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Transforming Smallholder Farming Through Agri-Entrepreneurs
The Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF) is a transformative organisation dedicated to strengthening smallholder farming and rural economies in India. Co-founded in 2019 by Syngenta Foundation India and CINI-TATA Trusts and supported by IDH, AEGF empowers rural youth to become Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs)—driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and transforming the agricultural landscape.
Through skill development, market access, financial inclusion, and climate-smart solutions, AEGF ensures that farmers gain access to high-quality agricultural inputs, expert crop advisory, and financial support, enabling them to adopt sustainable and profitable farming practices. At the core of AEGF’s approach lies a commitment to gender inclusion, climate resilience, and economic empowerment, fostering entrepreneurship that drives long-term agricultural transformation.
Farmers <br /> Benefitted
AEs <br /> Trained
%
Female AEs <br /> Trained
%
Women <br /> Farmers
Our Mission
To empower small and marginal farmers participate in agricultural development by improving their access to better seeds and other inputs; increasing their knowledge of agronomic practices; establishing ease of access to credit and providing systematic market linkages.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Vision
To be a leading catalyst for agricultural transformation, fostering an ecosystem where smallholder farmers can thrive, drive economic prosperity, and contribute to a sustainable, food-secure future.
we follow
Our Core Values
Spirit of Entrepreneurship
We constantly seek change rather than waiting to adapt
Knowledge
As drivers of change, we believe in imparting the tools for change
Synergy
We believe that we can collectively accomplish more
Proactiveness
We are driven towards bringing effective change to the system
Empathy
We seek to gather first-hand understanding of the plight of farmers
key personnel
Leadership Team
Pankaj Shukla
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
With over 20 years of experience in project implementation and management, he has been at the forefront of empowering rural communities and smallholder farmers. His expertise spans donor management, capacity building, partnership development, agri-business, rural insurance, and operations management.
Bhawna Nirmal
Head - Business Development
With 7+ years in Agri and allied sectors, sge has excelled in sales, marketing, strategy, and project management. Currently, she leads a visionary project in 9 districts of Maharashtra.
Kshama Paunikar
Head – Human Resources
With over 12 years of experience, she excels in aligning HR strategies with business goals across large organizations and startups. She leads strategic HR programs, such as performance management systems and employee wellness initiatives, fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.
Dr. Gajanan Rajurkar
Lead – CSA Initiatives
Ph.D. from ICAR-IARI in Agricultural Engineering with a specialization in Soil & Water Conservation Engineering, complemented by 9+ years of expertise in designing and implementing solar irrigation systems, advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) initiatives, and Agri-Entrepreneurship development.
Prashant Vaidya
Assistant Manager Accounts
With 7+ years in Agri and allied sectors, he has excelled in sales, marketing, strategy, and project management.
Varun Yadav
Head – Market Linkage
Experienced agribusiness professional with 8+ years of experience in market linkages and agri supply chains across diverse crops. Expertise in strategic sourcing, value chain optimization and stakeholder engagement, ensuring efficient farm-to-market connections. He leads the facilitation of agri-commodity trades through Agri Entrepreneurs network
Partnerships and Associations
Our Partners
Partnerships and Associations
Our Associated Partners
AEGF, co-founded by Syngenta Foundation India and TATA Trusts, supported by IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative packs an experienced and credible team working passionately towards…