In an age where most engineering graduates dream of Silicon Valley or high-paying tech jobs, Ankit Verma, a 26-year-old from Patna, chose a different path—one that led him back to his roots. Armed with a B.Tech in Computer Science, Ankit saw not just fields, but opportunities to integrate technology into traditional Indian farming.

Today, his agri-tech startup, FarmVerse, is helping hundreds of farmers in Bihar adopt smart farming practices, improve yields, and gain better market access.

The Spark of an Idea

Ankit’s grandfather was a farmer, and growing up in a rural environment gave him first-hand exposure to the hardships faced by farmers—unpredictable weather, lack of access to information, and exploitative middlemen. After a brief stint at a software firm, Ankit realized his skills could make a real difference in agriculture.

In 2021, he founded FarmVerse, a platform offering:

• Real-time weather alerts
• Soil health testing via mobile app
• Precision farming support using IoT sensors
• Market linkage tools for better pricing

Making Tech Simple for Farmers

One of Ankit’s main goals was simplicity. “Most farmers don’t need complex dashboards. They need timely, actionable information in their language,” he says.

FarmVerse’s mobile app is available in Hindi and local dialects. It provides voice alerts about:

• Rain forecasts
• Optimal sowing/harvesting times
• Pest or disease outbreaks
• Best practices for fertilizer and irrigation use

Even illiterate farmers can use the app through voice commands and visual icons, making the technology truly inclusive.

On-Ground Innovation

Ankit also introduced low-cost soil sensors developed in partnership with an IIT startup. These devices, installed in farms, monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels and send updates to farmers’ phones. This reduces over-irrigation and ensures efficient fertilizer use—saving both money and resources.

One farmer using the system reported a 25% reduction in water use and a 15% yield improvement in a single season.

Training and Adoption

To ensure adoption, Ankit partnered with local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and NGOs to conduct weekly training camps. Young volunteers visit villages to help farmers install and understand the app and sensors.

To date, over 2,000 farmers across three districts are using FarmVerse services.

Recognition and Impact

Ankit’s work has been featured in state-level agriculture seminars, and he was recently awarded the Young Innovator in Agriculture Award by the Bihar government. Plans are now underway to scale FarmVerse to Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Conclusion

Ankit Verma’s journey reflects the growing role of youth in agri-tech—bringing fresh perspectives, digital innovation, and energy to India’s oldest profession. His success proves that agriculture is not outdated; it just needs the right tech and the right minds to unlock its full potential.

At Krishi Gyaan, we salute young changemakers like Ankit who are driving the future of Indian farming.