The CLIMAFIX Summit is India’s largest climate startup summit, organized by EAI & Energy Consortium – IIT Madras. Chollin Selvan of E Sandhai shares his thoughts on Water Sustainability at CLIMAFIX Summit 2022, Nov 22, 2022, at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai.
The session was moderated by Mridula Ramesh, Chennai Angels
Other panel participants were:
Chandrasekaran J – Watsan Envirotech – Provide electricity-free water purifiers and rapid toilet solutions, all without traditional materials. (Watch their presentation – here)
Jessy DCruz – KarioT – Smart Water Revolution for economical & sustainable living (Watch their presentation – here)
Mallesh T M – CultYvate – Enhance agriculture productivity for marginal farmers (Watch their presentation – here)
Rajat Kabra – Uniwater Solutions – Smarter solutions for your water problems (Watch their presentation – here)
Vibha Tripathi – Boon (formerly Swajal) (Watch their presentation – here)
Let’s delve into E-Sandhai’s pioneering efforts in revolutionizing agriculture and promoting water sustainability.
E Sandhai, a pioneer in the agricultural produce supply chain, is on a journey to revolutionize the way we approach agriculture. With a clear vision to become an Agri-tech company, E Sandhai is not just about connecting farmers with markets; it’s about transforming the agricultural landscape. This blog delves into E Sandhai’s mission, its innovative approach, and its pivotal role in water sustainability.
E Sandhai: Redefining the Supply Chain:
E Sandhai operates primarily in Tier two and Tier three cities, avoiding direct competition with major players in metro areas. Traditionally, kirana stores and other small vendors navigate a supply chain that involves traveling to nearby markets, often 20 to 30 kilometers away, to purchase goods. E Sandhai intervenes here, cutting down two to three intermediaries, about five to six entities, by sourcing produce directly from farmers or farmer aggregators all over the country. Last year alone, the company generated around three crores of revenue, and this year, they are on track to surpass that figure.
Innovative Solutions for Water Sustainability:
E Sandhai recognizes the critical role it plays in water sustainability. The company is not just a part of the agricultural supply chain; it’s a catalyst for change. In addition to its core operations, E Sandhai is committed to reducing wastage in the supply chain. Typically, every market experiences around 20 to 25 percent food wastage due to supply and demand fluctuations. To combat this, E Sandhai is working on a model to match supply and demand in a market so that produce can be priced according to the production cost.
Three Phases Towards Sustainability:
Phase One: Demand-Supply Chain:
In the first phase, E Sandhai focuses on reducing wastage. By optimizing the demand-supply chain, the company has successfully reduced waste to just below three percent, with a return percentage to customers of 0.8 percent.
Phase Two: Storage of Excess Produce:
In the second phase, E Sandhai plans to store excess produce. For example, when the market receives 50 loads of tomatoes but only needs 10, E Sandhai can freeze the excess at a minimal cost. The frozen produce can be stored for later use, significantly reducing wastage.
Phase Three: Empowering Farmers:
In the third phase, E Sandhai aims to give tools to farmers so they can predict prices when they sow their produce. By helping farmers make informed decisions, E Sandhai is contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Case Study:
E Sandhai’s commitment to water sustainability is exemplified by a case study involving a farmer with two acres of small onions, valued at around eight lakhs. With E Sandhai’s assistance, the farmer was informed of an upcoming heavy rain, allowing him to cultivate on time and save around four lakhs worth of goods. This example highlights the significant impact of E Sandhai’s initiatives on the ground.
E Sandhai is not just a company; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable and efficient agricultural ecosystem. By leveraging innovative technologies and a deep understanding of the supply chain, E Sandhai is making a real difference in the lives of farmers and consumers alike. With its focus on water sustainability, it also paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in agriculture.
