Udupi engineers revolutionize farming with AI-driven hydroponics | Fusion - WeRIndia

In response to the growing challenges of unpredictable monsoons and declining soil health, two engineers from Udupi, Karnataka, have taken innovative steps to modernize agriculture.

Farish Anfal and Calvin Aranha, both 26, are leading a startup called Krop AI, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform hydroponic farming.

Launched in 2021, their venture aims to reduce water usage, enhance crop quality, and provide sustainable solutions for agriculture.

The duo uses technology to address climate change and food security issues.

During their engineering studies at the Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering, the duo recognized the potential of agritech.

They began developing AI-controlled indoor farming systems, integrating sensors and automated processes to create ideal conditions for plants.

These systems track temperature, humidity, water pH, and more, automatically adjusting to optimize growth.

By using grow lights that emit the precise wavelengths needed for photosynthesis, their system ensures crops like lettuce, kale, and parsley flourish year-round.

One of the most significant advantages of Krop AI’s technology is its water efficiency.

Their AI-driven hydroponic setup reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming methods.

Additionally, the system allows crops to be grown vertically, saving space and making it easier to farm in urban or indoor environments.

Farish and Calvin’s efforts have garnered recognition from the Karnataka Government, earning them the Idea2POC grant in the biotech sector. Their company is also incubated at the AIC Nitte incubation centre as part of the Startup India program.

Beyond research and development, Krop AI has already achieved a sales turnover of ₹50 lakhs. In addition, it also helps other entrepreneurs establish similar indoor farms.

They have partnered with a U.S.-based agricultural firm to grow Belgian berries and are working towards reducing the costs of setting up AI-controlled farms by designing more affordable systems.

Industry leaders have praised the young techpreneurs for their vision. Many investors also recognize Krop AI’s potential to lead the future of sustainable farming.

By integrating AI into agriculture, Farish and Calvin are offering a model that could revolutionize how food is grown, even in regions facing water scarcity or harsh environmental conditions.

As Krop AI continues to grow, its innovative approach signals a new chapter for farming, combining technology with nature to create sustainable, high-yield crops.

Image by icon0com from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on July 14, 2018

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1440655