About the Team
Dharmendra N. Rai
Dharmendra is a well versed businessman who’s experience in multiple agri-industries. A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration from United States International University, he has spent early career in managing companies of various sizes and stages helping them achieve efficiencies in financial and operations. The recent several years by him have been passed prominently researching and making efforts to develop the industry of vertical farming. Peeking at the increasing rate of growth in population, there is a dire need of finding a solution to be a boon for the development of Indian agriculture scenario in a smart and sustainable manner. Dharmendra holds vision to redefine the food agriculture industry in the years to come by maximizing vertical farming and driving in with innovation.
Chapter Description
Indian agricultural sector employs more than 50% of India’s population and contributes to only 14% of the GDP. It is known that India is an agricultural economy and it has capacity to produce at least 3 crops in a year. The agricultural sector of India faces many problems
- Low productivity level
- Overuse of water and underdeveloped irrigation systems
- Extensive use of fertilizer and continuous cultivation for years affected the fertility of land.
- Small and fragmented landholders
- Lack of innovation in agriculture
These are main obstacles in a country with a rising population and urbanization as well as depleted land resources.
Fresh safe food production is urgently needed in a country where a majority lives on a mostly vegetarian diet.
Indoor/vertical farming has gained a great interest in India and is in high demand to innovate agriculture. The AVF Regional Chapter will help to spur knowledge and understanding as well as establishing training, pilot projects and cooperation.
