Aastha Singh, the visionary founder and CEO of Gram Shree Agri Services Private Limited, is transforming the agricultural landscape by empowering small farmers, rural youth, and women through an integrated platform that combines tradition with technology. Her enterprise offers a holistic ecosystem that spans agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, providing access to government schemes, modern techniques, low-cost agribusiness models, and direct market linkages.
By leveraging innovation and community-driven approaches, Aastha is bridging critical knowledge gaps and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India.
Turning Policy Insights into Grassroots Action
Aastha’s journey began while working as a senior consultant in the Department of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Government of Bihar. She was responsible for monitoring schemes and ensuring their benefits reached farmers. However, she quickly realized that many farmers were unaware of government programs, eligibility criteria, and modern farming techniques. The gap between policy and practice troubled her deeply.
Determined to bridge this gap, she decided to change her direction, moving from a government consultancy role to the private sector. Her goal was clear—empower farmers with knowledge, resources, and technology.
Inception of Gram Shree Agri Services
In 2019, Aastha founded Gram Shree Agri Services Private Limited, an integrated platform committed to revolutionizing agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. Her technology-driven approach aimed to provide farmers with modern innovations, low-cost economic enterprise models, and market access.
The company started small, with a team of four, including an IT expert, a training consultant, a Chartered Accountant, and herself. The journey began with a YouTube channel, educating farmers about government schemes, agricultural insights, and business models that could transform their lives.
Merging Innovation with Tradition
Aastha believes that innovation, technology, and access to the right resources are crucial for empowering farmers. Through Gram Shree Kisan School, she provides hands-on training in farming techniques, livestock management, and agribusiness. The enterprise also launched Gram Shree Honey, Gram Shree Ghee, and Gram Shree Makhanas, ensuring that farmers benefit from direct market linkages.
Narrowing the Divide: Tackling the Gaps in Rural Agri-Education
Agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry remain undervalued in rural households due to limited access to quality livestock, financial aid, and technology. Gram Shree Agri Services addresses this challenge through Agribusiness Centers at village, block, and panchayat levels, backed by veterinary doctors, fishery experts, agriculture specialists, and a dedicated call center team.
Scaling New Heights: Local Centers Driving Rural Agribusiness
Gram Shree doesn’t stop at advisory services—it actively trades agricultural commodities and livestock via hyper-local Agribusiness Centers. By sourcing products directly from farmers, connecting with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and promoting agricultural equipment and inputs, the company ensures sustainable growth.
Building a Robust Rural Agri-Economy
Aastha envisions a future where processing units for fishery, makhanas, animal husbandry, and honey create mass employment, self-employment, and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. She aims to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that integrates animal husbandry, fisheries, and agriculture, ensuring long-term prosperity for farmers.
Recognitions & Achievements
Aastha’s pioneering work has been recognized through numerous accolades, including:
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"National Start-up Award" (2023) by Start-up India (DPIIT)
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"NATIONAL AWARD-SIWAA" (2022)
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"STREE ONE INDIA WOMEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" (2022)
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"Best Woman-Led Start-up of the Year" at the India-Nepal Global Entrepreneurship Meet (FY 2023)
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"Top Women Entrepreneur in Bihar" recognized by the US Consulate
A Message of Hope
Aastha’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs and farmers is simple yet profound:
“Agriculture is an industry with immense potential. The Agri-sector offers countless opportunities for innovation, as various commodities can be developed across all aspects of farming. As one of the most sustainable industries, agriculture continuously evolves to address its challenges. For every issue that arises, there exists an opportunity to create a commodity that provides a solution.”
