This Startup Is Helping 30,000 Farmers in Maharashtra Escape the Cycle of Debt

For decades, farmers in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region have faced unimaginable challenges—crop failures, mounting debt, and tragically, thousands of farmer suicides. But amid this crisis, a ray of hope has emerged. Krushi Sarathi, an initiative launched by the son of a local farmer, is transforming rural lives—empowering over 30,000 farmers with practical knowledge, affordable tools, and access to new-age technology.

The Roots of the Crisis

Vidarbha’s farming story has long been marked by struggle. With rain-fed agriculture, rising input costs, limited market access, and poor financial literacy, many farmers are trapped in a cycle of high-interest loans and low-yield harvests. The mental toll is devastating. In response to this grim reality, a son of the soil decided enough was enough.

Enter Krushi Sarathi

Founded by Prashant Pawar, whose family has farmed in the region for generations, Krushi Sarathi began as a grassroots movement to bridge the growing gap between farmers and sustainable agricultural practices.

The goal? Equip farmers with what they truly need to succeed—not just subsidies, but solutions.

What Does Krushi Sarathi Do?

  1. Farmer Education & Training: Through on-ground workshops, WhatsApp groups, and video tutorials in local languages, farmers are taught modern farming techniques, soil health practices, water conservation, and pest management.

  2. Access to Tools & Inputs: Krushi Sarathi partners with agri-tech companies to provide subsidised access to organic fertilisers, sensors, and weather-tracking tools that help farmers make smarter, data-driven decisions.

  3. Market Linkages: The initiative connects farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices for produce.

  4. Financial Guidance: Krushi Sarathi also works with micro-finance institutions to provide low-interest loans and educates farmers on financial planning, insurance, and government schemes.

Measurable Impact

  • 30,000+ farmers impacted across Vidarbha and neighbouring districts

  • Farmers report a 25–40% reduction in input costs

  • Average incomes have increased by up to 3x in some cases

  • A sharp decline in crop waste thanks to timely interventions and tech support

Real Stories, Real Change

One such success story is that of Sanjay Kale, a cotton farmer from Yavatmal. Previously burdened with loans and uncertain yields, he began using Krushi Sarathi’s drip irrigation advice and natural pest control methods. Within two years, he went from debt to surplus and is now helping other farmers in his village adopt the same practices.

“I used to dread every monsoon. Now, I look forward to sowing season. I know I have a system, and I’m not alone,” says Sanjay.

The Bigger Picture

Krushi Sarathi is not just a startup—it’s a growing community of farmers helping each other thrive. With plans to expand across Maharashtra and into other agrarian states, Prashant and his team are exploring partnerships with agri-universities, rural banks, and the government to scale their impact.

Their dream? To make farmer suicide a thing of the past and bring dignity and prosperity back to the fields.

A Model for Rural India

As India looks toward a future of sustainable development and food security, initiatives like Krushi Sarathi serve as blueprints. They prove that real change doesn’t always require massive capital—just commitment, compassion, and community-driven innovation.