KisanKraft, founded in 2005 by Ravindra and Sarika Agrawal, began as a modest venture from a small basement garage in Bangalore. Driven by a personal passion for agriculture and a vision to support small and marginal farmers, the couple transformed their deep-rooted love for farming into an enterprise that has been instrumental in mechanizing Indian agriculture.
Agriculture remains the backbone of India's rural economy, with over 58% of rural households relying solely on it for their livelihood. Despite the critical role agriculture plays in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA), mechanization has largely favored large-scale farms, leaving smallholders underserved. Recognizing this gap, KisanKraft has dedicated itself to bridging the divide by developing affordable, durable, and locally adapted agricultural machinery for small and marginal farmers.
A Vision Rooted in Experience and Empathy
KisanKraft's journey began in 2005 as a passionate initiative by Ravindra and Sarika Agrawal, a couple with deep ties to agriculture and rural India. Both grew up in small towns in Chhattisgarh, developing an early affinity for farming and rural livelihoods. After more than two decades in the global software industry, most notably with 15+ years at Microsoft Corporation in the USA, Agrawal's perspective shifted during a visit to Indian villages. Witnessing firsthand the mechanization challenges faced by small farmers, he resolved to build practical solutions tailored for them.
Bringing back a truckload of compact farming machines from the USA, the Agrawals spent months touring India to understand farmers' real needs. This grassroots research culminated in the founding of KisanKraft.
A Farmer-Centric Approach: Value and Service
What sets KisanKraft apart is its unwavering commitment to after-sales service and continuous product improvement. With a high ratio of service technicians to sales staff at 2:1, the company ensures prompt and efficient support. Training programs for dealer mechanics and ongoing product innovations underscore KisanKraft's mission to deliver tangible value to farmers.
KisanKraft's unique model, fueled by the founders' own savings and a fiscally prudent approach, has ensured positive cash flow and sustainable growth without external investments, enabling the company to maintain focus while expanding its dealer network across every state in India.
The Concept of SDSR
KisanKraft's Dry Direct Seeded Rice (DDSR) technology, also known as Sustainable Direct Seeded Rice (SDSR), is revolutionizing rice cultivation for small and marginal farmers. This method eliminates the need for traditional nursery raising and puddling by allowing direct sowing of rice seeds into dry soil before the monsoon. SDSR shifts the cultivation timeline, reduces labor and water requirements, and supports earlier harvesting, easing the tight sowing window for subsequent Rabi crops. Alongside KisanKraft's specialized machinery, SDSR enables farmers to improve yields, save costs, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Empowering Farmers Through Technology: Real Voices, Real Impact
KisanKraft's Dry Direct Seeded Rice (DDSR) technology and machinery have transformed farming practices, as reflected in testimonials from farmers across different states.
Nand Kishore Singh, Dhava Village, Mirzapur, UP:
“The SDSR 1007 variety from KisanKraft has made weed management easier with timely herbicide use. The crop shows excellent growth and higher tillers. Compared to traditional transplanting, DDSR reduces water use and cultivation costs significantly.”
Gulshan Kumar, Halwana, Karnal, Haryana:
“KisanKraft's SDSR 1011 rice performed excellently with good height and growth. Weed control was efficient with just one spray, no manual weeding was needed. This method is cheaper and less labor-intensive than traditional paddy transplanting. Nearby farmers have praised my field.”
Harinam Verma, Raebareli, Balrampur, UP:
“I was impressed by the robust growth of SDSR 1003. I needed only a single irrigation, relying mostly on rainfall. The DDSR method eliminates problems of transplanting, and I consider my crop among the best in the region.”
Other farmers, including Tej Pratap Singh (Mirzapur, UP) and Khem Chand (Kurukshetra, Haryana), have echoed these sentiments, highlighting the economic and labor-saving benefits of KisanKraft's technology.
Mechanization Tailored for Small Farms
KisanKraft's product range addresses critical farming operations, enabling smallholders to mechanize efficiently without heavy investment:
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Inter-Cultivator: Speeds up soil preparation, weed control, earthing up, and other intercultural operations. Ideal for vegetables, fruits, and cash crops.
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Brush Cutter: Tackles thick grass and weeds on uneven terrain, perfect for field cleanups and orchard maintenance. It is also used as a harvester for rice, wheat, and even silk mulberry.
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Water Pump: BIS:ISI certified, easy-to-use irrigation solution for farmers.
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Self-Propelled Reaper: Simplifies harvesting on small, irregular plots, reducing labor and time on rice, wheat, soybean, and pulses harvest.
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Stubble Shaver: Eco-friendly residue management that prevents stubble burning and improves soil health.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Inclusive Mechanization
KisanKraft aims to deepen its reach, continuing to innovate and support small farmers with affordable, reliable mechanization solutions. With plans to introduce smart technology integrations and expand rural dealer networks, the company envisions empowering millions of farmers to work smarter, sustainably, and profitably.
In Their Own Words
Ravindra Agrawal, Founder of KisanKraft:
“KisanKraft's mission goes far beyond providing machines; we are here to support farmers through every stage of their journey. From soil preparation and sowing to crop care, harvesting, and residue management, we offer practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions tailored for small and marginal farmers. By combining deep field insights, continuous innovation, and dedicated service, we aim to strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem. When farmers thrive, economically, sustainably, and with dignity, the nation truly moves towards a self-reliant, Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
