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.”

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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.”

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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.


IHCL Signs Ginger Hotel in Sindhudurg, Expands Maharashtra Portfolio

IHCL Signs Ginger Hotel in Sindhudurg, Expands Maharashtra Portfolio

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 30, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of Ginger Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. The project is a conversion of a standalone hotel and will be expanded to a 50-key property, further strengthening the company's presence in the state.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Sindhudurg is emerging as a sought-after leisure destination on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, driven by improving connectivity, growing visitor footfall and increasing demand for short stay travel. Its accessibility from key feeder markets like Mumbai, Pune and Goa, along with its scenic coastline, positions the destination for sustained tourism growth. This signing reflects our strategy of expanding the brand’s presence in high-potential destinations and we are happy to partner with Ms. Sawant for this project.”

The upcoming Ginger Sindhudurg will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym. The hotel will also include dedicated meeting rooms and a banquet hall, catering to business meetings, conferences, and social events.

Speaking about the partnership, Mrs. Priyanka Sawant said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the Ginger brand to Sindhudurg. We look forward to working with IHCL and contribute to the destination’s growing tourism appeal.”

Located along Maharashtra's scenic Konkan coastline, Sindhudurg is known for attractions such as Sindhudurg Fort, Sawantwadi Palace, Moti Talav Lake, and the pristine Tarkarli beaches. The destination has been witnessing growing interest from leisure travellers, supported by improved connectivity and increasing tourism.

With this signing, IHCL's portfolio in Maharashtra grows to 66 hotels, including 34 hotels under development, reinforcing the company's expansion strategy across key leisure and business destinations.


Hyatt Place Debuts in Vithalapur, Strengthening Hospitality in Gujarat's Industrial Hub

Hyatt Place Debuts in Vithalapur, Strengthening Hospitality in Gujarat's Industrial Hub

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 30, 2026

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vithalapur, marking the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Vithalapur, Gujarat. The 108-room hotel becomes the first globally recognized hotel brand in the fast-growing industrial destination, offering modern comfort, convenience, and efficient service for both business and leisure travellers.

Strategically located in one of India's rapidly expanding manufacturing corridors, Hyatt Place Vithalapur is well positioned to cater to the increasing number of corporate travellers visiting the region. With leading global companies, particularly from the automobile sector, strengthening their presence in Vithalapur, the destination continues to emerge as an important centre for industrial growth in India.

Commenting on the opening, Bhuwan Chandra, General Manager, Hyatt Place Vithalapur, said, "As Vithalapur rapidly transforms into a pivotal hub in India’s manufacturing ecosystem, we are excited to introduce Hyatt Place Vithalapur to the market. With this debut, we’re not just opening a hotel, we’re creating a hospitality experience that aligns with the ambitions of the region. Hyatt Place Vithalapur is thoughtfully designed to support the evolving lifestyles of modern business travelers, offering the perfect blend of comfort, connectivity and convenience."

Designed to meet the needs of today's travellers, the hotel offers a range of contemporary guestrooms and suites, including King and Twin rooms, King Deluxe, and Premium rooms, with several rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the swimming pool.

Guests can dine at Zing, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, which offers a variety of global cuisines along with live kitchen experiences. The property is positioned to serve business travellers, conference delegates, and international guests looking for a comfortable and well-connected stay.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Vijay Maan, Director, Sukhmaa Group, said, “Collaborating with Hyatt for this opening is not just a business milestone, it is a dream taking shape. This relationship is built on a shared vision to bring world-class hospitality to a region that has long deserved global attention. We believe this hotel will not only serve as a premium stay for guests across a variety of travel occasions, but will also spark new energy, pride and opportunity for the local community. With Hyatt’s legacy of excellence and our deep-rooted commitment to this area, we’re creating more than a hotel, we’re creating a landmark that reflects the growth and momentum of Vithalapur.”

With its debut in Vithalapur, Hyatt Place strengthens Hyatt's presence in India's growing industrial markets while providing a modern hospitality option for travellers visiting one of Gujarat's fastest-developing business destinations.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Keys Select Property on Indore–Ujjain Highway

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Keys Select Property on Indore–Ujjain Highway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 30, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Panthpiplai, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels' portfolio in Madhya Pradesh has grown to 15 properties, including three operational hotels and 12 upcoming properties, further strengthening the group's presence across the state's key commercial and pilgrimage destinations.

Located on the Indore–Ujjain Road, the upcoming hotel enjoys a strategic location between Indore, the state's commercial hub, and Ujjain, one of India's most important spiritual destinations. The property is expected to cater to a diverse mix of business, leisure, and pilgrimage travellers visiting both cities.

The hotel will feature 51 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a banquet hall, a meeting and conference hall, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. Positioned in the midscale segment, the property is designed to offer a comfortable and convenient stay for guests travelling between Indore and Ujjain.

Commenting on the signing, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, “Panthpiplai presents a compelling opportunity, with Ujjain seeing significant investment in infrastructure and tourism, building on its long-standing importance as one of India's foremost spiritual destinations. Its proximity to Indore, a major commercial and industrial centre, further strengthens the location's potential. As a trusted midscale brand, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels is well suited to this market, offering guests a dependable, comfortable and contemporary stay at the right value. With Simhastha 2028 further elevating Ujjain's profile and continued infrastructure development strengthening connectivity, we see strong potential for the hotel and the market in the years ahead.”

The property also offers excellent connectivity to major transport hubs. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, is approximately 41 km away, while Ujjain Junction Railway Station is located around 18.5 km from the hotel, making it easily accessible for travellers.

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