In 2013, MBA graduate Somashekar Pogula’s father was suffering from a kidney problem and doctors couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason.

In the months following the diagnosis, he had to undergo dialysis, but eventually, passed away. However, this phase of life had a deep impact on Somashekar.

During the hospital visits, he would often notice patients afflicted with diseases that were related to unhealthy diets. This, he figured, was the result of present-day produce that is laden with chemicals and pesticides.

However, this wasn’t the only reason for his switching to an agriculture startup. Coming from a farming family, Somashekar had firsthand witnessed agrarian community problems like farmer suicides.

Explaining it further, he adds, “Many farmers grow expensive crops like cotton, chillies, etc. To do this, they borrow money from banks hoping for a good harvest to repay the loan.”

“But if the harvest isn’t good, they borrow more, creating a cycle. This can lead to overwhelming debt and lead some farmers to take drastic steps like suicide,” he says.

Somashekar felt a certain affinity for the village and wanted to help the farmers during this crisis. 

So he decided to quit his corporate job and work closely with the farming community in his village in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Along with 30 farmers, he started ‘Adithi Millets’ in 2017. The venture empowers farmers to grow millets, expand their marketing facility, trade with corporates, etc.

Somashekar works across seven villages in three districts of Kurnool. Today, it has grown its farmer base to over 200 and has a turnover of Rs 2 crore.

On asking why he chose millets, he says that millets are very healthy and a great addition to everyone’s diet. Moreover, “millets are easy to grow, which means farmers need not take huge loans”.

Explaining the process followed with the farmers, he shares that once a farmer agrees, they are given a company letter with the MSP (Minimum Support Price) clearly mentioned.

They then consult with the farmers to choose the right seeds for the season. “After they cultivate the seeds, we buy them back. This eliminates their concern about finding a market for their seeds,” he adds.

Once the farmers bring the millet to the factory, they are given the promised MSP. Somashekar also shares that their association with farmers goes beyond giving them seeds and helping them find a market for their produce.

“We assist families affected by farmer suicides by providing sewing machines, livestock, and other resources that can help them earn a living,” he adds.