Shobhita Jaiswal: Senior People Business Partner HR, Yara India
Advancing Gender Equity in Agriculture
At Yara, we recognise that gender equity is not just a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a nature positive future. Our Women in Agronomy (WiA) program is a key initiative designed to support women's career growth in agronomy and sales through mentorship, networking, and visibility. The program includes Mentorship, Networking, and Visibility.
More than just an initiative, WiA empowers women with resources to grow their careers, fostering a diverse talent pipeline and dismantling barriers in agronomy and sales. Through this, we take tangible steps toward an inclusive and equitable agricultural industry.
Cultivating Knowledge, Confidence & Future Leaders
The Women in Agronomy (WiA) program has created a profound impact, transforming both careers and agricultural practices. A post-program survey revealed that 76% of participants actively applied their new knowledge of crop and soil management, driving tangible improvements in the field.
A standout success story is Dr. Ridham Kakar, for whom WiA was a game changer. Under the mentorship of a senior VP female leader at Yara, she gained not just technical expertise but also the confidence to navigate corporate challenges in the fertilizer industry. Her experience in Pocklington provided real-world insights into biological products, which she shared with her team and farmers, bridging the gap between the right product and crop. Inspired by her journey, Dr. Ridham and her colleagues launched a Women in Agronomy Scholarship for female students at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, India, fostering future talent.
