Ludhiana / Delhi — Shunya Agritech, a rural-first animal nutrition platform, has signed an MoU with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana, to jointly develop climate-resilient, nutrient-rich hydroponic maize fodder for India’s dairy sector.
The collaboration addresses a key structural challenge: India’s per-animal milk yield is still 50% below the global average despite being the world’s largest milk producer. Limited access to fresh green fodder is a major factor. Shunya’s subscription-based model supplies high-quality green fodder year-round using hydroponic systems that consume 99% less water, require minimal land, and ensure consistent quality regardless of season.
Research Focus
Under the MoU, a hydroponics unit will be set up at ICAR-IIMR’s Delhi campus to trial different maize hybrid varieties for rapid growth and high biomass potential. Joint studies will also develop optimised cultivation protocols, covering pest and disease management.
Dr Hanuman Sahay Jat, Director, ICAR-IIMR, noted,
“By combining IIMR’s maize research expertise with Shunya’s hydroponic innovation, we can unlock maize’s potential as a sustainable, high-yield feed option for smallholder dairy farmers, especially in peri-urban areas.”
Field Impact
Currently, Shunya serves over 3,000 farmers daily across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan through local production and delivery centres. Farmers report improved milk yield, better fat and SNF levels, and extended lactation—adding ₹65–₹75 per day in income—within a week of adoption. The approach also lowers feed costs by replacing expensive concentrate feeds and frees farmland for alternative crops.
For rural women, doorstep delivery reduces the labour-intensive chore of cutting and hauling fodder, freeing time for other income-generating activities or rest.
Digital Integration
The Shunya platform, via its mobile app and WhatsApp channels, allows farmers to place orders, track deliveries, access veterinary support, and receive AI-driven livestock health insights.
Vijay Singh, MD & CEO, Shunya Agritech, said,
“This partnership strengthens our scientific foundation and accelerates our goal of making reliable, affordable nutrition accessible to every dairy farmer. Hydroponic maize offers India a dependable, climate-resilient source of green fodder.”
