For me, transitioning from a physical, brick and mortar business to a digital one, came with it’s own perspectives and a learning curve that I’m still in the process of figuring out, holistically. It’s one thing to read about the digital revolution, but seeing its real-world impact on farmers has been truly eye-opening.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of trust in this sector. Especially when working with smallholder farmers and community organizations, building trust is crucial. But here at Platform Commons, we’re seeing how technology can be the key ingredient in building that trust.
Let’s talk about the time Platform Commons got an opportunity to work with Vrutti, a non-profit organisation working relentlessly to bring a positive change to the lives and livelihoods of underprivileged and marginalised individuals and households.
The Old Ways
Prior to adopting Commons.farm, Vrutti was mired in a paperwork nightmare. Field agents spent their days drowning in forms, leaving little time to build relationships with farmers, the heart and soul of their work. This had a domino effect:
- Less time connecting with farmers meant less trust being built.
- FPOs struggled with paper-based financial records, hindering access to credit and future planning.
- Working with other community organizations was a major hurdle, limiting Vrutti’s reach.
Simplifying the Process
Commons.farm was more than just a digital tool – it was a seamless solution that transformed Vrutti’s operations:
- Agents finally ditched the paperwork and focused on building relationships with farmers. Trust soared.
- Records went digital, streamlining access to credit, future planning, and transparent operations.
- With a few clicks, Vrutti could connect with other FPOs, CSOs (Civil Society Organizations), and service providers, opening doors to new opportunities.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Commons.farm fueled Vrutti’s rapid and effective growth:
- 30,000 farmers across 23 FPOs in 6 states were connected through the platform.
- Over 40,000 transactions were processed, totaling more than Rs 25+ Cr, directly benefiting farmers and local entrepreneurs.
- Women-owned businesses, artisans, and fisherfolks joined the fold, expanding Vrutti’s social impact beyond agriculture.
Raghunathan Narayan’s Vision: A Future of Inclusion
Raghu, Vrutti’s Founder & Chief Mentor, shared his vision: “We believe Commons.farm can extend its reach beyond farmers to include local entrepreneurs like fisher folks, women-owned businesses, and artisans. Partnering with Platform Commons has created an open and efficient ecosystem that will continue to evolve.”
This is just one example, but it highlights the power of digital transformation. It’s not just about fancy tech; it’s about empowering people and creating opportunities. With Commons.farm, Vrutti streamlined their operations, opening doors to financial freedom, collaboration, and efficiency.
Investing in the Future: The Importance of Digital Agriculture
Vrutti’s success is a testament to how digital transformation can supercharge an organization’s impact. When field agents are equipped with the right tools, they build deeper, more trusting relationships with farmers. Digital operations unlock doors to financial growth, collaboration, and efficiency. But most importantly, when communities connect through shared platforms, lasting, sustainable change becomes a real possibility.
Ready to Create Real Impact?
This experience has made me a firm believer in the power of technology for social good. As I continue my journey at Platform Commons, I’m eager to learn more about the amazing work we’re doing and how we can help even more communities thrive.
At Platform Commons, we’re here to help you scale that change. Curious how Commons.farm can help your organization thrive? Let’s connect! We can build an ecosystem that empowers people, fosters trust, and drives genuine, impactful change.