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Role of supply chain finance in shaping the future of agri finance

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India plays a vital role in the global agriculture sector, providing a livelihood for a large portion of its population. In 2022-23, the agriculture sector employed around 45% of the workforce and contributed 18% to India’s gross value added (GVA), according to report by PRS India.

Yet, the complexity of agricultural supply chains remains a significant challenge. This value chain starts from suppliers and extends through production, trading, processing, food logistics, and finally, the retail sector.

At each stage, the need for funding is both imperative and significantly challenging. For example, farmers need substantial capital to buy essential inputs like seeds, fertilisers, and equipment—costs that can be particularly burdensome for small and marginal farmers. During production, they must also manage ongoing expenses, including labour, water, and machinery maintenance. These financial demands often create cash flow problems as farmers struggle to meet their obligations while waiting for their crops to be harvested.

The financial challenges don’t just end there. A prominent issue is the difficulty in achieving economies of scale. Large-scale agricultural innovations require extensive farming areas to be cost-effective and justify their high initial investments. This presents substantial financial hurdles for small and marginal farmers, limiting their ability to grow and improve productivity. They also face difficulties due to poor credit histories and insufficient collateral, making securing loans from traditional financial institutions hard.

In many districts, less than half of the credit comes from formal sources, with the rest—over 51.5%—coming from informal channels, according to Nabard. This often forces farmers to turn to money lenders, which can be both costly and risky. On top of that, they struggle to maintain funds for unexpected emergencies, further complicating their situation.

To tackle these financial challenges, solutions like supply chain finance (SCF) are emerging, bringing much-needed innovation. While it has already proven effective in addressing funding issues across various industries, its potential in agriculture is still being fully realised. This gives farmers the necessary funds to purchase inputs, boosting production and, ultimately, their incomes.

Additionally, SCF solutions like payable finance enable traders to pay farmers and commission agents promptly, ensuring timely transactions. Sales bill discounting allows traders to receive early payments from reputable corporations, enhancing liquidity.

Lastly, dealer finance supports retailers and distributors by providing the liquidity and extended credit they need to operate efficiently. This is how SCF not only addresses financial challenges but also inspires and motivates the sector’s growth by increasing productivity and supporting the broader supply chain in India.

The government has also been actively working to increase the accessibility of funds for the agriculture sector. The Ministry of Agriculture allocated Rs 1,32,470 crore for 2024-25, representing 2.7% of the total central government budget. However, challenges like complicated procedures, regional imbalances, and high interest rates persist, making it difficult for many farmers to access these loans.

This is where fintech companies and financial service providers are stepping in. They’re developing innovative business models to expand the reach of SCF and improve its efficiency. For instance, invoice discounting platforms are one such innovation that enables farmers and traders to get early payments based on invoices, improving cash flow, and reducing reliance on informal lending.

With this, Digital Kisan credit cards, integrated with SCF, offer easy, short-term credit aligned with seasonal cash flow, allowing farmers to purchase inputs and repay after harvest. Moreover, warehouse receipt financing is an option that enables farmers to use stored goods as collateral to access funds, allowing them to sell at better market prices instead of during low-demand periods.

These alternative models offer efficient solutions to the financial challenges faced by farmers. By offering customised SCF products beyond traditional banking, they address key issues in Indian agriculture, such as the cost and speed of financing, seasonal cash flow needs, and the prevention of fund misuse. These fintechs are emerging as both competitors and partners to banks, providing low-cost financing options that help bridge the trust gap and effectively manage credit risk.

Additionally, leveraging digital data and partnerships, fintechs are making SCF more accessible to smaller businesses that traditional lenders often overlook. The availability of verifiable KYC data and the ability to assess actual transaction data between buyers and sellers provide a robust mechanism for managing credit risk, both during the onboarding of borrowers and throughout the loan’s lifecycle.

As a result, financial institutions are increasingly collaborating with technology platform providers to offer tailored solutions. One such approach, embedded finance, directly integrates financing options into agri-digital platforms or marketplaces that farmers use to buy inputs or sell produce.

For instance, a farmer purchasing seeds through a digital platform can receive immediate financing at the time of purchase, made possible by embedded SCF options that take into account their purchase history and creditworthiness. Ultimately, these platforms enable customised credit assessments and financing options by leveraging transaction data.

To sum up, the future of agri-finance truly lies in SCF, as it reshapes how the entire ecosystem is funded. The potential for SCF to transform India’s agricultural sector is huge, with the market expected to reach $13.4 billion by 2031. This growth, if realised, can bring about a significant positive change in the sector, offering hope for a more financially stable and prosperous future for the agriculture sector.

(Arun Poojari is the CEO and Co-founder of Cashinvoice, a digital supply chain finance platform)





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GoMechanic eyes over 3-fold biz growth to Rs 700 Cr by 2027 before launching IPO

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Car services and repair platform GoMechanic expects over three-fold rise in net revenue to Rs 700 crore by 2027 and thereafter go for public listing, a top official of the company said.

GoMechanic Co-Founder and CEO Himanshu Arora told PTI that the company at present has around 3% market share and aims to raise it to 10% in the next three years.

The company is also looking to diversify offerings, foraying into the two-wheeler and electric vehicle services segment.

“We sit at about 3% of the market share right now and to be servicing every 1 car out of ten would be around 10 % by 2027. By 2027, we expect our brand to generate approximately Rs 700 crore in revenue. We believe that an IPO is a natural next step for GoMechanic’s growth story,” Arora said.

The company at present provides services through 800 garages across 125 cities and plans to scale up to 2,500 garages across 500 cities by 2027.

GoMechanic was acquired by Servizzy, a subsidiary of the Lifelong Group, in March 2023 after anomalies in its financial records were found under previous management and the firm was put on sale by the investors.

“It has been only about 20 months since we acquired the brand… the trajectory clearly indicates that an IPO is on our roadmap,” Arora said.

GoMechanic posted a revenue of Rs 210 crore in the financial year 2023-24 and a revenue of Rs 85 crore in the April-June 2024 quarter.

“Our spares and accessories are also growing fast. We should be clocking about Rs 432 crore this financial year in gross merchandise value and roughly around Rs 200 crore in the net revenue,” Arora said.

“When we acquired the brand, the customer retention rate was 33% and at present it is 53%. We are operating on a franchisee model where we connect with garages and deploy our own personnel for quality control. Our target is to reach 65-66% retention rate by 2026,” GoMechanic Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Muskaan Kakkar said.

She said that GoMechanic has 8 lakh active users per month, which is now gradually getting close to 10 lakh.

“We are EBIDTA positive (operational profit). For me, maintaining PAT (profit after tax) positivity in our main operations is essential for our financial stability. At the same time, strategic investments in areas like two-wheelers are necessary for our growth. While these investments may affect our PAT in the short term, they are crucial for long-term success.

We will definitely be PAT-positive by 2027,” Kakkar said.

She said that GoMechanic at present has around 550 people on payroll and beyond this entire franchise network comprises about 4,000 individuals working on the ground.

“Currently, we are in the process of hiring the head of our two-wheeler business. We are looking for someone who has experience in building businesses from the ground up, not necessarily limited to the automobile sector. Our goal is to bring in individuals who have successfully launched and scaled businesses, ensuring they grow with us and contribute significantly to our expansion,” Kakkar said.





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How to optimise your tech resume for your next job in 2025

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As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, professionals across industries must stay updated with the latest trends and innovations. The rapid adoption of new technologies means that your resume should not only reflect your past achievements but also demonstrate your proficiency in the skills and tools that are defining the future. In 2025, tech skills will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping career trajectories, making it essential to incorporate relevant trends into your resume to ensure you stand out.

Whether you’re an established tech expert or just beginning your journey in the tech world, it’s crucial to present yourself as adaptable, forward-thinking, and in tune with the current technological landscape.

This article delves into practical steps to help you enhance your resume with the most relevant tech skills, ensuring that it appeals to potential employers and reflects the skills that are shaping the future of work.

Emphasise your most relevant technical expertise

The first step in updating your resume is to ensure that you are highlighting the technical skills that matter most in 2025. With so many new technologies emerging, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but focusing on the most sought-after skills can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Focus on emerging technologies

Make sure to include skills related to artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. These are the areas in which employers are investing heavily and looking for expertise.

Be specific

Rather than simply listing general skills, dive into specific tools and platforms you have experience with. For example, if you’re proficient in machine learning, mention specific frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras. For blockchain, name the platforms such as Ethereum or Hyperledger. Specificity demonstrates depth of knowledge.

Soft skills are also critical

In addition to technical expertise, soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability are increasingly important. Highlighting your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage projects, and communicate complex technical information will make you more appealing to potential employers.

Showcase real-world projects and achievements

Your resume should do more than just list your skills. It should demonstrate how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios. Showcasing key projects, whether they were part of previous jobs, personal initiatives, or freelance work, helps give context to your skills.

Choose impactful projects

Highlight projects where you’ve made a significant impact. For instance, if you developed an AI-based recommendation system or built a secure blockchain application, make sure those are front and center. The more relevant the project is to the current trends, the better.

Provide outcomes

Employers are always interested in the results of your work. Don’t just describe the project – explain how it benefited the company or client. Use quantifiable metrics when possible (e.g., “Reduced processing time by 30% using machine learning algorithms” or “Improved website security by implementing blockchain-based encryption”).

Create an online portfolio

If you haven’t already, creating an online portfolio or GitHub repository is essential. This can house your code, designs, and detailed case studies of the projects you’ve worked on. Including links to your portfolio in your resume shows that you’re not just talking about your skills but also showcasing them.

Adopt a modern, tech-optimised resume layout

A tech-friendly resume format can help ensure that your resume is not only eye-catching but also optimised for both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS). In the tech world, having a clean, structured, and well-organised resume is just as important as having the right skills.

Prioritise readability

Use clear headings, bullet points, and ample white space to make your resume easy to read. Avoid cramming too much information into small sections. Make sure that the most important information (e.g., your technical skills and key projects) stands out.

Optimize for ATS

Many tech companies use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes before they ever reach a human. To ensure your resume passes through these systems, include industry-specific keywords and phrases related to the technologies you work with. This way, your resume has a better chance of getting noticed by both software and people.

Customise your resume for every job opportunity

One of the most crucial aspects of a resume in 2025 is customisation. With the diversity of tech roles available, a generic resume just won’t cut it. To ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward, tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for.

Understand the job requirements

Before submitting your resume, carefully read the job description. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for, and adjust your resume accordingly. For example, if the job requires expertise in cloud computing, make sure your experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is clearly highlighted.

Showcase the right skills

Every tech role requires different skills. For a software development position, emphasise your coding proficiency and familiarity with specific programming languages. For a cybersecurity role, focus on your experience with encryption, penetration testing, or threat analysis.

Use the right language

If the job description uses specific terminology or buzzwords, incorporate them into your resume (without overdoing it). This will help you connect with the recruiter’s needs and make your resume feel like a perfect match for the position.

Highlight your ongoing learning and flexibility

In the fast-evolving tech world, showcasing your ability to continuously learn and adapt is essential. Employers value candidates who are proactive about staying current with the latest trends and technologies. Demonstrating your commitment to professional development can set you apart from others in the competitive job market.

List certifications and courses

If you’ve recently completed relevant certifications or courses (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, or courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy), make sure to include them. These show that you are actively pursuing growth and staying up to date with the latest technologies.

Highlight personal projects

Personal projects can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to learning. If you’ve built a website, contributed to open-source software, or worked on side projects related to new technologies, these are valuable additions to your resume.

Show how you adapt

If you’ve worked in environments where you had to quickly learn new tools or adapt to shifting priorities, mention these experiences. Employers are keen to know how you deal with change and whether you can thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.

Conclusion

In 2025, tech resumes need to reflect not just your current skills but also your ability to stay relevant in a rapidly changing field. By highlighting relevant technical skills, showcasing key projects, using a tech-friendly format, tailoring your resume for each job, and demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning, you can position yourself as a forward-thinking candidate ready to embrace the future. Make sure to update your resume regularly, reflecting both the latest trends and your personal growth, so you remain competitive in the evolving tech landscape.





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Proxgy adds Ajinkya Rahane as investor in Series A round

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Deeptech startup Proxgy said on Wednesday that Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has participated in its ongoing $3 million series A funding round.

The round also witnessed participation from Nikhil Kamath, Bollywood superstar Suniel Shetty, industrialist Vinod Duggar and key investor Manish Patel.

“This funding will enable us to expand globally and bring innovative solutions like SmartHat, Sleefe, and Lockator to industries that need them the most,” noted Pulkit Ahuja, Founder and CEO of Proxgy.

The current funding round will support scaling operations, expanding Proxgy’s product portfolio, and enhancing its global presence.

Gurugram-based Proxgy reported an impressive multifold revenue growth in FY24, with Rs 50 crore in order book.

“Having represented India on the global cricketing stage, I know the importance of discipline, innovation, and precision. Proxgy reflects these values, and their ground breaking products have the potential to redefine safety and productivity in industrial environments,” noted Rahane on the investment.

The B2B and B2G startup makes smart helmets and has patents for developing products for industries such as mining, oil and refinery, defence, surveillance, road safety, etc.

Earlier this year, South African cricketer AB De Villiers joined Bengaluru-based health food brand Supply6, as a brand ambassador and investor.

In August, Australian entrepreneurs Deke Smith and Mark Sellar introduced their venture, ‘DRIVE FITT,’ in India, adding Bollywood actress Preity G Zinta and Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as co-founders and part of the founding shareholders at DRIVE FITT along with significant equity in the company. 





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