At JK Agri Genetics Limited (JKAGL), the Managing Director, Vikrampati Singhania, believes that the future of Indian agriculture is technovation and people-driven.
In an exclusive interview with CIOLook India, the MD spoke briefly.
JKAGL has emerged as one of India’s most promising agriculture companies. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?
Our guiding philosophy at JKAGL is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, and Core Values, which have collectively propelled our organization’s success.”
~VISION: JKAGL’s vision is to be “A trusted, purposeful, innovative enterprise.” This vision guides every aspect of its operations, ensuring that it remains a reliable partner for farmers and stakeholders, driven by innovation and a clear purpose to improve agricultural outcomes.
~MISSION: The mission is multifaceted:
- To emerge as a leading agriculture company.
- To deliver quality products and services through rigorous research and collaborations.
- To help grow farmer income by being a customer-centric organization.
- To maintain a sustained commitment to community, environment, health, and safety.
~CORE VALUES:
*Caring for People: “We prioritize the well-being and development of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.”
*Integrity, Openness, Fairness & Trust: “These principles form the bedrock of our corporate ethics, ensuring transparency and trust in all our dealings.”
*Commitment to Excellence: “We strive for excellence in every endeavor, from product development to customer service, ensuring the highest standards are met consistently.”
JKAGL’s rich culture, shaped by these guiding principles, is further reinforced by the heritage and legacy of the J.K. Organisation, a multinational group headquartered in India with over 135 years of history. The group’s diverse operations span multiple countries, including Mexico, Indonesia, Romania, Belgium, Portugal, and the UAE.
As a trailblazer in the agriculture industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic field?
JKAGL embarked on its journey driven by a profound commitment to revolutionize the agricultural sector and uplift the farming community. J.K. Org’s venture into the agriculture industry was motivated by the vision to create sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions.
JKAGL’s journey began 34 years ago with a focus on Research, Production, Processing, and Marketing of high-quality, high-yielding hybrid seeds. These seeds are engineered to be insect, disease, and drought-resistant, catering to a variety of crops including Bajra (Pearl Millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Dhan (Rice/Paddy), Cotton, Maize (Corn), Vegetables, and Plant Growth Regulators.
At the core of our motivation was the desire to serve millions of small farmers across India, Africa, and South Asia. We aimed to enhance farmer income and productivity through world-class research and collaborations. Our R&D and biotech facilities in Hyderabad, Telangana, supported by an all-India trial and testing network, are recognized by the Government of India. A significant milestone in our journey was the development and commercialization of Indigenous Bt. Cotton, a feat achieved in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur.
Our consistent growth and numerous milestones reflect our dedication to delivering quality products and services, ensuring farmer prosperity. We are driven by a customer-centric approach and a sustained commitment to community, environment, health, and safety. Our extensive marketing network and the loyal, committed workforce have been instrumental in our success.
Recent accolades like the prestigious “IIP India Star National Award” for product packaging excellence and the “Great Place to Work” certification for four consecutive years underscore our culture of integrity, excellence, and employee well-being. As we continue to harvest happiness through innovation, our journey remains fueled by the passion to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector.
The products of the JK Group enjoy strong brand equity, customer equity, and significant market share due to continuous research and development, innovation, and the use of the latest technologies. Our commitment to R&D is evident through our reputed Research and Development Institutes, which focus on advancing agricultural science and technology to serve customers better with superior quality, high-yielding products, and services.
By adhering to these guiding philosophies and leveraging our rich heritage, JK Agri Genetics Limited has established itself as a leader in the agriculture industry, dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
The agricultural landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that JKAGL remains adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to your clients?
At JK Agri Genetics (JKAGL), we lead the agricultural sector through a strong commitment to Research and Development (R&D). Our multifaceted approach ensures we stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of farmers.
We focus on seed R&D, utilizing genomics and diverse germplasm from leading national and international institutes to create superior products. Our in-house R&D units, recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), include a state-of-the-art biotechnology center. With multiple research and trial stations across India, we develop climate-resilient seeds with improved quality and disease resistance.
An example of our innovative approach is the “X-Gene” Bt cotton technology, which significantly reduces the need for chemical pesticides and has been commercially approved internationally. By adhering to strict quality control protocols and continuously investing in cutting-edge technologies, we ensure that every seed we deliver is robust and healthy, helping farmers achieve better yields and building a stronger agricultural future.
Your leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind JKAGL’s achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?
At JK Agri Genetics (JKAGL), our leadership philosophy is centered on integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. True leadership is about empowering our team to reach their full potential, not just hitting targets. This is achieved through visionary and strategic thinking, where every team member understands their role in our larger mission.
We foster a culture of empowerment and trust by encouraging employees to take ownership of their projects. Our commitment to open communication is supported by regular feedback sessions and updates, ensuring that every voice is heard. Professional development and celebrating achievements are also key priorities, strengthening our teams through continuous learning and motivation. Our comprehensive approach to leadership has been instrumental in JKAGL being recognized as a Great Place To Work® for five consecutive years, reflecting our dedication to a high-trust, high-performance culture. This has made us a leader in agricultural innovation.
The essence of agriculture lies in innovations and enhancing the end-user experience. How does JKAGL strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction?
At JK Agri Genetics (JKAGL), innovation and a focus on the end-user experience are at the heart of our mission. We balance operational efficiency with customer satisfaction through robust R&D, with a strong emphasis on genomics in crop breeding. Our in-house research units, recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), include a state-of-the-art biotechnology center. With multiple research stations and trial centers, we develop high-quality, climate-resilient seeds with enhanced disease resistance.
A key achievement is our “X-Gene” Bt cotton technology, which has significantly reduced the need for chemical pesticides. This technology is commercially approved in several countries. Our collaborative partnerships with international organizations like ICRISAT and IRRI also provide fresh perspectives and access to cutting-edge expertise. By continuously innovating and leveraging global knowledge, JKAGL is at the forefront of agricultural advancements, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for farming communities.
