MAM
SEEDS PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH START NETWORK
SEEDS, a leading humanitarian organisation that has worked extensively on every major disaster in the Indian Sub-continent, announced joining of the Start Network, today. A group of over fifty aid agencies, Start Network is spread across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs.
SEEDS has been constantly driving discussions for pooling of resources and expertise at national level in India for improved disaster response, and this partnership is a contributing step towards making this vision a reality. At the same time, SEEDS strongly advocates for making the platform a democratic space where there is equal participation and benefits that are felt by local members.
Christina Bennett, CEO, Start Network said, “I am delighted to welcome SEEDS into the Start Network. This growing movement of NGOs recognises the importance of creating a new era of humanitarian action. Start Network seeks to catalyse change within the humanitarian sector and NGOs are at the heart of shaping the change that is needed. Together we’re working drive and catalyse the change that is urgently needed in the global aid system”.
Dr Manu Gupta, Co-founder, SEEDS said, “We believe, it is important to de-centralise decision-making power within the humanitarian sector at all the front lines – particularly from national to sub-national level (at the grassroots). We look up to Start Network and its members for guidance in this regard”.
Within the sector, transfer of power is still in its beginning stage as localisation is still a regional or international level issue and hasn’t really percolated down.
While the collaboration is set to contribute towards the establishment of a national humanitarian hub in the times to come, it will be the members who decide how the hub will shape itself. Though it is difficult to predict its evolution over the next few years given the country’s democratic setup, it will have its own unique characteristics. There are resources available within the country from government agencies, corporations and individuals for supporting humanitarian causes, and the initiative aims to tap into these, and to do so in a way that improves speed of disaster response, reduces associated costs, and enhances appropriateness to local contexts.
Dr. Gupta further added, “The founding objectives of the Start Network very much align with our thinking about localization of humanitarian response, new financing mechanisms including pooled funding, and humanitarian innovations as a ways for driving positive change in the humanitarian sector. We particularly look forward to the additional value that Start Network can provide towards bridging the gap between rising needs and shrinking resources for humanitarian work.”
SEEDS looks at the collaboration as a healthy start towards being able to empower and equip leadership at the local level. The front-line members at the grassroot level can be individuals, organisations or the local government. However, this can be achieved only through consistent efforts over next few years.
As a disaster preparedness and risk reduction organisation based out of Delhi, SEEDS is acknowledged for its consistency in reaching out to the worst affected populations in every significant disaster, and an attitude for always wanting to learn and improve disaster management theories and practice with new innovations. It works to serve those directly or indirectly affected by the disasters and the climate crisis, with an underlying approach of community based resilience building.
Brands
Prataap Snacks posts Rs 1.14 crore Q4 profit, EBITDA up 319 per cent
Yellow Diamond maker posts turnaround with Rs 1.14 crore profit, 10 per cent dividend proposed
NEW DELHI: Prataap Snacks Limited has staged a sharp turnaround in the fourth quarter of FY26, reporting a 319 per cent surge in operating EBITDA and a return to profitability after a challenging previous year.
The Indore-based company, known for brands such as Yellow Diamond and Avadh, posted income from operations of Rs 420.18 crore for Q4 FY26, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year rise. Operating EBITDA climbed to Rs 20.59 crore, while margins stood at 4.9 per cent.
Most notably, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 1.14 crore for the quarter, reversing a loss of Rs 11.94 crore in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share improved to Rs 0.48 from a negative Rs 5.00 earlier, signalling a steady recovery in performance.
For the full financial year, consolidated income rose 1 per cent to Rs 1,724.65 crore. Annual operating EBITDA grew 68 per cent to Rs 81.81 crore, while the company posted a net profit of Rs 9.72 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 34.27 crore in FY25.
Reflecting this improved performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 10 per cent, equivalent to Rs 0.50 per share on a face value of Rs 5.
Prataap Snacks Limited managing director Amit Kumat said the recovery was driven by sharper execution and data-led decision-making, including the use of Sales Force Automation analytics. The company also expanded its distribution network to over 5,000 distributors and strengthened its presence on quick commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, the company expects double-digit revenue growth in FY27, though it remains cautious about inflationary pressures on key inputs such as packaging materials and edible oil. Management plans to offset these through tighter cost controls and calibrated pricing strategies.
With profitability back on track and operations stabilising, Prataap Snacks appears to be regaining its footing in an increasingly competitive packaged foods market.
