Mallika Srinivasan: Shoots Of Glory

Mallika Srinivasan, chairperson and CEO of  Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE), a  hands-on boss, has been instrumental in not only strengthening the company but also diversifying into other areas such as engineering plastics and farm implements. Under Srinivasan, the company today is one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world. The company, at present, has over 80 branches across the globe and is now looking to set up a manufacturing plant in Telengana.

Known as the tractor queen, Srinivasan started her career at TAFE in 1986. TAFE at that point had a turnover of Rs 85 crore.  At present, the turnover is over Rs 9,500 crore.

Development of agriculture has been her focus. Srinivasan has also worked with the country’s farmers to bring a difference in their lives. She led the development of JFarm, TAFE’s adaptive agricultural research and training centre, in Chennai, a move aimed at empowering the Indian farmer. To help the small and marginal farmers, JFarm has focused on developing an integrated farming model, farm initiatives for soil. Under Srinivasan, it has also focused on water and nutrient management.

Srinivasan, who has consciously engaged more women into the workforce, was recently awarded the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore for her contribution to global agriculture, machinery business and academia. She believes that it is not merely money that is required to build a company, what is more important is passion and dream. Srinivasan has also strengthened the company’s partnership with American agricultural equipment manufacturer, AGCO, with a view to ensuring growth for both. She has also been honoured with the Padma Shri in 2014. Srinivasan was the recipient of Entrepreneur of the Year award by Ernst and Young.

For Srinivasan, ploughing back into the society is key. She has been supporting the Cancer Hospital and Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai. Besides, she also supports many educational and healthcare organisations. She has also been promoting the musical tradition of Carnatic music through the Indira Sivasailam Endowment Fund.