Consider Raw India’s solar solutions for the agricultural sector

Combining technology and tradition, ThinkRaw is revolutionizing agriculture with solar-powered solutions that increase productivity and sustainability in agriculture and aquaculture.

Founded in 2016 by Minushri Madhumita and Amrita Jagatdeo, ThinkRaw India Private Limited is a Delhi-based EPC (Equipment Procurement and Commissioning) contractor for solar energy. They have introduced two innovative products – Dhivara Mitra and Krishi Dhanu – to simplify the aquaculture and agriculture sectors.

Minushri describes ThinkRaw as the embodiment of the concept of “thinking outside the box.” Their products integrate IT and solar technologies. Dhivara Mitra tackles the challenges of aquaculture by using IoT and solar energy to manage feed distribution, dissolved oxygen levels and pH levels in water bodies. Additionally, they have developed Krishi Dhanu, a portable solar-powered device for dispensing solid fertilizers in the agricultural sector.

Dhivara Mitra, a floating vessel equipped with 1.1 kilowatts of off-grid solar power, offers versatile aquaculture capabilities. Regulates feed distribution, pH levels and aeration, ensuring optimal harvest of fish and shrimp. Equipped with IoT sensors, it provides real-time monitoring of dissolved oxygen and pH levels in the water body and alerts farmers in case of any imbalances.

For agriculture, they introduced Krishi Dhanu, a portable solar-powered device that simplifies the dosing of solid fertilizers. Unlike traditional methods that involve spreading or spraying by hand, Krishi Dhanu directly dispenses solid fertilizer. It works with two engines that grind and distribute fertilizer and includes a moderator that regulates the sowing rate. The device is equipped with an IoT-enabled scale that records and stores data on fertilizer consumption and type. It also integrates with crop and soil monitoring applications, providing insight into fertilizer requirements and soil conditions.

“We have applied for three patents on Dhivar Mitra relating to DC motor, design pattern and power solution, of which two have already been granted. These patents cover the overall design and feed dispensing system. Moreover, we have applied for a patent on Krishi Dhanu, which is expected to be approved in the next one to two months,” says Minushri.

They claim to have purchased the fiberglass bodies of the Dhivara Mitra and Krishi Dhanu from a renowned Indian shipbuilding company, the second largest in the country. By adapting market-sourced engines, their internal capabilities include purchasing solar panels and other components. They produce the ship’s structure and internal components in-house, including sensors, solar panels and other IoT applications developed as part of research and development. However, for hardware devices, they depend on market availability.

Fifteen Krishi Dhanu units were sold: five to the Farmers’ Federation assisted by Odisha Labor Mission in Kalahandi district of Odisha and the remaining ten were allotted to FPOs supported by SELCO Foundation.

Depending on equipment, Dhivara Mitra boats cost between ₹550,000 and ₹660,000 each. The `660,000 level includes sensors for digital measurement of oxygen and pH levels, which are suitable for farmers with land of one acre. Some people choose the cheaper option due to the cost of the sensor. Government subsidies include 40-50% in Odisha and 30% from the National Fisheries Development Board across India.

If someone can’t afford to buy outright, they can rent. “As mentioned earlier, five units of Dhivara Mitra were sold to an agro-producing company and one unit was rented to a farmer at a monthly rate of ₹10,000,” says Minushri.

“Ten units of Krishi Dhanu sold to Farmers Federation supported by Odisha Livelihoods Mission are being rented out by various farmer producer organizations (FPOs). Here’s how it works: Consider a self-help group with 14 members. One member is trained to operate the machine and together they cover labor and machine hire fees of approximately £1,000 per day. This setup helps them manage agricultural tasks effectively despite labor shortages,” he adds.

The startup has an assembly unit in Paradeep, Odisha and is looking for funds to expand its business. ThinkRaw employs 11 people and generates revenue by selling solar kits and providing rental services for market-ready versions of its products.

The startup uses two potential business approaches: the first involves working directly with large farmers who buy wholesale, while the second focuses on working with FPO organizations that have between 300 and 2,000 members. The first approach involves selling directly to farmers, while the second involves selling through FPOs, which receive a 10% commission on sales.

The public perception of farming as a low-status profession hampers efforts to convince farmers to adopt our products despite their affordability. “Our challenge is to show the benefits of the products, change long-held views about agriculture and recognize the progressive nature of farmers,” adds Minushri.

The startup plans to launch in Canada in the next few months. Minushri says: “With 30% of Canada’s economy based on fish and shrimp farming, we see huge potential in this market. Additionally, we see opportunities in other American and Asian countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh. Our goal is to become a truly global company.”

From 2016 to 2023, their revenue, team size and brand recognition doubled, exceeding all expectations. Despite starting with minimal investment, they have achieved extraordinary growth, with revenues now exceeding £20 million.

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