Case Study
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Domestic and Global market assessment of Ag biologicals in terms of market size, segmentation, competitive landscape, product innovation, distribution channels, and regulatory frameworks, helping the client in product refinement and global expansion. Visit to learn more.
Situational Analysis
Our client, a leading multinational specialized in vegetable seed marketing with exceptional research and development capabilities, is transforming Indian agriculture by developing climate-resilient and high-yielding hybrids. The client engaged Sathguru to assess India’s vegetable seed markets. This engagement provided our client with valuable insights into the market dynamics of these target crops in terms of their cultivation landscape, competitive landscape, distribution channels, and end-use applications for both consumption and industrial applications.
Scope
The scope of this engagement included:
- A comprehensive evaluation of district-level cultivation dynamics, including crop area distribution, regional productivity variations, segment preferences, crop rotation patterns, and the impact of government policies and regulations on markets.
- Seed Industry dynamics assessment: exploring market size and segmentation by size, volume, geography, and anticipated trends in the next five years.
- Assessment of competitive dynamics, including market share of major players, their segment-specific USPs driving growth, identification of R&D priorities, emerging traits, and future market-shaping innovations.
- Supply chain assessment covering fresh harvest, value-added products and industrial derivatives of target crops, delving into stakeholder’s roles, logistics networks and sales channels, along with mapping infrastructure (storage facilities, warehouses, and cold chain systems) in key growing regions.
Approach
Sathguru conducted a comprehensive analysis of the vegetable cultivation landscape, examining the key factors influencing cultivation such as biotic, abiotic stresses, and climatic & soil conditions. The study included in-depth research into seed market dynamics, consultations with industry experts to identify R&D priorities and identification of emerging traits shaping the industry, enabling the client to strategize for future market opportunities. The evaluation also covered leading hybrids, focusing on parameters such as yield, stress resistance and tolerance, adaptability, and regional performances to identify the USPs of major products in specific segments. Additionally, the study delved into supply chain dynamics, mapping stakeholders, assessing the role of cooperatives, analysing sales channels, and evaluating transportation networks. Warehouses and cold chain systems in key growing regions of India were also assessed to provide a holistic understanding of the supply chain landscape.
Impact
Sathguru’s assessment of cultivation dynamics, competitive landscape, and market trends helped our client to strategically position their products, aligning with regional preferences and market demands. With our analysis of market size, segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth trends, the client gained valuable insights to refine their offerings and expand their market share geographically and across product segments. Through Sathguru’s identification of emerging traits, R&D priorities, and future innovations, the client will be able to tailor their research efforts to develop hybrids that meet market needs and gain a competitive edge.
Situational Analysis
Our client, a leading global Agri-input company catering to the entire crop lifecycle from Sowing to Harvesting, expressed interest in strengthening its seed business by acquiring a Vegetable seed enterprise. Based on its market insights, our client identified a target company and engaged Sathguru for comprehensive R&D due diligence of the enterprise. This engagement helped the client make a well-informed decision regarding its strategic acquisition.
Scope:
The scope of this engagement included but was not limited to:
- R&D and Innovation Analysis: Evaluation of R&D infrastructure, germplasm strength, SOPs, Product innovation capabilities, and data management practices for accelerated development, trait introduction, and validation.
- Product and Pipeline Assessment: Assessment of the current portfolio’s life cycles, market alignment of traits, competitive positioning of products, and possible threats from the industry.
- Strategic Collaborations and IP Evaluation: Review of intellectual property management, licensing agreements, current memberships & collaborations, and the expertise of R&D teams.
Approach
Sathguru evaluated the target company’s R&D operations focused on product development, traits strength of pipeline, collaborations for germplasm access and IP generated. The evaluation was in strategic alignment with the client’s vision. Sathguru critically analysed the portfolio of the seed enterprise by assessing the strength of the portfolio, crop diversity, product efficiency, and vis-à-vis key competitors for each of the crops. Sathguru also assessed the R&D operational efficiency of the enterprise in terms of research team strength, systems, and processes, as well as product innovation capabilities through the integration of contemporary enabling technologies. With a detailed assessment of all these components, Sathguru mapped the technical capability, suitability, challenges and limitations, as well as the growth potential of the target enterprise.
Impact
Sathguru’s engagement with the client provided a clear picture to our client regarding the market competitiveness of Target company’s product portfolio, future readiness of pipeline, quality of germplasm, the effectiveness of the breeding programme, and R&D capabilities. With this engagement, Sathguru helped the client make informed decisions by comprehensively understanding the target company’s current assets and future growth potential in alignment with the client’s vision.
Project Scope & Situational Analysis:
Sathguru Catalysers assessed a leading seed company’s climate-resilient solutions for the major field crops. The project aimed to understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts on farms and farmers by 2030, aligning with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). The comprehensive assessment encompasses the evaluation of potential reductions in water use to promote environmental sustainability while also considering strategies for increasing crop yield and enhancing crop resilience. The socio-economic impact assessment explored the impact on livelihoods by increasing their farm income. This included improved income security, knowledge transfer of sustainable practices, and ability to adapt to changing climates.
Impact:
The project supported the Innovation in Food and Agriculture fund’s focus on sustainable agriculture, paving the way for potential investment and attracting capital to support climate-resilient seeds for more sustainable agricultural practices. The key findings demonstrated reduced environmental footprint, increased food security and resilience, particularly for low-income farmers, empowered and food-secure communities with improved access to nutritious food and knowledge of sustainable practices. The key findings of the assessment were:
- Reduced water usage: The assessment projected significant water savings through the use of climate-resilient seeds, contributing to sustainable development goals for clean water and climate action.
- Increased crop yield and resilience: Improved crop yields and resilience to climate variability are expected, leading to increased income by 25 – 35% and food security for farmers by 2030, aligning with sustainable development goals for no poverty and zero hunger.
- Empowered and food-secure communities: The project identified potential for improved livelihoods for farmers due to increased income security. In addition, knowledge transfer of sustainable practices can empower communities and enhance long-term food security (SDGs – no poverty and zero hunger).
This impact assessment demonstrates the seed company’s significant contributions to achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs). By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, climate-resilient seeds offer a powerful solution for environmental conservation, economic growth, and social progress, particularly for low-income farmers. The findings strongly support the Innovation in Food and Agriculture fund’s focus on sustainable agriculture and position the seed company as a worthy investment candidate for fostering a more resilient and food-secure future. Investing in these innovative solutions holds the potential to create a positive ripple effect throughout the agricultural sector, promoting environmental, economic, and social well-being.
Project scope & situational analysis:
Sathguru Catalysers, investment manager of the Innovation in Food & Agriculture Fund (IFA), conducted a comprehensive assessment of a leading ag-biotech company’s product portfolio. The analysis evaluated the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts on farms and farmers by 2030, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We employed a multi-pronged approach to assess the impact of the sustainable innovation of an ag-biological enterprise. The downstream scope 3 value chain was evaluated to quantify the impact at the farmer level. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to assess the company’s water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during product development, marketing, and product use to understand its environmental footprint. Farm-level economic models were developed to assess the projected impact on farmer profitability. Social impact assessments explored factors like improved livelihoods, access to training, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals.
Impact:
The project quantified the potential environmental benefits of the Ag-Biotech enterprise’s products, demonstrating a projected reduction in environmental footprint. Economic modelling indicated potential profitability improvements for farmers adopting the company’s products, leading to increased income and potentially improved livelihoods and food security. Social impact assessments showed positive perceptions from farmers, with potential benefits from avoided exposure to agrochemicals. The key findings of the assessment were:
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: The Life Cycle Assessment results demonstrated the company’s products have the potential to significantly reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 – 50% throughout their lifecycle. This aligns with the Innovation in Food and Agriculture fund’s focus on fostering sustainable agricultural practices and contributes to achieving SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
- Improved Farmer Profits: Farm-level economic models projected potential improvements in profitability for farmers adopting the company’s products. The practice can increase farmers’ income by 15 – 20%. Increased income for farmers translates to improved livelihoods and food security for farm families, contributing to achieving SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Enhanced Social Impact: Social impact assessments revealed positive perceptions from farmers regarding the company’s products. Potential benefits included reduced exposure to harmful chemicals associated with traditional agricultural practices by 57 percent. This contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and empowers farmers by fostering safer working environments.
The findings helped assess the company’s alignment with the Innovation in Food and Agriculture fund’s focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and determine whether it is a suitable investment for the fund’s portfolio. By quantitatively measuring the environmental benefits, economic gains for farmers, and positive social impacts, this assessment provides strong evidence for the Ag-Biotech company’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These findings support the company’s suitability for investment by the IFA, potentially paving the way for further development and adoption of their innovative solutions for a more sustainable food system.
Project scope & situational analysis:
Sathguru Catalysers conducted a comprehensive assessment of a leading climate-smart deep tech company. This assessment evaluated the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of the company’s core technology stack, utilizing ice core technology, on farms and farmers by 2030.
The project team employed a multi-pronged approach to assess the impact of sustainable innovations of the company. This project assessed the environmental footprint of the company’s solutions throughout their lifecycle, focusing on water usage, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and potential reductions compared to traditional methods. Farm-level economic models were developed to forecast the potential impact on farmer profitability. The critical factors for assessment included improved irrigation efficiency, reduced energy dependence, and yield increases. The social impact assessments were conducted to understand the impact on farmer livelihoods, access to technology, and potential improvements in working conditions, including reduced exposure to harmful chemicals associated with traditional cold storage solutions.
Impact:
The project focused on a data-driven approach to the deep tech company’s potential to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for food production. The findings helped the Innovation in Food and Agriculture fund (IFA) determine the company’s alignment with the fund’s mission and paved the way for potential investment, ultimately attracting further capital. The key findings of the assessment were:
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: The assessment quantified significant potential reductions in water usage and cumulative greenhouse gas emissions by 49 lakh tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030, contributing to SDG goals for clean water and climate action.
- Enhanced Farm Profitability: Farm-level economic models indicated potential increases in farmer’s average monthly income by 15 – 20% due to improved resource management and reduced energy costs, which align with the SDGs for decent work and economic growth.
- Empowered Farmers: Social impact assessments highlighted the potential for improved access to technology for farmers, enhanced knowledge of sustainable practices, and potentially safer working environments, contributing to the SDG for responsible consumption and production.
This assessment presents a compelling case for the transformative potential of deep tech in agriculture. Beyond the quantified environmental and economic benefits, widespread adoption of these solutions could empower a generation of farmers and reshape food production systems towards greater sustainability and social responsibility.
Sathguru, as an implementing partner in the BMGF and DFID funded international development project, focused on harnessing advances in genomics to combat rust threats in wheat across SAARC nations. A critical component of the project was to develop a surveillance toolbox to monitor the movement of the dreaded wheat rust disease in SAARC countries and build local capacity to use it.
Challenge
The project faced the challenge of mitigating rust threats by leveraging genomic advancements, replacing susceptible wheat varieties with resistant ones, and introducing non-host resistance to create immunity. This challenge was compounded by the lack of effective disease surveillance and data management specific to wheat rust disease.
Approach
Sathguru executed the project with a comprehensive strategy:
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Provided surveillance to track stem rust populations, monitoring rust incidence and populations, and ensuring data availability.
- Development of Surveillance Toolbox: Developed a SAARC-specific web-based Toolbox application for uploading wheat rust surveillance data. This tool facilitated the seamless integration of national data into global rust trackers.
- Training and Capacity Building: Conducted extensive training programs for over 200 researchers and agricultural professionals across SAARC nations on the use of the Surveillance Toolbox and data management techniques. These activities enhanced the capacity of national wheat research institutes to track and manage rust threats effectively.
- Data Access and Sharing: Facilitated access to global data through a robust sharing mechanism, along with effective project management, communication, coordination, and capacity building.
- Coordination Hub: Established a single coordination hub for planning, implementation, and oversight of all developmental activities.
- Synergy: Synergized efforts with other agencies from SAARC nations to combat stem rust effectively.
Impact/Result/Client Benefit
Sathguru’s execution of the project led to significant advancements in rust surveillance and data management across SAARC nations:
- Developed a SAARC-specific Android application integrated to web-based Tool Box application for uploading wheat rust data surveillance and monitoring.
- Provided hand-holding support to SAARC national scientists for uploading surveillance data to both national and https://rusttracker.cimmyt.org/ Global Rust Tracker
- Strengthened the capacity of national wheat research institutes, enhancing their ability to track and manage rust threats effectively.
- Fostered collaboration and data sharing among SAARC nations, contributing to more effective and coordinated rust management efforts.
This project has substantially improved the ability of SAARC nations to monitor and combat wheat rust, ensuring more resilient wheat crops and contributing to food security in the region.
The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) is a digital, offline database developed by Mann Library at Cornell University that offers access to over 350 full-text journals and 500,000+ articles in agriculture and allied sciences. From 2014 to 2016, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation engaged Sathguru to install TEEAL in Bangladeshi research institutes to enhance agricultural research and productivity.
Challenge
Academic and research institutes in developing countries often struggle with limited access to current agricultural research materials and the expertise needed to utilize e-resources effectively. This gap poses a significant barrier to agricultural innovation and productivity, which are vital for achieving food security.
Approach
Sathguru executed the project by installing the hardware and software for TEEAL in 21 institutes across Bangladesh, providing offline access to the database for over 45,000 users. Collaborating with premier educational bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Sathguru facilitated the adoption of TEEAL by conducting extensive capacity-building programs, including orientation sessions and train-the-trainer workshops for researchers, academicians, faculty members, postgraduate students, and library staff. Additionally, Sathguru ensured the signing of MoUs with over 25 important peer-reviewed research journals and formalized user license agreements between Cornell and the participating institutes.
Impact/Result/Client Benefit
The TEEAL project significantly boosted agricultural research and innovation in Bangladesh by providing critical resources to access global research and innovation and developing the local capacity. This initiative has strengthened the research capabilities of numerous institutions, fostering a collaborative environment for agricultural advancement. The implementation of TEEAL helped –
- Accelerate agricultural innovation in Bangladesh by providing access to crucial research materials,
- Strengthen relationships with UGC and BARC, leading to widespread adoption and effective utilization of TEEAL,
- Train over 800 personnel, enabling continuous capacity building and broader dissemination of TEEAL’s benefits,
- Establish a robust two-tier support system for technical assistance, ensuring uninterrupted access to TEEAL and
- Enhance research capabilities in major agricultural research institutes, contributing significantly to the goal of food security.
Challenge
A leading domestic agrochemical company engaged Sathguru to develop a Package of Practice (PoP) for key crops of the country and integrate it with an Android application on the tablet. The application was to be used as an online knowledge reference and dissemination tool for the field force as they engage their channel partners and farmers. The scope of PoP was techno-commercial, viz., developing customized content on Crop Agronomy, Crop Management, Crop Care, and product fitment with the company brands.
Approach
Sathguru’s team worked with the company’s management and field force to develop comprehensive content for PoP and build an Android application using its flagship ERP product, MAICE. The content for the respective crops was developed and gradually integrated with MAICE. The full package was rolled out for the company’s field force.
Impact/Result/Client Benefit
The customized ICT application has helped the client significantly enhance the field force’s efficiency, providing them with comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge on crop agronomy, management, care, and brand fitment. It has improved engagement with channel partners and farmers, leading to better adoption of best practices, improved crop yields, and increased reach for the company’s products. The company has become more technologically efficient, and a farmer-friendly brand, fostering stronger relationships and trust.