From a personal tragedy to a mission-driven enterprise, Yogesh Gawande, Founder of Niyo Farmtech Pvt. Ltd., has transformed his engineering knowledge into farmer-friendly innovations that are changing Indian agriculture. Recognized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Niyo Farmtech today stands for affordable mechanization, safety, and sustainability. In this interview with Machine Edge Global, Yogesh talks about his journey, the impact of his innovations, and his vision for the future of farming.
What inspired you to start Niyo Farmtech, and how has the journey been so far?
Back in 2014, when I was in the first year of engineering, a life-changing incident occurred in my family. While spraying in the field, my brother suffered chemical poisoning due to the conventional sprayer he was using. It was a traumatic time for us, and my father encouraged me to put my engineering knowledge to meaningful use — to innovate something that could actually safeguard farmers. That’s when the thought struck me: why not design a sprayer that farmers wouldn’t have to carry on their backs, and that would also be more efficient than the traditional ones? This seed of an idea gradually evolved into Niyo Farmtech.
Today, seven years later, what began as a personal mission has grown into a company dedicated to creating farmer-friendly innovations. The journey so far has been full of ups and downs, gradual evolutions, and continuous efforts to standardize our processes while proving the efficiency of our machines by working closely with farmers across different states. A truly rewarding moment for us came when our work was recognized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During Mr. Bill Gates’ recent visit to India, we had the opportunity to showcase our product to him and receiving his warm appreciation felt like a true validation of our efforts.
Agriculture is the backbone of India. How do you see Niyo Farmtech contributing to the modernization of this sector?
Niyo Farmtech has bridged a crucial gap between traditional sprayers carried on farmers’ backs and the large tractor-mounted sprayers. While manual pumps and tractor-mounted machines were always available in the market, the reality was that ordinary farmers had very limited options that were both affordable and practical. This is exactly where the Niyo Bahubali Sprayer comes in.
Developed out of a real need, the machine makes farm spraying significantly faster and easier. What earlier took about two hours for one acre can now be done in just 30 minutes. A single sprayer does the work of five people, while reducing the physical strain—making it equally accessible for women farmers.
We often say that farmers are the backbone of India, but we must also acknowledge that many still face challenges of literacy and limited access to advanced technology. While the world is adapting machines powered by Artificial Intelligence, it is equally important to design innovations that keep small-scale farmers at the center. Our vision at Niyo Farmtech is to create technology that is not only efficient but also pocket-friendly, ensuring that the benefits of mechanization reach those who need them the most.
How do your manual, battery-operated, and engine-operated pumps cater to the different needs of smallholder and large-scale farmers?
Our product portfolio has been designed keeping in mind the diversity of Indian farmers—from smallholders with less than an acre to large-scale cultivators managing multiple acres.
● Manual Sprayers: These are simple, affordable, and maintenance-free. They are best suited for marginal and smallholder farmers who cultivate small plots. Since they don’t require fuel or charging, they’re cost-effective and easy for women farmers to handle.
● Battery-Operated Sprayers: These strike a balance between affordability and efficiency. They are ideal for farmers with medium-sized farms, typically 2–5 acres. A single charge can spray multiple acres, saving time and reducing fatigue compared to manual methods.
● Engine-Operated Sprayers: These are designed for larger farms and commercial-scale cultivation. With higher tank capacity, greater spray range, and the ability to cover 1 acre in under 30 minutes, they significantly reduce labor costs and dependency. One machine can do the work of 5–6 people, making it a game-changer for farmers who want to scale up operations efficiently.
In short, whether it is the manual sprayer for accessibility, the battery sprayer for convenience, or the engine sprayer for scale, each product is tailored to meet the specific needs of farmers at different levels. Our focus has always been to ensure that innovation remains inclusive, practical, and cost-effective for every farmer.
How does Niyo Farmtech ensure its products remain affordable and accessible to farmers across India?
First of all, all our products are indigenously developed, which ensures cost-effectiveness from the very beginning. Our core focus has always been on small- and mid-scale farmers, so maintaining affordability without compromising on efficiency is a non-negotiable principle for us.
Another important aspect is accessibility. Traditionally, spraying was seen as a male-driven task, but with our innovations—especially the Niyo Bahubali Sprayer—we’ve made it safe, user-friendly, and accessible even for women farmers. In states like Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, where women play a key role in agriculture, our machines have enabled them to take up spraying comfortably and without physical strain.
Because of this farmer-centric design, demand has come not only from across India but also internationally. Today, Niyo Farmtech is present in 22 states in India and has exported to countries like Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, and Ghana and Russia. Our guiding aim is simple: wherever there is demand from farmers, we will deliver affordable and farmer-friendly technology.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in agriculture. How does Niyo Farmtech incorporate eco-friendly practices in its products?
Sustainability has always been at the heart of our innovation. At Niyo Farmtech, we believe technology should not only empower farmers but also safeguard the environment. That’s why we have developed eco-friendly solutions like the solar-powered sprayer and battery-operated sprayers.
The solar sprayer allows farmers to reduce their dependence on petrol or diesel, cutting down both costs and carbon emissions. Similarly, our battery-operated sprayers are designed for energy efficiency, requiring minimal charging while covering multiple acres on a single charge.
In addition to clean energy, our machines ensure uniform spraying, which reduces wastage of pesticides and minimizes chemical exposure for both farmers and soil. In short, our goal is to make farming practices more sustainable—by lowering energy use, reducing chemical impact, and keeping the solutions practical and affordable for smallholder farmers.
What are your plans for expanding Niyo Farmtech’s presence both within India and possibly in international markets?
Right now, our immediate focus is to strengthen our presence across key agricultural states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These are regions where farming is intensive, and we see a strong demand for farmer-friendly innovations like ours. Alongside this, we are also committed to creating local impact by hiring skilled youth and generating employment opportunities in these areas.
On the international front, our approach is demand-driven. We are already present in African countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, and Ghana, and we plan to expand further as new markets open up. The idea is to take Niyo Farmtech wherever farmers can benefit from affordable and efficient mechanization—whether within India or globally.
Are there any upcoming products or innovations that farmers and the industry can look forward to?
At Niyo Farmtech, innovation is a continuous process. We are always working closely with farmers to identify their pain points and design solutions that are practical, affordable, and future-ready. While I may not be able to reveal specifics at this stage, I can share that our upcoming products will focus on making farm operations even more efficient, eco-friendly, and inclusive—especially for small and women farmers.
What I can assure you is that just like our earlier innovations, the next ones will also be farmer-centric and aimed at bridging real gaps in the field. Farmers and the industry can definitely expect impactful and accessible solutions from us in the near future.