How Agri Start-ups Disrupt farming?
I have often spoken about how working with farmers is close to my heart. I am privileged today to be able to enjoy eating what we grow at our farm. For those of you who know me closely, I have even posted images of these fresh produces from some of these start-ups like ‘myHarvest’ on Social Media.
The Context
The development of agriculture is of utmost priority in the developmental strategy of our nation. In today’s world, in order for this to be a success, we need to take it hand in hand with technology and innovation. Bringing in innovation in any sector means that one can open new markets and opportunities and ultimately strengthen global trade.
It is therefore pertinent for agri start-ups to harness the offerings of the sector in order to create a ripple effect that will end up bringing up the nation’s economy. It can be said that it is only with the disruption of agri start-ups that Indian agriculture can flourish.
The disruption
How is this disruption going to take place and how is it already happening? Let us take a quick look.
- Technology
Technological innovation is that fuel that the fire of agriculture needs in order to burn. What new age technological solutions can do is build a smart agricultural value chain. Application of these smart technological solutions will advance agriculture and help it grow. Agritechnology start-ups are a meaningful solution across the agricultural value chain. They can be a product, a service or even an application that helps in agriculture.
- Value partnerships
The right partnerships will add value through innovations and achieve shared goals through combined efforts. Partnerships with the Government, Agri business industries and Agri startups is promoting the agri disruption and creating a growth in the industry.
- Financial Aid
Agriculture also required investments and support financially. Finance-related solutions around payments, revenue sharing and innovative lending as well as farm data analytics comprising of farm mapping, field operations and remote sensing involving interventions are also disrupting the agricultural industry today. There are information platform start-ups also that are connected to the information dissemination when it comes to the agricultural chain.
- Supply Chain
The supply chain start-ups generally involve those working in e-distribution, e-marketplace and several linking platforms in the agricultural space. They play a huge role in ensuring that the produce moves quickly and efficiently and reaches the market.
- Benefit for all stakeholders
No growth in agriculture is worth it if the farmers do not benefit from it. The man-machine linkage is key when it comes to any innovation in this sector. What this means is sustainable and innovation led growth of the agricultural industry that will lead to the success of the farmers.
- Game changers in Agri-Business
The idea of start-up and technology brings in a lot of insight, interest and innovation in any industry. Agriculture is no exception. There is a lot of positive transformation in an industry that was earlier looked down upon thanks to these Agri start-ups.
- Demand-Supply
It is estimated that by 2050, the annual food grain production in India must grow to 333 million tonnes. Though the contribution of key food grains in acreage terms in India is 15%, the production contribution is a mere 8.7%. It is only with the use of innovative technology that we can meet the forecasted demand in a sustainable manner and move Indian agriculture along the growth path.
- Climate Change
In India, the agricultural sector remains susceptible to the changing weather patterns as well as the impending threat of climate change. Floods, heat waves, and drought are some visible effects of climate change. It is a crucial factor that has a critical impact on the agricultural sector. Considering its large population and the widespread agricultural set up, India is one of the most-affected countries when it comes to global warming and climate change. Quick adoption of technology is important to withstand these unavoidable changes
The future definitely lies in reviving farmers and we need to improve their livelihood. This can be a reality with agri start-ups. India has already built a strong name for itself in the global start-up community. The time has now come for us to make agri start-ups successful and propel India forward as a leader in the agri technology sector too and this can only be done if you and I support this as well.
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