In today’s rapidly evolving agricultural economy, building a sustainable future starts not just on the farm, but also in the warehouse.
As agriculture scales up and supply chains advance, green warehousing is emerging as a key pillar in shaping the future of agri infrastructure.

The Urgent Need for Green Transformation

India is one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural commodities. Yet, a large portion of this produce is lost after harvest due to poor storage, outdated facilities, and inefficient energy use.
Traditional warehouses use a lot of electricity, produce carbon emissions, and often do not meet current standards for safe, efficient, and sustainable agricultural warehousing.

With climate change, resource scarcity, and ESG regulations tightening the screws on global trade, ecofriendly warehouses are no longer optional, they’re essential.

What Is Green Warehousing?

Green warehousing refers to warehouses that are designed and operated with environmental sustainability in mind. These facilities reduce carbon emissions, optimise energy use, and integrate technology to improve operational efficiency without harming the planet.

The key features of a green agri warehouse include:

• Solar-powered lighting and appliances
• Natural ventilation and thermal insulation
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Energy-efficient temperature control
• Smart sensors for real-time monitoring
• Recyclable materials in construction
• Waste segregation and reuse

For agriculture, this means sustainable post-harvest solutions that not only preserve the quality of commodities but also reduce the environmental impact of food storage and trade.

Why Green Warehousing Matters in Agri Infrastructure

1. Reduces Post-Harvest Losses Sustainably
   Green warehousing improves storage conditions, temperature, humidity, and air flow, which directly improves the longevity of grain and reduces the spoilage.
2. Lowers Operational Costs Over Time
   Although the initial investment may be high, energy-efficient warehouses reduce electricity bills, minimise wastage, and also provide carbon credits or government incentives.
3. Improves Agri Export Readiness
   Many importing countries are now establishing carbon compliance standards for supply chains. Warehouses powered by renewable energy in agri storage operations can become important export hubs.
4. Aligns with ESG Goals
   For agribusinesses and exporters, switching to sustainable agri infrastructure increases ESG scores and attracts investors looking for environmentally responsible supply chains.
5. Future-Proofs India’s Agri Logistics
   As the agri sector becomes more digital and quality-focused, green warehousing enables better integration with smart supply chains, traceability platforms, and clean energy grids.

How Staragri Is Leading the Green Warehousing Shift

At Staragri, we believe that a strong rural economy should also be a sustainable economy. That’s why we have made green innovation central to our warehousing infrastructure across India.

From solar-powered warehouse roofs to smart humidity-controlled storage, we’re building the next generation of agri infrastructure solutions, with the planet in mind.

Our mission is to provide eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and technologically advanced agri warehousing facilities that support farmers, exporters, and agribusinesses alike.

Our Green Initiatives Include:

• Solarization of warehouses in sun-rich states
• Sustainable building materials for new warehouse construction
• Digital warehouse monitoring systems to reduce manual intervention
• Rainwater harvesting and eco drainage systems
• Pilot testing of carbon-neutral agri logistics zones

By integrating green warehousing practices, Staragri not only protects agricultural produce but also supports India’s broader climate and food security goals.

 The Business Case: Why Agri Exporters, FPOs & Investors Should Act Now

The future of agri warehousing in India is low-carbon, tech-enabled, and sustainability-driven. Whether you are a:

• Trader/exporter looking for compliant storage
• FPO needs a scalable infrastructure
• Farmers want safe grain storage
• Or an ESG-focused investor exploring green infra opportunities.

Green warehousing is a decision that is beneficial in terms of both profit and planetary impact.

 Conclusion:

As the demand for food grows and global trade moves toward stability, India’s agri ecosystem will also have to adapt.
Green warehousing is not just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic investment in a resilient, responsible, and revenue-generating agricultural economy.

At Staragri, we’re proud to lead this movement by blending technology, sustainability, and rural empowerment.
Do you want to learn how our sustainable warehousing solutions can work for your agricultural business?

Contact Staragri today to explore a customized, green-ready warehousing system for the future of agriculture.

Agriculture in India is no longer limited to just growing crops, but it is now developing more intelligently.
Across the country, we are witnessing major changes in the way agricultural produce is bought, sold, stored, financed, and transported. This is the age of digital agri-commerce in India, where smartphones, smart warehouses, and agri-fintech platforms are replacing traditional middlemen, paperwork, and uncertainty.

From FPOs and farmers to commodity traders and agri exporters, everyone is looking at how tech-driven agri trading platforms can help them access better markets, make faster payments, and more confidence in transactions. And for businesses like Staragri, this change isn’t just exciting, it’s a mission to empower India’s agricultural value chain.

Let’s take a deeper look at how digital transformation in agriculture is redefining agri-commerce in India.

What Is Digital Agri-Commerce?

Digital agri-commerce refers to the use of technology to manage and streamline every stage of agricultural trade, from farm to market to finance.

It includes:

• Agri trading platforms and e-Mandi systems that connect buyers and sellers online
• Digital warehousing that provides real-time inventory updates, stock monitoring, and loan-ready documentation
• Data analytics tools that help traders, exporters, and banks understand trends, forecast demand, and make informed decisions

In short, digital agri-commerce transforms the traditionally unorganised sector into a transparent, efficient, and scalable ecosystem.

Why Is Tech-Driven Agri Trading on the Rise?

The rapid growth of tech-enabled agricommerce in India is driven by several game changing developments:

1. Massive Growth in Rural Connectivity

With over 350 million rural Indians now using the internet according to IAMAI, progressive farmers, FPOs, and agri entrepreneurs are actively engaging with digital platforms. Mobile apps and WhatsApp groups are replacing chalkboards and commission agents.

2. Government-Led Reforms like eNAM

The launch of eNAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) has accelerated the growth of digital agri trading platforms across the country. Over 1,260 mandis in 22 states have been integrated with eNAM, enabling more than 1.75 crore farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers across state boundaries, thereby increasing competition and price realisation.

3. Boom in Agri-Tech Startups

India’s agri-tech innovations, including platforms providing blockchain in agri supply chain, IoT-enabled storage, and AI-based price prediction tools, are solving deep-rooted inefficiencies using intelligent, user-friendly interfaces.

4. Demand for Transparency and Traceability

Buyers, especially exporters and institutional buyers want traceable, certified, and quality assured produce. Over 65% of agri exporters now prefer traceable supply chains and this is only possible through digital platforms that track the produce from source to destination.

5. Need for Faster & Easier Credit Access

With the rise of digital warehousing and e-Warehouse Receipts, farmers and traders can now use stored goods as collateral to access financing quickly even without land ownership or traditional paperwork.

Who Benefits From Digital Agri-Commerce?

Digital agri-commerce in India benefits a wide range of stakeholders across the supply chain:

Farmers and FPOs

• Direct access to markets and buyers, eliminating multiple intermediaries
• Fair and real-time price discovery, increasing earnings
• Digital records of transactions, useful for loans, insurance, and auditing
• Reduced risk of exploitation or delayed payments

Agri Traders, Exporters, and Commodity Buyers

• Digital tracking of stock and movement for better logistics planning
• Quality certification and standardization, enhancing global competitiveness
• Faster procurement cycles, and access to produce available in nationwide warehouses

Banks, NBFCs, and Agri-Fintech Lenders

• Use of e-Warehouse Receipts as verified, digital collateral
• Improved loan recovery and reduced NPA risk
• Streamlined, data-driven agri lending systems

Agri Warehousing & Logistics Companies

• Integration with digital inventory management and billing systems
• Efficient stock rotation, quality control, and remote monitoring
• Digitally enabled services like insurance, grading, and loan facilitation

The Role of Staragri in Empowering Digital Agri-Commerce

As a pioneer in the Indian agri value chain, Staragri has been instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional agriculture and digital transformation.

Here’s how Staragri’s digital solutions are making a real impact:

• Smart Warehousing Infrastructure

Staragri’s digital warehouses are equipped with barcode-enabled inventory, remote monitoring, and climate monitoring systems, turning stored commodities into real-time data assets. This makes tracking, auditing, and financing easier and more reliable.

• e-Warehouse Receipts & Collateral Management

Through its e-Warehouse Receipt system, Staragri enables farmers, traders, and FPOs to convert stored commodities into collateral-free credit. This will accelerate access to capital and promote financial inclusion in rural India.

• Integrated Digital Supply Chain Management

From procurement to storage and financing, Staragri offers acomplete digital ecosystem. Customers can manage commodity flows, documentation, and analytics through an intuitive interface.

• Customized Agri-Tech Solutions

Whether you are a smallholder farmer, a large trader, or a government procurement agency, Staragri’s digital platform offers scalable solutions tailored to your needs, with a strong focus on security, transparency, and traceability.

The Impact of Digital Agri Commerce: More Than Just Convenience

The true value of tech-driven agriculture trading platforms in India lies not just in efficiency, but in empowerment.

• 30–50% faster turnaround time for commodity transactions
• Up to 20% better price realization for producers
• Reduced loan processing time by 70%
• Stronger trust and compliance in institutional procurement

In a country where agriculture supports nearly 60% of the population, these improvements are not minor — they are transformational.

The Future of Agri Trading in India Is Digital — Are You Ready?

The FAIFA Indian Agriculture Outlook project that 70% of agri trading in India will be digitized by 2030. That means businesses that fail to adapt may risk falling behind, both in competitiveness and in market access.

But for those who embrace smart agriculture platforms, the rewards will be substantial:
Faster payments
Larger customer networks
Improved margins
Data-driven decision making

Partner with Staragri to Digitize Your Agri Business

At Staragri, we believe in building India’s agri future on a foundation of trust, technology, and transparency. Our goal is to empower every link in the agri value chain — from farm gate to global trade.

Whether you’re a farmer, exporter, FPO, or agri enterprise, we’re here to help you digitize, grow, and lead with confidence.

Ready to take your agri business digital? Contact Staragri today.

In the complex world of lending, risk is inevitable but it can be managed smartly.
It may be challenging for banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) that provide loans to the agricultural sector to strike the right balance between credit growth and financial security. Most rural borrowers do not have fixed assets or transparent credit histories. That’s why collateral management has emerged as an important risk-mitigation tool.

Let’s explore how a professionally managed collateral system reduces uncertainty and enhances the security of agri-financing—making it a reliable and scalable opportunity for financial institutions.

What Is Collateral Management in Agriculture?

Collateral management in agriculture refers to the process of professionally handling and safeguarding agri commodities that are pledged as loan security. These commodities, such as grains, pulses, oilseeds, or spices, are stored in scientifically designed warehouses and constantly monitored to maintain their value, safety, and traceability. As per government estimates India produces over 315 million metric tonnes of food grains annually, a significant portion of which is eligible to be used as collateral.

Effective collateral management services typically include:

• Quality inspection at the time of deposit
• Secure and insured warehousing
• Stock auditing and inventory solutions
• Real-time reporting and alerts to lenders
• Commodity liquidation assistance in case of default

By entrusting the collateral to a specialist agri-warehousing company like Staragri, banks and NBFCs can operate with confidence, knowing their loaned assets are protected.

Why Lending in Agriculture Carries Inherent Risk

Financial institutions often face multiple risks while lending to the agricultural sector. These include:

• Borrowers who do not have fixed property or land records
• High dependency on unpredictable climatic conditions
• Seasonal cash flows and commodity price volatility
• Difficulty in assessing the end use of funds
• Poor documentation and lack of structured retrieval systems

According to NABARD, only 30% of small and marginal farmers in India have access to formal credit, mainly due to lack of assets for collateral.

This makes risk management more important for banks and NBFCs in rural and semi-urban lending environments. The lack of solid collateral becomes a serious liability if a borrower does not repay the loan.

This is where agri collateral management acts as a strategic safeguard, ensuring that the agricultural commodities pledged as security are well-monitored and available for recovery when required.

How Does Collateral Management Minimize Risk for Lenders?

Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits of using collateral management in agriculture to mitigate risk:

1. Real-Time Visibility into Secured Assets

Through real-time monitoring of inventory, lenders can keep track of the movement, quantity, and condition of stored goods at any time. Collateral management partners like Staragri use digital dashboards, barcode-based tracking, and inspection reports to give banks complete control over their collateral.

2. Accurate Loan-to-Value Assessment

Since stored commodities are weighed, graded, and valued professionally, the loan-to-value ratio becomes more accurate. This helps lenders to issue loans that are neither underfunded nor oversensitive to market risk. According to industry reports proper collateral valuation has been shown to reduce loan write offs by up to 35% in agri financing.

3. Reduction in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)

Linking loans directly to the value of managed warehouse receipts reduces the risk of credit default. In case of non-payment, the lender has the option to liquidate the stored goods quickly, thereby preventing the account from becoming a non-performing asset. Data suggests that banks using third-party collateral managers have 40% lower NPAs in their agricultural loan book compared to those who do not have such arrangements.

4. Faster Recovery and Liquidation

Unlike immovable property, commodities in managed warehouses are easier to liquidate. With the help of a professional partner, lenders can arrange for auction, sale, or market exit of the pledged produce and recover their dues without resorting to long legal processes. commodity recovery through collateral management can take as little as 30 days, while asset-based loan defaults can take over 18 months.

5. Better Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

A good collateral management company ensures that every transaction—from storage to release—is properly documented, audited, and compliant with financial norms. This reduces friction with regulators and improves institutional transparency.

Staragri: Your Trusted Collateral Management Partner

At Staragri, we specialize in providing end-to-end collateral management solutions to leading banks, NBFCs, and agri-finance institutions across India. With over 2189 warehouses spread nationwide and a decade of expertise in scientific warehousing, we offer secure and scalable solutions tailored for agricultural lending.

Our services include:

• Secure and insured storage of agri-commodities
• Digital inventory tracking and reporting
• Quality certification and commodity valuation
• Warehouse receipt generation for financing
• Support in recovery and liquidation

We help banks and NBFCs manage lending portfolios with reduced risk, faster disbursement, and transparent loan monitoring—backed by reliable physical collateral.

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Lend in Agriculture

Agriculture is a high-potential sector but also comes with high volatility. To scale lending in this domain while staying secure, banks and NBFCs must adopt modern risk tools like collateral management.

A trusted collateral partner like Staragri ensures your lending is not just profitable—but protected, predictable, and performance-driven.

Want to secure your agri-loan disbursals with robust collateral services?
Partner with Staragri—India’s leading name in collateral management in agriculture.

In Indian agriculture, access to credit can often make the difference between a successful harvest and a season of struggle. But for countless farmers across India, especially those without land or tangible assets, securing a traditional loan remains a far-fetched dream. This is where collateral-free credit becomes a powerful financial solution, opening up opportunities for farmers, agripreneurs, and rural businesses alike.

Let’s explore what collateral-free credit in agriculture means, who benefits from it, and how you can leverage it to grow your agribusiness or agricultural enterprise.

What Is Collateral Free Credit in Agriculture?

Collateral free credit refers to loans provided without requiring any property, land, or physical asset as security. Unlike traditional bank loans, which require collateral to reduce risk, this form of lending focuses on the borrower’s potential rather than their physical assets.

This type of financing is especially useful for small and marginal farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), self help groups (SHGs), and agritech startups, many of whom struggle to meet the stringent collateral requirements of traditional banks.

According to NABARD, over 86% of Indian farmers are small or marginal, owning less than 2 hectares of land, making unsecured loans vital to their growth.

These loans are often backed by government guarantees or risk mitigation schemes and are offered under various agricultural credit schemes that prioritise inclusion and financial access for the underprivileged.

Why Collateral Free Credit Is a Game Changer for Indian Agriculture

The traditional loan process has excluded millions of deserving individuals from the formal credit system simply because they do not own land or other fixed assets. Collateral free agriculture loans are designed to correct this imbalance and promote inclusive growth.

Here are some key benefits of unsecured agri finance:

• Instant financial support during peak sowing or harvesting seasons
• Freedom from pledging assets, which many small farmers don’t have
• Supports innovation by providing capital to agri tech entrepreneurs and first time agribusiness startups
• Empowers women-led SHGs and rural cooperatives by providing accessible finance
• Enables FPOs to scale up operations and strengthen supply chain integration
• Promotes rural employment and productivity by facilitating input procurement, storage, and marketing

A report by NABARD reveals that around 72% of India’s rural population still relies on informal credit sources due to a lack of access to formal, collateral-based loans.

In short, collateral-free loans for farmers have become a lifeline that ensures no farmer is left behind due to a lack of tangible assets.

Who Can Avail Collateral-Free Agricultural Loans?

The beauty of unsecured farm loans is that they are not just limited to individuals. They cater to a wide spectrum of players within the agriculture ecosystem:

1. Small and Marginal Farmers

These are farmers who own less than 2 hectares of land, and this group accounts for more than 80% of India’s farming community. Most of them don’t have registered land titles or any assets to offer as collateral. Collateral-free agricultural loans give them access to working capital to buy seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment.

2. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

FPOs are collective groups of farmers who work together for better bargaining power and supply chain efficiency. Agriculture credit schemes are designed to help FPOs scale up activities such as bulk procurement, warehousing, and direct market access.

3. Women Farmers and SHGs

Many women in the agriculture sector work informally or through SHGs and often face barriers in accessing bank loans. Collateral-free credit gives them the confidence and means to invest in kitchen gardens, dairy, poultry, or micro-food processing units.

4. Agri Startups and Agripreneurs

The rise of agri-tech in India has given rise to a new wave of startups offering tech-enabled solutions in farming, logistics, and storage. For these businesses, working capital for agriculture is essential, and unsecured loans help reduce the initial stage risks.

5. Agri-Exporters and Agro-Processors

Businesses involved in grain milling, oil extraction, spice processing, and exports require quick capital. Agricultural loans without collateral support operational liquidity without the burden of pledging warehouse or land assets.

Popular Government-Backed Collateral-Free Loan Schemes

The government of India and allied institutions have launched several agricultural loan schemes to promote agri finance without security. These include:

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

One of the most widely used schemes, KCC offers farmers short-term, revolving credit for crop-related expenses. It’s affordable, available at low interest rates, and requires minimal paperwork.

MUDRA Yojana (Shishu, Kishor, Tarun)

Under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and SHGs can avail loans up to ₹10 lakh without any collateral. This is especially helpful for micro and small businesses in rural India.

Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

Supported by the Ministry of MSME, the scheme offers credit guarantees to financial institutions lending to small businesses, including agro-enterprises, without collateral.

PM-FME Scheme

Part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises scheme promotes unorganized food processing units by offering collateral-free finance, training, and subsidies.

How to Apply for Collateral-Free Agricultural Credit: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for an agricultural loan without collateral is simpler than you think, especially when you have the right guidance.

Step 1: Choose the Right Lending Partner

The options include public sector banks, private NBFCs, cooperative societies, or financial facilitators like Agriwise, a trusted lending subsidiary of Staragri.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Factors such as farming experience, type of crops grown, business model, and credit history may be considered. Even without formal land ownership, activity records help.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Basic KYC (Aadhaar, PAN), bank account details, proof of activity (sales receipts, cooperative membership, etc.), and registration certificate for SHG/FPO may be required.

Step 4: Submit the Application

You can apply online through the lending portals or by visiting the nearest bank/NBFC branch. Some agencies also support door-to-door documentation.

Pro Tip: If you are part of an FPO or cooperative, apply jointly. This increases creditworthiness and improves chances of loan approval.

How Staragri Supports Farmers with Collateral-Free Financing

At Staragri, we believe that financial inclusion is the first step toward agricultural transformation. That’s why, through our specialized finance arm, Agriwise, we offer tailor-made collateral free credit solutions to farmers, SHGs, processors, and agri-traders.

Here’s how Staragri and Agriwise simplify financing:

• Fast money disbursal with minimal paperwork
• Transparent terms and no hidden charges
• Customized loan products for agri-inputs, storage, trade, and working capital
• Support for documentation and application filing
• Digital tracking and customer support across rural India

Whether you are preparing for the next sowing season or expanding your agri-processing unit, Staragri helps you access credit when you need it most, without the stress of collateral.

Conclusion: Credit Without Collateral, Growth Without Limits

India’s agricultural future depends not only on better technologies but also on empowering farmers with easy access to finance. Collateral-free agricultural credit is transforming the way small farmers, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs do business, giving them a fair opportunity to grow and prosper.

So if you are a farmer with big dreams but don’t have land papers, don’t worry. If you run an FPO or small processing unit, now is the time for you to expand. If you are ready to grow, Staragri is here to support you.

Connect with Staragri today and explore your options for collateral-free credit that suit your agricultural journey.

More than 40% of all the food produced across the globe is wasted.

India ranks 102 out of 117 in the Global Hunger Index – one of the reasons is unscientific and outdated storage methods.

Some of the challenges that plague agriculture and related businesses in India:

• Scarcity of capital sources and formal credit for farmers
• Lack of insurance, which raises the risk profile of farmers
• Poor remuneration for farmers
• Lack of access to adequate transport and storage facilities

The pandemic has further introduced new challenges over the last two years. Disruptions in global supply chains have also led to difficulties in consistency and reliability. Agribusinesses can tackle these challenges by adopting a transformation strategy based on automation and AI technologies.

Technology has the power to simplify farmers’ lives. At StarAgri, we are making the most of it to achieve our goals of food security, sustainable agribusiness value chains and delivering maximum value. Here’s how StarAgri is leveraging technology and automation to deliver modern warehousing solutions that can increase efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses:

Connected network of warehouses

We have a standardized network of warehouses across the country that all stakeholders can access via a single IT platform. It enables real-time visibility, fast data dissemination and real-time transactions for our stakeholders. Thus, they have transparent access to all the information and activities in the supply chain.

Tech-enabled quality control

StarAgri’s 500+ warehouses across India are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that features inbuilt temperature control and humidity management. This helps us provide high-quality storage with protection from pest infestation and spoilage.

Warehousing for the 21st century

Apart from modernizing the physical aspects of our warehouse infrastructure, we have also fitted them with suitable tracking technology and a digital records maintenance system. This adds value to our various storage functions and protects stored commodities.

Quality control services

We use the latest technology to provide multi-disciplinary services to our customers across the agriculture value chain. With a pan-India laboratory network and a comprehensive range of advanced analytical techniques, we help determine the composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of agri commodities. This allows our customers to manage the quality standards of their produce.

Collateral management

Farmers can store their produce as collateral in our modern warehouses and secure loans to finance their business. This also enables them to sell at the right time and right price, giving them an opportunity to raise their income. We have well-defined systems to inspect and verify collateral.

Our robust reporting processes and systems acquire comprehensive information on borrowers and accurately create and assess borrower profiles by determining quantitative and qualitative risk factors. This enables farmers to avail low-cost credit, enhances their risk profile and helps us to execute loans with near-zero default rates.

We firmly believe that warehouse automation and technology is the foundation of a resilient supply chain. We are further strengthening our technology prowess with 24×7 remote monitoring facilities and a well-integrated IT system that provides real-time stock updates across locations to customers with a few clicks.

Small and marginal holdings constitute 86.2% of the total cultivable land in India.

GoI has committed resources to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs in the country.

A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is an organization of the farmers, for the farmers and by the farmers. It is a legal entity that aims to bring together farmers/producers as a collective to increase farmers’ competitiveness and equip them with better opportunities. It provides support services to farmers such as procurement of quality inputs, finance facilitation, marketing of products, storage, branding, packaging and export management.

Farming and allied activities are critical drivers of India’s economic development, making farmers a crucial part of India’s growth story. StarAgri believes they must get the right opportunities to participate in it and benefit from it. Crises such as the pandemic compound the vulnerabilities of small and marginal farmers, hence they must be supported.

FPOs play a key role in strengthening the farm economy, which is why StarAgri sees a valuable exchange in partnering with them. Together, StarAgri and the FPOs can enhance supply chains and give the farming community a boost. Here’s how we achieve these objectives:

Better storage

Due to its perishable nature, produce comes with a shelf life. This puts small farmers in a disadvantageous position as they have to sell their goods before they are damaged. Most of the time, their production is not enough to leverage common storage solutions. Our partnership with FPOs enables farmers to avail our modern warehouse solutions collectively. This helps them store their produce and rids them of worries. Our comprehensive warehousing solutions are equipped to protect their stock from pest infestation and pilferage. We have stringent processes in place to ensure the physical integrity of their stock, both in terms of quality and quantity. We also provide value-added services like weighing and certification. As a result, farmers enjoy better bargaining power, and we strengthen the country’s resilience by empowering farmers to produce more and reducing food loss and waste.

Financial gains

The appropriate storage solutions allow small and marginal farmers to wait for better prices, enabling them to increase their income. At the same time, our partnerships with financial institutions unlock their access to low-cost credit with their produce as collateral. The easy availability of finance empowers farmers to produce more, invest in new technologies and techniques, and practice land restoration, thereby improving efficiency.

Leverage recovery opportunities

As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic’s lows, demand for agri produce will increase. To leverage this new and growing demand, farmers will need to expand production. Therefore they will require better cashflows, more storage facilities and robust logistics support. FPOs will play a pivotal role in facilitating these. By partnering with FPOs, we can provide additional services like:

• Agri testing such as grain analysis, chemical tests and microbiological tests to maintain the superior quality of the produce
• Logistics and warehousing solutions for extensive forward and backward integration with the farming community
• An electronic marketplace where FPOs can interact with buyers, and end customers can converge for fair prices and deals

By developing robust partnerships with FPOs, we can build a strong agriculture value chain and contribute to rural India’s socio-economic resilience.

Over 30 states and union territories going into a complete lockdown simultaneously led to challenges such as labour shortages.

The disruptions caused to exports of agriculture commodities are now impacting the storage capacity of warehouses.

Working together, we emerged stronger

The pandemic caught all of us off-guard and disrupted our personal and professional lives. StarAgri’s response was agile and robust, with the entire organisation working as one unit. As a result, we have become stronger. Our teams have pivoted to a flexible mindset which enables them to make quick decisions and take actions to continue supporting all our stakeholders.

Business continuity in action

Farming and allied sectors were exempted from the lockdown, which allowed us to continue our operations. But understandably, people were anxious, so some of our activities did get hindered due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, StarAgri quickly developed plans for business continuity. We actioned them to maintain operational readiness to the maximum extent possible. Through close communication with local governments and health experts, we integrated their guidance into our operations. This enabled us to ensure the safety of our employees and meet our service commitments to farmers, traders, retailers and food processing companies.

Focus on employee well-being

As we switched to a WFH mode, we ensured that the management team was in constant touch with every employee. We kept the lines of communication open, shared best practices and maintained engagement to keep everyone emotionally healthy and motivated to do their best at work. We also regularly reiterated the importance of personal safety. Additionally, we undertook hygiene measures like sanitisation and disinfection of our work premises to protect the health of our employees and their loved ones.

Tech upgrades to serve stakeholders better

Remote work meant completing most of our tasks virtually. Information technology has always played a crucial role at StarAgri, and we further leveraged its power to automate our processes, connect with stakeholders and collaborate for our daily operations. We scaled our IT systems and provided our teams with the IT hardware and software they needed to ensure the continuity of operations. Our employees were quick to adapt to the changed processes and policies, remaining dedicated and continuing to deliver excellence.

Community contributions and lessons for the future

While we were grappling with the evolving circumstances and ensuring business continuity, we also participated in community relief programmes to lend a helping hand wherever possible. For example, we actively participated in Temasek Foundation’s work of distributing life-saving medical supplies across India.

Moving ahead, we plan to continue applying the lessons learnt from battling the pandemic, such as:

• Incorporating health and safety measures in our operational strategy and implementing them across our warehouses and offices
• Leveraging IT to integrate all farmers, processors, traders and suppliers, on a single platform and improve operations such as business development and collections

Our employees continue to remain committed to the tasks at hand, and StarAgri hopes to emerge as a more resilient and tight-knit organization on the other side of the pandemic.