The GBPSSI-AAN community proudly introduces Mr. Niraj Lal (He/Him), a versatile and highly credentialed alumnus from the Third Batch (2003-05). Niraj is a rare professional who successfully bridges the worlds of Financial Services and Social Development, specializing in Agri Lending, Livelihoods, and CSR.

Niraj is a systematic, organized, and committed professional with 17 years of career success across SME finance, Microfinance, Agribusiness, and rural development project implementation. His unique profile combines 10 years in NGO/Govt/CSR implementation with 6 years in NBFC financial services.

His dual-domain expertise allows him to deliver high-impact results in:

Agri Lending & SME Finance: Currently serving as Sr Manager Business Development at HDFC Bank, focusing on Agri and MSME clients. Previously, as Regional Manager/Associate Vice President at Ananya Finance, he managed lending relationships with MFIs (handling a ₹60 Cr portfolio in the North region) and Agri/MSME clients, specializing in FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) lending.

FPO/Institution Building & Training: He is a certified Trainer for FPOs, having imparted training to over 52 FPOs across four states. His roles consistently involved the capacity building of FPOs, Microfinance Institutions, and community organizations.

Agribusiness & Value Chain: Extensive experience in procurement, marketing, and value chain activities, including managing organic certification and marketing of cotton and soybean (Chetna Organic Farmers Association) and establishing market linkages for vegetable commodities (ACCESS Development Services).

Project Management & CSR: Managed multiple donor projects (IFC, SIDBI, NABARD, Digital Green, etc.) and implemented CSR projects supported by organizations like Syngenta and Kellogg Foundation, often serving as a Team Leader for state operations (TechnoServe, ACCESS Development Services).

HDFC Bank: Sr Manager Business Development (May 2023 – Present)

Ananya Finance: Associate Vice President -SME Finance / Regional Manager (Nov 2016 – Jun 2022), where he excelled in credit appraisal, due diligence, and portfolio management.

TechnoServe: Project Manager (Apr 2014 – Sep 2015), leading state operations and technical services to Farmers Producer Companies under CSR projects.