Upaya Social Ventures Invests In Agrix To Scale Tech-Driven Farming Solutions for Smallholder Farmers in Bihar

Press Release

Nov 26

Written By Upaya

Bangalore, India | November 27, 2025

Upaya Social Ventures today announced a new investment in Agrix, a fast-growing agri-tech enterprise transforming farming for small and marginal farmers through a scalable, data-driven cluster model. Headquartered in Bihar, Agrix is formalizing the farming ecosystem using its tech-enabled Farming-as-a-Service (FaaS) platform, helping smallholder farmers access mechanization, quality inputs, field-level advisory, and efficient market linkages.

Smallholder farmers, who own tiny and fragmented plots, often lack the scale to independently invest in mechanization or secure sustainable yields. Agrix solves this structural challenge by consolidating farms into clusters, creating a bankable, serviceable, and market-ready unit. They also deliver tailored solutions such as digital plot mapping, customized input supply, and high-asset-utilization farm services. This model significantly improves productivity and income in one of India’s low income agricultural regions.

Founded by Dr. Nilay Pandey, Saurav Kumar Singh, and Vivek Kumar, Agrix combines deep academic expertise with critical, grassroots understanding. Dr. Pandey, who grew up in a farming family, understood early on why small farmers struggle due to limited mechanization, shortage of quality inputs, and weak market linkages. Agrix was built to bridge these gaps, with a mission to create meaningful, profitable livelihoods for farmers by tackling the core inefficiencies that have long held Indian agriculture back.

Speaking about the collaboration, he shared, “What inspires us every day is the belief that transformation begins at the grassroots. Through this partnership with Upaya, Agrix will empower thousands more farmers to rise, progress, and build a future where agriculture becomes a source of pride and prosperity.”

Agrix’s tech infrastructure and operational discipline are at the core of its market advantage. By leveraging real-time data and field mapping, the company optimizes machine routing, inventory, and market connectivity to ensure full utilization of high-cost farm equipment.

“Agrix is turning fragmented, informal farming systems into an organized, efficient value chain,” said Ankur Mehta, Director of Investments & Portfolio of Upaya Social Ventures. “Their model not only improves yields and productivity but also creates dignified, stable livelihoods for farmers who have historically been excluded from formal opportunities. We are excited to partner with Nilay and the team, who are passionate about creating impact at scale.”

This 45th investment from the Pool of Recoverable Grants (PRG), reinforces Upaya’s commitment to enterprises that create dignified work and enable livelihoods for vulnerable farming communities. The funding will help Agrix strengthen its tech platform, expand cluster-based operations, and onboard more farmers across northern India. By expanding its reach and further leveraging data insights, Agrix is well-positioned to lead the transformation toward a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural future.

ABOUT UPAYA SOCIAL VENTURES:

Upaya Social Ventures is building a dignified economy by providing investment and support to early-stage businesses creating sustainable livelihoods for people living in the most extreme poverty.

Upaya’s award-winning impact-first model seeks out and supports oft-overlooked companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding—generating a transformative impact on families, communities, and economies.

Since its founding in 2011, Upaya’s portfolio companies have created over 72,000 dignified jobs across India. Please visit upayasv.org for more information.