Growth is almost always a consequence of change – more specifically, adapting to change. No sector in the India economy is an exception to this norm. Through the years, agriculture has leveraged science and technology – with extraordinary results. In reality, though 58% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, it contributes only to 11% of global agriculture.
This statistic helps us better understand what needs to be done to increase our country’s production capacities. The most effective way to address this challenge? Innovation.
Agri Innovation – Paving the Way Ahead
The unexplored scope of agriculture isn’t an enigma anymore – farmer welfare, food security and increased food production. The metaphorical tunnel ahead is invitingly well-lit. In fact, tech giants are recognising the enormous dividends of investing in our agri ecosystem.
While Google pledged $10 billion towards investing in startups addressing social causes, Microsoft flagged off a program exclusively for agritech startups in India. The verdict is clear – there has never been a better time and place to engage in agri value chain innovation.
Thanks to the diversity of landscape, the scope of challenges unanswered are aplenty:
Cracking Hyperlocalisation
Given diversity is an intrinsic trait of Indian agriculture, it is but expected that agri value chains are heterogeneous. In such a setup, enabling progress means different things in different regions. Innovating for upliftment will not look the same across India.
Empowering Farmers
A sector that highly relies on farmers’ efforts is also a sector that stands to gain the most when they are empowered – whether it is digitizing FPO operations or helping them access region-specific information and alerts in vernacular languages, the possibilities are countless.
Fragmented Supply Chains
Whereas production has scaled exponentially, availability of produce has largely been volatile, thanks to inefficient transport, storage and packaging services. This poses the challenge of ensuring timely quality checks given the overwhelming size of India’s supply chains.
Mitigating the Climate Crisis
Of all impending crises, climate change takes precedence. While driving the adoption of climate-friendly practices, it is essential to create systems that shield smallholder farmers from losing out financially.
In a sector as expansive as agriculture, these are only the tip of the figurative iceberg. As you dive into agri value chains across the country, several unanswered and unresolved opportunities present themselves.
Agriculture – Fertile ground for Innovation and Entrepreneurs
In summary, the best time to innovate in the agricultural ecosystem is now – with 30% of FPOs selling on electronic trading platforms, more entities are recognising and driving digital adoption. Undoubtedly, this is an enriched time and space for agri and agtech startups. There are global challenges that need solving and communities that need uplifting. But in a sector like agriculture, it takes a culmination of efforts to build something that is market-ready and risk-free.
To create something impactful, you need to work with people who appreciate disruption and who have created something disruptive, too. At Samaarambh, you are a part of a unique platform led by industry experts from agri and its allied sectors. An incubator of agtech and agri startups, we transcend your financial needs, to offer advisory services by matching you with mentors, connecting you to an ecosystem of partners and guiding you with solution deployment.
Growth is a consequence of change. With Samaarambh, you have the unique opportunity of leading it.
*Source of statistics – https://mck.co/2Zsv6FN
