“Global trends in agriculture have inspired us to incorporate sustainability and efficiency into our designs. The demand for eco-friendly solutions has grown, and we’ve taken steps to ensure our tools meet these expectations while remaining affordable. Policies supporting local manufacturing, combined with the increasing inclination of farmers toward mechanization, have also bolstered this shift.” Rohit Bajaj, Co-Founder, Balwaan Krishi
In 2025, Balwaan Krishi celebrates its tenth anniversary. How do you look back at the journey so far?
Looking back, it’s been a decade of growth, learning, and impact. When we started Balwaan Krishi, our goal was simple, to make farming easier, more efficient, and accessible for small-scale farmers. Over the years, the agricultural landscape has evolved significantly, with shifting policies, a growing focus on sustainability, and increasing awareness of modern farming practices.
We have grown into a brand that farmers trust by staying aligned with these changes. The introduction of lightweight tools wasn’t just about innovation; it was about understanding the challenges farmers face daily. Expanding our reach across rural India allowed us to connect with diverse communities and adapt our solutions to their unique needs.
The changing dynamics of the agricultural sector, from the push for mechanization to the rising interest in agri-tech, have shaped our journey. Regulatory changes and government initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ have fueled local manufacturing and innovation. These developments have not only supported us but also empowered farmers to embrace new technologies.
Global shifts toward sustainability and efficiency have also encouraged us to explore eco-friendly solutions. Farmers are now more aware of the benefits of modern tools, and the demand for reliable, cost-effective machinery has grown steadily.
This journey has taught us resilience and the importance of adapting to a dynamic environment while staying connected to the people we serve. Each milestone reflects our commitment to supporting farmers, strengthening rural economies, and contributing to the modernization of Indian agriculture. We look forward to continuing this journey with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact.
“Global trends in agriculture have inspired us to incorporate sustainability and efficiency into our designs. The demand for eco-friendly solutions has grown, and we’ve taken steps to ensure our tools meet these expectations while remaining affordable. Policies supporting local manufacturing, combined with the increasing inclination of farmers toward mechanization, have also bolstered this shift.”
Balwaan Krishi aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern technology. How are you achieving this?
We focus on providing tools that are easy to use and tailored for the needs of small and marginal farmers. By blending simplicity with technology, we’ve introduced affordable equipment that doesn’t intimidate but empowers. For instance, our lightweight machines save both time and labor costs, allowing farmers to focus on productivity. Collaborations with local communities ensure that our tools are not just innovative but practical and effective on the ground.
Beyond technology, we’ve realized that innovation needs to align with mindset shifts. Farmers today are more open to modern techniques and tools, driven by increased exposure to global practices and greater awareness of technology’s benefits. However, there’s still work to be done in fostering adaptability. To address this, we prioritize research and farmer education, conducting demonstrations and workshops that showcase the real-world impact of our tools.
Global trends in agriculture have inspired us to incorporate sustainability and efficiency into our designs. The demand for eco-friendly solutions has grown, and we’ve taken steps to ensure our tools meet these expectations while remaining affordable. Policies supporting local manufacturing, combined with the increasing inclination of farmers toward mechanization, have also bolstered this shift.
Our approach is rooted in understanding the evolving needs of farmers. By staying connected with them, investing in research, and embracing technological advancements, we’ve built a portfolio that reflects both innovation and practicality. Whether it’s lightweight tools for female farmers or scalable machinery for diverse crops, our mission remains the same: to empower farmers and contribute to India’s agricultural growth.
At present, what kind of product portfolio do you have? Are you looking at expanding the same in the near future?
Right now, we are offering a range of tools like lightweight power weeders, tillers, sprayers, and more, specifically designed for small and marginal farmers in India. These products are crafted to save time, reduce labor costs, and enhance efficiency while being simple, reliable, and adaptable to diverse agricultural conditions across the country.
But we’re not stopping there. As we continue listening to farmers and their evolving needs, we’re exploring innovations to address challenges like irrigation and soil management. For instance, in regions where water availability is scarce, we are researching mechanized systems that optimize water usage and improve crop health. This aligns with global agricultural trends where technology is reshaping farming practices.
Countries like Japan and the USA provide compelling examples. Japan, for instance, is leveraging robotics and AI to counter labour shortages, enabling precision farming on small plots of land. Meanwhile, the USA has adopted advanced GPS-enabled tractors and smart irrigation systems that monitor water use and maximize yields. These technologies are revolutionizing the way farmers approach efficiency and sustainability.
On another promising front, we are actively exploring opportunities in the African market. In recent years, the demand for Indian agri-tools in Africa has surged, driven by the growing availability of technological know-how and the need for cost-effective solutions. Countries like Ethiopia and Sudan are utilizing tools such as drones, soil sensors, and smart irrigation systems to mitigate climate challenges, improve crop yields, and strengthen food security. These solutions resonate deeply with Balwaan’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers.
Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce tech-driven solutions, including smart sensors, GPS-enabled devices, and tools tailored for specific crops and terrains, such as horticulture or mountainous regions. By embracing global best practices and addressing local needs, we aim to drive a new era of productivity and sustainability, not just in India but globally.
“In India, women often lead small-scale farming operations, growing essential crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables. By equipping them with the right tools, we’re helping them improve productivity and income, directly benefiting their families and communities.”
Balwaan Krishi has also developed lightweight farming equipment specifically designed for female farmers. Tell us more on this front.
Women are the backbone of agriculture in many rural areas, yet their specific needs often go unnoticed. Globally, women make up about 43 percent of the agricultural labor force, and in India, they account for almost 75 percent of the full-time farm workforce. Despite their significant contribution, they often lack access to resources like training, financing, and equipment designed for them.
To address this gap, we’ve developed tools that are lighter, ergonomically designed, and easy to operate, ensuring that women farmers can use them comfortably and efficiently. For example, our lightweight sprayers and mini tillers are designed with features like adjustable handles and reduced vibration, making them more user-friendly. These tools reduce physical strain and save time, allowing women to manage both farming and household responsibilities effectively.
Empowering women farmers is about more than just convenience, it’s about driving community growth. Studies show that when women farmers have the same resources as men, agricultural yields can increase by 20-30 percent, reducing hunger by 12-17 percent globally. In India, women often lead small-scale farming operations, growing essential crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables. By equipping them with the right tools, we’re helping them improve productivity and income, directly benefiting their families and communities.
One inspiring example is from a farming collective in Maharashtra, where a group of women farmers adopted our tools. With reduced labour and improved efficiency, they doubled their productivity within a season, enabling them to invest in better seeds and education for their children. Stories like these reaffirm our belief in focusing on this segment of the farming community.
This initiative has been a personal priority because empowering women farmers means empowering entire ecosystems. By investing in their success, we’re creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities. Seeing these women adopt our tools and thrive is one of our proudest achievements. We’re committed to continuing this journey, ensuring they receive the support and resources they truly deserve.
Tell us something about your manufacturing footprint.
We have built a strong manufacturing base with facilities that prioritize both quality and scalability. Our approach is rooted in using locally sourced materials and forming partnerships with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This not only ensures consistent quality but also supports the local economy by creating jobs and driving innovation at the grassroots level.
Our facilities are designed to meet the diverse needs of small and marginal farmers. By staying adaptable, we can quickly respond to market demands and farmer feedback. For instance, the use of modular manufacturing processes allows us to scale up production of specific tools based on seasonal needs or regional preferences. This agility has been crucial in keeping our products affordable and accessible.
Collaborating with MSMEs has multiple benefits. It strengthens the supply chain, reduces production costs, and encourages local innovation. According to the Ministry of MSME, the sector contributes nearly 30 percent to India’s GDP and plays a pivotal role in driving rural employment. By integrating MSMEs into our operations, we’re not just producing tools, we’re contributing to a larger ecosystem of growth and self-reliance.
Additionally, our focus on locally sourced materials reduces our environmental footprint and enhances the sustainability of our operations. For example, sourcing steel and other components domestically not only ensures quality but also shortens the supply chain, making us less vulnerable to global disruptions.
As we move forward, we’re investing in advanced technologies like automation and precision engineering to further enhance efficiency and output. These upgrades will enable us to cater to the growing demand for innovative farming tools while maintaining our commitment to affordability and quality. By staying grounded in our mission, we aim to bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and the technological advancements that are reshaping agriculture globally.
“Our expansion strategy focuses on meeting the rising demand for mechanized tools. Currently, only about 40 percent of India’s agricultural land is mechanized, compared to 95 percent in countries like the U.S. and Japan. By introducing affordable, lightweight, and efficient equipment, we aim to bridge this gap.”
Where do you see Balwaan Krishi in the next three years?
In the next three years, I see Balwaan Krishi becoming a trusted household name among India’s 120 million farming families. Agriculture accounts for nearly 18 percent of India’s GDP, and smallholder farmers, who make up 86 percent of the total, are at the heart of this sector. Our goal is to empower these farmers by making modern tools affordable and accessible, especially in underserved rural areas.
Our expansion strategy focuses on meeting the rising demand for mechanized tools. Currently, only about 40 percent of India’s agricultural land is mechanized, compared to 95 percent in countries like the U.S. and Japan. By introducing affordable, lightweight, and efficient equipment, we aim to bridge this gap. For example, our power weeders and tillers have already saved farmers up to 30 percent in labour costs.
To deepen our reach, we are strengthening our distribution network, working with over 2,000+ dealers and partnering with local cooperatives. By 2026, we aim to double this network, ensuring that even the most remote villages have access to our products. Additionally, through training programs, we plan to equip farmers with the knowledge to use these tools effectively.
Sustainability is another focus area for us. With agriculture consuming nearly 80 percent of India’s freshwater resources, our upcoming products, such as precision irrigation systems, aim to promote resource efficiency. Innovations like this not only enhance productivity but also align with global sustainability goals.
Our vision is to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive agricultural ecosystem. By introducing tools that save time and effort, supporting local manufacturing, and embracing technology, we hope to transform farming practices and improve livelihoods. Over the next three years, we will continue to champion this transformation, ensuring Indian agriculture thrives in an increasingly competitive and innovative global environment.
