Skip to main content

Descon diversifies into the agricultural sector; invests in two agri-tech businesses

                

Descon is one of the largest conglomerates in Pakistan’s key sectors including Construction, Power-generation, and Chemicals. In its continuing endeavor to spur economic growth in Pakistan, Descon has signed an investment agreement to acquire shareholding in two dynamic enterprises – ‘Vital Agri Nutrient’ (VAN) and ‘Vital Green’ (VG), as part of its strategy to diversify into the Agricultural sector, which is undoubtedly the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

Both the companies will benefit from this strategic alignment with an enterprising entity, utilizing the resources and expertise at Descon’s disposal to achieve the next phase of their growth. Descon seeks to support these two companies and other such businesses in building technology and infrastructure to organize, empower and enhance the quality of lives of millions of Agri value chain participants in Pakistan. In the initial phase, Descon will support VAN and VG in unlocking their growth potential, while synchronizing the supply-chain for value-addition. 

Descon Vice-Chairman, Faisal Dawood expressed his pleasure on this alliance, stating, “These strategic investments validate the impact that Vital Agri Nutrient and Vital Green have had so far in agriculture and Descon will assist them in enhancing their impact by providing the required strategic, financial and governance support. We have ventured into this space to disrupt outdated farming methods and redundant practices in agriculture value chains, and aspire to create economic opportunities for all those involved in this sector. We look forward to investing in similar ventures to further our agri vision.”  

Agriculture is the single largest sector in Pakistan, but unfortunately, over the past many years, it has received inadequate developmental support, leaving it with near stagnant productivity. Descon’s venture into this area will enhance access of farmer communities to updated knowledge, innovative technologies, trainings, expert advice and financial resources, while positively impacting the larger community through effective partnerships leading to food-security and improved livelihoods.

VAN and VG CEO, Ahmed Umair said, “We aspire to improve the quality of life for millions of farmers to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet.  In partnership with Descon we are creating synergies and we will together grow knowledge to fulfill our vision of an inclusive and collaborative society without hunger and the planet being treated in sustainable manners. We find Descon aligned with our values and vision for the future of the agricultural sector.  With continuous research and development, we are catering to the diverse needs of the agriculturists, achieving higher yields and enhancing the quantity and quality of food and nutrition available to the nation. We look forward to Descon’s stewardship to become an international company within a decade. 

Food security, limited farmland and depleting soil resources are the challenges that drive us.”

‘VAN’ is a leading manufacturer of specialty-fertilizers, soil-amendments and bio-fertilizers and has been in the business for 12 years, achieving one of the largest production-capacity for water-soluble fertilizers in Pakistan. It works closely with its farmers and corporate customers to deliver value added innovative solutions VAN has also developed customized, crop specific and area specific, crop nutrition plans, with reduced environmental impact. 

‘VG’ provides access to credit, quality-Inputs, actionable knowledge, digital tools and market outreach for farmers. It has one of the largest company-operated networks of service-centers all over Pakistan. The company is already working with thousands of farmers and have a structured approach of collaboration with digital, financial, value chain partners. VG serve across more than a dozen value-chains, including sugarcane, rice, wheat, maize, banana, chili and tomatoes.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

CBD Punjab Celebrated Pakistan Resolution Day with Patriotic Fervor

                                                       The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), proudly commemorated Pakistan Resolution Day with unwavering dedication to the nation's progress. Held at the CBD Punjab headquarters, the ceremony was attended by COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, directorate heads, senior officials, staff members, and ancillary staff, all united in the spirit of patriotism and national pride. The event began with a flag hoisting ceremony, symbolizing the steadfast commitment to uphold the principles of unity, faith, and discipline, and to strive for the betterment of the country while keeping the national flag flying high. The national flag soaring high served as a powerful symbol of prosperity and sovereignty. Addressing the gathering, COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, emphasized the importance of commemorating the historic Pakistan Resolut

Huawei and OPPO Sign Global Patent Cross-licensing Agreement

          Huawei and OPPO announced the signing of a global patent cross-licensing agreement, which covers cellular standard essential patents, including 5G. "After more than 20 years of continuous innovation, Huawei has developed multiple high-value patent portfolios in the global marketplace in domains like 5G, Wi-Fi, and audio/video codecs," said Alan Fan, Head of Huawei's Intellectual Property Department. "We are delighted to have reached a cross-licensing agreement with OPPO. The mutual recognition of intellectual property value between companies is a major step towards fostering a positive cycle of innovation and research in high-value standards: investing, receiving returns from investment, and then reinvesting. This will enable our industry to keep innovating and provide consumers with more competitive products and services." "We are very pleased to enter into patent cross-licensing agreement awith Huawei. It clearly demonstrates that the two compan

Economic confidence among finance professionals edges higher globally despite big fall in North America

                                                The latest ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA ®  (Institute of Management Accountants)  Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) suggests that confidence among accountants and finance professionals edged slightly higher in Q2 2024 and is just above its historical average.  For chief financial officers (CFOs), all the key global indicators rose, with sharp gains evident in the New Orders and Capital Expenditure indices.   There were some notable regional differences . Western Europe-based accountants reported another decent increase in confidence as the euro area and UK economies continue to stage recoveries. Even Asia Pacific saw a small rise off the back of a huge gain previously, and the New Orders Index increased strongly. The region is benefitting from improvements in the global economy, including in the manufacturing sector and the upward moving technology cycle. However, North America’s financial profe