Anil Jain, the Vice Chairman and CEO of Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, is a prominent figure in the world of agribusiness.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born in 1965 in Jalgaon, India.
Anil Jain’s parental names remain undisclosed, as does his hobby, zodiac sign, and caste.
EDUCATION
Anil Jain holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Pune University (1984) and an LLM from Mumbai University (1986).
CAREER
In a revealing interview, Anil Jain delves into the rich history and evolution of his family’s business, Jain Irrigation Systems Limited. The company, initially founded by his father, Bhavarlal Jain, in 1963, had humble beginnings in kerosene trading and later secured a gas agency with ESSO. However, it was a chance encounter with rural Indian farmers who came to fuel their tractors that transformed the company’s direction. An inscription on a tractor trolley declaring “agriculture is a profession with a future” ignited Bhavarlal Jain’s vision for the company’s future, propelling it towards a deep commitment to serving farmers and the environment.
Over the years, Jain Irrigation expanded its product offerings to include seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, pipes, tractors, and even ventured into food processing during the 1970s. Anil Jain shares a poignant story of his father’s audacious move to purchase a dilapidated banana powder plant, which, through innovative thinking and contract farming, not only became profitable for the family but also uplifted the livelihoods of partnering farmers.
Anil Jain took the reins as CEO in the early 1990s, navigating the company through the challenges and opportunities brought about by economic liberalization. He emphasizes the significance of corporate social responsibility, recounting how they overcame farmers’ skepticism by establishing demonstration farms and training teams to demonstrate the benefits of their agricultural technologies.
Drip irrigation, now one of their flagship businesses, also plays a central role in the company’s success story. Anil Jain discusses the pivotal role this technology has played in revolutionizing agriculture.
Throughout the interview, the theme of corporate social responsibility shines brightly. Anil Jain highlights the company’s commitment to supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Looking ahead, Anil Jain identifies the key challenges facing the agricultural sector, including climate change, population growth, and the rapid advancements in technology. His insightful perspectives and dedication to the well-being of farmers and the environment make him a trailblazer in the agribusiness industry.
