FarmGuru: Your Farm, Our Expertise
Year: 2015
Founders: Pravin Shinde, Mayur Shetty
Investors: Angel investors (names undisclosed)
Introduction
FarmGuru has operated from Pune since its inception in 2015 and functions as an emerging agricultural technology firm which connects traditional farming techniques with contemporary agricultural methods. The company exists to strengthen small and marginal farmers by delivering affordable agricultural equipment and superior input materials along with expert advice through its user-friendly online interface. Through its operations in a sector with restricted modern tool access FarmGuru enables Indian farmers to implement better field management practices. Through digital technology implementation and pay-per-use models the company provides small landowners with the opportunity to obtain mechanized farming benefits and scientific cultivation methods.
Tackling Agricultural Challenges
The agricultural sector in India operates through many small landowners who individually control over 80% of the agricultural holdings. Small-scale agricultural enterprises typically encounter three main problems through which they must navigate: the expense of machinery ownership, unreliable input quality and limited understanding of agricultural science. The cost of tractor and harvester ownership remains beyond the financial reach of most farmers because using manual labor proves to be both time-consuming and costly. The agricultural market experiences frequent distribution of counterfeit products which directly impairs crop quality. Through its service platform FarmGuru provides a solution to these problems by delivering modern equipment rentals and verified agri-inputs and expert agronomy services that match specific local needs.
Key Offerings
- Machinery Rental: Affordable access to modern equipment like tractors, rotavators, and harvesters on a pay-per-use basis
- Quality Inputs: Certified seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals sourced from leading agri brands
- Farm Advisory: Region-specific agronomy support using weather and soil data to guide planting, fertilization, and protection
- Mobile Access: A user-friendly app that connects farmers to nearby machinery and services in regional languages
- Cost-Efficient Farming: Helping reduce input waste and labor dependence through precision-driven solutions.
Through its hyperlocal service model and strong supplier partnerships, FarmGuru is not only simplifying access to tools but also reshaping farmer decision-making—one harvest at a time.
Real Impact
FarmGuru is redefining accessibility in agriculture. In regions where mechanization was once a dream for marginal farmers, FarmGuru’s platform has made it a reality. By offering rentals instead of ownership, farmers have reduced operational costs by up to 40% while improving crop yields by 25–30%. The introduction of verified agri-inputs and real-time advisory has resulted in better soil health and increased output. FarmGuru’s blend of tech and touch—via mobile apps and on-ground support—has led to tangible income improvements and a shift toward sustainable, data-informed farming practices.
Success Story
One notable success comes from a small village in Maharashtra, where farmer Savita Patil struggled with declining yields and rising labor costs on her two-acre plot. Manual ploughing and delayed sowing often left her with poor harvests. After discovering FarmGuru through a local kiosk, Savita began renting machinery during key seasons and using the app for crop scheduling and fertilizer use. In just one year, her operational costs dropped by 35%, and her soybean yield increased by over 40%. Encouraged by these results, Savita has become a local advocate for tech-driven farming, inspiring dozens in her community to join the platform.
Lessons for Agri-Startups
FarmGuru’s journey offers clear takeaways for startups looking to create meaningful change in agriculture:
- Asset-Light Wins: FarmGuru’s rental model proves that farmers prefer access over ownership—especially when budgets are tight.
- Hyperlocal Strategy Matters: Localized services, tailored to specific crops and regions, drive deeper trust and adoption.
- Integrated Ecosystems Work: Offering bundled solutions—equipment + inputs + advisory—ensures higher value and user stickiness.
- Mobile-First Is Essential: Simple interfaces in local languages remove digital barriers for rural users.
- Partner with Ground Networks: By working with local dealers and cooperatives, FarmGuru scales fast without losing personal touch.
Stay Informed with Focus Agritech
FarmGuru is more than a rental service—it’s a catalyst for rural change. By lowering entry barriers and elevating farm practices, it’s enabling farmers to grow smarter, earn more, and farm sustainably. 👉 Subscribe to Focus Agritech’s newsletter for expert tips and funding news to grow your farm or startup smarter.
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