Agricultural activity is dynamic and changes with technological advancements. Several factors like climate change, market demands, consumer preferences, labour availability, water availability, soil conditions determine the kind of activity that is required. Today’s agriculture aims at intensive cultivation at the same time creating sustainable environment. Under protected cultivation, it is possible to produce high quantity vegetables and flowers using minimum resources mainly the land. It requires use of technical expertise of several other fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, satellite technology, bio technology etc.

Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Management course aims at giving the candidate an exposure to modern agriculture with a clear focus on addressing field level issues. This course will have a right mixture of both business management principles and the agri and allied sectors insights. There are about 12 unique add-on courses planned under this by Way2ABI. They include farm management; precision, integrated and organic farming; crop cultivation under protected condition or greenhouse; ornamental horticulture and landscaping; apiculture; ornamental fisheries; goat farming; agri tourism; post harvest management; agricultural marketing; agribusiness project management; and commodities market. Training and mentoring will be done by the sector or subject experts.

Project Management Consultants (PMC) is an entity or organisation with knowledge and experience in the specialized area of services required by the service user. With respect to agribusiness operations, PMC would offer professional consultancy services in the area such as project planning, project implementation and operations management being retainer. PMC services can be end to end services for the benefit of the project. However, thorough knowledge in all the area is the biggest challenge. With respect to agribusiness projects, PMC service could include project concept note preparation; identification of land, water and power for the project; obtaining Govt approval and clearances; project funding and bank loan; vender selection depending upon the requirements; project implementation; availing applicable Govt subsidy; building business models; business operations management etc.

PMC could be very handy for the start-ups as the former will be well versed with project planning and execution requirements. Time and again it can be noticed that irrational investment done on commercial projects in the initial stage which cannot be justifiable later. Meanwhile, existing organisations can also use their services with specific objective like strengthening backend operations, outsourcing of selected activities etc. Using PMC services allows organisation to draw on its invaluable experience since consultants would work with a broad array of many organizations. Selection of an appropriate PMC firm for their specific needs is one of most important things that entrepreneurs should focus. Service proposal and agreement including service scope, milestones, timelines, role and responsibilities of consultant, payment terms etc. would be core areas to be worked out jointly for future success of the project.Way2ABI being PMC organisation will take up agriculture and allied sectors projects.

Market information v/s intelligence: Market Intelligence is a process of analysis of data and giving insights into what might happen in the future. This process requires gathering data and converting into information and then to market intelligence. Intelligence differs from information since it requires some form of analysis. Mere price information without analysis, insights and strategies will be less useful.

The need for market intelligence services: The better system of market information and intelligence or business intelligence is need of the day to enable the farmers to take informed decisions about what to grow, when to grow and harvest, whether to store it or not and where to market the produce. Trading community also need to have decision enabling support for their operations such as buying, selling and holding back the produce.Way2ABI offers market intelligence services through its App “Way2ABI Agri FBI” for the benefits of participants in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

Building linkage between the farm and the market for the benefit of farmers and also trading community is the need of the day. This would assist to reduction in cost incurred across the chain and also showcase better trading system. Multiple and best trading platforms need to emerge within agri marketing system including IT and mobile revolution driven platforms.

“Way2Market – ATP” by Way2ABI has a wide supplier and buyer base, which allows the seller and buyer to sell & buy respectively at the right and fair price. Under buy module, the buyer can view list of farm or agriculture produce and products available for selling. Buyer can directly call the farmer and get the good deal besides posting his requirements. Similarly under sell module, seller can search from the list of categories of farm produce and products. He can post personalized image of his produce and products with quality specifications, expected price and quantity availability.

Many times concepts are left behind without implementation. This will cause a kind of vacuum in identifying the problems while implementing the concepts. In order to show a smooth path way in implementing the projects, Way2ABI take up live demos on its own or by making tie-up with the project proponents. For example, developing a small and sustainable agri-tourism project with unique agri themes to attract and retain the customers. This can be replicated by the project promoters in a big way. While developing POCs, agribusiness opportunities, project self sustainability, opportunities for scaling up etc. will be considered as priority areas.

In spite of setback at various stages of agriculture supply chain, all the participants in the chain mainly the famers need to continue with their livelihood activities. This is not only important for farmers’ point of view but also for consumers, to meet the later food requirements. Practically, food sector will never face recession as consumers cannot forgo food. These features reveal that there is a huge scope for growth in the sector, but change in perception from merely farming to agribusiness is a must mainly in the mind of the farming community. Concept of crop production should change from production driven to consumer driven market. Higher priority for commercial crop cultivation, value addition to produce and application of business principles in selected commercial agriculture operations is the indicator of transition towards agribusiness. This would result in better agri marketing system under which farming community and also agribusiness companies would get benefited.

Significant change in consumption pattern of food can be noticed both globally and within India. Rising income of middle class population, more awareness about quality and nutritious food, demographic change, reduced family size etc. are bringing these changes. There is scope for marketing of packaged foods, ready-to-serve food etc. There is rising aspiration of rural youth and awareness about nutrition is also contributing for better marketing of variety of agricultural products. Today food production system requires infrastructure, change in input use, integration of new technologies, compliance to safety standards, suitable skilled manpower, market linkage and marketing strategies etc. required for enhancing profitability. Use of machineries and operation automation is more relevant in view of labour shortage and resource crunch.

The above developments are creating newer opportunities for agriculture entrepreneurs. Farmers, scientists, infrastructure providers, machinery and technology providers, specialised food service providers, financial institutions, venture capitalists, marketers, trading community, warehousing and cold storage service providers, cargos and shipping jetties etc. in the agribusiness chain have a great role to play in the future.

Unlike other business, agribusiness takes place in a complex environment, by involving farmers, intermediaries, government policy makers and marketers. Agribusiness service would deal with required decision enabling strategic input support to stakeholders such as forward farmers and their associations, processors, corporates and the Govt. bodies. The area of research and consultancy services may include crop production, processing and marketing.

Way2ABI offers services with one stop solutions as consultants to most agribusiness activities, whether it is related to direct farming or to support services such as developing applications, providing market intelligence, trading platforms or facilitation to create any infrastructure, to get Govt subsidy, loans from any reputed financial institution or organisations.

Today’s agriculture needs not only high technology but also use of quality inputs, conservation of soil, water, environment and marketing facilities. Labour shortage and climate change have added new challenges to farming activities. Most of the earlier modern practises are becoming conventional as more and more advancement are taking places in the field of seed technology, bio technology, and use of information technology. Way2ABI aims at keeping abreast with latest technology developments in agriculture and inculcate them in the project, which are implementable. We assist to create infrastructure at farm-gate and also suitable processing and marketing infrastructure.

With commercial crops gaining momentum, there has been a great shift in the minds of farming community to go for horticulture. Horticulture includes cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants. Horticulture has crops that are suitable to every agro climatic conditions. Horticulture sector is witnessing at robust growth in the recent year with changes in consumer perception and shifting towards nutrition security from food security. Some of the latest development in the sector includes protected cultivation (greenhouse) targeting higher yield and returns; rising consumption of high value crops with improved availability across the season; emergence of concepts like urban agriculture with improved awareness on food quality etc. The scope for the betterment of horticulture sector is immense. Use of on farm technologies, post harvest technologies, value addition and marketing is to gain the momentum.

Karnataka is regarded as the “Cafeteria of Horticultural Crops” given the suitability for cultivation of various horticultural crops. Now, there is a need for developing the horticulture sector as a viable alternative to the agriculture in the selected pockets in Karnataka, as the later is not as remunerative as horticulture whether it is under irrigated or rain-fed conditions.

There has been a heavy wastage of perishable food products in India post harvest period. It is estimated that wastage is as high as 30-35% in selected crops. India is one of the countries having low percentage (2%) of food processing. There is great scope for food processing industries in the country, provided one maintains the quality and safety standards, safe to environment and products are innovative and needs of target groups. Good post harvest practises like grading, packing, labelling and storage and transportation will play important role in keeping the produce fresh, reduce wastage and help deliver quality product to consumer.

Food Processing a priority sector in Govt. of India and Karnataka and there several incentives are provided to this sector. Processed food such as ready to eat, ready to cook, target oriented foods are becoming more popular. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are also gaining momentum as there are immense opportunities to introduce newer products and keep ahead of the market.

Apiculture requires not only for production of honey but also for effective pollination. It is recorded that presence of honey bees enhances the yield by 15 to 20%. On the other hand, absence of pollinators can cause disaster to agriculture and horticulture crop production. Of late, most of the natural pollinator population have declined due to indiscriminate uses of pesticides, loss of forest and flora, diseases, climate change. Promotion of bee keeping will not only enhance the pollinators but also give nutritious honey. This enhances farm income. Developing bee friendly flora in garden, parks and fields will play a significant role in conservation of bee population. Further it is time that we go for bee friendly plant protection schedules and reduce the use of herbicides. Several bee types are available for cultivation, one can pickup based on their location and capacity to manage. Professional bee keeping experts can really make a difference in successful apery development.

Modern day farming mainly by non conventional farmers should aim at commercial viability and long-term sustainability. Efficient use of resources available, renewability and better agricultural practices will give added dimension. Several other field supports such as use of IT-BT, robotics, telemetry, satellite etc. are required for successful farming today. There are several schools of thoughts and farming system to achieve sustainability and profitability. To name the few are organic farming, eco farming, integrated farming, mixed farming, sustainable farming, commercial farm, greenhouse cultivation, hydroponics etc. However the technologies have to be adopted locally. Today’s farming should be market driven and should be practised as per consumer preference. Future farming depends on use of automated machines, seeds and other inputs which can give high quality produce and are specific to its use in industry. For example, if one wants tender coconut, he should plant coconut variety with high water content. Way2ABI offers necessary services to run a commercial farm successfully.

Greenhouse cultivation of vegetables, flowers, exotic vegetables, medicinal herbs etc. not only enhance yield and quality but also reduce the use of water, pesticides and nutrients. Further it is also possible to grow off-season crops as we control the temperature, light etc. in greenhouse. Crops are protected from sudden change in weather and unforeseen heavy rains, hailstorm, gusty winds etc. However, very good professional management is required for successful operations of greenhouse. Poly-house plans and designs, quality of structure is most important as it should withstand heavy wind and rains. Awareness on crop science and crop management system, suitable infrastructure for crop production and post harvest management of crops, and linkage with the market are very important aspects for success of greenhouse or poly house operations.

As the investment on greenhouse or poly house is substantially higher, the State and the Central Govt have introduced number of schemes to subsidise these projects. Financial assistance under suitable scheme has to be availed for the benefit of the project. Way2ABI offers turnkey services to run greenhouse projects.

Especially under dry conditions where resources are limited, goat farming has an added advantage. They consume less resource, convert wastage into meat and milk and its farming can add to carbon prints. Selection of goat breed or sheep breed, farm maintenance and good veterinary services can bring much profitability. This can form an important part of small farming system.

Stall-fed commercial goat farming is gaining momentum in recent times with higher demand for meat and milk. With lesser land requirements, limited risks compared with crop production, lesser capital investment, Banks support, higher returns and easy to market, stall-fed goat farming has become great and guaranteed profitable business idea. It is catching up with forward farmers, professionals, unemployed educated youths and businessman. One has to emphasise on good breeds, good housing system, feeding (fodder) and marketing to be successful in this business. Way2ABI offers turnkey services for commercial goat farming projects.

Dairy farm is a farm where cows are raised for the production of milk and other dairy products. These farmers are involved in a wide range of activities for the purpose of increasing milk production. Milk which is produced on these farms is sold mainly to KMF milk societies or to regional dairy companies for pasteurization and processing. There are number of dairy farms are coming up in the state of Karnataka. Among them, standalone dairy farms and part of integrated farming activity are the two different types of dairy farms. It is found that dairy farms as a part of integrated project and organic milk production are better placed.

Dairy projects those have standalone processing operations are facing sever challenge in the state as processing units cannot compete with KMF which has the advantage of Govt. incentive of Rs.4 per litre, which will be offered only through KMF milk societies.

Demand for green vegetables and fresh vegetables is increasing with increase in population and also increasing demand for high quality vegetables. Though vegetable cultivation, value addition and marketing is conventional profession, it has exciting opportunities to go for modern technologies given the challenges such as limited land, perishability of the crop, demand for improved quality etc. The future of vegetable farm will be to grow vegetables in greenhouse under controlled condition of light, water, nutrients, temp, Co2 and O2 ratio using sensors. Further there is scope to grow them under hydroponics, aero phonics, aqua phonics. Slowly manual works are giving way for automation. Elsewhere robots are used grafting of vegetable seedlings, planting, weeding, insecticidal sprays and even harvesting. Use of solar energy and multi storied cropping are also being introduced. However this activity requires high degree of technicality, skill management and requirement of services.

At a time when input cost, labour cost, management cost are going up, cluster approach play an important role in making efficient use of resources, improve supply chain management, create better infrastructure for post harvest operation and better marketing system. Region based clusters and Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) are emerging in recent times. Cluster approach will help in creation of common facilities and adoption of better cultivation, value addition and marketing systems despite individuals retaking their ownership of land. It can help in crop production planning, control volume and quality of produce, help labelling branding and marketing, appoint professionals through their FPOs, raise capital through financial institutions, attract venture capital and Govt financial assistance. Several intermediaries in marketing are reduced, organised cultivation is possible and knowledge sharing will be better.Way2ABI offers end to end services for successful implementation and operations management of cluster projects.

“Agri tourism” or farm tourism is a holiday concept of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operations for the purpose of infotainment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm. Agri Tourism centres offer agri education and recreational opportunities to the whole family at affordable price. Crop production practices, rural games, festivals, food, dress and the nature provides variety of entertainment to the customers. Supply of fresh agricultural produce at farm gate and organic food could lure the urban tourists.

In order to promote agri tourism concept, Govt. of Karnataka has introduced “Agri Tourism” in its Tourism Policy 2022 as one of its tourism products. Under the same, set guidelines to be followed by any agri tourism centres for authenticity and Govt. approval for them. Bringing orderliness to tourists visit can enhance the opportunities in agri tourism. This not only helps in increase in income of the farm, but also creates entrepreneurship in agriculture. However, agri tourism centre needs professional management-services in terms of creation, development and maintenance of services in the farms. Way2ABI offers services for setting up and operations of agri tourism projects.

Cold Storage units are refrigerated warehouse chambers that preserve perishable goods from spoilage by restricting metabolic activity of stored products at low temperature thereby retaining moisture, color, texture, aroma and freshness. Different types of cold storages include single commodity, multiple commodities, controlled atmosphere store and modified atmosphere store. Cold storages offers number of advantages such as support to correct seasonal fluctuations in prices and supply of perishable products; help in reducing wastage and spoilage of perishable goods; and vital link in supply chain that makes horticulture more viable etc. Cold storage is important part of supply chain management mainly for fruits and vegetables and preserves the perishable for long time. There is no raw material consumed by a cold storage unit. There will be some losses in ammonia and oil which have to be made up by refilling and the major consumption is power.