CALL OF THE TIME: AGRI OPPORTUNITIES
FOR STARTUPS
Main areas of
development that our agri scientist should intensively focus are Computer
controlled drip irrigation, computerised early-warning systems for leaks,
Thermal imaging for crop water stress detection, Biological pest control,
devices for early detect of diseases, Mobile app technology for pick up
products directly by big retail houses from farmer door step, proper management
of water/ canal system, enhancement of agro tourism simultaneously with the agro farming.
India holds the
record for the second-largest agricultural land in the world, with around 60%
rural Indian households making their living from agriculture. The Indian food
and grocery market is the world’s sixth largest, with retail contributing about
70% of the sales. The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32% total
food market of the country, one of the largest industries in India and is
ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. Our
farmers should take two to three produces in a year. Seasonal food should be
adopted. Agro tourism should be aided with farm for manifold their income and
sharing the ideas among the next generation.
The agricultural
sector in India employs half of our population and we are greatly dependent on
the farmers and agricultural labourers to provide us with a means of
sustenance. Yet, this is one of the riskiest sectors to be employed in because
it is dependent on uncontrollable factors like weather, market fluctuations and
topographical conditions. Modern techniques and methods will surely elevate
agriculture to the next level and ease the burden on farmers. Therefore it creates
a huge scope for Agriculture Startups in the country. Transformation of
Agriculture to Agri-business is one of the important strategies where
enterprising farmers practice profitable agriculture which is rapidly expected
and going on also.
Here start-ups by
young generation seems to run a big
change in future India and Odisha.
Scope is so vast for Startups in agri sector and it
is the call of the time. There are over 250 Agri-Tech startups in India across
the value chain, leveraging the use of technology and innovation in business
models to impact the large agri sector in India. Sub-Sectors are Startup Upstream (Input) Marketplace model (Matching
Agri-input sellers to farmers) ,Downstream (Output) ‘Farm-to-Fork’ supply chain
model,(Matching farmers to businesses or retail customers for fresh produce,
processed food), Farming-as-a-service, IoT/Big Data led innovation, Engineering
led innovation, Miscellaneous (Innovation in agri products, dairy farming).
Focus area is developing and implementing techno-aided devices in practical
field use.
1. Inefficient
Supply Chain: Powerful incumbents control farming resources such as finance,
seeds, chemicals, distribution, and supply chain. These systems have complete
access to the distribution networks that supplies to about 8 Mn kisanas across
the country too.
2. Middlemen and
Agents: The farmer needs on the demand-side are controlled by middlemen and
agents who own the fragmented supply chains. They also control the produce
pricing. Traders require a license to operate within a mandi but wholesale and
retail traders and food processing companies cannot buy produce classified as
notified agricultural products (cereals, vegetables etc.) directly from a
farmer.
Most of the market committees have failed to
provide a competitive platform to farmers and lack transparency and technology
intervention to ensure smooth and just trading.
3. Lack of
financing: Distributors usually double up as lenders and most farm-debt is
created because of using chemicals and seeds that are not pest-resistant.
Additionally, domestic subsidies and investments announced in policies rarely
reach the end customer – the farmer.
4. Inadequate
Irrigation: Agriculture in India is a fragmented activity spread across 600,000
villages and most of the regions still depend on rainfall for water (~70%).
While at the same time, groundwater levels are slowly receding from the 1,000
ft. avg. depth yearly. Irrigation dept.
Have to be dynamic and get in touch the ground situation of the local area so
as to design and manage the water system.
5. Farm size vs
Productivity: Studies have shown that there is an inverse relationship b/w farm
size and productivity. Indian farms are fragmented and small; 70% are less than
1 Hectare, while national average is less than 2 Hectares, resulting in
significantly low farm yields.
Growing smartphone access will enable precision
decision-making in farming activity to farmers and help drive increased
productivity and revenue while reducing unit-costs. Credit system must be
extended immensely to every needy farmers so that fiancé should not be a huddle
in the farming processs and for preparation for next season. Smart farming in agricultural business like
high-precision crop control, data collection, automated farming techniques will
remove inefficiencies and bolster productivity. Information on crop yields,
rainfall patterns, pest infestation and soil nutrition can be used to improve
farming techniques over time. Overall young educated mass mostly start their
job in agri oriented businesses and like the country and become real partner in
the progress of Nation.