BL Agro and Leads Connect Unveil SAMARTH 1.0 at Krishi Bharat 2024 in Lucknow

BL Agro and Leads Connect Unveil SAMARTH 1.0 at Krishi Bharat 2024 in Lucknow

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 19, 2024

BL Agro, a prominent FMCG brand, and its agritech arm, Leads Connect, launched SAMARTH 1.0 during Krishi Bharat 2024 in Lucknow. This initiative aims to tackle critical agricultural challenges through scientific collaboration and innovative solutions. The event saw participation from dignitaries, including Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Uttar Pradesh's Agriculture Minister, Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, and Jan-Kees Goet, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature from the Netherlands.

SAMARTH 1.0, an acronym for "Seminar on Agricultural Modeling and Assessing Risks for Transforming Humanity," focuses on fostering dialogue among stakeholders, including researchers, academics, and industry leaders. The initiative prioritizes sustainable agro-ecosystem development and value chain enhancements.

Highlighting the initiative’s purpose, Dr. Alok B. Mukherjee, Director of Research, Analytics & Modeling at Leads Connect, remarked, “SAMARTH is more than just a research journal. It’s a way to create real, on-ground impact… By combining advanced technology with an interdisciplinary approach and hyper-local intelligence, we are moving beyond conventional AI to embrace strong AI.”

image

The event also included the announcement of SATI (Satellite Analytics & Transfer Intelligence), a scientific journal aiming to spotlight cutting-edge research in agriculture, climate resilience, and value chain analytics. The top three research papers will be awarded Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000, and Rs. 20,000, with selected articles published in SATI after a rigorous peer-review process.

Kisan Samvad, a unique interactive session, enabled farmers to voice their challenges and contribute valuable insights for developing practical, sustainable solutions. This engagement underscored the initiative’s commitment to addressing real-world agricultural issues.

Navneet Ravikar, Chairman and Managing Director of Leads Connect, emphasized the broader mission, stating, “Our efforts are driven by a deep commitment to developing robust and sustainable solutions for agriculture and the environment… SAMARTH 1.0 is a testament to our dedication to transforming lives and bringing smiles to people through impactful solutions.”

Jan-Kees Goet highlighted the Netherlands' shared commitment to agricultural innovation, commending SAMARTH 1.0 for its collaborative vision. He remarked, “It is inspiring to see initiatives like SAMARTH 1.0 echoing values of productivity and sustainability by integrating global and local expertise.”

image

Shri Manoj Kumar Singh praised Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural heritage and BL Agro’s efforts, noting that advanced technologies like embryo development and zero-waste integrated farming are vital for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the region.

About the Organizations

Leads Connect Services specializes in data-driven agritech solutions, focusing on risk management, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices. Their expertise in GIS, analytics, and crop assessment fosters resilience in the agricultural sector.

BL Agro, headquartered in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has grown from a mustard trading business to a leading FMCG conglomerate. Known for its popular brands Bail Kolhu and Nourish, the group also champions dairy innovation and sustainable agritech solutions through its subsidiaries.


ITC Hotels Reports Strong Q3 Performance, Consolidated Revenue Up 21%

ITC Hotels Reports Strong Q3 Performance, Consolidated Revenue Up 21%

By Hariharan U

Published on January 22, 2026

ITC Hotels reported a strong growth performance for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, with consolidated revenue from operations reaching ₹1,231 crore, up 21% year-on-year. EBITDA stood at ₹467 crore, reflecting a 23% increase, while PAT rose sharply by 42% to ₹307 crore, according to a company release.

The growth was driven by higher occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) across key markets. Targeted digital campaigns and loyalty initiatives contributed to revenue scaling, while cost management measures covering procurement efficiencies and energy optimisation supported healthy margins. Room revenue grew 12%, propelled by robust performance in corporate, wedding, and MICE segments. Overall RevPAR expanded 13%, maintaining a 48% premium over the industry, highlighting ITC Hotels’ strong brand standing.

Food & Beverage revenue rose 8%, led by banqueting and corporate events, supported by innovative culinary offerings. EBITDA margin for the quarter stood at 39%, expanding 110 basis points on a comparable basis due to revenue growth, higher management fees, cost control, and operating leverage.

Active asset management remained central to ITC Hotels’ strategy, with planned renovations completed across key properties to enhance guest experience through modernised amenities, refreshed interiors, and contemporary design.

Internationally, ITC Ratnadipa and Sapphire Residences in Colombo, Sri Lanka, maintained market leadership in RevPAR and achieved EBITDA positivity for the nine months ended December 31, 2025. Apartment handovers have commenced, reflecting progress in the residential segment.

In India, ITC Hotels secured a land parcel at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, for a premium 5‑star hotel on a 91‑year lease. The property, slated for completion by 2030, will feature contemporary banqueting and signature cuisine, enhancing Yashobhoomi as a global destination for conventions and exhibitions.

Aligned with its asset-right strategy, ITC Hotels expanded in Tier‑II and Tier‑III cities, opening new properties in Bodh Gaya, Rishikesh, Siliguri, Sirmaur, Dungarpur, and Jaipur during the quarter. In CY2025, the company signed 28 hotels with 2,790 keys, a 26% growth over CY2024, and crossed the milestone of 150 operational hotels with over 14,000 keys.

With these results, ITC Hotels reinforces its growth trajectory, driven by strategic expansion, operational excellence, and consistent focus on premium hospitality offerings across India and beyond


Hospitality Sector Expects Strong Policy Support in Budget 2026, Says Vishal Vithal Kamat

Hospitality Sector Expects Strong Policy Support in Budget 2026, Says Vishal Vithal Kamat

By Hariharan U

Published on January 21, 2026

As the Union Budget 2026 draws closer, voices from the hospitality industry are growing stronger, calling for focused policy measures and enhanced financial support to drive sustainable growth. Sharing his pre-budget views, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director at Kamat Hotels India Ltd, highlighted the need for greater attention to the hospitality sector and its wider economic impact.

Kamat emphasised that hospitality goes far beyond hotels, encompassing tour operators and a broad network of allied services that collectively play a vital role in boosting tourism and employment across the country. He noted that the sector has been seeking targeted benefits and supportive policies for several years to help streamline operations and improve ease of doing business.

“We have strong expectations from the Union Government to enhance budgetary allocations for the hospitality sector as a whole. Hospitality extends beyond hotels to include tour operators and a wide network of allied services that collectively drive tourism and employment. The industry has long been seeking targeted benefits and policy support to streamline operations, improve ease of doing business, and strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem. We are hopeful that the forthcoming budget will address these long-standing concerns in a meaningful way,” he said.

Industry leaders believe that well-structured budgetary support can strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem, encourage investments, and create more employment opportunities. With Budget 2026 on the horizon, the hospitality sector remains optimistic that its long-pending demands will finally find place in national policy planning.


Union Budget 2026: Foodlink CMD calls for tourism and GST reforms

Union Budget 2026: Foodlink CMD calls for tourism and GST reforms

By Hariharan U

Published on January 16, 2026

Sharing his expectations from the Union Budget 2026, Sanjay Manohar Vazirani, Chairman and Managing Director of Foodlink F&B Holdings (India) Limited, said the hospitality and foodservice sector today mirrors India’s evolving consumption story, shaped by rising disposable incomes, experiential spending, and renewed momentum in tourism and events.

Vazirani noted that sustained focus on infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and improved urban connectivity would create a strong multiplier effect for hospitality-led businesses. He said such measures would help India strengthen its positioning as a global destination for premium culinary and lifestyle experiences.

From an industry standpoint, he highlighted the importance of GST rationalisation, clearer compliance frameworks, and continued support for skill development. According to Vazirani, these steps would not only improve operating efficiencies but also reinforce employment generation across the hospitality and foodservice value chain.

He further added that measures aimed at easing access to credit, simplifying trade processes, and supporting Indian hospitality brands expanding globally would benefit the sector while contributing to a stronger, services-driven economy.

Vazirani emphasised that a growth-oriented Budget, one that balances fiscal discipline with consumption-led and tourism-driven growth, has the potential to significantly accelerate India’s hospitality and experiential economy in the years ahead.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.