by Team Agrisnip | Jul 6, 2025 | aSAFAL
Startup Name: Plenty Unlimited (USA)
—a high-profile vertical farming startup backed by Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, and SoftBank—filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23, 2025, after running out of capital, halting operations at its Compton site, and laying off staff. The company cited challenging market dynamics and fundraising difficulties as key reasons for the filing, which followed years of ambitious expansion and nearly $1 billion in venture funding.
Key Points:
-
Bankruptcy Filing: Plenty filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, aiming to restructure liabilities, streamline operations, and focus its future business.
-
Operational Changes:
-
Operations at the Compton, California facility were halted.
-
The company continued to operate its Richmond, Virginia vertical strawberry farm and its Laramie, Wyoming plant science R&D facility throughout the restructuring.
-
Financing: Plenty secured $20.7 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to maintain operations during the bankruptcy process.
-
Restructuring Outcome:
-
By May 29, 2025, Plenty successfully emerged from Chapter 11 after the court confirmed its reorganization plan.
-
The company is now laser-focused on premium strawberry production at its Richmond, Virginia farm, resuming construction and expanding growing capacity.
-
The restructuring resolved outstanding creditor claims and provided new capital to support ongoing operations.
-
Strategic Shift: The company’s new strategy centers on scaling vertical strawberry farming and pursuing farm sales leveraging its proprietary technology, rather than broad-based leafy greens or multi-crop vertical farming.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Company Name |
Plenty Unlimited (USA) |
| Founded |
2014 |
| Chapter 11 Filing |
March 23, 2025 |
| Reason |
Ran out of capital, market/fundraising challenges, halted Compton ops, layoffs |
| DIP Financing |
$20.7 million secured to support operations during restructuring |
| Current Focus |
Premium strawberry production in Richmond, VA; R&D in Laramie, WY |
| Emerged from Ch. 11 |
May 29, 2025 |
| Key Backers |
Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, SoftBank |
Plenty’s case highlights both the promise and the financial volatility of vertical farming, as even the most well-funded pioneers face major challenges in scaling and sustaining capital-intensive agtech ventures in a tough funding environment.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plenty-undertakes-restructuring-process-to-support-focus-on-premium-strawberry-market-302408630.html
- https://cases.stretto.com/plentyunlimited/
- https://www.plenty.ag/plenty-completes-restructuring-emerges-from-chapter-11/
- https://www.sidley.com/en/newslanding/newsannouncements/2025/03/sidley-represents-plenty-unlimited-in-chapter-11-filing
- https://www.plenty.ag/plenty-undertakes-restructuring-process-to-support-focus-on-premium-strawberry-market/
- https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9717222/from-billion-dollar-backing-to-bankruptcy-plenty-restructures-for-a-leaner-focused-future/
- https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9737466/this-emergence-is-the-start-of-a-new-focused-era-for-plenty/
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/24/vertical-farming-company-plenty-files-for-bankruptcy-after-raising-nearly-1b/
- https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9737467/this-emergence-is-the-start-of-a-new-focused-era-for-plenty/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-24/bezos-softbank-backed-vertical-farmer-plenty-files-bankruptcy
by Team Agrisnip | Jun 29, 2025 | Agri News
Simple Explanation of the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029
The MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029 is a plan by the Government of Maharashtra to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technologies to improve farming and help farmers. Here’s how it works and how it will benefit farmers and society:
What is the policy about?
- The policy aims to make farming more productive, sustainable, and profitable by using AI and other modern technologies like drones, sensors, and data platforms.
- It wants to solve common problems in agriculture, such as low crop yields, unpredictable weather, water shortages, and high costs, by using technology to give farmers better information and tools.
How Will This Policy Help Farmers?
- Better Decision-Making: AI tools will help farmers decide what to plant, when to plant, and how much water or fertilizer to use. This means higher yields and lower costs1.
- Weather and Pest Alerts: Real-time data and AI will warn farmers about bad weather, pests, or diseases early, so they can take action and save their crops.
- Market Access: The policy will help farmers get better prices by connecting them to markets and giving them information about current prices and demand.
- Financial Support: The government will provide funding and support for new ideas and startups that create useful technology for farmers. This includes a budget of ₹500 crore to start with, and more if needed.
- Training and Support: Farmers will get training to use these new tools, so even those who are not tech-savvy can benefit.
- Quality Assurance: AI-based systems will help ensure that the food produced is safe and of good quality, which can help farmers sell their produce in more markets, including exports.
How Will This Policy Help Society?
- Food Security: By making farming more productive and resilient, the policy helps ensure there is enough food for everyone, even during tough times like droughts or floods.
- Economic Growth: More efficient and profitable farming means better incomes for farmers, which boosts the rural economy and creates jobs.
- Environmental Protection: AI can help use water and fertilizers more efficiently, reducing waste and protecting the environment.
- Innovation and Research: The policy encourages research, startups, and partnerships with universities and companies, making Maharashtra a leader in modern agriculture.
Key Features in Simple Terms
| Feature |
How it Helps Farmers & Society |
| Shared Digital Platform |
Gives access to useful data (weather, soil, markets) for better decisions |
| AI & Tech Centers |
Develops new tools and solutions for real farm problems |
| Funding & Support |
Helps startups and innovators bring ideas to life and reach farmers |
| Training Programs |
Makes sure farmers can use and benefit from new technologies |
| Market Linkages |
Connects farmers directly to buyers for better prices |
| Food Safety Systems |
Ensures produce is safe and high-quality, opening up more markets |
In Summary
This policy is designed to make farming smarter, safer, and more profitable by using the latest technology. It supports farmers with information, tools, and training, and helps society by ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability
by Team Agrisnip | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Farming, Policies
Maharashtra Becomes First State in India to Approve AI Policy for Agriculture
₹500 Crore Plan to Use AI, Drones & Digital Tools to Help Farmers
In a major step to modernise farming, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for Agriculture—called the MahaAgri-AI Policy 2025–2029. The state has set aside ₹500 crore to use AI, drones, robotics, and data tools to help solve big problems like climate change, water shortage, low productivity, and poor market access.
This new policy aims to build a tech-enabled and farmer-first agriculture system. Some of the key things included in this plan are:
-
Real-time help for farmers using AI: Advisory platforms will guide farmers on when to sow, irrigate, or harvest.
-
Precision farming tools: Using data to apply just the right amount of water, seeds, or fertilizer.
-
Blockchain tracking: So that fruits like grapes, bananas, and pomegranates can be traced from farms to international markets.
A special platform called VISTAAR will give advice in multiple languages using AI. It will also connect with national platforms like Agristack and Bhashini.
To make this possible, the state will create digital public infrastructure like:
-
ADeX (Agricultural Data Exchange) – a secure place to share farm data.
-
AI Sandbox – a space where startups can test new tools.
-
Geospatial Engine – to track crop health, waterbodies, and weather patterns.
The policy will be managed by a State-Level Steering Committee (SLSC) and a Technical Committee (SLTC). It will also set up:
Special focus will be on helping startups and building public-private partnerships. Innovators can get grants, run pilot projects, and access the AI sandbox to solve problems specific to each region.
A Digital Literacy Programme will train farmers and extension workers on how to use AI tools effectively through modules, fellowships, and live demos.
To attract more investment and international collaboration, Maharashtra will host an Annual Global AI in Agriculture Conference and Investor Summit.
With this move, Maharashtra has taken the lead in showing how technology and farming can go hand in hand for a better future.
by Team Agrisnip | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Import / Export
Basmati Exports to Iran Halt Amid Conflict; Industry Shifts Focus to India-Managed Chabahar Port
Introduction:
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, India’s basmati rice exports to Iran have come to a halt, while shipments to the Middle East have become more expensive. The Indian government is now looking to strengthen connectivity through the India-managed Chabahar Port to safeguard trade routes.
Details:
The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has started to impact Indian trade, particularly basmati rice exports to Iran, which have completely stopped, according to industry sources. Exporters are now facing higher freight and insurance costs when shipping to West Asian markets, raising concerns across India’s rice export sector.
In response, the Ministry of Commerce recently held a high-level meeting with shipping lines and container associations to assess the unfolding situation. Officials confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical trade route—is still stable and under close monitoring through a ship reporting system.
However, if the conflict continues beyond June 23, trade movements to Russia, Central Asian nations (CIS), and Afghanistan through Iran’s Bandar Abbas port could also be affected. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) noted that this port remains crucial, especially for accessing landlocked nations like Uzbekistan, which are now cut off from Karachi due to rising regional tensions.
As a long-term solution, exporters and industry leaders are now urging the government to enhance infrastructure and logistics at the Chabahar Port, managed by India. Chabahar provides an alternative route with direct links via Dubai and India’s Kandla Port, reducing dependency on conflict-prone areas.
Additionally, trade dynamics are shifting across the region. Freight charges and transit times have increased for key Red Sea ports like Aqaba, Beirut, and Lattakia, with goods being rerouted to safer ports such as Jeddah and Alexandria. Interestingly, exports to Saudi Arabia are witnessing a rise, driven by demand from the ongoing Neom city megaproject.
With geopolitical uncertainties continuing, the industry is calling for urgent action to improve multi-modal connectivity, diversify trade routes, and minimise the impact of global conflicts on India’s crucial agri-exports. The spotlight is now on Chabahar to serve as a resilient gateway for India’s exports to Central Asia and beyond.
by Team Agrisnip | Jun 25, 2025 | Agri News, Editors Pick, Policies
Amit Shah Calls for Introspection as India’s Economy Transforms, Urges Chambers to Evolve
Introduction:
While inaugurating the new headquarters of MACCIA in Mumbai, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said India is witnessing transformative changes in industry, commerce, and agriculture, and urged trade chambers to modernise and align with the nation’s evolving economic landscape.
Details:
In a powerful address at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) in Mumbai, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah reflected on the sweeping changes India has undergone across key sectors—industry, commerce, and agriculture.
Speaking at a state-level cooperative industrial conference, Shah was joined by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, and other senior dignitaries.
Shah highlighted that MACCIA’s centenary year is not just a milestone but an opportunity for reflection and reinvention. “When an institution completes 100 years, its rules and traditions often become outdated. This is a time for introspection,” he stated, urging India’s Chambers of Commerce and Agriculture to revisit their working models to better match today’s dynamic economy.
He emphasised that the globalisation of India’s economy, new policy-making frameworks, and stronger execution have significantly raised the country’s global standing—including the value of the Indian passport. “Today, we are the fourth-largest economy in the world, having surpassed those who once ruled us,” he noted with pride.
Shah called on all chambers across the country to engage professional institutions to audit and upgrade their operations to align with modern-day challenges and global economic standards. He pointed out that India’s economic journey—from dependency on colonial laws to becoming a global economic powerhouse—shows what determination, reform, and vision can achieve.
As MACCIA embarks on its next century, the Union Minister’s message was clear: the time for transformation is now. Institutions must adapt not only to support business but to lead innovation in India’s rapidly evolving agriculture, trade, and industrial ecosystem.
