Success Story: This youth from Karnataka brought revolution in agriculture by integrating technology in agricultural practices
Success Story: Niharika is from Koppal, where agriculture provides a living for a great number of people. The methods that are used are often beset by antiquated procedures and a lack of creativity. On August 4, 2021, Niharika, who has a background in agricultural science and a passion for social impact, co-founded MS CropSecure AgriTech Pvt. Ltd. Her goal was simple but important: to empower rural farmers by integrating technology into their daily agricultural operations.
She thought that access—access to quality supplies, timely services, modern methods, and fair markets—was the biggest obstacle that farmers faced, not necessarily weather or pests. Her goal was to create a whole ecosystem so that farmers could find everything they needed at their fingertips rather than having to go to one vendor after another.
An All-Inclusive Digital Farmer Solution
Farmers may get seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, equipment rental, drone spray services, expert advice, and even post-harvest facilities via MS CropSecure’s unique, comprehensive platform. Because of the app’s simple accessibility, even those with little to no digital literacy may use it. Farmers may use their mobile phones to place orders, track their earnings, and keep track of their spending.
Farmers may now save time, man-hours, and chemical exposure thanks to the introduction of drone spraying technology. Additionally, the app allows users to monitor soil health and get tailored recommendations based on crop and soil conditions.
MS CropSecure also solves a long-standing issue: bookkeeping. The vast majority of small farmers do not maintain accurate records of their earnings and expenses. Through Niharika’s platform, they can keep track of the money they’ve spent on labor, fertilizer, seeds, and harvest-related expenses. They can better manage their money and prepare for the next season with this level of openness.
Overcoming Obstacles with Willpower
It was difficult to gain the faith of farmers who had previously relied on conventional methods. Niharika had to lead training courses, visit isolated communities, and personally highlight the benefits of the program. When it comes to employing cellphones for agricultural tasks, many people were first apprehensive. But with perseverance and frequent fieldwork, her team began to shift perceptions.
Secondly, there were financial difficulties. Since MS CropSecure was a bootstrapped company, it often had trouble raising money to expand. Despite being acknowledged by Startup India and Startup Karnataka, funding acquisition via grants and programs has been slow and ongoing. Niharika, however, remains true to her mission, continuing to explore fresh financing sources while making a difference at the local level.
A Female Pioneer in Agri-Tech
Niharika is a brilliant example of a female leader in a male-dominated field. She has shown strength, tenacity, and resolve throughout her journey. She firmly believes that women, especially in the rural and agricultural sectors, have a unique and compassionate perspective on problem-solving.
She keeps advocating for more female participation in agribusiness. According to her, society flourishes when women assume leadership roles. She encourages young girls and rural women to pursue careers in leadership, business, and technology and to never be scared to take chances.
Linking Farmers with the World Market
MS CropSecure connects farmers with customers directly in addition to providing supplies and services. Middlemen who often nibble at their edges will be eliminated as a result. The platform functions as a digital marketplace that enables farmers to sell their goods at reasonable prices. In addition to raising revenues, this exposes them to global demand and quality requirements.
A traceability of farm function that tracks the produce from seed to sale is another element of the app. This degree of openness fosters customer confidence and opens up export markets, ensuring Indian farmers have a viable future.
A Call to Action, Vision, and Mission
The goal of MS CropSecure is to enable traceable agriculture using digital technologies and empower farmers in rural regions. Its goal is to unite them on a single digital platform in order to maximize economic wealth and productivity.
According to Niharika, “When rural farmers grow, the entire economy grows” with enthusiasm.
Her tale is about a movement to change Indian agriculture, not the success of a single firm.
She advises business owners to behave bravely. “You must first change yourself and your perspective if you want to alter the environment around you. Indeed, risks are a necessary part of the process; accept them.
