Yogesh Gawande was born in Chite Pimpalgaon, a small village in Maharashtra, surrounded by farmland. Raised in a family with a long-standing agricultural background, he grew up closely observing the everyday struggles of farmers—ranging from financial uncertainties to health risks. His early schooling took place in the village itself, shaped by modest resources but strong community bonds.
In 2008, his path shifted when he moved to Aurangabad to live with his uncle, a Hindi professor. While he pursued further education in English-medium schools, Yogesh remained firmly rooted in the realities of rural life. These early experiences later became the driving force behind his innovation-led approach to solving farm-level problems. Today, his agritech company, Niyo Farmtech, generates over Rs 2.2 crore annually and follows a hands-on, feedback-driven model that ensures practical, farmer-friendly solutions.
A Life-Changing Incident that Sparked Innovation
Yogesh's career path took an unexpected turn during the study of mechanical engineering. When his brother was hospitalized after being poisoned by a manual knapsack sprayer he had used for pesticide spraying. Yogesh went back home, and his father insisted that he utilize his learning to assist farmers like them. That experience sowed the seeds of innovation in his mind., Yogesh started conceptualizing a safer and more effective spraying method. He has got Inspired by his own personal experience based on his understanding of engineering.
Using principles of his research—namely, the idea of translating rotary motion into reciprocating motion—Yogesh created a wheel-based pesticide sprayer machine. His first model was bulky, constructed from discarded pipes and bike wheels, but functional. After encouragement from school teachers and a local driver Ashok bhau, Yogesh later improved the design and went on to sell his first unit to a local farmer. This incident ignited a chain reaction of interest and demand in his mind.
A Product Goes Viral
In 2016, Yogesh started advertising his product on Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram. His videos became viral, and he got his first bulk order of 65 units after showcasing the product at an agri-exhibition in December 2016. The ease of use and practicality of his innovation impressed farmers.
The Turning Point: BYST Mentorship and Support
Yogesh got associated with Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST). At 2017–18, when he was still in his third and fourth year of engineering, BYST mentors were the turning point for him. They guided him in making the product more polished and worked with him on pricing, marketing, and sales strategies.
The guidance offered by his mentors such as Sunil Raikatta, Milind Kang, and Prasaj Koke made certain that the product was of engineering-grade quality. Most importantly, the visionary leadership of Ms. Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, the founder trustee of BYST, instilled Yogesh with the confidence and strategic vision that he required. With no collateral and no business background, she nonetheless accepted his vision and patronized his entrepreneurial foray personally.
Guidance from Lakshmi: A Constant Source of Strength
Yogesh always acknowledges Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan as a guiding influence for his entrepreneurial life. As the daughter of late President of India, R. Venkataraman, Venkatesan extends a legacy of nation building. "What my father did for the small-scale industry," she once said, "brought in a sea change: one saw the transformation it could bring about not only in Tamil Nadu, but also the whole of India.
Her mentorship assisted Yogesh in creating a long-term vision based on sustainability and effect. Her strong belief in a young student entrepreneur who knew nothing about finance instilled confidence in him to work on his innovation unafraid.
Formalizing the Venture: Niyo Farmtech Pvt. Ltd.
Yogesh registered his business in 2019 as Neo Innovative Solutions LLP, which has since been rebranded as Niyo Farmtech Pvt. Ltd. He was able to establish a manufacturing unit and expand operations with a CC loan of Rs. 5.5 lakhs facilitated by BYST. During July to March 2020, he sold over 500 machines and generated over Rs. 20 lakhs in turnover.
Navigating the Pandemic with Innovation
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020 all the commercial activities were stopped. But Yogesh spotted an opportunity that his machines could be utilized for disinfectant spraying. He began supplying to Aurangabad Municipal Corporation, hospitals, and factories. This transition enabled the company to continue operating during the crisis. In the second year, the company saw a turnover of Rs. 22 lakhs.
Global Exposure and Recognition
Yogesh's business journey got a significant impetus when he was chosen to go through the YBI Boot Camp by BYST. There, he interacted with entrepreneurs from more than 25 nations and learned about the international potential of his product. This experience gave him the perspective to think beyond Indian markets and dream of international expansion.
Market Reach and Product Evolution
Presently, Niyo Farmtech's new pesticide sprayers have reached 22 states in India. This product has been shipped to African countries like Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, and even Russia. More than 7,000 units have been sold so far. The basic model costs approximately Rs. 10,000, while the premium version is priced at Rs 12,000. Farmers with around five acres of land can return their investment within one season.
Due to ongoing farmer inputs, the product has been improved to such an extent that 90% of maintenance problems do not arise. In the event of any issues, local dealers offer ground-level support, and farmers are walked through by video calls if necessary. Parts or whole units are replaced in extreme cases.
Solid Financial Growth and Multiple Revenue Streams
During the year 2022–23, Niyo Farmtech posted a turnover of Rs. 2.2 crores from Rs. 1.3 crores in the last year. The company is expected to cross the Rs. 5 crore mark this year. The revenue streams consist of direct sales, spare parts, and rental services in specific geographies.
A Role Model for Aspiring Agripreneurs
Yogesh has a heartfelt message to emerging entrepreneurs: "Whatever you start, do it with consistency and full commitment. Too many people quit after one or two years when they don't see any overnight success. But success never happens overnight.".
I've been developing this product since 2016. It took years of refinement, feedback, and perseverance. If you stick to your business and dedicate it at least three focused years, you will notice growth, impact, and success. Hold on, and the outcome will follow."
Yogesh Gawande's transformation from a farmer's son to an agritech innovator is a brilliant example of rural inventiveness supported by prompt mentoring and an unwavering dedication to resolving issues at the local level. His invention improves efficiency, lowers health hazards, and saves farmers time. Above all, it represents what can happen when young people from rural India are given the proper opportunity and assistance to succeed. His story serves as a guide for upcoming agricultural reformers in India in addition to being one of personal achievements.
