Bengaluru: India is a top producer of rice, wheat, and cereals. Yet, many of its agricultural supply chains lack a complete, real-time view of farm operations. As global demand grows and export regulations tighten, agri-businesses must rethink how they capture and use farm data.
KhetiBuddy is stepping up to bridge this gap. This Indian agri-tech startup is connecting detailed farm data—covering every aspect from crops to sustainability—directly into corporate systems. This approach improves traceability and compliance while fostering transparency throughout supply chains. Established in 2021 by Vinay Nair and Richa Pawar Nair, KhetiBuddy aims to integrate farm data into agri-businesses’ workflows effectively. So far, it has digitized over 200,000 acres of farmland, enhancing how farms are managed.
The startup’s Verdnt platform serves as a robust digital backbone for agri-businesses. It offers role-based access and ensures data governance tailored for farms and enterprises. As it grows, Verdnt aligns with data protection laws while safeguarding farmers’ privacy.
During an interview, Nair highlighted why it took so long for farms to connect with enterprise systems. Many farms recorded data without standardization and often kept it in silos. This lack of clarity created fragmented data and distrust. Language barriers, limited connectivity, and lack of proper devices made real-time reporting a challenge. Without a standardized method, it was difficult to maintain accurate records of farm activities.
KhetiBuddy differs from other agri-tech platforms. While many focus on individual farmer needs, KhetiBuddy focuses on linking farm activities with supply chain necessities. This holistic approach allows enterprises to manage risks and compliance across numerous farms efficiently.
Data from farms also helps companies prepare for climate risks. Nair explained that having real-time visibility about crop stages and weather allows farmers to take quicker action, which can significantly reduce losses. For example, if there’s a delay in sowing or water stress, they can intervene sooner, ensuring better yields and quality. This proactive strategy can also enhance sustainability claims and improve overall traceability.
However, digitization also faces hurdles. Many farmers struggle with changing long-standing practices and adapting to new technologies. For KhetiBuddy, the challenge lies in assisting farmers successfully transition to a structured digital system, ensuring they maintain accurate records amidst varying local practices.
As KhetiBuddy plans to expand into North America and Europe, it emphasizes that digitization methods must adapt to the agricultural landscape. In India, where labor is more readily available, data can be entered manually. Conversely, in mechanized farms abroad, automated systems better capture data.
Nair sees tremendous potential in the future, especially with advancements in AI. He believes that transforming simple data visibility into predictive analytics can revolutionize the agri-food sector. Imagine knowing not just what crops are growing, but also when to harvest or how to manage diseases before they become an issue. Nair stresses that high-quality, consistent data is critical for these AI tools to function effectively.
With tightening global standards regarding traceability and sustainability, farming could soon require digital records for effective food exportation. The future indicates that digital farm records may not just be beneficial, but necessary for compliance and economic opportunity, such as monetizing sustainability practices.
In a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, KhetiBuddy aims to lead the way in creating a resilient, tech-driven farming model that meets the demands of tomorrow.
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KHETIBUDDY, AGRI TECH, AGRICULTURE SUPPLY CHAIN, AI IN AGRICULTURE, FARM DIGITISATION, SOIL MEETS SOFTWARE: HOW AN INDIAN AGRI-TECH STARTUP IS TURNING FARM DATA INTO SUSTAINABLE HARVESTS
