Case Study

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. 

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.