Despite the numerous challenges facing the agricultural sector in India, two brothers, Abhishek and Shashank, co-founders of Agriplast, have not only established a thriving brand but have also revolutionized the way farmers approach agriculture.
India’s agriculture sector is a critical component of the nation’s fabric, supporting a significant portion of the population and ensuring food security. However, it grapples with issues such as fragmented land holdings, outdated farming methods, limited technological advancements, and the impact of climate change, resulting in unpredictable weather patterns that challenge crop cultivation.
Despite these obstacles, Abhishek and Shashank embarked on a mission to make a positive impact on the lives of struggling farmers engaged in open-field cultivation. Although their educational backgrounds differ, their shared entrepreneurial spirit became the cornerstone of Agriplast North’s remarkable journey.
Agriplast North was founded in 2011 when the brothers decided to leave their jobs after completing their B.TECH & MBA degrees and ventured into farming on a leased 5-acre land. Their goal was to introduce technology-driven farming practices to improve farmers’ income.
Initially met with skepticism and doubts about the sustainability of their farming endeavor, the brothers persevered and achieved remarkable crop yields. Their success story quickly spread, attracting farmers from diverse regions eager to learn from their innovative farming techniques.
Abhishek and Shashank harnessed cutting-edge technologies, including drip irrigation, mulching, nethouses, polyhouses, and automation, to significantly boost farmers’ income, elevating it from a meager Rs 2 lakhs per acre to an impressive Rs 25 lakhs per acre.
Their impact extended beyond their own fields as they successfully trained over 15,000 farmers, creating one of the most extensive networks of technology-enabled agriculture practitioners.
Abhishek now serves as the Director & Board Member of Agriplast Protected Cultivation, which has introduced various Israeli technologies to India over the past decade, contributing substantially to the company’s revenue growth. Under his leadership, the cumulative turnover has reached approximately Rs 45 to 50 crores.
Shashank, as the Managing Partner of Agriplast North, oversees the implementation and execution of their innovative ideas. With deep-rooted connections in the farming community, he is highly regarded among farmers. His expertise has been instrumental in Agriplast’s success.
Their journey, starting with a modest Rs 50,000 loan from their father, has evolved into a Rs 50 crore business, showcasing their inspiring dedication.
Agriplast prioritizes clean food production and sustainable agriculture. The adoption of Israeli and Dutch technologies has led to a remarkable reduction in pesticide and water usage, resulting in safer and cleaner food production. Moreover, they are committed to preserving vital resources like water and soil, which have suffered due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use over the years.
With manufacturing facilities, an extensive farming network, and a global presence spanning over 15 countries, Agriplast is poised for substantial growth. Their vision includes establishing multiple factories in India within the next five years, ultimately becoming a Rs 500 crore brand that positively impacts farmers’ lives while promoting technology-driven farming practices.
