Do listen if you are interested in the Dairy Sector

AI for increasing milk production in India

Telemedicine in India's livestock industry

Stark income disparities between dairy and vegetable farmers

India’s agricultural sector highlights a sharp income divide between dairy and vegetable farmers. Dairy farmers working with cooperatives like Amul earn 80-85% of the final consumer price, while vegetable farmers often receive only 30-40%. Amul’s cooperative structure eliminates middlemen, ensures transparent pricing, and offers timely payments. With over 3.6 million members, it provides veterinary services and other inputs, helping farmers stabilize incomes and plan production efficiently.

In contrast, vegetable farmers face unpredictable price fluctuations, perishability issues, and fragmented markets. With poor cold storage and reliance on mandis controlled by intermediaries, they often earn only a fraction of what urban consumers pay. For example, tomatoes sold at ₹60-80 per kg in cities might fetch farmers only ₹15-25 per kg during peak harvest seasons. The lack of bargaining power leaves them vulnerable to price crashes, forcing many farmers to shift to dairy farming for more stable returns.

This shift, however, threatens agricultural diversity and food security. A heavy focus on dairy could reduce the production of essential crops, making India dependent on imports. To address these challenges, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) could replicate Amul’s cooperative success in vegetable markets. Developing cold storage infrastructure, direct-to-consumer platforms, and value-added production (like sauces and frozen vegetables) could increase farmer margins and reduce waste.

Introducing minimum support prices (MSP) for key vegetables could further shield farmers from price volatility. Cooperative models like Amul demonstrate the power of collective action in improving farmer incomes, and expanding similar frameworks to other agricultural sectors can build a more equitable and sustainable future for Indian agriculture.

Listen into to a deep dive on the above. 

The Rise of Subscription Models in Rural India: A Glimpse into the Future

In recent years, subscription-based services have become immensely popular in urban India, driven by convenience, affordability, digital infrastructure, and a shift towards services over ownership. While metros like Mumbai and Delhi have been early adopters, a surprising transformation is unfolding in rural India, pointing to the increasing relevance of subscription models beyond urban boundaries.

Shifting Aspirations and Evolving Preferences

Rural India, often stereotyped as traditional and slow to embrace change, is now undergoing a
dynamic shift. As digital penetration increases through smartphones and affordable internet, rural consumers are displaying aspirations similar to their urban counterparts. A desire for better lifestyles, higher productivity, and seamless access to services is driving behavioral shifts. This trend is reflected in the growing success of models like Shunya's fodder-as-a-service subscription, where small dairy farmers benefit from timely delivery of high-quality green fodder without needing to maintain large inventories or make capital investments.

Convenience Meets Reliability

For rural consumers, the appeal of subscription services lies in the predictability and reliability they offer. Farming communities, for instance, value a steady supply of essential products like livestock feed. Services such as Shunya's daily delivery of hydroponic fodder align perfectly with rural needs by automating recurring tasks, freeing up time for other productive activities. This mirrors the urban trend where subscription services save consumers time, allowing them to focus on other priorities.

Affordability through Small Recurring Payments

The affordability factor is a major reason subscription models are gaining traction in rural areas. Instead of large, one-time purchases that strain household budgets, these services break down payments into smaller, recurring installments. Shunya's subscription model ensures that farmers pay manageable fees, making it easier to access premium products without financial burdens.

Digital Infrastructure as an Enabler

The growth of digital infrastructure in rural areas—fueled by increased UPI adoption and improved mobile connectivity—has simplified payment processes. Autopay options, digital wallets, and seamless payment gateways now enable rural consumers to subscribe to services with the same ease as their urban counterparts, fostering trust in these models.

The Road Ahead: A Service-Oriented Rural Economy

The success of subscription models in rural India signals a shift towards a service-oriented economy, where access matters more than ownership. As rural aspirations continue to grow, this trend points to a future where convenience, affordability, and technology-driven solutions become integral to rural lifestyles, laying the foundation for economic empowerment and sustainable growth.

Read more here on Shunya's experience on subscriptions in Bharat. 

Is hydroponically grown green fodder India's hope?

The largest producer of milk in the world is facing an ever increasing crisis of fodder and animal nutrition. We discuss how severe is the issue of deficit of fodder and how it is impacting the lives of small farmers. 

In the space Shunya is offering fodder-as-a-service. Is the a possible solution? Listen in and share your views. 

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions of an Indian village.

This episode reviews the research paper, "Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions of an Indian village - Who's to blame: crops or livestock?", & examines the environmental impact of the Green and White revolutions on a village in Gujarat, India.

Using a novel methodology that combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and agrarian diagnosis, the study analyzes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from both crops and livestock, considering the diversity of farms in the village.

The authors identify the main sources of emissions, comparing them to national and international averages, and ultimately determine that livestock contributes significantly to GHG emissions due to a combination of low milk yields and high-emission feed sources.

The paper concludes by discussing the potential implications of livestock intensification for GHG emissions, environmental sustainability, and social equity in the context of the Indian agricultural sector.

Listen to the episode here

Challenges in the Indian Livestock Industry and Shunya's Solution

There are several challenges confronting the livestock industry in India:

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Fodder Scarcity: India faces significant deficits in both green fodder (32-35%) and dry fodder (23-25%). This shortage is driven by factors such as rising livestock populations, limited land availability for fodder cultivation, and increasing urbanization. The scarcity of nutritious fodder leads to lower milk and meat yields, significantly impacting farmers' incomes.

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Water Scarcity: Traditional fodder cultivation methods require significant amounts of water, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce in India.

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Low Productivity: The fodder shortage contributes to Indian cattle having a milk yield 50% lower than the global average, while meat yields are 20-60% below global standards. This low productivity directly impacts the income of millions of farmers who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.

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Fragmented Landholdings: With shrinking and fragmented landholdings, dedicating land for fodder cultivation becomes less viable, especially for smallholder farmers.

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Climate Change: Extreme weather conditions and unpredictable rainfall patterns further exacerbate the challenges of fodder production, making it difficult for farmers to ensure a stable supply.

Shunya's Fodder-as-a-Service (FaaS) Model:

To address these challenges, Shunya has introduced a "Fodder-as-a-Service" (FaaS) model, utilizing a combination of hydroponic farming and a digitally-enabled platform. Here's how it works:

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Hydroponic Fodder Production: Shunya establishes "Growth & Logistics Centers" (GLCs) equipped with hydroponic vertical farming units to produce high-quality green fodder. Hydroponics uses significantly less water (up to 95% less) and land compared to traditional farming methods, making it a more sustainable and resource-efficient approach.

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Mobile App for Ordering: Shunya provides a mobile app for farmers to conveniently place orders for green fodder, either on an ad-hoc basis or through subscription-based models. This digital platform ensures easy access to fodder and allows farmers to plan their needs effectively.

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Efficient Logistics and Delivery Network: Shunya partners with local entrepreneurs (Shunya Partners) to manage the last-mile delivery of fodder to farmers' doorsteps. This network ensures timely and reliable delivery, a critical aspect for fresh fodder.

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Focus on High-Need Areas: Shunya prioritizes its operations in regions with high fodder demand, low rainfall, frequent droughts, and high livestock populations. This strategic approach ensures that the solution reaches those who need it most.

Benefits of Shunya's Model:

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Reliable Fodder Supply: The FaaS model guarantees a year-round supply of fresh, nutritious, and chemical-free fodder, addressing the critical challenge of fodder scarcity.

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Increased Income: Access to high-quality fodder improves livestock health and productivity, leading to increased milk and meat yields and higher incomes for farmers.

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Land Optimization: Farmers can use the land previously dedicated to fodder cultivation for more profitable crops, further enhancing their earnings.

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Reduced Costs: By eliminating the need for traditional fodder farming, farmers save on expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and labor.

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Environmental Sustainability: Hydroponic farming significantly reduces water consumption and land usage, contributing to environmental sustainability.

By addressing the fundamental challenges of the livestock industry, Shunya's FaaS model has the potential to transform the sector and significantly improve the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers. The early success of Shunya's subscription model, as noted in source, suggests a potential shift in rural commerce towards reliable, technology-driven solutions for essential agricultural needs.

Shunya: A Tech-First Business Model with Physical Extensions

Notes to self, but anyone is welcome to read, comment, refine or trash. 

I am not a religious person, but Gita has always fascinated me (and the world) for its depth. Every time I read a para it grips me for its deep meanings and possible interpretations - and fortunately it allows for interpretation as per "me". 

In the Bhagavad Gita, it is asserted that man is primarily a soul with a body, rather than a body possessing a soul. This profound insight flips the common perspective, emphasizing the primacy of the soul, with the body being a mere instrument through which the soul experiences and interacts with the world. 

This helped me self-clarify in my mind the vision that we had for Shunya (my agritech start-up). Shunya's vision must reflect this wisdom, positioning itself not merely as a physical business that incorporates technology, but rather as a tech-centric enterprise where technology is the driving force—the “soul”—with physical operations and processes serving as its body and senses.

Technology as the Soul: The Core of Shunya’s Identity

Just as the soul is eternal, pervasive, and central to the existence of an individual, technology should be the core of Shunya’s identity. Every business decision, operational process, and customer interaction must be rooted in technology. This means that tech is not an add-on or a support system but the foundation upon which the business is built. It is the source of innovation, efficiency, and scalability, ensuring that Shunya remains agile, forward-thinking, and resilient in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Physical Operations as the Body: Enabling Interaction and Execution

The physical aspects of Shunya’s business—such as manufacturing, logistics, and customer service—are analogous to the body in the Gita’s analogy. They are the tangible manifestations of the business’s tech-driven soul, enabling it to interact with the real world. These physical operations must be designed and optimized to execute the strategies and insights derived from the technological core. For example, production processes should be guided by data analytics, and customer engagement should be driven by AI-powered platforms.

Processes as the Senses: Facilitating Perception and Response

Just as the senses allow the body to perceive and respond to the environment, the processes within Shunya should act as conduits through which the business interacts with its market, customers, and stakeholders. These processes—ranging from supply chain management to customer relationship management—should be deeply integrated with technology. This integration ensures that the business is not only responsive but also proactive, anticipating needs, trends, and challenges with precision and speed.

Shunya’s Ambition: A Holistic Tech-Driven Entity

The ambition of Shunya should be to become a fully integrated tech-driven entity. This means that all physical aspects of the business—whether they are products, services, or customer interactions—should be seamlessly connected to the technological core. The physical body of the business should serve to actualize the potential of the tech soul, delivering value that is informed by data, enhanced by automation, and personalized through AI. This approach will allow Shunya to transcend the traditional limitations of a physical business, creating a dynamic, scalable, and future-proof enterprise.

Shunya Seh Ek Update

Like many of you, I too have been a fan of Peter Thiel’s seminal book "Zero to One", which advocates for creating unique innovations and challenging conventional views to shape the future.

However, when we decided to christen our agritech start-up “Shunya,” it was for other reasons. But when my colleague Jay Prakash Chhajer, renamed one of our internal WhatsApp groups “Shunya Seh Ek,” it occurred to me that it would also be a great way to share our 0 to 1 journey with interested folks.

Lets be in touch.

I am excited to share our progress, pains and joys as we navigate through early challenges, small & big wins, and more. It would also give us an opportunity to get your advice on various aspects of our business venture.

Let me know if you wish to receive the “Shunya Se Ek Update.” I promise to keep it regular but no more than once every 30 to 40 days. Drop me your email ID and let be in touch. Email us on update@shunya.live

Digital Payments in Rural India – over next couple of years.

Predicting specific trends can be challenging due to various factors that could influence the

Digital payments in Bharat

trajectory of digital payments in rural and semi-urban India. However, based on the existing momentum and ongoing developments, I can speculate on potential directions this trend might take, and this gives me the confidence to go with a 100% digital payments mandate for Shunya. My confidence is boosted by the fact that UPI transactions in rural and semi-urban India increased by 118% in 2023, with a 106% increase in value. 

The short-term trends point towards:

1. Continued Growth: The trend of increased UPI transactions in rural and semi-urban India is likely to continue. Factors such as continued government initiatives, improved internet infrastructure, and growing smartphone penetration will contribute to sustained growth.

2. Further Adoption: As digital literacy improves and more people become comfortable with using smartphones and digital payment platforms, the adoption of online payments is expected to increase. I recently spend a few days purposely avoiding any cash payouts in rural UP and I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of complications – rural merchants of all kinds have adopted to the UPI / Paytm / Google Pay. 

3. Expansion of Services: Digital payment providers are likely to expand their services and offerings to cater specifically to the needs of rural and semi-urban users. This could include features such as language localization, simplified user interfaces, and tailored financial products like buy-now-pay-later to better serve these demographics.

4. Government Support: Continued government support through initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and other subsidy programs will encourage more people in rural areas to adopt digital payment methods. The government's focus on financial inclusion and promoting a cashless economy will further drive the adoption of online payments. Was a little disappointed to see that some of the village based milk-collection centers were making cash payouts every fortnight, however, I think that will change fairly quickly. 

5. Infrastructure Development: Further improvement in internet connectivity and infrastructure in rural areas will also contribute to the growth of online payments. Investments in 5G technology and expansion of broadband services will enable smoother and faster digital transactions, encouraging more people to use digital payment platforms, however, internet availability and power (electricity) is now a non-issue. 

6. Partnerships and Collaborations: I expect the digital payment providers to form partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to facilitate easier access to digital payment services in rural areas. Collaborative efforts to address specific challenges, such as connectivity issues and last-mile delivery of financial services, will help accelerate adoption.

7. Security and Trust: Ensuring the security of online transactions and building trust among rural users will be essential for sustaining the growth of digital payments. Continued efforts to enhance security measures, educate users about safe online practices, and address concerns related to fraud and data privacy will be crucial in maintaining user confidence. I was very happy to hear one of the merchants talk about benefits of receiving digital payments – lesser trips to the bank (or intermediaries) to deposit cash, lack of soiled notes, “more savings”.

Overall, while it's difficult to predict the exact trajectory of digital payments in rural India, the current trends suggest an extremely positive outlook with continued growth and adoption of online payment methods. My prediction – Bharat will pleasantly surprise us over the next few years. 

Desertification: Not just a North Indian problem

A new study finds that manmade activities such as deforestation and mining are to blame for the rise in desertification in the south of India.

One another cause of desertification has been over grazing of land. 

Desertification of India is a real problem.

At Shunya, it is our endeavour to not just provide quality green fodder to animals (esp to animals in feedlots) and thus stop the desertification process in specific geographies. 

Read more here

Conserving Water - big mission of Shunya

One of the key focus areas for us at Shunya is to help reduce the quantum of water used to grow fodder. The common practice is to flood the fields with water - a practice which can be and should be altered and is leading to desertification.

Hydroponic Fodder Helps Save Water

Hydroponic fodder production saves water through several key mechanisms. Firstly, these systems typically recirculate water, allowing it to be reused within the system instead of being lost through runoff or evaporation as often occurs in traditional farming.

Secondly, hydroponic systems deliver water directly to the seeds / plant roots, minimizing evaporation compared to surface irrigation methods. Moreover, these systems optimize water usage by precisely delivering water and nutrients to the plants, ensuring that they receive what they need without wastage.

Some of our hydroponic systems are even designed as closed-loop systems, further minimizing water loss by continuously recycling and reusing water within the system. Additionally, any unused water in hydroponic systems can be captured and recycled, contributing to overall water conservation efforts.

Another aspect contributing to water savings in hydroponic fodder production is the potential for indoor production. Indoor hydroponic systems allow for precise control over environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, reducing water loss due to evaporation under unfavorable outdoor conditions. This indoor setting also enables more efficient water usage compared to outdoor farming, as water can be conserved and recycled within a controlled environment. By combining water-recycling technologies with controlled indoor environments, hydroponic fodder production maximizes water efficiency, making it a sustainable option particularly suited for regions facing water scarcity or drought conditions.

Why are we called Shunya?

Shunya means “nothingness” –  and everything else starts from this nothingness. 

The concept of Shunya is truly Indian and clearly defined first in arithmetic by Brahmagupt, Shunya is the foundation of modern mathematics and scientific thinking. 

It is the cornerstone of everything digital that is impacting our lives. You might know Shunya as Zero – as referred to in English. 

Shunya does not have a character or value of its own, but adds tremendous value and character to anything that it gets added to – in our case to the lives our the farmer and his farm animals and of course to our environment. 

For more info visit www.shunya.live or connect with me. 

Chems in animal feed - a huge concern.

The presence of chemicals in the regular livestock fodder can have various impacts on the animals, the environment, and ultimately, human health. These chemicals can include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that may inadvertently contaminate the fodder. Shunya’s green fodder mitigates these risks. However,

here are some of the key impacts of the current animal fodder:

1. Animal Health:

• Consumption of fodder contaminated with chemicals can lead to acute or chronic health issues in livestock. These may include gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disorders, reduced feed intake, and impaired growth.
• Some chemicals can accumulate in animal tissues over time, leading to long-term health problems and potential harm to consumers if these animals enter the food chain.

2. Milk and Meat Contamination:

• If livestock consume fodder with chemical residues, these chemicals can accumulate in the animals' tissues, including muscles and milk-producing glands. This can lead to contaminated milk and meat, posing health risks to consumers.

3. Reproductive Issues:

• Chemical contamination in fodder may affect the reproductive health of animals, leading to reduced fertility, abnormal pregnancies, or even early embryonic deaths.

4. Environmental Pollution:

• When chemical-contaminated fodder is used in livestock farming, the chemicals can pass through the animals and enter the environment through their excreta (manure).
• Runoff from fields where contaminated fodder is grown can also lead to the pollution of water bodies and soil, affecting other organisms and ecosystems.

5. Residue Buildup:

• Continuous use of chemical-contaminated fodder can result in the accumulation of residues in the soil, leading to a long-lasting impact on soil health and fertility.

6. Development of Pests and Diseases Resistance:

• Frequent use of chemical pesticides or herbicides in fodder production can lead to the development of resistance in pests and diseases, making them harder to control in the future.

7. Food Safety Concerns:

• Chemical residues in livestock products like milk, meat, and eggs can pose a risk to human health when consumed. This is especially concerning if the chemical is a known toxic substance or a banned chemical.

To mitigate these impacts, it is essential for farmers and livestock producers to adopt sustainable and responsible farming practices. This includes:

• Regular testing of fodder for chemical residues to ensure its safety.
• Following proper withdrawal periods before selling livestock products to avoid chemical residues in meat and milk.
• Reducing the use of chemical inputs and opting for organic or natural alternatives when possible.
• Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to minimize chemical use.
• Adopting good agricultural practices (GAPs) to prevent contamination of fodder with chemicals.

By being conscious of the potential hazards and taking preventive measures, livestock farmers can safeguard animal health, food safety, and the environment. Additionally, government regulations and guidelines play a vital role in ensuring safe agricultural practices and protecting consumers from harmful chemical residues in livestock products.

 

 

 

Protein in livestock feed.

Protein is crucial in livestock feed because it plays a fundamental role in supporting various physiological functions and overall health in animals. 

Here are some key reasons why protein is important in livestock feed:

Shunya's High Protein Fodder

1. Growth and Development: Protein is essential for proper growth and development in animals, especially in young and growing animals. Adequate protein intake is necessary to support the formation of tissues, muscles, bones, and organs.
2. Body Maintenance and Repair: Proteins are the building blocks of body tissues and are required for the repair and maintenance of cells and tissues. Animals constantly undergo wear and tear, and protein is essential for the renewal of damaged tissues.
3. Enzymes and Hormones: Proteins serve as enzymes and hormones in the body, regulating various biochemical processes. Enzymes are essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and other metabolic activities, while hormones play a role in physiological processes such as reproduction and growth.
4. Immune Function: Protein is a key component of the immune system. It helps in the production of antibodies and immune cells, which defend the body against pathogens and diseases.
5. Milk Production: In dairy animals, protein is vital for milk production. Lactating animals require higher protein levels to support the synthesis of milk components.
6. Reproduction: Adequate protein intake is critical for reproductive performance in both males and females. It influences fertility, conception rates, and the overall reproductive health of the animals.
7. Wool, Hair, and Feather Production: Protein is necessary for the synthesis of wool in sheep, hair in goats, and feathers in poultry. It ensures the proper growth and quality of these important products.
8. Energy Source: Although carbohydrates and fats are the primary energy sources, in times of low energy availability, the body can break down protein to produce energy. However, this is not an efficient process and can lead to protein deficiency if prolonged.
9. Body Condition: Protein intake is linked to body condition in animals. Proper protein levels help maintain healthy body weight and muscle mass.
10. Feed Efficiency: Animals with adequate protein intake tend to have better feed efficiency, meaning they convert feed into body mass more effectively.

It is important to note that the protein requirements for different livestock species, production stages, and purposes can vary. Properly balanced feed rations should be formulated to meet the specific protein needs of each type of animal to ensure optimal growth, reproduction, and overall performance. Additionally, the quality of protein, as determined by its amino acid profile, is also crucial to support the animal's specific needs. Shunya's feed is high on protein and a possible solution.