by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 13, 2026 | Agri Startups, Startoscope
In the heart of rural India, where mandis decide fortunes and middlemen quietly shape prices, a bold idea once tried to rewrite the rules of farming commerce. Kisan Network promised a future where farmers could sell directly, fairly, and digitally. But what happens when ambition meets the harsh reality of agriculture?
Introduction
India’s agricultural sector has long been plagued by inefficiencies, fragmented supply chains, and the dominance of middlemen who often leave farmers with a small share of the final value of their produce. Against this backdrop, Kisan Network emerged with an ambitious vision to transform agricultural marketing through technology.
Founded with the goal of directly connecting farmers with institutional buyers, the startup promised better prices for farmers and a more transparent procurement process for businesses. Its mission resonated strongly with investors, industry experts, and policymakers who viewed agritech as the next frontier of India’s digital revolution.
The company quickly gained attention for its innovative approach and attracted funding from prominent investors. However, despite its promising start and strong market opportunity, Kisan Network struggled to overcome the operational and economic realities of India’s agricultural ecosystem.
Its journey offers valuable insights into the challenges of building a scalable agribusiness startup in one of the world’s most complex agricultural markets.
How Kisan Network Began
Kisan Network was founded in 2015-16 by father-son duo Sanjay Agarwalla and Aditya Agarwalla. The idea emerged after the founders observed the difficulties faced by Indian farmers in accessing fair markets for their produce.
Farmers often traveled long distances to mandis, faced uncertain pricing, and had little bargaining power against intermediaries. Aditya, who left Princeton University to pursue the venture full-time, partnered with his father to build a technology-driven platform that could solve these challenges.
The startup initially focused on helping farmers sell crops directly to buyers through a mobile-based system. Early pilot projects demonstrated that farmers could potentially earn higher prices while buyers received fresher and more traceable produce.
The concept attracted international attention and support from startup accelerators such as Y Combinator. With strong early momentum and positive feedback from farming communities, Kisan Network appeared well-positioned to disrupt traditional agricultural supply chains and create a more efficient marketplace for agricultural trade.
The Idea Behind the Business
The core idea behind Kisan Network was simple yet powerful: eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and create a direct connection between farmers and businesses. In India’s traditional agricultural system, produce typically passes through multiple layers of traders, commission agents, and wholesalers before reaching end buyers.
Each layer adds costs and reduces the farmer’s share of the final selling price. Kisan Network sought to solve this problem through a digital platform that would allow farmers to receive orders directly from businesses such as retailers, processors, and institutional buyers.
The company envisioned a transparent ecosystem where pricing, quality checks, logistics, and payments could all be managed digitally. This approach promised benefits for both sides of the market.
Farmers could earn better prices and receive faster payments, while buyers could access a reliable source of produce with improved quality control. The startup aimed to build trust through technology and create a more equitable agricultural marketplace that would ultimately improve incomes across rural India.
Business Model: B2B or B2C
Kisan Network primarily operated as a Business-to-Business (B2B) agritech platform rather than a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) marketplace. Instead of selling directly to individual consumers, the company focused on connecting farmers with businesses that purchased agricultural produce in bulk.
These buyers included wholesalers, retailers, food processing companies, and other institutional purchasers. The startup managed procurement, quality assessment, logistics, and delivery while using technology to streamline transactions. Revenue was generated through commissions on transactions and value-added supply chain services.
By focusing on B2B relationships, Kisan Network aimed to achieve larger transaction volumes and create a more predictable demand environment for farmers. The company also invested heavily in operational infrastructure to ensure produce could move efficiently from farms to buyers.
While the model offered significant scalability potential, it also required substantial coordination across logistics, procurement, inventory management, and farmer engagement. These operational complexities later became one of the major challenges in achieving sustainable profitability.
Business Strategy
Kisan Network’s strategy centered on building a technology-enabled agricultural supply chain that could operate at scale across India. The company focused on onboarding thousands of farmers, creating local procurement networks, and digitizing every stage of the transaction process.
Unlike many agricultural marketplaces that only facilitated buyer-seller connections, Kisan Network took responsibility for supply chain execution, including procurement, quality control, transportation, and delivery. This end-to-end approach was designed to create a seamless experience for both farmers and buyers.
The startup also emphasized trust-building through field teams who worked directly with farming communities. By maintaining a strong on-ground presence alongside digital tools, the company aimed to solve the adoption challenges commonly faced by rural technology startups.
Expansion into multiple geographies was another key component of its strategy. However, as the company grew, the costs associated with managing logistics, maintaining quality standards, and supporting farmers increased significantly, placing pressure on margins and operational efficiency.
Financials, Investments, Revenue, and Profitability
Kisan Network attracted considerable investor interest during its growth phase. The startup raised approximately $3 million in seed funding in 2020 from investors including Mistletoe, Y Combinator, Venture Highway, the Thiel Foundation, and other institutional backers.
Prior to this round, it had also received funding and support through startup accelerator programs. According to available financial data, the company reported revenue of over ₹7 crore in FY19, demonstrating strong growth potential.
Despite increasing revenues, profitability remained a significant challenge. Like many agritech startups, Kisan Network operated in a low-margin industry where logistics, farmer acquisition, technology development, and operational costs consumed substantial resources.
Building a nationwide agricultural supply chain required continuous capital investment, making it difficult to achieve positive margins quickly. Although investors were optimistic about the long-term opportunity, the business required sustained funding to support expansion and operational execution. The gap between growth ambitions and financial sustainability ultimately became a major concern for the company’s future.
Why Kisan Network is Struggling
Kisan Network’s challenges stemmed from a combination of market realities, operational complexity, and scaling difficulties. One major issue was the slower-than-expected adoption of digital platforms among farmers. While the value proposition was compelling, changing long-established agricultural practices proved difficult.
The company also faced significant logistical challenges in transporting perishable agricultural products across regions while maintaining quality standards. Managing procurement, storage, transportation, and delivery at scale required substantial resources and operational expertise.
Additionally, agricultural supply chains are highly fragmented, making standardization difficult. The startup’s reliance on continuous expansion increased costs faster than profitability could be achieved.
Low margins within agricultural trading further limited financial flexibility. Although the company succeeded in addressing important market problems, converting those solutions into a sustainable and highly profitable business model proved challenging.
Ultimately, the combination of high operational costs, slow market adoption, and difficulty achieving scale-efficient economics undermined the company’s long-term viability.
Key Learnings from Kisan Network
The story of Kisan Network provides several important lessons for agritech entrepreneurs and investors.
- Solving a genuine market problem does not automatically guarantee business success. Execution and sustainable economics are equally important.
- Technology adoption in rural markets often takes longer than anticipated, requiring patience and extensive ground-level engagement.
- Logistics-intensive business models must achieve operational efficiency early to avoid excessive cash burn.
- Scaling too quickly before validating unit economics can create significant financial pressure.
The company’s experience also highlights the importance of balancing growth with profitability, especially in sectors with naturally thin margins. Another key lesson is that agritech startups must build solutions that fit existing farmer behavior while gradually introducing innovation.
Finally, investors and founders must recognize that agriculture is fundamentally different from software businesses because physical operations and supply chains play a much larger role in determining success. These lessons remain highly relevant for the next generation of agribusiness startups.
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Conclusion
Kisan Network started with a compelling vision to transform India’s agricultural supply chain and improve the lives of farmers through technology. Backed by respected investors and driven by passionate founders, the company demonstrated that there was strong demand for more transparent and efficient agricultural markets.
However, the realities of operating in a fragmented, low-margin, and logistics-heavy sector proved more challenging than anticipated. While the startup may not have achieved its long-term ambitions, its journey contributed valuable insights to India’s growing agritech ecosystem.
The challenges faced by Kisan Network continue to shape how entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers think about agricultural innovation. Its story serves as a reminder that success in agribusiness requires not only a strong vision and technology platform but also deep operational expertise, sustainable economics, and patience in building trust among millions of farmers across diverse rural markets.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 12, 2026 | Agri News, Govt Schemes
Imagine living in a village where your family has waited years for a permanent home, better roads, and stable livelihood opportunities. Now, a major ₹4,000 crore rural development push promises to bring these changes closer to reality. At the heart of this initiative is PMAY-G, which could help nearly 10 lakh rural families move into well constructed houses.
Understanding Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)
Access to safe and permanent housing remains one of the biggest challenges for rural households in India. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), a flagship rural housing scheme aimed at providing pucca houses with basic amenities to eligible rural families.
The scheme focuses on improving the quality of life in villages by ensuring that economically weaker households have access to durable housing, sanitation, electricity, drinking water, and other essential services. PMAY-G is a key component of the government’s broader vision of “Housing for All” and continues to receive substantial financial support to accelerate rural development across the country.
In a significant development, the Central Government has approved a rural development package worth ₹4,000 crore for West Bengal, bringing renewed momentum to housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and employment initiatives in the state.
What Does the New Approval Include?
According to recent announcements, the Centre has sanctioned funds for multiple rural development programs in West Bengal. A major highlight of the package is the approval for the construction of approximately 10 lakh houses under PMAY-G.
Alongside housing, the funding will support agricultural development, rural roads, pension schemes, and employment programs. The allocation includes:
- ₹1,700 crore for agriculture and rural development initiatives.
- ₹1,000 crore for rural road infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
- ₹600 crore for rural pension schemes.
- ₹700 crore for rural employment-related programs.
Boost for Rural Housing in West Bengal
The approval of 10 lakh houses under PMAY-G is particularly significant because rural housing has been a major point of discussion between the Centre and West Bengal in recent years. The latest decision is expected to provide housing support to thousands of eligible families who currently lack permanent homes.
To identify beneficiaries, the government is conducting the Awaas Plus 2024 survey, which aims to create an updated database of eligible households. The survey is expected to help ensure that housing benefits reach deserving rural families.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure and Livelihoods
Beyond housing, the funding package reflects a broader strategy for rural transformation. Improved road connectivity under PMGSY can enhance access to markets, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and government services. Better roads also help farmers transport produce more efficiently, reducing logistics challenges.
The allocation for agriculture is expected to support rural livelihoods, while employment programs will generate wage opportunities in villages. Reports indicate that rural employment initiatives are being revived, with expanded opportunities planned for rural households.
What It Means for Rural Development
The ₹4,000 crore approval signals a renewed focus on rural welfare and infrastructure in West Bengal. By combining housing, agriculture, roads, pensions, and employment under a single development push, the initiative has the potential to improve living standards and create economic opportunities across rural communities.
As PMAY-G continues to advance the goal of “Housing for All,” the latest approval could play an important role in improving housing security and strengthening rural development outcomes in West Bengal over the coming years.
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Conclusion
The Centre’s approval of ₹4,000 crore for rural development projects in West Bengal highlights the continued focus on improving rural infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods across the state.
With around 10 lakh houses sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), along with investments in roads, agriculture, pensions, and employment programs, the initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life in rural communities.
As implementation progresses, the success of these projects will depend on timely execution and effective delivery of benefits to eligible households. If carried out efficiently, the package could strengthen rural economic growth, improve connectivity, and contribute to long-term development in West Bengal.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 8, 2026 | Agri News, Import / Export
India’s efforts to expand its global trade footprint have received a fresh boost as negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) gain momentum. The upcoming round of discussions is expected to focus on improving market access for agricultural and marine products, potentially opening new export opportunities for Indian businesses.
Understanding The EAEU
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Established in 2015, the union was created to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour among its member states.
With a combined market of more than 180 million consumers, the EAEU represents an important trading destination for countries seeking to expand their export reach.For India, stronger trade ties with the EAEU could provide access to a strategically important region spanning Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The proposed FTA aims to reduce trade barriers, streamline regulatory procedures, and create a more favourable environment for bilateral trade. Against this backdrop, the second round of India-EAEU negotiations is expected to focus on agricultural commodities, marine products, and food exports, sectors where India holds significant competitive advantages.
What This Means for Indian Agriculture
India is preparing to strengthen its trade relationship with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) move into the next phase. The second round of discussions is expected to take place in Moscow later this month, with a strong focus on easing exports of agricultural commodities, marine products, and processed food items.
The EAEU is an economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. For India, securing improved access to these markets could create significant opportunities for exporters, especially in sectors where the country has established global competitiveness. The proposed agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and simplify regulatory requirements that currently limit the flow of goods between the two regions.
One of the major issues expected to be discussed during the negotiations is the compliance and certification framework for agricultural and marine exports. Exporters often face challenges related to product standards, quality certifications, and sanitary requirements when entering foreign markets. Simplifying these procedures can help Indian businesses reduce costs, shorten approval timelines, and improve market access.
The agriculture sector stands to benefit considerably from such reforms. India exports a wide range of products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, and processed foods. Easier entry into EAEU markets could increase demand for these products and provide farmers with access to new buyers beyond traditional export destinations. The marine products industry may also gain from streamlined regulations, enabling seafood exporters to expand their presence in the region.
The ongoing negotiations are part of India’s broader strategy to deepen economic partnerships through trade agreements. In recent years, India has actively pursued FTAs and trade partnerships with several countries and regional blocs to diversify export markets and strengthen global supply chains. Trade agreements typically help businesses by reducing tariffs, improving customs procedures, and creating a more predictable trading environment.
For Indian agribusinesses, food processors, seafood exporters, and logistics companies, the proposed India-EAEU FTA could unlock new growth avenues. Increased trade with EAEU nations may encourage investments in export infrastructure, quality certification systems, cold chain facilities, and value-added processing. These developments could improve the overall competitiveness of India’s agricultural exports in international markets.
While negotiations are still underway, the focus on agriculture and marine goods signals the importance of these sectors in India’s trade agenda. If both sides can successfully address certification and compliance challenges, the agreement could pave the way for stronger commercial ties and increased export revenues in the years ahead.
As discussions continue, stakeholders across the agricultural and food value chain will be closely watching the outcome. A successful FTA could open the door to a larger consumer base, strengthen bilateral trade, and create new opportunities for India’s farmers, exporters, and agribusiness enterprises.
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Conclusion Â
The ongoing India-EAEU FTA negotiations mark an important step toward strengthening trade relations between India and the Eurasian region. By addressing market access barriers, certification requirements, and regulatory challenges, the agreement has the potential to create new opportunities for Indian agricultural and marine exporters.
For farmers, agribusinesses, and food processors, access to a market of over 180 million consumers could drive higher export demand and encourage greater investment in quality, processing, and supply chain infrastructure.
While discussions are still underway, a successful agreement could enhance India’s export competitiveness, diversify its trade destinations, and contribute to long-term growth in the agriculture and food sectors.Â
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 3, 2026 | Agri Startups, Startoscope
Have you ever wondered how fresh fruits travel from a farmer’s field to your doorstep? Frootex is revolutionizing this journey through innovative sourcing, seamless logistics, and direct market connections across India.
How Frootex Began
Frootex was founded in 2019 in Bengaluru with the objective of addressing inefficiencies in India’s fresh fruit supply chain. The founders identified a major challenge faced by fruit growers, particularly in regions such as Bihar and West Bengal, where high-quality produce often struggled to reach profitable markets due to poor logistics, multiple intermediaries, and significant post-harvest losses.
The company started by sourcing fruits directly from farmers and supplying them to urban markets through a streamlined distribution network. Initial operations focused on building relationships with growers, understanding market demand, and developing reliable transportation channels.
Over time, Frootex expanded its procurement and distribution capabilities, gradually establishing itself as a trusted supplier for retailers, wholesalers, and modern commerce platforms seeking fresh and traceable fruit products.
What Was The Foundational Idea
The fundamental idea behind Frootex is to create a direct and efficient connection between farmers and markets. India’s agricultural sector often suffers from fragmented supply chains, causing farmers to receive lower prices while consumers pay higher costs for produce.
Frootex seeks to solve this issue by reducing the number of intermediaries involved in the movement of fruits. The company purchases produce directly from growers, manages quality checks, and distributes fruits through a structured logistics network. This model benefits farmers through better market access and provides customers with fresher products.
By focusing on high-demand fruits and perishable products, Frootex creates value through efficiency, reduced wastage, improved quality control, and faster delivery, making the supply chain more sustainable and profitable for all stakeholders.
How Frootex Creates Value
Frootex operates through a hybrid business model that combines both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels. The company procures fruits directly from farmers and producer groups before supplying them to retail stores, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, and quick-commerce platforms.
Through its B2B operations, Frootex generates revenue from bulk fruit sales and long-term supply agreements. In addition, the company serves individual consumers through direct sales, enabling households to purchase fresh fruits conveniently.
Revenue is generated through procurement margins, distribution services, and value-added logistics support. By managing sourcing, quality assurance, transportation, and delivery under one system, Frootex maintains better control over product quality while ensuring efficient movement of fruits from production areas to consumption centers.
Business Strategy
Frootex follows a strategy centered on direct sourcing, operational efficiency, and market expansion. The company focuses on building strong relationships with farmers to ensure consistent product availability and quality. It invests in supply-chain management practices that minimize spoilage and improve freshness during transportation.
Strategic partnerships with retailers and quick-commerce platforms enable Frootex to access a larger customer base and increase sales volumes. Another important aspect of its strategy is sourcing fruits from regions known for premium produce, thereby creating differentiation in the market.
The company also emphasizes responsiveness to changing consumer preferences, particularly the growing demand for exotic and imported fruits. Through continuous network expansion and efficient logistics management, Frootex seeks to strengthen its competitive position within India’s agricultural supply chain sector.
Products and Services Of Frootex
Frootex offers a diverse portfolio of fresh fruits sourced from both domestic and international markets. Its product range includes mangoes, apples, avocados, dragon fruits, cherries, blueberries, citrus fruits, pears, and several exotic fruit varieties.
The company caters to retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, and end consumers seeking quality produce. Beyond product sales, Frootex provides several supply-chain services, including farmer procurement, aggregation, sorting, grading, packaging, logistics management, and market linkage support.
Quality control measures are implemented throughout the sourcing and distribution process to maintain freshness and reduce losses. The company also facilitates efficient transportation of perishable goods across regions. These services help create a reliable supply chain that benefits both producers and buyers while enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Financial Investment and Revenue
Detailed financial information about Frootex is not publicly available. However, founder statements indicate that the company sought working capital investment in the range of ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh to support procurement expansion and operational growth.
This capital was intended to strengthen inventory management, improve logistics capabilities, and meet increasing demand from retail and quick-commerce partners. Publicly shared figures suggest that the company handled approximately 10 tons of fruit sales during 2023, over 35 tons during 2024, and more than 100 tons during 2025.
These numbers indicate significant year-on-year growth in business volume. Although exact revenue figures have not been disclosed, the increase in sales volume demonstrates growing market acceptance and the successful expansion of procurement and distribution activities.
Profit and Loss
Frootex has not publicly released detailed profit-and-loss statements, making it difficult to determine exact profitability. Like most supply-chain startups dealing with perishable products, the company likely faces significant operational costs related to transportation, cold-chain logistics, packaging, labor, storage, and quality management.
Spoilage and inventory losses can also impact profitability in the fresh produce industry. Despite these challenges, increasing sales volumes suggest that the company has been successful in generating business growth and improving operational scale.
Effective management of procurement costs and logistics efficiency is critical for maintaining healthy margins. As the company expands and achieves greater economies of scale, its ability to control costs and optimize supply-chain performance may contribute to stronger financial outcomes in the future.
Reasons for Success
Several factors have contributed to the growth and success of Frootex.
- The company addresses a genuine market problem by improving the efficiency of fruit supply chains.
- Its direct sourcing model reduces intermediaries, benefiting both farmers and buyers.
- Increasing consumer demand for fresh, high-quality fruits has created favorable market conditions.
The company’s focus on logistics and timely delivery helps minimize spoilage and maintain product quality. Strategic partnerships with major retail and quick-commerce platforms have also expanded market access and strengthened revenue opportunities.
Additionally, Frootex’s emphasis on farmer engagement, quality assurance, and scalable operations has helped build trust among stakeholders. These combined factors have enabled the company to establish a growing presence within India’s evolving agri-business ecosystem.
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Conclusion
Frootex demonstrates how innovation and efficient supply chain management can address long-standing challenges in India’s agricultural sector. By connecting farmers directly with markets, reducing intermediaries, and ensuring the timely delivery of fresh produce, the company creates value for both producers and consumers.
Its focus on quality, logistics, and strategic partnerships has enabled steady growth and increasing market reach. As demand for fresh and traceable food products continues to rise, Frootex is well-positioned to contribute to the modernization of India’s fruit distribution ecosystem.
The company’s journey highlights the potential of agri-startups to improve market access, reduce post-harvest losses, and build a more sustainable and efficient agricultural value chain.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 1, 2026 | Agri News, Farming
Introduction
Orphan crops, often referred to as neglected and underutilized crops, are traditional food crops that have received limited attention from agricultural research, policymakers, and commercial markets despite their significant nutritional and environmental benefits.
In India, crops such as horse gram, winged bean, grass pea, bambara groundnut, and several indigenous millets once played an important role in local farming systems and diets.
However, the Green Revolution’s focus on rice and wheat gradually pushed many of these nutrient-rich crops to the margins of agriculture. Today, as India faces challenges related to protein deficiency, climate change, and sustainable food production, orphan crops are gaining renewed attention.
Now , What it is Actually
Rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these crops offer a promising solution for improving nutritional security while supporting climate-resilient agriculture. Their ability to thrive in low-input conditions makes them particularly valuable for smallholder farmers and rain-fed regions.
Reviving orphan crops could help India diversify its food basket, strengthen protein security, and build a more sustainable agricultural future.For decades, India’s food security strategy has revolved around two staple crops: rice and wheat.
While this approach helped the country overcome food shortages and achieve self-sufficiency, it has also created a nutritional imbalance. As concerns about protein deficiency, climate change, and sustainable agriculture continue to grow, experts are urging India to revisit a group of indigenous crops that have long been overlooked, often referred to as “orphan crops.”
Orphan crops are traditional crops that receive limited attention from research institutions, policymakers, and commercial markets despite their nutritional and environmental benefits.
These include crops such as horse gram, winged bean, grass pea, bambara groundnut, indigenous pulses, and several varieties of millets. Many of these crops were once common in Indian farming systems but gradually disappeared as rice and wheat became dominant.
One of the strongest arguments for reviving orphan crops is their potential to strengthen India’s protein security.
A significant portion of India’s population relies on cereals for protein intake, but cereals often lack essential amino acids required for balanced nutrition. In contrast, many orphan crops are naturally rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Their inclusion in diets can help address hidden hunger, a condition where people consume enough calories but remain deficient in essential nutrients. The need for diversification is becoming increasingly urgent as climate change threatens agricultural productivity.
Orphan crops are generally more resilient to drought, poor soils, and extreme weather conditions than conventional crops. Because they evolved in local agro-climatic conditions, they often require fewer inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
This makes them particularly suitable for rain-fed regions where smallholder farmers face increasing climate risks. Beyond nutrition and climate resilience, these crops can also contribute to sustainable farming systems.
Growing a wider variety of crops improves soil health, enhances biodiversity, and reduces dependence on monoculture farming. Crop diversification can create new income opportunities for farmers while making agricultural systems more resilient to market and environmental shocks.
Recent studies have highlighted the untapped commercial potential of orphan crops. Researchers and industry experts believe that indigenous legumes and protein-rich crops could support India’s emerging plant-based food sector and reduce dependence on imported protein ingredients.
Developing value chains around these crops could create new markets while promoting local agricultural biodiversity.However, bringing orphan crops back into mainstream agriculture will require coordinated efforts.
Investments in research, improved seed systems, processing infrastructure, market linkages, and consumer awareness are essential. Government procurement programs, nutrition schemes, and public distribution systems can also play a significant role in encouraging both cultivation and consumption.
India’s future food security cannot depend solely on increasing the production of rice and wheat. Building a nutritious, climate-resilient, and sustainable food system requires embracing the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
By reviving orphan crops, India has an opportunity to improve nutrition, support farmers, conserve biodiversity, and create a more resilient protein supply for future generations. The forgotten crops of the past may well become th e nutritional heroes of tomorrow.
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Conclusion
India’s journey toward food security must now evolve into a mission for nutritional and protein security. While rice and wheat have played a crucial role in feeding the nation, relying heavily on these crops alone is no longer sufficient in the face of climate change, malnutrition, and growing food demand.
Reviving orphan crops offers a practical and sustainable solution. These indigenous crops are rich in nutrients, resilient to harsh environmental conditions, and capable of supporting farmer livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.
By investing in research, market development, and policy support for these forgotten crops, India can build a more diverse, climate-smart, and nutrition-focused agricultural system. The revival of orphan crops is not merely about preserving agricultural heritage; it is about securing a healthier and more resilient future for the nation.
by Agrisnip Reporter | May 27, 2026 | Agri News, Import / Export
India’s coffee industry is slowly entering a worrying phase. In major coffee-producing regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, growers are increasingly facing unstable weather conditions that are starting to affect coffee yields and overall crop health.
What was once considered a seasonal challenge has now become a long-term concern for growers who depend on stable climate conditions for healthy coffee cultivation.
Recent estimates suggest that India’s coffee production may decline during the 2026-27 season due to irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns as per the data provided by Coffee Board of India .
For many coffee farmers, this is not just about lower output. It affects income, exports, labour demand, and the future sustainability of coffee farming itself. Coffee is a crop that depends heavily on balance.
Too much rain can damage flowering, while delayed rainfall can weaken fruit development. Excessive heat also puts stress on coffee plants, especially Arabica varieties, which are known for their delicate nature and premium quality.
Over the past few seasons, farmers have been witnessing unusual weather shifts, including untimely showers, longer dry spells, and warmer temperatures during critical growing periods.
Among the two major coffee varieties grown in India, Arabica is expected to face the biggest setback. Since Arabica plants require cooler temperatures and controlled moisture levels, they are more vulnerable to climate stress. Experts believe production could fall significantly if weather instability continues through the growing cycle.
Robusta coffee, however, appears to be slightly more resilient. Unlike Arabica, Robusta can tolerate warmer conditions and requires relatively less maintenance under fluctuating weather.
This is one reason why many growers are gradually depending more on Robusta cultivation to reduce risk. In fact, Robusta now contributes the majority of India’s total coffee production.
The issue goes beyond farms and plantations. India’s coffee sector supports thousands of farmers, workers, traders, and exporters. A decline in production could eventually influence domestic prices and export volumes.
India has built a strong reputation globally for its shade-grown coffee, and any long-term production instability may create challenges for the country’s position in international markets.
Meanwhile, coffee consumption in India is steadily increasing as more consumers are embracing café culture and coffee-based beverages in their daily lives. Urban consumers are increasingly shifting toward café culture, specialty coffee, and ready-to-drink beverages.
Young consumers are exploring different brewing styles, and coffee consumption is no longer limited to metropolitan cities. Smaller cities and towns are also contributing to the rising demand.
This growing market creates both an opportunity and a challenge. While demand is increasing, production uncertainty could put pressure on supply chains in the coming years. Farmers are now being forced to adapt faster than ever before.
Many plantation owners have already started investing in climate-resilient farming practices. Many farmers are upgrading their irrigation facilities, while others are adopting better shade management and moisture retention practices to protect crops from changing weather conditions.
There is also growing interest in developing heat-resistant coffee varieties that can survive changing climatic conditions more effectively. Experts believe that the future of India’s coffee industry will depend on how quickly the sector adapts to climate realities.
Better weather forecasting, sustainable farming methods, water management, and technological support for farmers may become essential for protecting coffee production in the long run.
Climate change is no longer a distant conversation for agriculture. For India’s coffee growers, it is now visible in the fields, harvest cycles, and yearly yields. The coming years will likely decide how resilient the industry can become in the face of increasing environmental uncertainty.
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Conclusion
India’s coffee industry is standing at an important turning point. Changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and irregular rainfall are no longer occasional problems but growing challenges that directly affect production and farmer livelihoods.
While Robusta coffee continues to show resilience, the decline in Arabica production highlights how vulnerable the sector has become to climate uncertainty. At the same time, rising domestic demand and strong export opportunities show that the industry still has significant growth potential.
The future now depends on how effectively farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers respond to these climate challenges. Investments in sustainable farming practices, better irrigation systems, climate-resilient crop varieties, and technological support can help the sector adapt and remain competitive.
For India’s coffee farmers, resilience and innovation will play a major role in securing the future of coffee cultivation in the years ahead.
