Empowering Farmers, Empowering Futures: The Story of ORGANIC LEDGER

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture, the organic sector stands out for its rapid expansion, fuelled by an increasing demand for genuine organic products. However, amidst this growth, Indian farmers encounter significant challenges in securing fair prices for their yields. It was against this backdrop that Organic Ledger, a pioneering agritech startup harnessing the power of blockchain, emerged. This innovative venture was introduced as a response to the pressing need for transparency and fairness in the organic agriculture industry, aiming to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Today, as we delve into the journey of its founder, we uncover the inspiring story behind the inception of Organic Ledger and its transformative impact on the agricultural ecosystem.

Tell me something about yourself, your family, and your educational background?

I am Sunny Vaish, Co-Founder and CEO of Organic Ledger. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Pune University and an MBA in Finance from Cardiff University, UK. My family has a generational background in farming, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for agriculture from a young age. This personal connection to farming, combined with my professional experiences in finance and software, has driven my passion for revolutionizing the agricultural sector.

What inspired you to start this startup?

The inspiration behind Organic Ledger came from observing the challenges faced by farmers in obtaining fair prices for their produce and the growing consumer demand for authentic organic products. I realized that leveraging technology, particularly blockchain, could bring transparency and trust to the organic agriculture industry, thereby ensuring fair compensation for farmers and high-quality products for consumers.

Did your family support this business idea? Are they involved in this business?

Yes, my family has been incredibly supportive of this venture. Coming from a farming background, they understand the significance and potential impact of Organic Ledger. While they are not directly involved in the day-to-day operations, their insights and encouragement have been invaluable.

What specific problem or need does your startup address?

Organic Ledger addresses the critical need for traceability, transparency, and authenticity in the organic agriculture industry. Many organic farmers struggle to get premium pricing due to a lack of verification and trust in the supply chain. Additionally, businesses and consumers demand reliable data on the authenticity of organic produce. Our platform ensures that every step of the agricultural process is transparent and verifiable.

What is the unique solution or innovation offered by the startup?

Our unique solution lies in integrating blockchain technology to create a transparent and traceable supply chain for organic produce. This innovation not only assures authenticity but also enables farmers to monetize carbon credits through sustainable farming practices. We combine blockchain with AI-driven farm management and satellite advisory services to provide a comprehensive tech-enabled ecosystem for organic farming.

What challenges/problems did you face during the early stages? How did you solve them?

In the early stages, one of the major challenges was onboarding farmers and convincing them of the benefits of our technology. We tackled this by demonstrating tangible benefits such as increased income from premium pricing and additional revenue from carbon credits. Building trust through pilot projects and partnerships with farmer organizations helped in gaining their confidence and support.

How do you plan to scale the operations or reach a wider audience?

We plan to scale our operations by expanding our farmer network across more states in India and enhancing our technological capabilities. Our strategy includes deploying more village-level entrepreneurs (Krishi Mitras) to facilitate farmer onboarding, participating in organic expos, and leveraging digital marketing to reach a wider audience. Additionally, we are looking at international collaborations to extend our impact globally.

What partnerships or collaborations have you formed to enhance the company’s impact nationally and internationally?

We have formed strategic partnerships with several farmer producer organizations (FPOs), bulk buyers, and export companies. We are funded by the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and have received recognition and support from national bodies like the Government of India IARI Pusa Krishi and IIM Lucknow. These collaborations help us enhance our credibility and reach both nationally and internationally.

How do you incorporate sustainability or environmentally friendly practices?

Sustainability is at the core of Organic Ledger. Our platform promotes regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and sequester carbon, contributing to environmental sustainability. By enabling farmers to earn carbon credits, we incentivize sustainable farming practices. Additionally, our use of satellite advisory services helps optimize water and input usage, reducing environmental impact.

What milestones have you achieved since the inception?

Since our inception, we have onboarded over 3,000 farmers and secured 12,600 acres for carbon credit projects. We have partnered with 30 B2B clients and signed MoUs for onboarding 170,000 farmers. Our revenue metrics include SaaS sales of Rs. 80 Lakhs and an MRR of Rs. 4.6 Lakhs. We have also been recognized with national awards and funded by significant industry bodies.

What are your future plans and where do you see your startup in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, we aim to expand our farmer network to over 10 Lakh users, secure more carbon credit projects, and achieve a significant market presence both in India and internationally. We plan to enhance our technology platform continuously and expand our marketplace offerings. Our goal is to become the leading platform for organic traceability and carbon credits in the agricultural sector.

How did you manage the funds?

We work in a structured manner and allocate budget to every department of our company beforehand. This proactive approach ensures that all teams are aware of their financial boundaries and responsibilities from the outset. The milestones and delivery for the funds utilized are always measured, allowing us to track progress against our financial plans meticulously. We employ robust financial management tools and practices to monitor expenses in real-time. This enables us to adjust our strategies promptly if needed, ensuring that we stay on course with our financial goals.

Additionally, we conduct regular internal audits and financial reviews to ensure transparency and accountability. Every rupee is accounted for through detailed reporting and analysis, which helps us identify any discrepancies or areas where we can improve efficiency. This disciplined approach to financial management not only helps us manage our current resources effectively but also builds trust with our investors and stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to prudent financial practices.

Did you take support from any incubator?

Yes, we have taken support from incubators. Specifically, we are incubated with IARI-Pusa Krishi and IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre (EIC). These incubators have been instrumental in our journey, providing us with invaluable support and resources. Incubators help us in identifying solutions to our problems, as many startup companies face similar challenges and follow comparable timelines. The structured programs offered by these incubators include mentorship from experienced industry professionals, access to a network of fellow entrepreneurs, and exposure to potential investors. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and accelerates our growth.

IARI Pusa Krishi has provided us with deep insights into agricultural technologies and practices, aligning with our focus on traceability and sustainability in the food supply chain. Their expertise in agri-tech has been crucial in refining our solutions to meet industry standards and demands. Moreover, IARI Pusa Krishi has facilitated numerous workshops and training sessions that have enhanced our team’s skills and knowledge. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including product development, financial management, marketing strategies, and legal compliance.

Any message for our readers?

I would say that the future of agriculture lies in transparency, sustainability, and fair practices. At Organic Ledger, we are committed to transforming the organic farming landscape by empowering farmers and ensuring consumers receive authentic products. Join us in our journey to create a more sustainable and transparent agricultural ecosystem.

We wholeheartedly want to thank the Pusa Krishi team as by fostering a collaborative environment, the team has seamlessly integrated traditional agricultural wisdom with modern scientific advancements, ensuring a robust and resilient farming community. Their initiatives, such as promoting organic farming and developing high-yield, climate-resilient crop varieties, have not only enhanced productivity but also contributed significantly to food security and environmental sustainability. We at Organic Ledger are immensely grateful for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Indian agriculture, making it more sustainable and profitable for all stakeholders involved.