Parashram Akhare, a 28-year-old electrical engineer from Mohadari village in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, founded Krushi Sarathi — a socio-commercial startup with a vision to make farming more profitable, sustainable, and accessible for farmers.

Started during the 2020 lockdown, the venture now boasts an annual turnover of Rs 5 crore and expects to double it this year. As the son of a farmer, Akhare witnessed the hardships faced by his community firsthand, inspiring him to bridge the gaps in market access, technology, and guidance that often hold farmers back.

What is Krushi Sarathi?

Farming in Vidarbha and Marathwada, regions notorious for agrarian distress, has long been associated with struggle. Limited market access, dependence on traditional methods, and exploitation by local shopkeepers have kept many farmers trapped in cycles of debt and poverty.

Krushi Sarathi, meaning ‘the farmer’s charioteer’, is a startup aimed at reversing this narrative. It connects farmers with genuine products, modern technologies, and market opportunities while offering guidance and consultation.

The initiative operates both offline and online, combining a strong grassroots network of taluka coordinators with an e-commerce platform and mobile app. Farmers can access fertilisers, pesticides, and other farming essentials delivered to their doorstep within 24 hours.

Currently, Krushi Sarathi has impacted the lives of around 30,000 farmers in Vidarbha, providing not just access to resources but also a renewed sense of hope for the future. Moreover, the startup has created........

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