New Delhi: While most young Indians dream of moving to big cities for lucrative careers, 24-year-old Prince Shukla from Bihar’s Purnia district chose a different path. Leaving behind a well-paying job in Bengaluru, he returned to his village to start an agri-startup named “Agrate”. Initially mocked by many—some even calling him “ganwar” (uneducated)—Prince stayed focused. Today, his venture not only supports thousands of farmers but also clocks an impressive annual turnover of ₹2.5 crore, all from an initial investment of just ₹1 lakh. His story is a powerful example of how agriculture, when modernized, can become a successful and respected career.
A Village Boy Who Saw Farmers’ Struggles Up Close
Born and raised in a small village in Purnia, Prince grew up watching farmers suffer due to poor-quality seeds, expensive fertilizers, and outdated equipment. After completing his B.Sc. in Agriculture, he moved to Bengaluru for a promising job and dreamed of pursuing a master’s degree abroad. But the COVID lockdown changed everything. Forced to return home, Prince witnessed the same old problems still troubling local farmers—and that became the turning point of his life.
The Birth of ‘Agrate’: A Startup Built From a Small Room
Determined to bring change, Prince launched Agrate (Agriculture Great) with just ₹1 lakh, operating initially from a single small room. At first, he supplied farmers with high-quality seeds, organic fertilizers, and modern agri tools. But soon he realized that distribution alone wouldn’t solve the problem.
He then shifted his focus to training farmers in modern and scientific farming methods. Using video calls, workshops, field visits, and mobile apps, he taught:
- Scientific seed sowing techniques
- Water-saving irrigation methods
- Organic and chemical-free farming practices
Over time, he personally connected with more than 10,000 farmers, helping them increase their yield and reduce losses.
Mocked at First, Celebrated Later
When Prince quit his corporate job to pursue farming, many people ridiculed him. Relatives and villagers called him “foolish” and even “ganwar” for choosing agriculture over a city job. But Prince refused to let criticism derail his mission.
Gradually, results began to show. Farmers reported doubled crop yields and significantly reduced expenses after applying Prince’s training techniques. As success stories spread, Agrate became a trusted name among farmers across several districts of Bihar.
A ₹2.5 Crore Company Partnering With Big Brands
Today, Agrate has grown into a thriving agribusiness with an annual turnover of ₹2.5 crore. From Purnia, the company has expanded operations across multiple regions of Bihar. Its rising credibility has earned partnerships with major brands such as:
- ITC
- Parle
- Nestlé
Under these partnerships, Agrate supplies high-quality organic products to the companies, further boosting the income of local farmers.
Inspiring Thousands of Youth and Farmers
Prince Shukla’s journey from being criticised to becoming a successful entrepreneur has made him a role model for Bihar’s youth. He now encourages others to view agriculture not as a backward occupation but as a smart, modern, and profitable career when paired with technology and innovation.
At just 24, he manages a multi-crore business and dreams of transforming Bihar into India’s largest organic farming hub.