Biography of Saurabh Agarwal: Founder & CEO of GROWiT- Entrepreneur
Biography of Saurabh Agarwal:
Saurabh Agarwal is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Founder
& CEO of GROWiT India Pvt Ltd, an innovative company revolutionizing the
agricultural sector. With over 18 years of experience in business leadership,
Saurabh's journey began in his family business, Alpha Plastomers. His academic
foundation includes a degree in Supply Chain Management from Cardiff University
and an MBA focused on Family Managed Business from SP Jain Institute of
Management, Mumbai. Equipped with a solid mix of education and hands-on
experience, Saurabh ventured into agri-tech with a mission to empower Indian
farmers and drive sustainable agricultural practices.
The Birth of GROWiT: A Personal Farming Experiment
GROWiT India was founded out of a personal experience. In
2017, Saurabh and his brother Akshay decided to start farming on their own
land. This experiment turned into a major learning experience when they
discovered the challenges of traditional farming. Realizing that farmers in
India lacked access to protective farming products that could enhance crop
yield and quality, they decided to address this gap. This led to the creation
of GROWiT, a company that would go on to offer innovative farming solutions, such
as mulch films and crop covers, to farmers across the country.
From Family Business to Agri-Tech Entrepreneur
Saurabh's entrepreneurial journey started with the family
business, Alpha Plastomers, where he gained in-depth knowledge of manufacturing
processes, operations, and management. By 2012, he had gained the confidence of
his father and grandfather to take over the operations of Alpha Plastomers,
which he expanded significantly. However, his passion for agriculture
eventually steered him into the agri-tech sector. Saurabh saw a pressing need
for sustainable farming solutions, and GROWiT was born as a direct response to
that need.
The GROWiT Mission: Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable
Future
At the heart of GROWiT is its mission to "Empower
Farmers for Food Security Towards a Sustainable Future." The company is
focused on improving farming productivity while ensuring environmental
sustainability. By providing protective farming products such as mulch films,
crop covers, and weed mats, GROWiT aims to enhance crop yields, reduce water
usage, and cut down on the need for pesticides and fertilizers, all while
making farming more profitable and sustainable for Indian farmers.
Building a Sustainable Agriculture Ecosystem
GROWiT's approach is holistic, aiming to build a sustainable
agricultural ecosystem. The company works directly with farmers, providing them
with the tools and knowledge needed to adopt protective farming practices. This
direct-to-farmer model not only ensures that farmers have access to the right
products but also helps bridge the information gap that exists in traditional
agricultural supply chains. By empowering farmers with the latest technology
and knowledge, GROWiT is playing a pivotal role in reshaping India's
agricultural landscape.
Overcoming Challenges in the Agri-Tech Sector
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Saurabh faced numerous
challenges while building GROWiT. One of the biggest hurdles was the lack of
awareness among farmers about protective farming techniques. To overcome this,
Saurabh and his team focused on educating farmers through workshops, demo
farms, and direct interactions. Another challenge was the initial difficulty in
convincing farmers to switch from traditional methods to modern, sustainable
practices. However, GROWiT's direct outreach and effective demonstrations have
helped gain trust and foster adoption across various states.
Expanding the Reach: Helping 25,000+ Farmers
In just a few years, GROWiT has helped over 25,000 farmers
across India in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
and others. The company’s products, including mulch films, crop covers, and
shade nets, are now being used to improve soil health, increase crop yield, and
reduce water usage. GROWiT’s innovative solutions have not only made farming
more sustainable but also more profitable for farmers, helping them double
their incomes in some cases.
Technological Innovation in Farming
One of the key factors that set GROWiT apart is its focus on
technology-driven farming solutions. The company’s products, such as the mulch
film, help create a microclimate around crops, protecting them from harsh
weather conditions, preventing weed growth, and reducing the need for excessive
water and chemical inputs. This integration of technology with traditional
farming practices has made GROWiT an important player in the agri-tech
industry, positioning the company to drive positive change in Indian agriculture.
Franchise Model: A Path to Scale and Expansion
To scale its impact, GROWiT has adopted an innovative
franchise model. With over 500+ franchise stores across 10+ states in India,
the company is rapidly expanding its reach and enabling more farmers to access
its products. The franchise model allows GROWiT to penetrate rural areas more
effectively, where access to modern farming solutions is often limited.
Additionally, GROWiT's franchisees serve as local ambassadors, helping educate
farmers and promote sustainable practices at the grassroots level.
Biography of Saurabh Agarwal: Founder & CEO of GROWiT- Entrepreneur/farming solutions like mulch films and crop covers/age/net worth/investor/startup
Investor Backing: Fueling Growth and Innovation
As the company expanded, Saurabh sought investment to
accelerate GROWiT's growth. In 2023, the company appeared on the popular TV
show Shark Tank India and secured a deal worth ₹1 crore from investors Namita
Thapar and Peyush Bansal. This investment is helping GROWiT scale its
operations and reach even more farmers with its innovative solutions. The
backing from prominent investors is also enabling the company to further refine
its products and explore new opportunities in the agri-tech sector.
Impacting Lives: Farmer Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
At GROWiT, the focus is not just on the environment but also
on improving the financial stability of farmers. By helping farmers increase
their crop yield and reduce costs, GROWiT is contributing to rural prosperity.
The company’s solutions also ensure that farmers get fair prices for their
products, addressing one of the major issues in the Indian agricultural supply
chain. Through its work, GROWiT is driving social impact, reducing poverty in
rural areas, and improving the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is at the heart of GROWiT’s operations. The
company is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of farming by
promoting practices that conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and lower carbon
emissions. By offering eco-friendly farming solutions, GROWiT is contributing
to India’s broader sustainability goals. The company’s protective farming
products, such as biodegradable mulch films and shade nets, are designed to
reduce waste and ensure that farming practices remain environmentally sustainable
in the long term.
The Power of Education: Building Awareness Among Farmers
One of the critical aspects of GROWiT's success has been its
focus on educating farmers. Saurabh and his team understand that providing the
right products alone isn’t enough; farmers need to understand how to use them
effectively. Through workshops, farmer training programs, and demo farms,
GROWiT educates farmers on the benefits of protective farming techniques and
how they can improve their productivity. This education-first approach has
helped GROWiT gain the trust of farmers and build long-term relationships.
Future Vision: Becoming the Global Leader in Protective
Farming
Looking ahead, Saurabh envisions GROWiT becoming the world’s
largest protective farming company. With its innovative products and strong
commitment to sustainability, the company is poised for global expansion.
GROWiT plans to expand its reach beyond India and into international markets
where agricultural practices can benefit from its solutions. Saurabh is also
keen to explore new technologies that can further enhance farming productivity,
such as precision agriculture tools and climate-resilient farming techniques.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Saurabh’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet
powerful: "Find a problem that you're passionate about solving, and then
find the right team and resources to solve it." He emphasizes the
importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to
challenges. For him, entrepreneurship is not just about building a business;
it’s about making a positive impact. He encourages young entrepreneurs to stay
committed to their vision, even when faced with obstacles, and to always stay
focused on the bigger picture.
Timeline for Saurabh Agarwal and GROWiT
2000s - Saurabh completes a degree in Supply Chain
Management from Cardiff University and an MBA from SP Jain Institute.
2012 - Takes over operations of family business, Alpha
Plastomers, expanding its reach and operations.
2017 - Starts farming with his brother Akshay, leading to
the creation of GROWiT India after identifying gaps in protective farming
products.
2017 - Founding of GROWiT, focused on providing sustainable
farming solutions like mulch films and crop covers to farmers.
2019 - GROWiT helps over 25,000 farmers in states like
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, improving soil health and crop yields.
2023 - GROWiT appears on Shark Tank India and secures ₹1
crore from investors Namita Thapar and Peyush Bansal to scale operations.
2023 - Expands GROWiT’s reach through over 500+ franchise
stores across 10+ states in India, promoting sustainable farming practices.
2024 - Plans for global expansion, aiming to become the
world’s largest protective farming company with a focus on sustainability.
