People and Inspiration: Igrow, Bertani dan Berdaya #1

Summary

The video covers a visit to Jonggol Farm, a virtual farming application developed by the startup Aigrow in West Java, Indonesia. Aigrow connects farmers, investors, and landowners through an integrated platform, addressing issues like lack of capital and market access for small farmers. The initiative aims to modernize agriculture using technology, ensuring better access to markets and capital while involving urban sponsors. The video also discusses Aigrow's international recognition and expansion efforts, including collaborations in countries like Turkey and France, promoting sustainable agriculture and social impact.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Jonggol Farm is a virtual farming application developed by startup aigrow, integrating technology with agriculture.
• 🏞️ The farm spans 18 hectares in Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, and showcases various crops grown through a collaborative model.
• 💡 Aigrow's business model connects investors, farmers, and landowners, addressing challenges like farmers lacking capital and unused land.
• 📉 The platform aims to solve problems such as farmers' limited market access and the dominance of middlemen in agricultural markets.
• 📱 Aigrow acts as a resource integrator, connecting market, capital, and farming skills via a web and mobile application.
• 🤝 Investors, referred to as 'planting sponsors,' can support local farmers in planting crops on unused lands, benefiting all parties involved.
• 🌍 Aigrow has gained recognition from international communities and received awards from tech competitions across Asia and beyond.
• 🚜 The platform has been involved in farming over 1,300 hectares across six locations in Indonesia, with over 2,300 farmers participating.
• 🌹 Aigrow is expanding internationally, exploring opportunities in countries like Turkey and France for growing and selling crops like roses and organic vegetables.
• 🎯 The platform targets socially conscious investors aged 30 and above, who are interested in environmentally impactful investments.

Q & A

What is Jonggol Farm, and where is it located?

Jonggol Farm is a virtual agricultural farm developed by the startup aigrow. It is located on an 18-hectare plot in Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.

What problem is aigrow attempting to solve in the agricultural sector?

Aigrow aims to address issues such as farmers lacking capital, underutilized land, and the dominance of middlemen in the agricultural market. Their solution integrates the market, capital, and skill development for farmers.

How does aigrow's platform work in connecting stakeholders in the agricultural industry?

Aigrow acts as a resource integrator, connecting three key components—market, capital, and skill—through its web and mobile platform. This enables urban investors to sponsor local farmers who cultivate crops on underutilized land.

What inspired the development of aigrow as a startup?

The founders of aigrow were motivated by the challenges faced by farmers, including the lack of access to markets and capital. They wanted to use technology to improve the farming ecosystem and provide farmers with better opportunities.

What is aigrow’s unique approach to farming in terms of terminology?

Aigrow refers to farmers as 'live artisans' or 'artisans of life,' highlighting their role in creating a beautiful and sustainable way of life. This new terminology aims to elevate the status of farming as a respected and creative profession.

How has aigrow expanded its agricultural efforts, and how many farmers are involved?

Aigrow has expanded to over 1,300 hectares across six locations in Indonesia, including Jonggol, Buleleng, and Blitar. Currently, around 2,300 farmers are involved with aigrow.

Has aigrow gained any international recognition?

Yes, aigrow has received several international awards and recognition, including winning competitions such as Techinasia and Startup Istanbul. They have also participated in international business accelerator programs in San Francisco and South Korea.

What are aigrow’s plans for expanding internationally?

Aigrow has explored international markets, studying farming practices in countries like Turkey and Japan. They aim to expand their operations globally by both cultivating crops abroad and selling their agricultural products to international markets.

Who are the typical investors or sponsors involved with aigrow?

The typical sponsors are individuals aged 30 and above who are financially stable and have an interest in socially responsible investments. These sponsors are aware of the importance of environmental sustainability and the positive impact of supporting local farmers.

What social and environmental impacts does aigrow aim to create?

Aigrow's platform aims to provide economic support to local farmers, promote environmental sustainability by encouraging green farming practices, and create a stable and socially responsible business model that benefits both farmers and investors.