Founded in 2010 by Krishna Kumar and Kunal Prasad in Bangalore, Karnataka, Cropin has emerged as a frontrunner in the agricultural technology sector.
With a mission to maximize per-acre value and a vision to make every farm traceable, Cropin aims to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
The Challenges in Agriculture
Agriculture is facing numerous challenges that threaten food security and sustainability. By 2100, vegetable and legume yields are projected to decline by approximately 35% due to climate change.
Furthermore, around 35-50% of food produced annually is wasted, leading to a significant wastage of fresh water.
The impact of agricultural production on biodiversity is alarming, as 80% of global deforestation results from this sector.
Additionally, smallholder farming households, numbering around 500 million, face unmet demand for approximately $170 billion in agricultural lending, highlighting the critical need for financial inclusion.
Transforming Agriculture with Technology
Cropin is tackling these challenges head-on through its innovative solutions.
By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, Cropin has digitized over 30 million acres of farmland, impacting more than 7 million farmers across 103 countries.
The company has developed the Cropin Cloud, the world’s first purpose-built industry cloud for agriculture, which combines satellite imagery, data analytics, and predictive intelligence to provide actionable insights.
This platform enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, enhancing farming efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
The company’s applications help improve yield quality, reduce operational costs, generate real-time insights, and predict agricultural trends.
A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Cropin’s journey began in a modest two-room apartment, where the founders had a vision of transforming agriculture.
In 2013, the company pivoted from a farmer-focused model to a B2B approach, completing significant milestones, including onboarding over 25 enterprise customers.
This shift marked the beginning of Cropin’s trajectory toward becoming a leader in agricultural technology.
By 2016, Cropin had launched its first farm-to-fork traceability solution, solidifying its reputation as an innovator in the field.
The company continued to scale, expanding its team and entering new markets, including Latin America.
A significant milestone came in 2018 when Cropin raised $8 million in a Series B funding round led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This funding fueled the development of SmartRisk®, an AI-powered predictive modeling solution designed to help farmers mitigate risks associated with crop failure.
In 2021, Cropin raised an additional $20 million in a Series C funding round, further establishing its market presence.
The launch of the Cropin Cloud in 2022 represented a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, as it introduced a secure, scalable platform designed to accelerate digital transformation across the agricultural ecosystem.
Empowering Stakeholders in Agriculture
Cropin is committed to digital empowerment across the agriculture ecosystem, creating a real-time ag-ecosystem intelligence platform that connects farmers, agribusinesses, development agencies, and government organizations.
By digitizing every farm and enabling farm-to-fork traceability, Cropin is not only improving productivity but also building trust and transparency in the supply chain.
One of the company’s flagship solutions, Cropin Grow (SmartFarm Plus), provides farmers with tools to monitor their crops, manage farm operations, and receive timely advisories.
Another critical offering, Cropin Connect (AcreSquare), enhances communication between farmers and agribusinesses, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation.
The Cropin Trace (RootTrace) solution empowers consumers by ensuring food safety and quality through end-to-end traceability.
By leveraging QR code technology, this solution allows stakeholders to monitor the entire supply chain, promoting transparency and accountability in food production.
Impact and Future Aspirations
As of 2023, Cropin has successfully digitized over 16 million acres of farmland and works with more than 250 clients globally.
The company has established itself as a key player in the agricultural sector, enabling financial inclusion and sustainable farming practices.
With a focus on solving complex problems across the agricultural value chain, Cropin is poised for significant growth as it continues to innovate and expand its offerings.
Through its commitment to maximizing per-acre value and reducing the digital divide in agriculture, Cropin is not just changing the landscape of farming; it’s nurturing a better tomorrow for billions around the globe.
