Starting a Career in Agritech in North India: Advice for a 36-Year-Old Business Leader

Hi Mayank,Hope you are doing great.I am Jitendranath, 45 years, from Hyderabad. I am writing this after reading your article on Rediff.Basically I am a mechanical engineer having 20+ years of experience in the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) and manufacturing industry in the procurement/SCM function.I worked with companies like Fenner and Kirby in Hyderabad before moving to Thermax, Pune, where I worked for 6+ years. I then returned to Hyderabad with the intention of starting a small business.But, even after four years, I couldn't succeed in establishing my business and lost all the capital. So I started searching for suitable positions.I have had no success since the past two years as the EPC and manufacturing industry is itself struggling for several years (since 2012) from scams like coalgate, policy paralysis, demonetisation, GST and now COVID-19.Even though there are a few jobs in the market, I may not be meeting their requirements.Could you please help me?How I should change and develop my skills to meet current and future demand so that I get a suitable job? I am the single source of income for my family of six.Thanks and regards,Jitendranath V

Dear Mayank, I'm 47 years old and currently based in Manchester, UK. I've 23 years of experience in IT sales. I'm currently not able to continue with the sales career that I had in India in the tech sector. Frankly, I feel I'm done with business development and am not very passionate about this anymore. Now I'm trying going on my own, but am dragging my feet. I really love the stock markets as a fundamental investor and would love to make a career switch here but cannot seem to find options suitable for me. I also have the choice of returning to Bengaluru and re-starting my sales career again but am hesitant as my family cannot join me. I'm financially doing fine though and have almost met my financial goals. However, I am quite ambitious and too young to retire. I also have the option of experimenting a bit. I’m looking forward to your advice. Many thanks. PS: I would like to remain anonymous.

dear Harsh, My name is Ranu Gaonkar, Goa, I m having reach experience in Co-operative Credit Society and also in Agricultural Marketing Society over 20 years. My present age is 52. I did my MBA from leading business School. My finance area is quite ok since i did M.com in Financial Accountancy. I am staying in Goa and having own office in City. I worked at Senior position including MD for 18 years. My vision is start new enterprise were more people get job. I am having infrastructure and human resource also. Pls guide me where is scope for me. Thank you.

I am 66, worked in sales marketing and warehouse management for over 30 years in Southern African. Retired a year back and came to India. After sitting home for a year found it very difficult, boaring and health loosing, again felt a strong desire in me to do some work, will prefer work from home or out, for 5-6 hrs, again enabling me to spend a health enjoyable and active life. Really feeling very difficult to find a job of my caliber and liking at this age in India. Pls advice

Sir I am working as a chief manager in PSB and 41 yrs old. I am basically Agri graduate and fed up with transfers ( Within and outside state) recently faced heart problem. At present completed 16 years and minimum 20 yrs required for at least 1/3 pension eligibility. Now, Planning to shift job from banking to hightech agriculture.