Leadership Talk Series: Exclusive Chat with Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar, Chairman and CINO-AgriApp
“It is the happiness, sense of purpose, and satisfaction of helping our farmers that keeps me going” — Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar
Focus Agritech had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar, Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer at AgriApp Technologies Pvt. Ltd. A pioneer in agritech, Dr. Girennavar envisioned the power of data in farming back in 2014, leading to the creation of AgriApp. With a Doctorate in Horticultural Sciences from Texas A&M University, he has driven innovations to enhance India’s agriculture sector.
2025 Update: AgriApp’s Digital Farming Revolution
Since 2021, AgriApp has grown into a leading agritech platform, serving over 2.7 million farmers across India with 2.3 million app downloads. In 2023, the Bengaluru-based startup raised $122K in pre-seed funding from Mintosh Advisory, fueling operational scaling and talent acquisition. AgriApp’s platform offers 750+ products, including agrochemicals and fertilizers, supported by drone services, satellite imagery, and AI-driven advisories in 10 regional languages. Recognized at Startup Mahakumbh 2024, AgriApp’s Happy Crops initiative promotes sustainable farming. With a projected INR 100+ Cr turnover, the company aims to reach 150 million farmers, enhancing yields and ecological sustainability.
AgriApp’s Journey in Agritech
Focus Agritech: From starting in 2014 to being selected as a top 20 agri startup by the central government, how has this journey been for the founding team?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: It has been a phenomenal journey filled with learnings. Before AgriApp, I started Criyagen and Rico Winery after relocating to India post-studies. My vision was to help farmers with information, news, and technology. In 2016, I focused on agritech, leveraging my agricultural background. Receiving the Agri Grand Challenge Award for our market price prediction tool using AI and ML was a highlight. Entrepreneurship brings happiness and purpose, empowering farmers through digital platforms and technologies like satellite imagery and drones.
Vision for Digitally Enabled Farmers
Focus Agritech: Making each farmer a digitally enabled “Agri-Entrepreneur” is your driving force. Can you share more about this vision?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: Farmers are entrepreneurs, but inefficiencies and lack of support hinder them. As a farmer’s son with a PhD in agriculture, I understand these challenges. Our vision is to enhance profitability through information exchange, making farmers sustainable entrepreneurs. Digital enablement improves economic efficiency, quality, and market reach, while contributing to ecological sustainability. Our app, available in major Indian languages, supports this goal.
Farmer Feedback and Technology Adoption
Focus Agritech: AgriApp connects the agriculture ecosystem with digital tools. What’s the feedback from users, and how do you view technology adoption in agriculture?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: Agriculture lags in technology adoption compared to banking or healthcare, but it’s critical. AgriApp integrates next-generation tools, like drone deployment for crop protection, receiving positive feedback—e.g., a farmer used our drone six times in a month. Our Bio-Bharma project with a European Space Agency provides satellite insights, enhancing farmer outcomes. We’re building agriculture-specific use cases to drive adoption.
Government’s Role in Agritech
Focus Agritech: What role do you expect government bodies to play in boosting the agri inputs industry?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: The government’s role is critical, and recent efforts support startups. I’d like access to datasets like Aadhar Livelihood stack, agile decision-making, and regulations promoting agritech. Open data would enable startups to serve farmers better, similar to fintech’s use of Aadhar.
AgriApp’s CSR Initiatives
Focus Agritech: What are your CSR initiatives for farmers, including employment opportunities?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: Our Art for Agriculture Foundation provides lesser-privileged farmers with Integrated Nutrients and Pest Management, boosting their income by 5-10 lakhs. The Happy Crop initiative engages the entire value chain for sustainable farming. We also support reforestation and awareness drives, giving back through continuous efforts despite a modest CSR budget.
Agriculture’s Resilience During Covid-19
Focus Agritech: Agriculture showed resilience during the pandemic. What’s the future for India with emerging agritech companies?
Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar: The pandemic disrupted agriculture, but farmers, government, and stakeholders ensured resilience. People reconnected with farms, and consumption remained strong, aided by good monsoons. Agritech startups gained traction, connecting farms with families. This industry will be a focus for the next decade, with startups securing significant funding.
Vote of Thanks
Focus Agritech thanks Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar for sharing his insights on Indian agriculture and AgriApp’s vision for a data-driven, sustainable future. We wish him success and look forward to collaborating to drive digital transformation.
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