Mohit Kumar Singh, serving as the General Manager for Product Planning & Business Strategy at Honda India Power Products Ltd. (HIPP), embarked on his journey with the company in 2010, which boasts a rich heritage and a firm commitment to excellence. In reflecting upon his time over the past 13 years with Honda India Power Products Ltd., he enthusiastically shares the story of his remarkable and enriching professional odyssey.
Q1. What has your decade-long journey and experience here been like?
A1. At Honda India Power Products, we take pride in being the oldest Honda company in India. We initially entered the market with portable generators, and over the years, we've expanded our presence into the agriculture and construction sectors. Here, we bring the renowned Honda technology to various products, including water pumps, sprayers, tillers, lawnmowers, and brush cutters, all designed to cater to the needs of our Indian customers.
My journey with Honda India Power Products began in 2010, and these past 13 years have been incredibly exciting. I've had the privilege of interacting with customers across various product usage categories, spanning generators, agriculture, construction, and marine equipment. What truly enhances my business experience here is our ability to meet the diverse requirements of customers from all corners of India, aligning with the vision of our founder, Soichiro Honda.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to provide even more solutions in the future.
Q2. It's high time that we focus on the agricultural domain, so what steps has your company taken to support agriculture preservation?
A2. Honda is dedicated to the principle of engaging directly with customers, learning from their daily experiences, and crafting products tailored to their unique demands. Following this guiding ethos, we consistently immerse ourselves in the market. We recognize that customers need firsthand experience with our products.
As a result, we enlist a substantial local workforce and provide them with comprehensive training on product usage. These trained individuals venture into rural markets, conducting demonstrations for potential customers, all while ensuring that our products continue to showcase cutting-edge technology. This represents one of the pivotal initiatives we've undertaken at Honda India Power Products.
Q3. Honda, a renowned Japanese brand and automobile manufacturer, is known for its commitment to Japanese culture and work ethics. How do you ensure that your company maintains the standards synonymous with this heritage?
A3. The association between India and Japan holds great significance. In this context, our company stands as one of the earliest Honda ventures established here. Our journey began in 1985, and this September marks the completion of 38 successful years of business operations in India. Over this extensive period, we have consistently met the evolving needs of Indian customers by introducing tailor-made models in categories such as power tillers, brush cutters, lawnmowers, back sprayers, and various agricultural products. Our goal is to provide solutions to farmers at every stage of the agricultural process, from ground preparation to harvesting and transportation. In essence, we bring together the internationally renowned Japanese-Indian technology, particularly Honda's famed four-stroke engine technology, and have effectively preserved a 38-year legacy in India.
Q4. With the solid foundation of trust that Honda has built, how do you envision advancing and perpetuating its legacy?
A4. As India has evolved into a major agricultural hub over time, the focus has shifted towards leveraging engine-based technology for farm mechanization. Given India's status as a leading crop producer with a growing emphasis on precision, frequency, and quality in crop production, government initiatives have prioritized mechanization across the country. In response to the changing landscape, the demand for robust and high-quality portable machinery has become crucial, especially to cater to the needs of small and marginal farmers.
Over the past 15-20 years, our dedicated research efforts in the agricultural sector have enabled us to introduce products designed to meet the specific requirements of farming communities. For instance, our water pump range has proven invaluable for irrigation needs, while our portable tillers are user-friendly, even allowing women to easily operate them in the fields. The portability of these machines provides convenience and assurance to farmers, who can transport the equipment home after completing their work.
In this endeavor, we aim to make our products accessible to a broader customer base, not only as a purchase option but also by offering financing, services, and subscription-based models to enhance accessibility and support the agricultural community.
Q5. How has work efficiency and productivity improved over the years?
A5. With the growing population, there is an ongoing need to enhance productivity. At times, when quality and production efficiency issues arise, the government has initiated precision farming to achieve more efficient and sustainable outcomes. For example, in North India, where challenges like stubble burning exist, we've introduced machines like brush cutters, not only as a product introduction but as part of a broader commitment to providing sustainable solutions.
Q6. What initiatives has Honda undertaken in the agriculture industry?
A6. We initially had diesel-based water pumps, which were bulky. Recognizing their limitations, we introduced our portable water pumps. These pumps can be easily transported between farms, enabling farmers to complete their irrigation tasks more efficiently and with reduced water loss. These efficiency-driven initiatives are not limited to primary farmlands; we've extended them to challenging terrains like hilly areas and step farming zones. Our portable water pumps, tillers, and backpack brush cutters play a pivotal role in streamlining workflows in these demanding environments. These efforts align perfectly with our vision of empowering individuals to achieve better results.
Interviewed by: Khushi Mudgal