‘A S Agri and Aqua’, the pioneers in the ‘Soil-Based Vertical Farming’ segment in India, was recently awarded as ‘India’s Most Admirable Brand’ by The Brand Story.
Increasing Population, Urbanization and Globally inspired food choices have started putting unprecedented pressure on our land resources. We have witnessed a decrease in the fertility and arability of the land under agriculture and a change in the crop patterns towards more water-intensive crops.
Sensing the trend that could compromise India’s Agricultural yield in the long term, ‘A S Agri and Aqua; not only introduced but pioneered the ‘Soil-Based Vertical Farming’ technology in the country. Established in 2018, ‘A S Agri and Aqua LLP’ is led by a group of professionally competent and dedicated professionals with sensitivity towards the farming community, experience in varied industries, and exposure to international markets. With its head office located in Thane (Maharashtra), the company has established a national footprint, along with a presence in countries like UAE, Qatar, UK, and Sri Lanka, thus promoting innovative Agricultural practices and ensuring that the Indian farmer lives a sustainable, self-sufficient, and independent lifestyle across the borders.
Under the leadership of Dr. Prashant Zade (Chairman & Managing Director, A S Agri and Aqua LLP), the Company’s first significant project started with a motive to help develop the underdeveloped turmeric farming sector, which was subsequently expanded to include an action-oriented approach towards improving the overall lifestyle and living standards of Indian farmers and building a sustainable future.
Beginning with successfully producing High-Quality Turmeric in Vertical Farming Polyhouses, the Company has proved its competence and expertise using technology in producing a wide range of crops through Soil-Based Technology, including Potatoes, Tomatoes, Soybean, Sweet Potatoes & Ginger to name a few.
With a consistent focus on scientific research and development, ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ not only mastered the widespread implementation of soil-based vertical farming, which is a ground-breaking agricultural practice. While the ‘Hydroponic and Aquaponics’ Vertical Farming is already present in India, the proponents and users came across a few limitations, including the restriction of crop varieties that can be grown sustainably and with high yield. With Soil-Based Vertical Farming, the risks posed by pests and changing weather patterns can be mitigated to a large extent. Additionally, Soil-based Technology ensures a significantly Higher Yield in terms of Quality and Quantity while requiring 85% Less Water, 85% Less Labour and 99% Less Land.
The systematic and process-driven approach to ‘Soil-Based Vertical Farming’ mastered by ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ has created a win-win situation for farmers, urban dwellers, and the environment. Advantages include but are not limited to a year-round quality produce, 100 times the higher yield per acre, an option for utilization of abandoned and unused properties, use of the controlled environment (Polyhouse), thus reducing the impact of changing weather patterns, negligible chances of crop failure, and low carbon footprint.
To progress the mission of creating an efficient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem, ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ has also initiated regular training programs and workshops to create awareness and help the farmers understand the benefits of soil-based vertical farming. Along with the promotion and implementation of Soil-based Vertical Farming practices and solutions, ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ also provides turnkey solutions in sectors comprising of Aquaculture & Fish Farming, Contract Farming, Turmeric Trading, Healthcare, and Food Supplements, Rural Digital Connectivity (E-Village app), Healthcare and Food Supplements (Vishwaayu) and allied developmental projects and schemes.
To lead the transformation of the technologically stagnant Indian agriculture ecosystem through innovation and development, the company also aims to partner with the government and national and international organizations to Formulate, Develop and Enhance agriculture in India with advancements in technology.
Dr. Prashant Zade received an award for “India’s Top Mind” during the same ceremony. The award has been bestowed to him for his pioneering approach to the Sectoral Transformation, Entrepreneurial Competence and Mission-Driven approach to helping the farmers lead an economically rewarding lifestyle without compromising the yield and national food security.
On receiving the award, Dr. Prashant Zade shared his vision and said, “We strongly believe that by bringing development to the Agricultural sector, we will be able to transform it into a rich and vibrant sector, ensure viable income for the Indian farmers, improve the value of farmers in the market, and ultimately, turn the farmer community into an independent, happy, and proud one.”
On receiving the ‘India’s Most Admirable Brand’ award on behalf of ‘A S Agri and Aqua,’ Mr. Pratik Sharma, CEO (A S Agri and Aqua), shared that, “We are elated and experience the sense of satisfaction on the recognition bestowed to our work. This award also recognizes the most nonglossy and one of the oldest professions of Human Civilization - Agriculture. This award, I hope, will give us a platform to reach out and build a bridge between the rich and the poor. Thereby serving the farmers of this country, who are waiting for another wave of the green revolution.
The Brand Story appreciates and acknowledges the incredible contribution made by ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ as a purpose-driven organization that aspires to offer a valuable solution to stakeholders operating in the agriculture sector. We congratulate Dr. Prashant Zade for leading the company to accomplish the company’s mission and being awarded as India’s Top Mind. Mr. Abhay Kaushik, Editor in Chief and Director, The Brand Story, shared, “The noteworthy and commendable contribution of ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ in terms of its unwavering commitment to serve the agricultural sector, progress and promote pioneering agricultural technology and empowering the farming community. The Brand Story feels privileged to honour ‘A S Agri and Aqua’ with the award of India’s Most Admirable Brand.”