Greenery will return to the barren and scarred lands of our Mother Earth when humanity, collectively, resets its mentality with sustainability. Especially in the agricultural sector, such a mentality is much needed. To ensure it happens in our lifetime, GreenMinds Agro Hub is working constantly in many ways.
In an exclusive interview with CIOLook India, the company’s Founder and CEO, Tejas Sahadev Limkar, detailed how they (he and his team) are doing it.
How does your company actively build and maintain trust with small and marginal farmers across India? Please describe specific initiatives or programs.
At GreenMinds Agro Hub, our foundation is built on the belief that trust is earned through consistent action and genuine support. We regularly conduct on-ground farmer awareness and training programs to demonstrate how our technologies, such as the internal bee venom extraction machine and upcoming royal jelly kits, benefit farmers without harming bees. We establish direct partnerships with farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and village-level entrepreneurs to ensure transparency in operations. By providing continuous technical guidance, after-sales service, and fair revenue-sharing models, we reassure small and marginal farmers that their welfare is at the center of our mission.
What stringent quality control measures do you implement to ensure the efficacy and safety of your agricultural products (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery)?
We follow a multi-layered quality assurance system. Every machine and technology is first tested at reputed agricultural research centers like CBRTI, Pune, before being introduced to the market. Our bee venom extraction devices are manufactured with high-grade, durable materials and comply with ISO and safety standards to ensure farmer and bee safety. We also engage independent labs for toxicology and residue testing of bee venom and royal jelly to guarantee purity and international export standards. A strict feedback and improvement loop from farmers ensures our products remain safe, reliable, and effective.
How does your company invest in research and development to bring innovative solutions (e.g., climate-resilient crop varieties, sustainable farming technologies, precision agriculture tools) that genuinely address the challenges faced by Indian farmers?
R&D is at the heart of GreenMinds Agro Hub. We have developed India’s first internal bee venom extraction machine designed specifically for Apis cerana indica and Apis mellifera. We are also developing an affordable royal jelly harvesting kit to give Indian farmers access to high-value beekeeping by-products. How do you ensure that your products and services are accessible and affordable to a wide range of farmers, including those in remote or less-privileged regions?
What specific sustainable agriculture practices or environmental stewardship initiatives does your company promote or integrate into its operations (e.g., water conservation, soil health, reduced chemical usage, regenerative agriculture)?
Accessibility is achieved through cost-efficient product design and innovative business models. For example, our bee venom machine is available in both commercial and small-scale versions, making it affordable for marginal beekeepers. We also promote MOUs with beekeepers where we provide machines on a lease or shared-revenue basis, minimizing upfront investment. Through partnerships with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, and NGOs, we reach farmers in remote areas. In addition, we plan digital support platforms in regional languages to ensure that even farmers in underprivileged regions can access our services easily.
How does your company ensure ethical sourcing and responsible supply chain management, from raw material procurement to product delivery, particularly concerning labour practices and environmental impact?
Sustainability is the core of our innovation. We actively promote:
- Bee-friendly technologies that extract venom without harming bees.
- Water and energy conservation through machines powered by solar charging systems and lithium batteries.
- Reduced chemical usage by encouraging farmers to adopt natural pollination and bee-based farming.
- Soil health improvement by linking beekeeping with organic farming practices.
- Regenerative agriculture models where farmers earn revenue from honey, venom, and royal jelly, creating diversified income while preserving ecosystems.
What is your company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting climate-smart agriculture practices among farmers?
Our supply chain model is designed to be fair and transparent. We source raw materials from certified and ethical suppliers, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Farmers entering into MOUs with us receive fair pricing for bee venom and royal jelly, which is benchmarked against international markets. We train local youth and women in rural areas to manage venom collection and quality testing, ensuring inclusive employment generation. Additionally, our logistics are optimized to minimize environmental footprint, using eco-friendly packaging and local aggregation centers.
How does your leadership demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Indian agricultural sector, beyond short-term profits, focusing on the welfare of the farming community?
GreenMinds Agro Hub is deeply committed to climate-smart agriculture. Our solar-powered venom machines reduce dependency on fossil fuels. By promoting pollination services through bees, we help increase crop yields without chemical intensification. We are also experimenting with AI-driven monitoring systems to reduce resource wastage. Furthermore, our focus on shortening the supply chain by connecting farmers directly with buyers helps minimize transportation-related emissions.
In what ways does your company contribute to community development or social upliftment in rural areas of India, beyond its core business activities?
As a founder who grew up observing rural challenges, my commitment goes beyond profits. Through initiatives like farmer training workshops, awareness campaigns, and startup incubation mentorship, I ensure long-term value creation for farmers. Winning recognitions such as the National Startup Maharathi Award (2025)by C-CAMP, from Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, motivates us to continue building solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and farmer-centric. GreenMinds Agro Hub reinvests a major portion of its profits into R&D and farmer support programs, proving our dedication to the sector’s future.
What makes your company uniquely positioned to be considered among “The Most Trusted Agriculture Companies in India” as we look towards the future and beyond?
Our mission extends beyond business. We actively work on:
- Beekeeping awareness campaigns to educate farmers and youth about sustainable income opportunities.
- Skill development programs for rural women and unemployed youth to create self-employment in apiculture.
- Health and nutrition projects by promoting the use of natural honey and royal jelly.
- Collaborations with NGOs for community-driven projects, including farmer suicide prevention programs through income diversification.
By focusing on holistic rural upliftment, we aim to create resilient, empowered communities.