Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture and Food Security
More from Agriculture and Food Security
Information and Communications Technology
Information and Communications Technology
More from Information and Communications Technology
2X Women's Initiative
2X Women's Initiative
More from 2X Women's Initiative
Global Health and Prosperity Initiative
Global Health and Prosperity Initiative
More from Global Health and Prosperity Initiative

Challenge

The World Food Programme estimates that one-quarter of the world’s undernourished population lives in India. This challenge partly reflects weak food value chains and rudimentary agricultural practices that have not been adapted for climate change, water availability, or soil quality. Although India is one of the largest food producers in the world, an estimated 40 percent of all food produced spoils before reaching consumers.

Solution and Impact

A DFC investment in Chiratae Ventures International Fund IV LLC is supporting investments in multiple technology companies, including Agrostar, which offers an agri-tech platform to help millions of farmers access information and expert advice and purchase the seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs to help them increase yields and reach larger markets.

Agrostar, which operates across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, offers an Agri Doctor app that delivers information on demand based on the stage of the crop, soil quality, and water availability. The multilingual app is currently used by more than five million farmers, who can post queries, consult fellow farmers and experts, view thousands of instructional videos, and purchase inputs.

This online platform is complemented by an Agri Advisory call center and more than 150 agri-clinics in local villages so that farmers can access useful information across multiple platforms. The business also operates 10 barcode-enabled high-tech fulfillment centers across five states in partnership with hundreds of food producers to reduce waste, ensure quality, and bolster last-mile delivery.

Agrostar has helped farmers significantly reduce costs and improve yield and crop quality.