema listings tailored to user preferences, ticket booking as per genres, theatres and languages, set movie alerts on the watch list, PVR Privilege subscriptions, in-cinema amenities like food ordering, movie runtime information, and interval schedules. It also allows users to preview immersive cinema formats before booking, and it provides an array of offers and discounts across 30+ payment modes.

Download the PVR Android App today, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.net.pvr and join the millions who have made it their preferred choice for an unparalleled cinematic journey.

Vaishnavi leases out space to Kohler for its largest India Experience Centre in Vaishnavi Icon in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 13th September 2023: South India’s leading real estate developer, Vaishnavi Group, today announced the leasing of its space to Kohler Co., a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, at Vaishnavi Icon for its largest India Experience Centre in Bengaluru. Spread across 16,425 square feet, the fourth India Kohler Experience Centre will be a hands-on playground where architects, designers and specifiers can interact with KOHLER products while exchanging ideas, planning projects and learning about the latest industry trends. It will feature some of the most innovative, design-forward products available globally and regionally, including fully functioning product displays.

Kohler joins a growing list of marquee occupiers at Vaishnavi Icon such as Consulate General of Italy along with Impelsys and Laerdal Medical, taking up premium retail spaces at Vaishnavi’s state-of-the-art properties in Bengaluru.

Darshan Govindaraju,

Commenting on the development, Darshan Govindaraju, Director, Vaishnavi Group said, “Considered India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru is also known for its premium retail presence and is attracting top domestic and global brands to open retail and experience stores. As one of the leading real estate developers in the country, the Vaishnavi Group has been at the forefront of building unique retail experiences with its uniquely designed and strategically located properties across Bengaluru. We are delighted to welcome the Kohler Experience Centre at Vaishnavi Icon as it will offer a distinctive experience to design enthusiasts and showcase the company’s wide array of product solutions”.

The Kohler Experience Centre showcases a wide array of artist-edition sinks, showers and Intelligent toilets and luxury bathrooms along with fully functional live displays of some of the most innovative, design-forward products sourced both globally and regionally.

Kohler India said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our third and largest India Kohler Experience Centre and fourteenth in the world, in Bengaluru to offer a luxury design experience. With a judicious mix of innovation, design, and absolute craftsmanship, the KEC will offer a window into a world of artists from across the globe and a glimpse into their perspectives of luxury. We are excited to partner with Vaishnavi as we bring our Kohler universe to Bengaluruites”.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Lexicon MUN 2023 Wraps Up in Grand Success

Shaping

Pune, 13th September 2023 – The Lexicon Schools are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of The Lexicon Model United Nations(MUN) 2023 conference, held in collaboration with SkillSphere Education. This annual event, dedicated to fostering knowledge, learning, and diplomacy, has firmly cemented its status as a hallmark occasion in Pune, and this year was certainly no exception.

The theme for THE LEXICON MUN 2023 was ‘Building Sustainable Communities driven by Science and Artificial Intelligence.’ This theme spotlighted the remarkable potential of Science and AI in nurturing sustainable communities, encompassing advancements in conservation, renewable energy, urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture. With a central focus on upholding ethical standards and promoting inclusivity, the event’s primary objective was to advocate for the responsible implementation of technology within the framework of Sustainable Development. THE LEXICON MUN 2023 aspired to lead global technological development in harmony with the environment, showcasing the seamless integration of Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability.

Over the course of the two-day Lexicon MUN Conference, young participants aged between 11 and 22, assumed the roles of world leaders to address longstanding global conflicts and concerns. Across six key committees, delegates engaged in unprecedented sustainable dialogues, with the aim of paving the way for peace and progress on an international scale.

Mr. Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, EduCrack&EasyRecruit+, stated, “THE LEXICON MUN 2023 stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing holistic development in our students. In a world where technology rapidly shapes the future, it is necessary that we provide our young minds with platforms to explore its potential for sustainable progress. This event empowered young participants to engage in diplomatic discourse and also encouraged them to embrace technology as a driving force for a better tomorrow. By focusing on ‘Building Sustainable Communities driven by Science and Artificial Intelligence,’ we aimed to foster a generation that would lead with ethical innovation, paving the way for a better world.”

In today’s era of sustainable development, Artificial Intelligence serves as a guiding light, and Delegates at THE LEXICON MUN 2023 embarked on a journey to harness the potential of AI, contributing to a world where innovation and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously.

THE LEXICON MUN 2023 featured several key elements designed to enhance the delegate experience. Under the mentorship of experienced Executive Board Members, the committees ensured that the delegates engaged in valuable deliberations and received proficient guidance. Following a swift registration process, participants gained access to study guides and committee assignments within the next 48 hours, allowing for early sign-ups and extended preparation periods. Valuable knowledge enrichment was provided through complimentary orientation sessions available to all attendees, imparting valuable insights and direction.

The two-day conference stood out as an extraordinary event marked by substantive deliberations and contributions to the mission. This period was characterized by continuous learning and the presentation of meticulously researched findings, with every delegate putting forth their utmost effort to advance their common goals.
As the conference came to a close, THE LEXICON MUN 2023 seized the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work exhibited by every delegate. In recognition of their active engagement and participation, all attendees were presented with well-deserved participation certificates.

Furthermore, outstanding contributions and exceptional performance were highlighted by conferring prestigious Awards and Certificates of Excellence upon delegates who exemplified remarkable leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to our shared cause.

CSR – Herbalife India and United Way of Bengaluru partner to rejuvenate Bommenahalli Lake under a two-year Wake The Lake campaign

Bommanahalli Lake Rejuvenatio

Bangalore, September 12, 2023: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in collaboration with CSR partner Herbalife, a global health and wellness company marked a significant milestone with the commencement of a revitalization of the Bommenahalli Lake, situated in Bommenahalli Village, Mandur Panchayat, Bangalore Urban district. A groundbreaking ceremony was organized on 06/09/2023 in the presence of Uday Prakash, Vice-President – Operations and Finance, Herbalife India. The event was graced by Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA Bommenahalli.

This initiative falls under the flagship campaign ‘Wake The Lake’, aimed at revitalizing the deteriorating condition of the water bodies in the region. With a broader objective of rejuvenating lakes and enhancing their ecosystem, the ‘Wake The Lake’ Campaign strives to improve water quality, eliminate pollutants, and revitalize the surrounding environment.

Spanning 38 acres, Bomenahalli Lake faces challenges from surrounding urbanization, including the potential influx of construction waste, litter, weeds, and the risk of domestic greywater infiltration.

The restoration activities will be undertaken in two phases from 2023 to 2025. The initial phase will focus on strengthening the waterbody’s infrastructure and improving the water holding capacity by cleaning the inlet and outlet, followed by the subsequent phase, which will involve planting 1000 indigenous saplings of fruit and flower-bearing trees, native shrubs and herbs, raising community awareness, conduct sensitization programs, and establish a lake association for the sustainability of the intervention. It is envisaged that the green initiative will contribute to the absorption of 21,000 kg of carbon dioxide and the annual production of 118,000 kg of oxygen, fostering a healthier environment for all.

Bommanahalli Lake

The Panchayat will play a key role in fixing and fencing the lake boundary.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This project embodies our commitment to revitalize water bodies and transform them into nurturing spaces for communities, as part of our flagship ‘Wake The Lake’ campaign. The rejuvenation of Bommenahalli Lake will enhance water storage capacity, positively impact community well-being, benefit local farmers and livestock and enrich the region’s biodiversity.”

Commenting on the occasion, Uday Prakash, Vice-President – Operations and Finance, Herbalife India said “As the water crisis looms over India, reviving our lakes is becoming increasingly important. The ‘Wake The Lake’ campaign is a progressive step towards contributing to National Water Mission by Ministry of Jal Shakti. We are committed to restoring and rejuvenating Bommenahalli Lake to promote sustainable water management practices and improve the lives of the local community. The success of the campaign will be a testament to Herbalife’s commitment and dedication to environmental conservation.”

The groundbreaking ceremony sets the stage for a collaborative journey toward revitalizing Bommenahalli Lake through the unified effort of United Way Bengaluru, CSR partner Herbalife, Panchayat and the local community promoting environmental sustainability and fostering a brighter future for all.

Absolute awarded Grant from Xamahar – Assam AgriFin Fund supported by the World Bank

Absolute awarded Grant from Xamahar

Absolute’s tech-driven Agri value chain business Upaj, has been awarded a grant from Xamahar – Assam AgriFin Fund to transform the livestock, fisheries, and horticulture sector in Assam.

Xamahar is a challenge agriculture fund, a competitive funding mechanism to support innovative approaches, especially by the private sector, and deliver financial services at scale for farmers in key agriculture value chains in Assam. It is funded by the World Bank and is being implemented by the Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services (ARIAS), as the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).

The purpose of Xamahar – Assam Agrifin Fund is to support testing and/or scaling-up of tested innovations by financial service providers (banks, MFIs, value chain financiers, insurance companies, payments service providers) that increase access to financial services (savings, payments, insurance, and credit) among agriculture value chains in Assam. So far, these innovations have been implemented or scaled up in the 23 priority districts of APART and have directly benefited 125,000 producers, including 30% of women beneficiaries, over the fund life.

Through this grant, UPAJ will deploy targeted technology and financial solutions, including precision advisory, agri-finance and insurance, across livestock, fisheries, and horticulture sectors. Combining its key modules – SmartSTAC for tech deployment and DigiSafe for personalized insurance, UPAJ aims to elevate farm income & farmer livelihood in the APART districts under the purview of Xamahar Agrifin Challenge.

UPAJ is Absolute’s Tech Driven Ag Value Chain business on a mission to improve the life of farmers by enabling them to grow better and stay protected against weather abnormalities through their comprehensive suite of solutions covering inputs, soil testing, precision advisory, farm monitoring, insurance and credit. UPAJ aims to redefine the agricultural value chain by harnessing the collective strength of nature, technology, agronomists, scientists, and industry pioneers. Upaj has over 20 lakh paid farmers in its ecosystem and is on track to increase its reach to 50 Lakh farmers.

UPAJ has also been working on joint projects with prestigious institutions like UNDP, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) amongst others.

Speaking on the grant, Sourabh Bagla (SVP, UPAJ) quotes – “The Xamahar AgriFin Challenge is a blueprint for agricultural transformation in underdeveloped regions. Our partnership aims to empower marginalized farmers through cutting-edge technology, supporting not just individual producers but the entire ecosystem at scale.”