About eight employees from Aries Agro Limited and its group companies have completed a five-day leadership development programme at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), aimed at strengthening management and decision-making skills among professionals in the plant nutrition sector.

The Next-Gen Leaders Programme, organised in association with the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA), was held from October 21 to 25 at IIM Ahmedabad’s New Campus.

The programme brought together 29 professionals from the specialty plant nutrition industry, including eight from Aries Agro and its group companies. Nine IIM Ahmedabad faculty members conducted sessions covering strategic management, leadership development and emerging business challenges.

The participants from Aries Agro included Omkar Patil, Group Head of Business Development, India; Hrishikesh Patil, Manager of Brand and Corporate Communication; Omkar Parab, Manager of B2B Lead and Operations Head of the Equipment Division; Aashray Paul, Assistant Manager, CEAC; and Bhavesh Landge, Senior Executive, International and Institutional Business.

Three other participants represented the company’s group businesses: V. Surya Vardhana from SKD Agro Marketing in Karnataka, M. V. Sunil from Kavas Agro in Andhra Pradesh and Aravind Avula from Agromax Agencies in Andhra Pradesh.

The sessions gave participants an opportunity to interact with professionals from other companies, discuss industry challenges and examine different approaches to business management.

Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman and Managing Director of Aries Agro Limited, said investing in employees’ professional development was important for the company’s long-term growth.

“Leadership is not about a position. It is about the ability to learn, inspire, and make a positive difference wherever you are,” he said.

Mirchandani added that exposure to new ideas and learning opportunities could help employees develop stronger judgement and prepare for greater responsibilities.

According to the company, the programme was part of its efforts to develop employees across business development, operations, brand management, international business and digital strategy.

Aries Agro said it would continue to support professional development as the agricultural inputs sector adapts to technological changes, evolving market conditions and demand for more efficient crop nutrition solutions.