In our interactions with over 500 smallholder farmers and farm-producing organizations (FPOs), we have identified common pain points:
Adverse Effects on soil microflora and fauna, High cost of chemical inputs, Toxicity to beneficial insects, a gradual increase in pest populations, Low yields loss of mature plants and High expenses for pest management. Meanwhile, the urban landscape presents its own challenges. Bengaluru, for instance, generates between 3,000 and 5,000 tons of solid waste daily, projected to reach 6,000 tons by 2029. With a waste processing capacity of only 2,000 tons per day, the city struggles with the disposal of unprocessed waste in landfill quarries, contributing to environmental degradation. To address these pressing issues, we founded Crop Domain Private Limited, an innovative biotechnology agricultural startup dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for agriculture and waste management. Our core mission is to enhance smallholder incomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease chemical dependency using premium, novel microbes as bio-agricultural products. These climate-smart precision agricultural inputs include highly effective solutions for pest control, soil health enhancement, and solid waste management.
Farmers face numerous challenges in their agricultural practices, mainly related to pest management and yield optimization. Despite employing modern techniques, farmers struggle with several critical issues:
Pest Infestation: Traditional chemical methods fail to provide practical control, leading to unregulated pest expansion and crop losses.
Yield Reduction: Despite adopting contemporary agricultural practices, farmers experience a noticeable decline in yields compared to previous generations. This economic strain is exacerbated by the heavy reliance on imported chemical pesticides, with India importing approximately 13,400 crore INR worth of these products.
Economic Impact: The high cost of chemical pesticides, combined with their diminishing effectiveness, leads to increased expenses on pest management without corresponding increases in crop yield. This economic strain is exacerbated by the heavy reliance on imported chemical pesticides, with India importing approximately 13,400 crore INR worth of these products.
Environmental Concerns: The use of chemical pesticides negatively impacts soil microflora and fauna, reduces biodiversity, and poses toxicity risks to beneficial insects. This environmental degradation affects long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Climate Change: The unpredictable effects of climate change further threaten food production, making traditional farming methods increasingly unsustainable. Farmers face challenges adapting to changing weather patterns, which can exacerbate pest issues and reduce crop yields. Urban waste management issues in urban areas like Bengaluru, the challenges are different but equally pressing.
Our products are:
Biopesticide: It is designed to provide an eco-friendly and effective solution to manage major agricultural pests. Targeting specific pests such as cotton and arecanut white root grubs and coffee white stem borer, it offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. This product not only helps protect crops from pest damage but also promotes environmental health by reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals.
Biofertilizer: Our Biofertilizer is enriched with essential micronutrients and is specifically formulated for crops such as tomatoes and pomegranates. It enhances soil fertility and promotes plant health, leading to improved yields and higher-quality produce. By leveraging the natural capabilities of microorganisms, our Biofertilizer supports sustainable agriculture and long-term soil health.
Decomposer: Our decomposer product is designed for effective solid waste management and soil enrichment. It aids in the rapid decomposition of organic matter, turning waste into valuable compost that can be used to improve soil health. This product is ideal for managing agricultural waste and enhancing the organic content of soils.
We have successfully onboarded 110 active customers who are utilizing our Biopesticides and Biofertilizers to enhance their agricultural practices. An additional 5,000 potential customers are in the pipeline, indicating strong interest and trust in our products. We generated revenues totalling 5,60,000 INR in the fiscal year 2023–24. Our cost-effective and efficient products help farmers reduce input costs and increase yields, enhancing their livelihoods and ensuring food security. By promoting sustainable farming practices, we contribute to soil health, reduce chemical dependency, and protect biodiversity. Healthier crops and reduced chemical use also lead to better health outcomes for farmers and communities, minimizing exposure to harmful substances.
Winner of TSS Emerging Social Enterprise of the Year
Winner of Elevate 2019
Winner of Nexus Startup Seed Grant in association with US embassy
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