Buoyed by its agricultural richness, India has long positioned itself as the leader in the agriculture sector globally. Still, meeting the demands of a large fragment of the population seems challenging but one industry that is significantly helping build on it and conscientiously boost the graph is ‘Agrochemicals’. Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., is a unique agrochemical manufacturing organization that stands tall here, to leverage the current agriculture opportunities, considering the global population growth, growing importance to protect against crop losses and increase yields, rising consumer demand for sustainably produced food and the role of agrochemicals in tackling climate change. Reshma Vanarse Chainani, CEO of Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals, is a powerful force accelerating the agrochemicals manufacturing space in India through her company, applying her extensive leadership skills. Let’s get to know her in depth.

Tell us about yourself, and specifically what led you to join Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals.

Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals represents a 53-year-old family legacy founded by my visionary father, Sunil Vanarse who is a Chemical Engineer from ICT Mumbai. His innovative approach, immense passion, self-belief, industrious nature, ethics and excellent leadership qualities set a remarkable standard in the business world, inspiring us to follow his trailblazing path. We have gained valuable knowledge from his expertise, shaping my own journey toward success and integrity. As the next-generation entrepreneur in 2020, revitalizing the company with a background in Polymer Engineering from Maharashtra Institute of Technology (Pune) and an ICFAI Diploma in Business Finance, I bring a strong educational foundation to the business alike other technocrats in our organization along with my sister who is a Psychologist. My professional journey includes roles in renowned banking institutions such as Citigroup, BNP Paribas, ANZ Grindlays, ICICI Bank and the SME division of Citibank in Singapore. This diverse experience has equipped me with financial expertise, allowing me to understand the business from various angles.

I also furthered my education by enrolling in a one-year program at SP Jain College under the Women's Management program for family businesses. I also attended workshops and courses at IIM Ahmedabad focused on family businesses and leadership skills. Through these experiences, I realized my potential to handle client management and business growth, eventually leading me to consider the role of Group CEO. Business acumen runs in our family and with the guidance of experienced mentors Reshmika has been navigating promisingly.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an entrepreneur? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

Certainly, as an entrepreneur, I face various challenges with the constant market competition and financial uncertainties, concerning timely payments. Despite these challenges our company maintains ethical practices, ensuring no job losses during the COVID times and timely payments to vendors. We realize that change is the only constant and embrace it with upgradation and modifications required in our systems and processes. We have training programs for safety and conduct regular audits and have all the desired safety equipment and protocols in place.

In today's competitive and regulated market, adhering to ethical business conduct and being a zero effluent discharge agrochemical company is challenging. However, Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals, as an environmentally conscious company effectively does this by offering niche products, producing zero liquid effluents and recycling materials.

How do you align yourself and your team with the evolving industry and technology trends?

Recognizing the enduring importance of technology, we have partnered with organizations like NEETI to stay updated on industry advancements. We maintain strong communication channels between our head office in Pune and both the factories (Gujarat and Talegaon) through various modes of communication. Regular weekly meetings with team members are conducted to monitor production, quality control, assess working capital, address monthly needs and challenges, growth prospects & development. This information is meticulously tracked through our Management Information System (MIS) database.

How has Reshmika’s growth journey been over the past six years? What are some key milestones the company has achieved so far?

Having originated in Pune under the name of Vansum Industries in 1970 and later expanding with the addition of an ancillary unit, in Talegaon under the name of Kemtech Solutions in 1995, Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals celebrated its 13th anniversary this year. Thriving as a pivotal and reliable agrochemical manufacturing intermediate company, providing essential raw materials to industry leaders like Indofil and UPL, our mission is to revolutionize the Chemical Industry through disruptive innovation, and at the same time maintain the ecosystem of environmental protection & corporate governance to enhance the agricultural sector. As a leading supplier, we take pride in delivering a seamless customer experience through our high-quality products. Despite challenges faced during our expansion from Maharashtra to Gujarat, our bold move paid off significantly, leading to a substantial doubling of production in 2021 after the COVID pandemic. This milestone marked the beginning of a prosperous growth trajectory, transitioning from a low business cycle to a high-growth phase.

What has been your success mantra or guiding leadership philosophy?

Leadership is an ongoing journey, often presenting challenges. I continuously push my personal boundaries for self-growth through education and try to maintain confidence as I strive to meet industry standards. My goal is to establish an environment of enhanced work culture and operational efficiency. I believe at the same time to being firmly grounded & humble and grateful for the opportunity being given by my family to shoulder the responsibility of a good leader. I am dedicated to delivering my best, guided by the wisdom of my educated business family and my well-equipped team.

Any advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs or business leaders?

Follow your passion with a belief and vision that you will be successful. Nothing comes easy, hence even if you don't succeed at times, just take it as a lesson and keep trying until you succeed. The women should use their inner power of Shakti, Bhakti and Yukti to reach the pinnacle of success at the same time maintaining the softer emotional side to strike a balance to lead from the front. Follow your passion with a belief and vision that you will be successful. Nothing comes easy, hence even if you don't succeed at times, just take it as a lesson and keep trying until you succeed. The women should use their inner power of Shakti, Bhakti and Yukti to reach the pinnacle of success at the same time maintaining the softer emotional side to strike a balance to lead from the front.