This UP man sold tea and paan as a child - now builds an agritech startup that generated Rs 80 crore revenue in FY23 by helping 1.50 lakh farmers.

Founded in 2021, Gramik is an agritech startup based in Lucknow with a remarkable mission to uplift farmers and transform rural commerce. 

Spearheaded by the visionary Raj Yadav and Gaurav Kumar, Gramik has successfully empowered over 1.50 lakh farmers, resulting in a remarkable 300% increase in their income.

Hurdles, Hiccups, and Perseverance

Hailing from a small village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Raj Yadav's journey began amidst adversity, where his father, a farmer without land, toiled in others' fields. 

As a child, he would sell tea and paan as his peers played and had fun. Raj remembers that he dreamed to scale his revenue by selling samosas and jalebi because the money that he made wasn't enough to sustain his family.

Despite these challenges, Raj's determination propelled him to excel academically, becoming the first software engineer from his village. 

Subsequently, he founded his own software company, 18Pixels, collaborating with prestigious organizations like UNICEF, BMGF, AIIMS, TMC, and IAEA.

Gramik - Empowering Farmers

Raj's experiences and desire to make a difference in his community led him to harness technology for the betterment of farmers. 

In 2021, together with his friend Gaurav Kumar, he laid the foundation for Gramik. Gaurav Kumar has a B.Tech and MBA degree from IIT Roorkee and IIM Bangalore, respectively. 

Gramik began with a core mission to educate farmers across India and enhance the quality of their produce. 

The startup initially faced technical hurdles and the challenge of instilling confidence in farmers about technology. 

However, their perseverance and efficiency allowed them to overcome these obstacles and forge ahead.

The Collective Cooperative Social Commerce Model

At the heart of Gramik's operations lies the Collective Cooperative Social Commerce Model. 

Acting as a marketplace for rural enterprises, Gramik boosts visibility and credibility for agri-businesses by providing a wide array of essential services. 

These services, including technology, infrastructure, logistics, payment processing, demand generation, on-ground implementation, capacity building, training, and customer support, are seamlessly delivered through Gramik's "Peer Partners."

Pioneering India's First 'Peer Commerce' Startup in Agritech

Gramik's pioneering 'Peer Commerce' model nurtures a socially responsible ecosystem, empowering rural women and youth. 

Through generating profits for farmers, the startup eliminates intermediaries, guarantees improved returns, and fosters stronger trust and camaraderie within the farming community.

Gramik earns profits by increasing the income and profits of the farmers.

Impact and Growth

Gramik's impact has been profound, with more than 1.50 lakh farmers witnessing a remarkable 300% increase in their income. 

Additionally, the startup has created livelihoods for over 350 individuals, providing much-needed employment opportunities.

The phenomenal growth of Gramik is a testament to its efficacy. 

While Raj personally invested Rupees 70 lakhs, Gramik raised a total of 100 million rupees across three rounds with renowned angle investors like Balram Singh (Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet), Siddharth Gupta (CEO, Mercer Mettl), Richa Kar (Founder, Zivame), and NBFC Western Capital.

In FY23, according to YourStory, Gramik achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rupees 80 crore, marking a 26X increase from the previous year. 

Future Plans

Ambitiously eyeing a revenue mark of Rupees 300 crore for FY24, Gramik is currently working towards expanding in Western Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. 

By the end of this year, the startup will expand its services to the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Gramik's journey is a testament to the power of technology and empathy in transforming rural lives, especially the lives of the farmers who are the annadaata of our country. 

With a relentless dedication to uplifting farmers, the startup has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless rural communities who look forward to thriving and having a better living.

FAQ

1. What is Gramik and how does it empower farmers?

Gramik is an agritech startup founded in 2021 with a mission to transform rural commerce and uplift farmers across India. Through its Collective Cooperative Social Commerce Model and innovative Peer Commerce approach, Gramik provides essential services like technology, infrastructure, logistics, payment processing, demand generation, and training. This helps farmers increase their income by eliminating intermediaries and creating a direct link to consumers.

2. Who are the founders of Gramik and what is their background?

Gramik was founded by Raj Yadav and Gaurav Kumar. Raj Yadav, hailing from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, overcame adversities to become the first software engineer from his village. Gaurav Kumar holds B.Tech and MBA degrees from IIT Roorkee and IIM Bangalore, respectively. Their combined expertise and vision drive Gramik's initiatives to support rural communities.

3. What services does Gramik offer to farmers and rural enterprises?

Gramik offers a wide range of services to farmers and rural enterprises, including technology integration, infrastructure development, logistics support, payment processing systems, demand generation strategies, on-ground implementation, capacity building, training programs, and customer support. These services are efficiently delivered through their network of "Peer Partners."

4. What is Gramik's revenue?

Gramik achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rupees 80 crore in FY23, marking a 26X increase from the previous year. The startup raised significant funding rounds with renowned investors. Currently eyeing a revenue mark of Rupees 300 crore for FY24, Gramik plans to expand its services in Western Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh by the end of the year.