Case Studies | Sathguru Management Consultants

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AgriInnovation.jpg

R&D Assessment and Development of a Strategic Roadmap of a seed company for the next seven years

Project Scope:

Our client is a leading agri-input conglomerate engaged in the business of R&D, production & marketing of hybrid seeds in India. The client expressed interest in engaging Sathguru to explore growth potential and opportunities to meet organizational goals. Sathguru also evaluated the client’s research and development programs and developed an R&D strategic roadmap for growth, aligned with the company’s vision.

Situational Analysis:

Our client is focused on driving strategic growth through enhanced R&D capabilities, market expansion, and strategic partnerships aligned with the company’s vision and objectives.

Scope/ Approach:

Sathguru reviewed the company’s research programs for different crops of interest. We assessed the product strength and germplasm pool, and mapped the existing product portfolio and traits with market requirements. Sathguru identified gaps in R&D programs and analyzed business goals to understand growth potential and develop a strategic growth plan.
Sathguru conducted a commercial potential assessment of current & pipeline products and identified avenues for immediate commercial growth through strategic initiatives.
Sathguru offered strategies to enhance short-term growth by utilizing existing assets and leveraging product pipelines.
Sathguru also developed a growth strategy for the client based on the life cycle and growth potential assessment of existing products, strength of pipeline, innovation sales, anticipated market returns, competitive landscape and changing dynamics of the industry.

Recommendations:

Sathguru proposed a growth strategy aimed at fostering immediate expansion by strategically leveraging the existing portfolio and optimizing opportunities within the near-term pipeline.
Sathguru recommended re-prioritizing the crop portfolio and pipeline products with target market requirements based on market-preferred traits and competitive benchmarking.
Sathguru advised intensified investment in research for priority crops.
Sathguru provided recommendations for potential growth strategies and conceptualized a seven-year strategic growth plan to strengthen business support systems, optimize business operations and the product-market approach required to achieve the projected revenues.

Impact/ Result/ Client benefit:

The critical factors hindering the growth, suggested by Sathguru, were acknowledged by the client, and they have adopted the recommendations to diversify the investment to strategic crops with high growth potential.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSR_report.jpg

Agribusiness publications

Direct Seeded Rice for Sustainable and Profitable Rice Cultivation

Food and Retail publications

Reducing Food Loss in Manufacturing Processes

In this article, we'll examine food loss and waste generated during food processing as well as the steps food producers could take to lower their carbon footprint, reduce costs associated with manufacturing, and boost profitability.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Case-studies-of-the-use.jpg

Agribusiness publications

Case studies of the use of agricultural biotechnologies to meet the needs of smallholders in developing countries

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/large-green-rice-field-with-green-rice-plants-rows-1280x640.jpg

Agribusiness

Technical Analysis of biologics companies and opportunity assessment of Indian biologics and other biologics segments

Our client, a global agribusiness conglomerate focused on crop protection, expressed interest in assessment of biologics business and opportunity assessment in biologicals segment in India. The client, through its third-party driven market insight, identified biological enterprises based in US and Europe and engaged Sathguru for their technical assessment and identification for acquisition or collaboration purposes, which helped the client to understand the technical and business potential of the biological enterprises. The client also engaged Sathguru to assess the biologics opportunities in India and the potential of other biologics segments with significant growth potential, which helped the client to understand business opportunity for Indian markets.

Situational Analysis

Our client, a global agribusiness conglomerate focused on crop protection, expressed interest in assessment of biologics business for acquisition/collaboration purposes and opportunity assessment in biologicals segment in India.

Scope/Approach/ Recommendation

Sathguru conducted an in-depth assessment of the biological enterprises based on technical and business acumen categorized as per portfolio diversity. Sathguru critically evaluated the growth potential of the enterprises based on portfolio, product diversity, technological integration, innovation potential novelty of AI, strength of IP, and market potential based on market trends. The enterprises were evaluated and scored based on technological advancement, product registrations across regions, versatility of application and market potential.

Indian biological industry and the governing regulations, policies and schemes were studied at length to understand the criticalities for product introduction and growth potential. Sathguru carried out a detailed domestic industry landscape assessment and segmentation-based study for biopesticides and biostimulants. Strategies of MNS’s and Indian enterprises were studied at length in terms of proprietary, acquired and/or in-licensed assets, collaborations & partnerships and strength of IP for both the product segments of biostimulants and biopesticides.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit

Sathguru helped the client understand the dynamics of the global biological industry, critical trends required for potential investment or acquisition of the biological enterprise. The opportunity of Indian biological industry helped the client to understand the level of technological evolution, investment trends by key players, collaboration models, along with strategic options for market entry helped in informed decision making by client.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Seeds-Crop-Protection.jpg

Agribusiness

Technical and Commercial Due Diligence, Financial Valuation and Strategic Business Plan of a Seed Company For Potential Investment and Acquisition

Our client, a leading agro-chemical conglomerate expressed interest in making a potential investment in a seed enterprise for diversifying their business into the Indian seed industry. The client company, through its internal understanding of the market, chose a seed company and engaged Sathguru to conduct techno-commercial due diligence, and financial valuation which helped the client understand the technical and financial viability of the enterprise for potential investment. Sathguru further developed a growth strategy and business plan for driving growth in the industry post-acquisition.

Situational Analysis

Our client, a leading agrochemical conglomerate is focused on diversifying business by expanding into the seed sector and wanted to understand the technical and business profile of an enterprise for potential investment and a roadmap for further growth prospects with the acquired entity.

Scope/Approach/ Recommendation

Sathguru conducted an in-depth analysis of the Indian seed industry for acquainting the client with the trending dynamics of the industry. Sathguru critically analyzed the portfolio of the seed enterprise by assessing the strength of the portfolio, crop diversity, product efficiency and vis-à-vis key competitors for each of the crops. Sathguru also assessed the business operational efficiency of the enterprise in terms of research strength, seed production and processing efficiency and market reach. A SWOT analysis of the enterprise was carried out to understand technical suitability, growth potential of the enterprise and areas of improvement.

Sathguru carried out financial valuation of the enterprise in terms of lifecycle and growth potential of current products, strength of pipeline and anticipated market returns. Sathguru also developed a growth strategy for the client based on growth potential assessment of existing products, inclusion of additional complementing crops, competitive landscape and changing dynamics of the industry. A detailed business plan was developed for achieving returns as per the proposed growth strategy.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit

Sathguru helped the client understand the dynamics of the Indian seed industry, associated growth drivers and competitive landscape. Sathguru assessment helped the client to understand the growth prospective and limitations of the enterprise aligned with the industry trends for making informed decision making about the industry. A financial valuation helped client on understanding the market value of the enterprise for investment prices. Sathguru helped the client understand the value differentiators in the seed industry and routes for business expansion development with the help of the comprehensive growth strategy and business plan.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fertilizer-Regulations-and-Schemes-1280x640.jpg

Agribusiness Business Advisory

Techno-commercial due diligence of a crop nutrition company for a global investor for potential investment in specialty fertilizers

Our client, a global investor focused on sustainability practices across various industries, expressed interest in making a potential investment in specialty fertilizers, a rapidly growing segment in the Indian fertilizer industry. The client company, through its internal understanding of the market, chose a target crop nutrition company and engaged Sathguru to conduct techno-commercial due diligence, which helped the client understand the financial viability and environmental sustainability of the potential investment.

Situational Analysis:

Our client, a global investor focused on sustainability across various industries, expressed interest in investing in a promising segment of a crop nutrition business company and wanted to understand the specialty fertilizer market and growth prospects.

Scope and Approach:

Sathguru conducted an in-depth assessment of the Indian fertilizer industry and the government policies and schemes governing the industry. Sathguru also critically evaluated the growth drivers of the specialty fertilizers market and provided detailed insights about all the critical elements, including changing industry dynamics, raw material supply-demand, production systems, inbound and out-bound logistics, digitization of operations, and consumer feedback about the products of interest.

Sathguru analyzed the portfolio of the target crop nutrition company by assessing the USPs of the products, product efficiency, vis-à-vis competitors in various states of the country. The assessment also included a SWOT analysis of the target companies’ products, product development, and business operations, including the production and distribution of specialty nutrients.

Recommendations:

Sathguru made specific recommendations based on the target company’s product portfolio and its uniqueness vis-à-vis similar products from competitors and threats from global players operating or planning to enter Indian fertilizer sector.

Sathguru recommended the potential for further portfolio optimization and diversification to improve market reach and enhance profitability.
Sathguru provided recommendations for diversifying technology base, strengthening portfolio with innovative products, ensuring continuous supply and quality of imported products will be critical and analyzing threats from alternative emerging threats.
Sathguru also recommended pathways for market expansion by capitalizing on current technology-based products to gain market share.
Sathguru advised creating more farmer awareness about balanced nutrition programs.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit:

Sathguru helped the client understand the dynamics of the Indian Fertilizer industry, the competitive landscape of the specialty nutrients segments in terms of innovation index and technological evolution, internal and external factors limiting growth factors of the target company to make informed investment decisions.

Agribusiness Innovation Advisory

Deployment of Innovative Consortium Models for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation

Sathguru developed country-specific agri-food system assessment tools and scenarios for deploying consortium models in 30 African countries by 2030. Sathguru further suggested strategic interventions and investment plans for strengthening seed systems and enterprises, accessing blended fertilizers, facilitating an effective irrigation system, stimulating farm mechanization adoption, enhancing food value addition and post-harvest technology adoption, and developing robust market linkages through public-private player intercessions.

Situation Analysis:

The Client expressed their interest in assessing the current consortia performance, expanding the investment on developing and deploying agri-food inclusive consortium models across 30 African countries, and further anticipating its economic impact for ten years of implementation across the agri-food value chain.

Scope:

The scope of Sathguru’s engagement included the following:

Assess the performance of consortia models in seven African countries and leverage the insights in developing Consortia Model 2.0 for 30 countries.
Develop a country-specific investment plan based on the current status of the agri-food system and opportunities for improvement.
Anticipate the economic value creation through the proposed agri-food value-chain investment plan and consortia model implementation.

Approach:

An appropriate mix of secondary research and primary interactions was conducted to meet the project’s objectives. Sathguru’s conducted an in-depth assessment of country-specific cropping systems, production and consumption patterns, access to improved seeds and other agri-inputs, R&D capability, irrigation status, access to finance, private sector support, and opportunities for digitization. The assessment led to a detailed investment plan to develop and deploy Consortia Model 2.0, focusing on crop-specific value chain elements in each target country.

To achieve this, Sathguru:

Conducted primary interactions with on-field country-specific consortia members, farmers, and public and private sector officials to gauge existing consortia performance in seven African countries.
Performed an in-depth country-specific assessment on agri-inputs, R&D, markets, and value addition segments and developed a country-specific baseline for non-consortia countries.
Suggested economic value-creation elements for each consortium and presented the anticipated impact.
Projected gains from phased consortium investments and prioritized investments country-wise for the next ten years.

Recommendations:

Sathguru made recommendations based on the following:

Sathguru assessed the current agri-food system preparedness to strengthen agri-input production, its use, and the feasibility of post-harvest value addition in target countries.
Sathguru recommended strategic interventions to improve the crop-specific agri-food value chain and identified public and private sector engagements required to achieve the proposed models’ sustainability.
Sathguru evaluated the anticipated economic impact on crop-specific yield and production, post-harvest losses, and value addition.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit

With Sathguru’s support, the Client has started developing and deploying country-specific proposed Consortium Model 2.0 to increase its effectiveness across the target countries and achieve the anticipated economic impact across the agri-food value chain.

With critical insights of Sathguru, the client has strengthened the deployment of agricultural systems and downstream delivery models in 11 African countries that includes Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi,Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Biologicals-coated-fertilizer-1200x640.jpg

Agribusiness

Providing regulatory framework in India for US-based firm developing Biologicals & coated fertilizer

Sathguru helped the company understand the current regulatory landscape in India and suggested a regulatory pathway for registration as per the FCO, 1985.

Situation Analysis

Our client, a US-based firm involved in developing and manufacturing microbial solutions, expressed interest in entering the B2B fertilizer market by assessing the associated regulations and expected timeline. The client expressed interest in registering their product(s) in India for microbial coating of inorganic fertilizers or direct application in India.

Scope and approach

Sathguru thoroughly assessed the Indian fertilizer regulations and evaluated India’s specific regulations to meet the client’s goals. Sathguru suggested the regulatory pathway for product registration according to product suitability in compliance with FCO, 1985.

To achieve this, Sathguru:

Classified the company’s product(s),
Studied the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985 and amendments for product(s) fitment with the existing regulations,
Assessed the regulations to register the product for coating inorganic fertilizers with biologicals in the country, and
Suggested the pathway for product registration and market entry into India.

Recommendations

Sathguru made specific recommendations based on the product classification and proposed two regulatory pathways for registration.

Apply for commercial registration as a biofertilizer under FCO based on the product’s classification, and
The microbial coated fertilizer category is not available in India; hence, coat the fertilizers with microbial solutions, conduct Bio efficacy studies, and submit the application to The Fertilizer Controller for review and appropriate action in collaboration with the local partner organization/company.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit

Sathguru helped the client understand the regulatory pathway they need to take for product registration and the expected timeline. The client is pursuing it with local partners.

https://www.sathguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Novel-Bio-solutions.jpg

Agribusiness Business Advisory

Technical and Commercial Valuation for a Novel Bio solutions offering client

Sathguru helped the company assess the current business operations, gauge market potential, and evaluate commercial business valuation in target markets. Sathguru also prioritized key markets based on country-specific market entry timelines and conceptualized an expansion plan for strategic business expansion and target market expansion.

Situation Analysis:

With a strong IP proposition for three novel patented bio solutions, our client expressed their interest in assessing target market potential and product feasibility, analyzing the competitive patent landscape, conceptualizing a roadmap to commercialization with potential growth models across 15 countries, and evaluating the commercial valuation of the business. The client further sought assistance in developing an investor pitch based on technical and commercial valuation assessment.

Scope:

The scope of Sathguru’s engagement included:

Assessing current product portfolio, R&D capabilities, and business operational efficiency.
Analyzing growth potential of novel products based on market entry timelines, target area, and regulation requirements of identified markets.
Developing strategic growth models and roadmap to commercialization.
Evaluating the business of novel products based on technical and commercial valuation.

Approach:

An appropriate mix of secondary and primary research was conducted to meet the client’s objectives. Sathguru’s approach was to assess the company’s research, the strength of novel products, and operational strength. Sathguru intended to map the novel technologies with industry regulatory and market entry requirements, analyze competitive patent and market landscape across target markets, and develop strategic expansion plans and potential growth models.

To achieve this, Sathguru:

Performed internal assessment of the company to understand its current strengths, product portfolio, R&D pipeline, technology preparedness, and operational strength.
Assessed market and technology competitiveness and projected the target area, production capacity requirements, and potential growth models for new markets.
Evaluated product attractiveness aligned with target market regulatory and market entry requirements and developed a roadmap to commercialization.
Suggested domestic and overseas growth models based on target market competitiveness.
Developed a comprehensive technical and commercial valuation report.

Recommendations:

Sathguru made strategic recommendations based on the technical and commercial valuation assessment of the novel product portfolio:

Sathguru evaluated the strength of the novel portfolio and suggested the production capacity expansion plan based on target market demand over projected years.
Sathguru recommended growth models and a roadmap to commercialization for novel patented technologies based on technology-market landscaping.
Sathguru suggested a business expansion and investment plan based on commercial business valuation in target markets with existing IP.
Sathguru recommended strategies to strengthen operational systems, scale-up production capacities, business support services, and align IP management systems with business objectives.

Impact/Result/Client Benefit

With Sathguru’s support, the client intents to launch novel patented products in the target market and pitch in potential investors with in-depth technical and commercial valuation assessment of the novel technologies.

Older Posts