Manufacturing Unwrapped: The Trailblazing Tractor Queen
In every issue of our magazine Manufacturing Digital, we award a Person of Lifetime Achievement (LOA).
This person has made groundbreaking contributions to manufacturing over the course of their lifetime.
This could be through direct involvement in the sector, or through inventions or innovations that have made it what it is today.
We've featured executives, scientists, inventors and software innovators.
But one of our favourite LOA's has to be the first I wrote as editor in our magazine: Mallika Srinivasan.
Mallika Srinivasan: Who is the tractor queen?
Mallika Srinivasan was featured as our LoA in the August 2024 edition of Manufacturing Digital.
She's a pioneering industrialist who has established herself as a transformative leader in India's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
As the Chairwoman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), she has led the company to become the third-largest tractor equipment manufacturer globally, with a turnover of US$1.2bn and exports to over 100 countries.
TAFE was founded by her grandfather in 1960, and when Mallika took over from her father she deeply immersed herself in understanding the company's customers, value proposition and technological potential.
With a mathematics degree from The Women's Christian College in Chennai, a gold medal in Econometrics from the University of Madras, and an accomplished graduation from the Wharton School of Business, she had the strategic business acumen to effectively grow and lead the business.
Today TAFE's product portfolio is diverse, encompassing four major tractor brands: TAFE, Massey Ferguson, Industrija Mašinai Traktora, and Eicher.
The company's interests also extend beyond tractors to diesel engines, generators, hydraulic components and various engineering products.
For those unaware our parent company Bizclik is based in Norfolk- a region of rural England known for its love of the humble tractor.
This is just one of the many reasons Mallika story resonated with us.
Another was the way she stood by Indian farmers during COVID-19.
Helping Indian agriculture recover from COVID-19
During COVID-19 India's agricultural sector was devastated by both the virus and climate change.
Under Mallika TAFE launched an extraordinary intervention.
Through the CSR JFarm Services, the company provided free tractor rentals to small and medium farmers across multiple states.
In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, TAFE distributed 47,000 Eicher and Massey Ferguson tractors free of charge, with administrative support from state governments.
In Rajasthan alone they provided 90,000 hours of free tractor services, helping farmers cultivate over 160,000 acres and preserving livelihoods.
The company's JFarm initiative was first established in 1964 and ever since has played a pivotal role in modernising Indian agriculture.
The initiative has consistently empowered farmers with new technologies, helping to address productivity challenges and respond to the evolving needs of agricultural communities.
Mallika's impact extends beyond business.
She understands the responsibility manufacturers have to uplift working people and help the world adapt to geopolitical shifts like pandemics and climate change. This for us sets her apart as a leader.
Why is this a favourite piece?
Our LoA on Mallika is a favourite piece because, first and foremost, she truly fits the description.
Mallika Srinivasan has taken TAFE into the future, making it a global success whilst helping to transform India's agricultural and industrial landscape.
She's been the subject of numerous awards and accolades, and a member on too many boards to count.
Her story and influence highlights the positive impact manufacturers can have on the world.
Through uplifting communities and embracing technology, we all can better navigate the challenges of the future.
You can read Mallika's full LOA by clicking here.
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