Sciences
Our Science division works towards one goal – increased productivity.
We look at increasing productivity through both a per-plant and a per-square-foot lens.
Our approach to sciences is collaborative and we work closely with scientists at premier research institutions in India (IIHR and ICAR) and elsewhere to bridge the lab-to-land gap.
We aim to build on the latest research in microbiology, plant sciences, plant pathology, crop combinations, disease resistance, and drought resistance combined with field trials to optimize yield while managing disease and pest attacks. Does that mean we do not need conventional wisdom? Exactly the opposite, we need to boost the effectiveness of ancient and time-tested practices with an integrated scientific approach!
This research and development focus helps FarmD stay at the forefront of the agriculture industry, providing farmers with the most effective and up-to-date solutions to help them improve their yields and reduce waste.
Engineering
Most farmers struggle to make ends meet from agriculture alone. As a result, most of them choose to grow crops for which the support ecosystem in terms of tractor implements, hand tools, practices, etc. is available at a low cost. If we aspire to make them financially independent, they will need to grow a variety of crops cost-effectively. The solutions needed to ensure this happens do not exist because the market size is too small for someone to build them at scale. A unique approach which is built upon the frugal innovation mentality of ‘jugaad’ is at the heart of what we believe can bridge this gap.
In addition, the risks due to climate change are extremely high for open-field farming. Imagining farms which are resilient by design requires an engineering-first approach to mitigate the impact of weather extremes and enhance the benefit to the farms when relevant.
Technology
How do you get farmers who have expertise in growing a few crops using fertilizers and pesticides to grow different crops, to integrate regenerative practices, manage their farms smoothly and get yield improvements and associated financial benefits?
And how do you do it at scale?
We believe technology is the final piece of the puzzle that completes the picture and enables farmers. You may think we are talking about IoT sensors driving automation, and that is not completely inaccurate – but that’s a solution for only a small percentage of farms in India and the global south. For a significant percentage of agriculture operations, the success of technology lies simply in translating the science and engineering knowledge into actionable insights for the farmers in a way they can understand and utilize.
The company’s innovative platform integrates precision agriculture, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with real-time information about their crops and soil, helping them make informed decisions about irrigation, nutrition management, and other aspects of crop management.
In addition, FarmD offers a range of products and services aimed at reducing waste and improving the overall efficiency of the food production system. For example, providing farmers with tools for more accurate crop planning, reducing the need for excess inputs, and helping to prevent food waste. Our technology also helps farmers monitor and track their crops, reducing the risk of crop damage and loss. Our SOPs cover all aspects of farming activities, from planting to harvest, and provide step-by-step instructions for each task. These SOPs are based on best practices and are regularly updated to reflect the latest advances in agriculture. By delivering practical SOPs and training, our technology is helping farmers improve the quality of their crops and increase their yields.