MANOJ KUMAR AGARWAL

Is it time for AgTech investors to turn their attention to India? In its recent report “AgFoodTech in India 2025”, ThinkAg outlines how Indian AgTech investments grew to over $410 million in 2024, an almost 30% increase from the previous year’s $320 million. Although the 2024 figure still pales in comparison to the ~$900 million in 2022, ThinkAg argues that this 65% drop between 2022 and 2023 was in line with other growth sectors. The rebound in India contrasts with the U.S., where AgTech investment is still in decline. The report states that investments could reach as high as $800 million in 2025, if some later stage private deals are completed. Even if this level is not achieved, which I doubt it will, the Indian AgTech investment market is well positioned for strong growth. ThinkAg’s bullishness is based on growing investor interest in AgTech, more capital-efficient business models, and an increasing number of start-ups with a near-term path to profitability and a viable route to an IPO. The ability to achieve an exit is of particular importance, as a lack of exits (IPO and M&A) is making capital raising so hard for U.S. AgTech companies. My own bullish view of Indian AgTech is based on my conversations with Indian thought leaders, who tell me about the challenges that Indian farmers face with producing and distributing food through a deeply inefficient supply chain. Not only does this cause food waste, in a country where many people suffer from food insecurity, but it leads to higher costs, shorter shelf-life, and more spoilage, due to the longer times it takes for products to reach consumers. Unlike the developed world, where much of the food waste is due to uneaten or unused food being thrown out by grocery retailers, food service providers, and consumers at home, food waste in India, like many developing countries, happens during the distribution process. This explains why a majority of AgTech capital is being invested in digitalization, Fintech and supply-chain technologies, because these innovations will make the supply chain more efficient and cheaper, thus reducing food waste. India is already one of the leading developers and exporters of information technology and has a rapidly growing biotech sector. Consequently, I believe it can rapidly modernize its agriculture sector by leveraging its capabilities in AI, data analytics, genetics, and machine learning. India can significantly increase crop yields, which remain far below the U.S. and other developed economies, through implementing advanced seed-breeding technologies, more-efficient use of crop inputs, and precision-farming techniques. If India can meaningfully increase yields, not only can it dramatically reduce food security concerns at home, but it can become a food-exporting powerhouse. https://lnkd.in/gURgBvcw EcoTech Capital Cy Obert

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Read and download your favourite fortnightly dairy newsletter #DairyPulse by Suruchi Consultants--- CEOs driving the Indian dairy industry are no less than their global counterparts. However, their priorities in the current landscape may differ. Explore the latest blog by Kuldeep Sharma on how Indian Dairy CEOs can align with global priorities while addressing unique local challenges on page 4 of 224th edition of Dairy Pulse … #CEO #sustainability #emissions #innovation #affordability Indian Dairy Association Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Varsha Joshi Dairynews7x7 National Dairy Development Board

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Retail Voices. Real Problems. Tech Solutions. 📍 NTR District | Andhra Pradesh At CropWings we believe change begins at the grassroots with the retailers who are the first touchpoint for every farmer. Over the past few days, I’ve had the privilege of personally meeting and interviewing agri-retail partners across the NTR district. Their message is clear: ❌ Farmers still struggle with access to reliable drone spraying solutions. ❌ Existing services are either inconsistent, overpriced, or unavailable on time. ❌ Retailers want to help but lack the support and tech needed. That’s where CropWings steps in not just as a service, but as a solution partner. ✅ Retailers now get a dedicated Drone Booking Kendra. ✅ Farmers can scan, book, and get real-time drone spraying with just a few clicks. ✅ Every counter becomes a tech-enabled agri hub for the local community. The response from retailers has been nothing short of inspiring. This is not just awareness it’s activation. These conversations are now content ready to educate and empower more online audiences. 🎥 Stay tuned: We’re bringing these voices online soon. Because when offline meets online, transformation begins. #CropWings #DroneAgriculture #RetailMarketing #NTRDistrict #AgriTechIndia #DroneRevolution #FarmerFirst #RetailTransformation #AndhraPradeshAgri #BharatAgriTech #MarketingMoves #DroneBookingKendra #gowravreddy

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