IBT: What inspired the creation of 4climate, and how does it stand out in agritech?
Subhajit Sinha: We started 4Climate around four years ago, bootstrapping the business with a close-knit team of peers. From the beginning, two key goals inspired us: sustainability in agriculture and accessibility to modern farming solutions for Indian farmers.
First, we’re focused on making agriculture more sustainable. Today, farming faces many challenges, from climate change to resource consumption. We wanted to help farmers benchmark their practices against these environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency. The goal is to encourage more climate-resilient and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The second major focus is accessibility. In India, many farmers and new-age growers struggle to access modern farming solutions. Advanced tools and practices that can help them improve yield, conserve resources, and adapt to changing climate conditions often aren’t easily available. So, we aim to bridge that gap by making these solutions more affordable and accessible for farmers across the country.
In short, 4Climate stands out by prioritizing both sustainability and accessibility, making it easier for Indian farmers to embrace modern, eco-friendly farming practices.
IBT: What’s your mission for empowering the next generation of COVID growers?
Subhajit Sinha: India’s agricultural journey has seen some amazing transformations, from traditional farming to major milestones like the Green and White Revolution and drip irrigation. But when technology really started booming in other sectors, agriculture lagged behind a bit in terms of infrastructure and digital innovation.
At 4Climate, we’re working to change that. Our mission is to help farmers increase productivity in a way that’s sustainable for the environment. We’re focused on giving them tools to manage water, energy, and other resources more efficiently, so they can get the most out of their efforts without overusing what they have. And there’s also a huge demand now for food traceability—people want to know where their food comes from and if it’s safe. So, we’re building a digital framework that connects the dots, offering farmers a way to track and share the journey of their produce with consumers.
Ultimately, we’re here to make things easier and more transparent for both farmers and consumers, helping to create a food system that’s sustainable and trustworthy.
IBT: Congratulations on winning the Vert Con 2024 competition in Germany! What does this achievement mean for Per Climate, and what made your innovation stand out?
Subhajit Sinha: Thank you! Winning this competition is a big milestone for us. Our focus has primarily been on controlled farming, which many refer to as “farms of the future.” As a technology company, we specialize in developing smart sensors and control systems for this type of agriculture.
IBT: You were also the one of the youngest to have received the award?
Subhajit Sinha: Yes, we were one of the youngest teams, lots of industries were there and all, but yeah, definitely.
IBT: How does your SaaS integrate IoT AI and mechanization for growers and help them boost productivity and sustainability?
Subhajit Sinha: Absolutely. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions that combine hardware, IoT sensors, software platforms, and digital twin engines. To summarize, we provide a full-stack solution that covers everything from crop monitoring to digital analytics. This entire platform enhances farm operations, enabling them to be remotely monitored and managed.
With this integrated approach, we’ve been able to achieve significant results: a 70% reduction in water usage, a 7% decrease in power consumption, and a 15% increase in food productivity. In some cases, we’re seeing 3x to 5x improvements in efficiency.
One of the standout features of our solution is its affordability. Under the “Make in India” initiative, our technology costs about one-third of what similar systems would in the US or European markets, while delivering identical performance benchmarks. This makes it much more accessible to all stakeholders involved, further helping to drive productivity and sustainability.
IBT: Can you share a success story where your company made a significant impact?
Subhajit Sinha: One prominent success story is our recent installation in Dehradun, where we’re managing a one-acre project. Our technology is fully integrated into the operations there, and the results have been remarkable. One of the biggest positive impacts, according to our client, is that the agronomists on the ground can now focus entirely on the crops themselves. The entire process—ranging from nutrient management to climate control and productivity tracking—is on autopilot. This automation reduces the hassle of managing multiple tasks manually, leading to a smoother operation. The cost benefits have been significant, with improved efficiency and lower operational costs, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
IBT: So what trends will shape the farming in the next few decades?
Subhajit Sinha: One of the key trends we’re seeing is the rise of hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture. These methods are gaining traction due to the challenges posed by climate change, unpredictable seasonal patterns, and the deterioration of water resources. As we look to the future, there’s a clear need for more sustainable and productive farming systems. The goal is to optimize resource usage, reduce constraints, and still achieve higher productivity. This shift towards more efficient production systems is something we are focusing on as an organization, and we believe it will be essential in tackling the challenges the agricultural sector faces moving forward.
IBT: What is the biggest challenge that you face when you are trying to integrate these technologies with the growers, is it difficult to educate them?
Subhajit Sinha: Yes, to some extent, especially in emerging markets like India and the Asia Pacific region, there’s a knowledge gap. We need to invest time in educating growers, discussing the benefits, and helping them understand how these technologies can improve their practices. In developed markets, such as Israel or Europe, where precision agriculture is already widely accepted, it’s not as challenging. But in India, educating the farmers is a key step.
However, the narrative is changing. Over the next two to three years, we expect to see a new generation of growers, what we call “New Age growers,” who are already familiar with modern farming practices and technology. This shift will make it easier for us to integrate these solutions. We’ve also made sure to support this process by creating training videos on YouTube and having local partners across India who can guide growers. Additionally, our team is always available to answer any queries and provide assistance whenever needed.
IBT: How can AI and vertical farming make agriculture more climate resilient?
Subhajit Sinha: That’s a very interesting question. AI in agriculture is still in its early stages, but it’s showing a lot of promise. There are several key ways in which AI can enhance climate resilience. One example is farm autopilot systems, or “rule engines,” that can manage farm operations with minimal human intervention. These intelligent systems ensure that all processes, from irrigation to fertilization, are optimized without needing constant physical oversight, which helps reduce resource waste and increase efficiency.
Another significant area is crop disease detection. With the use of sensors and camera vision systems, AI can detect potential diseases or nutrient deficiencies early on. This allows for timely intervention, giving farmers a head start in preventing crop loss before it becomes critical. This kind of early warning system can be a game-changer, especially in managing unpredictable climate patterns. So, while AI in agriculture has a lot of potential, it’s still in the early phases. However, it’s clear that as these technologies evolve, they’ll play a major role in making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
IBT: What are some other technologies that 4climate is looking to integrate from across the world?
Subhajit Sinha: One of the exciting developments we’re working on is the Harvest Prediction Engine. Using data we’ve gathered from previous farm deployments, we now have the capability to predict harvest times with greater accuracy. For example, if a farmer plants a crop, say cabbage, we can analyze the plant’s growth patterns and climate conditions and predict the harvest window in real-time. We can give a specific timeframe — such as 57 to 60 days — assuming all conditions remain optimal. This predictive capability is powered by AI, and it’s something we’re excited to integrate further into our platform. It’s a powerful tool that helps farmers plan better, optimize resources, and reduce waste.
