YLA unlocked our true potential as leaders
Since its inception in 2009, Inputs Today Limited has embraced the spirit of innovation, determination, and unwavering dedication to serve the needs of farmers cultivating tea, tomatoes, onions, and vegetables. Despite facing challenges, our growth story has been one of resilience and putting the farmers first.
Through the years, we have encountered numerous obstacles, including the rising tide of global commodity prices and the unpredictable shifts in climatic patterns. However, guided by my tenacity and that of my team, we persisted and found ingenious solutions to keep moving forward. Our commitment to doing business differently, with the farmer’s well-being as our top priority, set us apart from other agro-dealers in the region, who merely chased profit.
In the face of adversity, we remained steadfast in our mission, doing what we could with the resources at hand. But it was the arrival of a transformative force that would accelerate our growth and lead us on the path of even greater success - the Yara Leadership Academy (YLA). The YLA came at a serendipitous moment, and the impact was profound.
Before the YLA, Inputs Today relied solely on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied farmers and customers. The program shifted our perspective, emphasizing the importance of actively marketing our business through various channels. One significant change was building a comprehensive database of the farmers we served, ensuring more streamlined communication and personalized engagement. I admit that I had never considered such an approach, but now, with a database at our fingertips, we could easily connect with our valued farmers.
Moreover, the YLA opened our eyes to the significance of fostering meaningful interactions with our farmer base. Leveraging social media, SMS, and in-person farmer trainings, Inputs Today established a profound connection with our community. This newfound connection not only strengthened our brand loyalty but also provided invaluable insights into the specific needs of our farmers.Yet, our ambitions didn’t end there. The YLA ignited a flame of growth and inspiration within our team. As we prepare to graduate from the program, we have set our sights on expanding our distribution network beyond Meru County, reaching even more farmers with our solutions. I envision establishing a mentorship program, passing on the knowledge gained from the YLA to empower stockists and retailers in our network. Furthermore, we plan to nurture young agronomists through internships and attachments, creating a ripple effect of good agronomy practices across communities.
As this program continues to uplift and empower MSMEs within Yara’s retail channel, the impact on communities and farmers across the region becomes ever more profound.
The YLA is more than just a capacity-building program; it is a catalyst for transformation and a testament to the power of business with purpose.
