Shashank Kumar, the co-founder and CEO of DeHaat, stands at the forefront of a technological revolution in Indian agriculture. With a mission to empower farmers through innovation, Shashank has built DeHaat into a leading agritech startup that serves over 1.8 million farmers across 12 states in India. His journey from a small town in Bihar to becoming a pivotal figure in the agricultural sector is a testament to his vision, determination, and commitment to creating a positive impact.
Born and raised in Chhapra, Bihar, Shashank Kumar grew up in a modest family. His father worked at the Bihar National Electricity Board, while his mother was a teacher. Shashank’s early education took place at the prestigious Netarhat Residential School in Jharkhand, known for its rigorous academic standards. He later pursued higher education at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he earned a degree in Textile Engineering in 2008. During his time at IIT Delhi, he also completed a minor in MBA from the Department of Management Studies, equipping him with a blend of technical expertise and business acumen.
Career Before DeHaat
After graduating from IIT Delhi, Shashank worked as a management consultant for 2.5 years, focusing on supply chain, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. This experience gave him valuable insights into business operations and the inefficiencies that plagued industries, including agriculture. However, Shashank’s passion for creating social impact drove him to seek a more meaningful path, one that would directly benefit rural communities.
Founding DeHaat: A Vision for Change
In 2011, Shashank Kumar teamed up with his friend Manish Kumar, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, to establish the non-profit organization Farms and Farmers (FnF) Foundation. Their goal was to improve the farming industry by addressing its inefficiencies. This initiative laid the groundwork for DeHaat, officially launched in 2012 as Green Agrevolution. DeHaat’s mission is to leverage technology to bring efficiency and transparency to the agricultural supply chain, connecting small and marginal farmers directly with service providers and markets.
DeHaat offers a comprehensive platform that provides farmers with crop advisory, monitoring, information, high-quality agricultural inputs, equipment, and market linkages for their produce. Shashank’s vision was to create a one-stop solution that addresses the entire agricultural value chain, empowering farmers to improve their yields and incomes.
DeHaat’s Impact on Indian Agriculture
Since its inception, DeHaat has grown exponentially, now operating in 12 Indian states with a network of over 11,000 DeHaat Centers and 503 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The company serves more than 1.8 million farmers and has achieved an impressive annual growth rate of 3.5x. In the fiscal year 2022-23, DeHaat’s gross revenue reached Rs 1,965 crore, marking a 54.2% increase from the previous year.
DeHaat’s innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology enables it to provide farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and access to quality inputs and markets. The company has onboarded over 2,000 agricultural institutions, including input manufacturers, food and consumer goods companies, banks, and insurance firms, creating a robust ecosystem for farmers. By addressing inefficiencies and a lack of transparency in the $350 billion Indian agriculture sector, DeHaat has become a vital bridge between farmers and businesses.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest challenges Shashank faced was gaining the trust of farmers, who were initially skeptical about adopting new technologies and methods. Many farmers viewed changes in cropping patterns as risky rather than beneficial. To overcome this, DeHaat focused on building strong relationships with farmers by working closely with them and understanding their needs. The company employed a team of over 3,000 agri-entrepreneurs who act as intermediaries, providing on-ground support and fostering trust.
DeHaat also recognized that the agricultural process was fragmented, with solutions often addressing only specific aspects of farming. Shashank and his team developed a holistic platform that covers all stages of farming, from pre-sowing activities like crop planning and soil testing to post-harvest services like grain quality assessment and market linkage. This integrated approach has been a game-changer, enabling DeHaat to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions.
Recognition and Awards
Shashank Kumar’s contributions to Indian agriculture have earned him widespread recognition. In 2014, he was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 by Forbes India, highlighting his potential as a young leader. In 2018, he was named in BWDisrupt 40 Under 40 and received the “Champions of Change” award from the Prime Minister of India and Niti Aayog. Shashank was also honored as an Ashoka Fellow in 2013 for his work as a global changemaker and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Delhi in 2017 for his significant contributions to national development.
DeHaat itself has been celebrated for its innovative business model. In 2019, it won the ‘Agri Startup of the Year’ award at the National Entrepreneurship Awards, and in 2020, it was listed among the top 100 emerging startups in India by the Economic Times. These accolades reflect DeHaat’s transformative impact on the agricultural sector.
Future Plans and Vision
Shashank Kumar envisions DeHaat reaching 5 million farmers by 2025, supported by a network of 30,000+ micro-entrepreneurs. The company is also committed to promoting climate-resilient farming practices and expanding its export footprint to contribute to global food security. DeHaat’s long-term goal is to create a sustainable and efficient agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.
In 2022, DeHaat raised $60 million in funding, achieving a valuation of over $700 million. This investment will support its expansion and efforts to achieve break-even profitability within two years. Shashank Kumar’s focus on scalability and impact ensures that DeHaat remains a leader in the agritech space.
Shashank Kumar’s journey from a small town in Bihar to leading a transformative agritech startup is truly inspiring. Through DeHaat, he has harnessed technology to empower millions of farmers, addressing inefficiencies and fostering sustainable practices in Indian agriculture. As DeHaat continues to grow, Shashank’s vision for a technologically empowered agricultural sector is becoming a reality, promising a brighter future for farmers across India.
