Prince Shukla, a BSc-Agriculture graduate from Purnia, Bihar, gave up a comfortable urban job to return to his roots. Facing ridicule from those who called him “gawar” (uneducated/backward) for choosing farming, he instead bet on innovation and dignity. With just ₹1 lakh borrowed from family in 2021, he started AGRATE — a small initiative supplying quality seeds, organic fertilisers, modern irrigation tools and most importantly, hands-on training to fellow farmers. 

What began as a modest venture soon turned into a movement: AGRATE now serves across dozens of districts in Bihar and has expanded into neighbouring states. Farmers long trapped in cycles of low yield and middle-men dependency are now seeing better harvests, higher incomes, and direct access to markets.

Today, AGRATE’s annual revenue has crossed several crores, and its model stands as proof that agriculture — when treated with respect, science and sincerity — can be profitable, dignified and scalable. Prince’s journey from being mocked to becoming a trusted changemaker is re-imagining farming’s future in rural India.