There are two broad areas that startups can focus on. One is providing the maximum profit to farmers, while the other involves educating them
Farmers are the lifeline of any economy and, most importantly, are the source of health and prosperity in any country. However, agriculture is a sector that has not got much attention from the startup community in India, though it presents numerous opportunities for startups.
Time and again, there have been constant efforts by the government so that farmers can yield maximum benefits in the demand and supply chain. There is still so much that needs to be done and that is where startups can step in to provide innovative solutions to the real problems facing the country.
There are two broad areas that startups can focus on. One is providing the maximum profit to farmers, while the other involves educating them. One can think of an ecosystem where farmers, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, and end consumers are all on the same platform. In this ecosystem, the product prices are optimised so that the farmers receive more and FMCG companies eliminate middlemen from the procurement chain. This will not only benefit farmers, but will also ensure that end consumers are satisfied because of the overall price achieved.
This platform should be developed in such a way that it is centered towards the growth of the farmers, not just in terms of money but also educational upliftment in the farming sector. On the same platform, farmers can be educated about the latest farming techniques, weather forecasts, and be given guidance about what their next crop should be based on the opportunities available. In this manner, the farmers are supported by education and knowhow of the crop and farm so that they can ensure better yield.
The problems that the country’s farming sector faces requires immediate attention and startups must focus on developing solutions for these as they affect everyone in the country. Moreover, the opportunities in this field are endless as farming is not a niche area guaranteeing assured returns on investments.
