In a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, where climate uncertainty and resource constraints challenge traditional methods, innovators like Shailendra Tiwari are lighting the path forward. The founder of Fasal, an agri-tech startup, Shailendra is pioneering smart farming in India through the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things). In a recent feature on AgriTalk by Abhinav Roy, Shailendra discussed how his company is transforming farms with real-time monitoring and data-driven decisions. Based in India, Fasal provides farmers with intelligent devices that track soil moisture, weather conditions, and crop health, enabling farmers to make timely interventions, reduce water usage, and increase productivity. With a mission to enhance farmer income and reduce wastage, Fasal is not just a startup—it’s a vision for the future of sustainable agriculture.
From IT to Soil: Shailendra’s Journey
Shailendra Tiwari left a tech career to empower Indian farmers
Shailendra Tiwari, an engineering graduate, once followed the path of many Indian tech professionals—corporate jobs, software development, and urban living. But a deeper calling led him back to the roots of India: its farms. Troubled by the inefficiencies and uncertainties plaguing Indian agriculture, he saw technology as a tool to rewrite the farmer’s story. With Fasal, Shailendra shifted focus from pixels to ploughs. The venture began with a simple idea—use smart sensors and cloud data to empower farmers with actionable insights. His approach was rooted in empathy and innovation. Shailendra didn't just want to sell devices; he aimed to build trust and deliver real change on the ground.
The Rise of Fasal: AI Meets Agriculture
Fasal's smart sensors helping monitor crops
Fasal’s core solution is a solar-powered device equipped with various sensors that monitor climate, humidity, temperature, and soil health. This data is fed into an AI model that predicts irrigation schedules, pest risks, and harvest timelines. The result? Farmers are empowered with insights that previously required decades of experience. Shailendra explains that the average farmer using Fasal saves over 50% on water usage and increases yield by up to 30%. With predictive analytics, they can also prevent disease outbreaks and minimize the use of pesticides, making farming both profitable and sustainable.
Impact on Ground: Farmers Speak
Farmers empowered by Fasal's real-time insights
The true success of Fasal is not in the tech, but in the testimony. Farmers across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh have seen noticeable improvements in productivity and reduced risks. “Earlier, I used to water my crop daily; now I water only when the device says so. My costs are down, and the quality is better,” shares one farmer in the AgriTalk video. This farmer-first approach, built with field visits, hands-on training, and feedback loops, is what sets Fasal apart. Shailendra ensures that the voice of the farmer remains central to the evolution of the product.
The Future: Smarter, Sustainable, Scalable
Fasal’s AI dashboard providing real-time alerts
Shailendra sees this as just the beginning. With aspirations to expand across Asia and Africa, Fasal is now building multilingual interfaces, scaling its backend for millions of devices, and partnering with governments to integrate agri-policy with tech insights. The company also aims to work with carbon-credit firms to reward sustainable practices, making smart farming not just feasible but lucrative. For Shailendra, the mission remains unchanged: empower farmers with knowledge and tools that make them self-reliant and prosperous.
A Smart Revolution Rooted in Soil
Shailendra Tiwari’s journey from techie to agri-preneur is a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation. Through Fasal, he is bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and grassroots farming. In doing so, he isn’t just changing how we farm—he’s changing how we think about farming.
