Empowering Rural Healthcare: The Impact of a Jaipur-Based Startup on Cattle Farming in India

India’s Livestock Sector: Bridging the Healthcare Gap

India’s rural economy relies heavily on its vibrant livestock sector, boasting the world’s largest population of cattle. Despite its pivotal role, the sector grapples with a significant challenge: inadequate access to veterinary healthcare.

With just under 12,500 veterinary clinics serving over 536 million livestock, predominantly in rural regions, the shortfall in healthcare provision is glaring. This scarcity results in treatable diseases turning fatal, inflicting not only the loss of valuable livestock but also imposing substantial financial burdens on farmers.

Such losses have far-reaching economic repercussions, impacting individual livelihoods and the broader agricultural landscape. Geographical and infrastructural constraints further compound the issue, hindering access to specialized veterinary care in rural India.

The poignant tale of Manish K Prahlad, a farmer who lost his buffaloes to an unidentified disease due to the lack of medical aid, epitomizes the pressing need for accessible veterinary services.

These losses extend beyond mere economic setbacks; they represent the loss of investment, labor, and often, cherished companions. The emotional and financial toll underscores the imperative for innovative solutions bridging the gap between traditional livestock rearing practices and modern veterinary care.

Recognizing this need, Manish spearheaded the establishment of Verdant Impact in January 2020, alongside Maya Zeph, Vimal Shastri, and Dr. Navneet.

Who is Manish K Prahlad?

Manish K Prahlad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Political Science, and Geography, complemented by a Master of Public Administration (MPA) focusing on Public Policy, Governance, and Administration.

Beyond his role at Verdant, Manish serves as the founder of Tribal Economy Alliance (TEA), a pioneering indigenous platform fostering impactful initiatives through innovative partnerships and alliances.

Solving the Issue

Verdant Impact addresses crucial issues in India’s livestock sector, essential for rural economies but hampered by obstacles in animal healthcare and sustainability.

India boasts a vast livestock population, yet suffers from a notable shortage of veterinary services, particularly in rural regions where most livestock are raised.

This healthcare gap results in preventable diseases and substantial financial losses for farmers, magnified by the wider environmental consequences of livestock farming on greenhouse gas emissions.

What Does Verdant Impact Offer?

Verdant Impact stands out as a comprehensive solution to prevailing challenges in animal husbandry, presenting a full-stack platform geared towards enhancing livestock welfare and facilitating well-informed trading strategies.

At its core, the startup introduces Animal ICU, a telemedicine facility providing real-time diagnostics, remote monitoring, and virtual veterinary consultations. Through this platform, farmers can seamlessly upload multimedia descriptions of their animals for expert evaluation, obtaining prescriptions, alternative remedies, or even ambulance services as needed.

Moreover, Verdant Impact leverages Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for cattle monitoring and tracing, empowering farmers to efficiently manage their livestock while mitigating insurance fraud risks.

Innovating beyond telemedicine, Verdant Impact introduces Animal Ancestry Animal Mark, utilizing DNA analysis and unique identification methods to assist farmers in making informed breeding and trading decisions. This pioneering approach has the potential to revolutionize livestock quality assessment and lineage tracking.

Furthermore, the startup’s integration of under-skin RFID implants for storing essential health history data not only addresses insurance fraud concerns but also fosters informed decision-making among insurers and farmers alike.

Business Model

Verdant Impact operates on a B2B2C business model, deriving revenue from direct sales, commissions, and co-branding initiatives.

The startup implements a fee structure for telemedicine consultations and field visits, comprising a fixed rate for teleconsultations and an additional fee for in-person visits, if necessary.

This approach has facilitated the acquisition of a substantial user base, boasting over 25,000 monthly active users and 18,000 paying customers, primarily concentrated in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Presently, the platform levies a fee of Rs 95 per teleconsultation, with an additional charge of Rs 200 for field visits.

Furthermore, Verdant Impact has established collaborations with district governments, leveraging its telemedicine capabilities to augment its revenue channels.

Funding & Growth Strategies

Verdant Impact has primarily relied on grants for funding, with recent support from various sources. Notably, the startup secured a grant of Rs 4 lakh from BITS Pilani’s engineering college, alongside grants from NABARD’s climate change fund and NITI Aayog.

Now, the company sets its sights on broader horizons, aiming to secure $4 million in funding. This investment will fuel its nationwide expansion efforts and bolster brand presence.

Looking ahead, Verdant Impact aims to achieve significant milestones, targeting $12 million in gross revenue by FY25 and striving for $50 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within the next three years.