I Support Farming is a Chennai-based organization that aims to make farming a profitable and viable business. The founders, Vijay Kumar Mani and Vasanth Kumar Mani, saw a significant gap in the agricultural sector during the Chennai floods of 2016. This experience led them to establish I Support Farming to help farmers enhance their agribusiness through technology, financial aid, and additional agricultural ventures like poultry and dairy.
The vision of I Support Farming is to bridge the gap between research labs and farmers' fields. The founders believe that by making knowledge systems available to farmers, they can increase productivity and efficiency. This vision was born out of the realization that many farmers struggle with unrepaid loans, suicides, and protests, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
In the early days, the organization started as a bootstrapped effort. The founders, with their team of 10 experienced members in agri-enterprise, worked tirelessly to develop a model that would empower farmers. They focused on providing consultations to farmers on crop selection, best practices, and other critical aspects of farming.
The initial efforts were centered around Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu, where they transformed poultry farmers from contractors to business partners. This intervention significantly increased the income of poultry farmers, with each earning up to Rs 1.19 lakh per cycle without any additional costs.
Vijay Kumar Mani and Vasanth Kumar Mani, the founding brothers, have a strong background in agriculture. They are experienced in agri-enterprise, both academically and through practical experience. This expertise has been crucial in developing the organization's strategies and programs.
The team consists of 10 members, all of whom have extensive knowledge in agriculture. This collective expertise helps in providing comprehensive support to farmers, from technology and financial aid to practical consultations.
The founders' commitment to improving farmers' lives is evident in their efforts to secure funding. Recently, they raised their first funds from Lakshmi Narayanan, former CEO and Vice Chairman of Cognizant, and are in negotiations with additional angel investors[1]).
I Support Farming has evolved significantly since its inception. From its initial concept to its current state, the organization has expanded its services and impact. Here is a look at its business evolution and key milestones.
The organization began by focusing on the needs of farmers in Tamil Nadu. It started by providing machinery to farmers at no cost, with the farmers only paying for fuel. For non-member farmers, machinery was rented out at a nominal rate, which helped in maintaining the machines[1]).
Over time, I Support Farming expanded its services to include consultations on crop selection and best practices. This involved regular interactions with farmers to decide on the best crops and practices to follow. The organization also integrated technology to enhance farming efficiency[1]).
Today, I Support Farming operates in three districts of Tamil Nadu, covering 250 acres of land, and rears one lakh poultry birds and 50 milch cows. The grand vision is to spread this initiative across India and increase the current customer base significantly[1]).
A significant milestone for I Support Farming was the transformation of poultry farmers in Cuddalore district. By making them business partners, the organization increased their earnings substantially. Each poultry farmer now earns up to Rs 1.19 lakh per cycle without additional costs[1]).
The organization also raised its first funds from Lakshmi Narayanan, former CEO and Vice Chairman of Cognizant. This funding has helped in expanding their services and impact. They are currently in negotiations with additional angel investors to generate further funds[1]).
I Support Farming has also developed a model that encourages participation from socially-minded individuals to improve productivity. This model aims to minimize the layers in the delivery chain, realizing greater value for farmers[1]).
I Support Farming has expanded its product portfolio to include various agricultural ventures. Initially, they focused on paddy, black gram, watermelon, groundnut, and poultry. They also offer options for other crops and have integrated dairy farming into their portfolio[1]).
The organization provides content bins based on search terms, which helps farmers in organizing and managing their crops more efficiently. This expansion has made farming more diverse and profitable for the farmers associated with I Support Farming[1]).
In addition to crop farming, I Support Farming has ventured into poultry and dairy farming. This diversification has helped in increasing the income of farmers and providing them with a more stable and sustainable livelihood[1]).
I Support Farming leverages technology to enhance farming practices and improve efficiency. Here is an overview of their technology infrastructure and innovations in the industry.
The core platform of I Support Farming is built around providing technological support to farmers. This includes deploying machinery on farmers' lands at no cost, with the farmers only paying for fuel. For non-member farmers, machinery is rented out at a nominal rate[1]).
The organization uses technology to provide consultations to farmers. This involves regular interactions to decide on the best crops and practices to follow. The use of technology helps in making these consultations more effective and accessible[1]).
I Support Farming also uses technology to minimize the layers in the delivery chain, thereby realizing greater value for farmers. This involves using digital tools to streamline the farming process and reduce costs[1]).
While specific details on the security and compliance framework of I Support Farming are not extensively documented, it is clear that the organization prioritizes the well-being and financial security of its farmers. By providing machinery and consultations, they ensure that farmers have the necessary resources to operate efficiently and securely[1]).
The funding received from investors like Lakshmi Narayanan indicates a level of trust and compliance with financial standards. This funding is used to maintain and expand the services provided to farmers, ensuring that the organization operates within a secure and compliant framework[1]).
I Support Farming is innovative in its approach to agriculture. By integrating technology and providing comprehensive support to farmers, the organization has set a new standard in the industry. Here are some key innovations:
These innovations have not only improved the efficiency and productivity of farming but have also made it more sustainable and profitable for the farmers involved[1]).
I Support Farming, a startup from India, has made a significant impact on the agricultural sector. Here’s how they have grown and expanded their influence.
I Support Farming has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 farmers across over 7 districts in Tamil Nadu. This is a remarkable achievement, especially given the challenges farmers face, such as rising input costs and unpredictable weather patterns.The startup focuses on small and marginal farmers, providing them with access to new technologies like precision farming, satellite-based remote sensing, and crop and soil health monitoring systems. This technological support helps farmers improve their production and productivity.
I Support Farming is expanding its market share by increasing the adoption of its services among farmers. The startup's vision is to provide solutions to remote farmers worldwide who lack access to capital and new technologies.By leveraging technology, I Support Farming helps farmers gain better market access and realize better prices for their produce. This not only improves the farmers' financial stability but also contributes to sustainable development goals.
Financial inclusion is a key aspect of I Support Farming's strategy. The startup works to ensure that small and marginal farmers have access to financial resources and services.Through its initiatives, I Support Farming helps farmers manage their finances more effectively, reducing their reliance on informal credit sources and improving their overall financial health.
I Support Farming's financial journey is marked by steady growth and strategic planning.
The revenue growth of I Support Farming is driven by its increasing user base and the adoption of its services. As more farmers use their technologies and services, the startup generates more revenue.The startup's focus on precision farming and other advanced agricultural technologies has helped in increasing the efficiency and productivity of farmers, leading to higher revenues.
I Support Farming is on a path to profitability by focusing on cost-effective solutions and increasing the financial inclusion of farmers. By providing access to better market prices and reducing input costs, the startup helps farmers generate more revenue.The use of advanced technologies like satellite-based remote sensing and crop health monitoring systems also helps in reducing costs and improving yields, contributing to the startup's profitability.
I Support Farming has been incubated by NASSCOM 10,000 Startups, which indicates significant support and investment in the startup. This incubation provides the necessary resources and mentorship for the startup to grow.While specific details on investment rounds and valuations are not available, the support from NASSCOM suggests a strong potential for growth and investment.
I Support Farming has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its services and reach.
I Support Farming collaborates with banks to provide financial services to farmers. These collaborations help in extending financial inclusion to remote and marginal farmers.By partnering with banks, the startup ensures that farmers have access to formal credit channels, reducing their dependence on informal lenders.
I Support Farming partners with merchants to facilitate better market access for farmers. These partnerships help in connecting farmers directly with buyers, ensuring they get better prices for their produce.The startup's merchant partnerships are crucial in reducing the intermediaries and increasing the profitability of farmers.
I Support Farming forms alliances with technology companies to integrate advanced agricultural technologies. These alliances enable the startup to provide precision farming solutions, satellite-based remote sensing, and crop health monitoring systems.By leveraging these technologies, the startup helps farmers improve their production efficiency and yields, contributing to their overall financial health.
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