In India’s evolving startup ecosystem, some of the most impactful ventures are those that address grassroots challenges. Shobhit Aggrawal, founder of Manjha Technologies, is one such entrepreneur who identified a critical gap in the aquaculture sector and built a platform to solve it.
Launched in 2022, Manjha Technologies is an online platform designed to support agriculture and aquaculture farmers by providing access to fish seeds, feed, health supplements, and consultancy services all in one place.
Identifying the Gap in Aquaculture
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Shobhit Aggrawal cleared his CA in 2012 and spent several years in the business domain. However, his journey into entrepreneurship took a decisive turn in 2020 when he explored farming firsthand.
During this period, he observed significant inefficiencies in the aquaculture value chain especially in North India. Farmers lacked access to quality inputs, reliable suppliers, and proper technical guidance. There was also limited use of technology in the sector.
Recognizing this gap, Shobhit set out to build a solution that could simplify and strengthen the ecosystem for fish farmers.
Building Manjha Technologies
Manjha Technologies began as a marketplace for fish seed suppliers, aiming to connect farmers directly with trusted sources. Over time, the platform evolved into a comprehensive solution that caters to multiple aspects of aquaculture farming.
Today, Manjha enables farmers to:
- Procure fish seeds, feed, and health supplements
- Access farm consultancy for better productivity
- Receive doorstep delivery of essential inputs
- Explore products with transparency and comparisons
In addition to its marketplace, the platform has also introduced:
- A community feature, allowing farmers to share ideas and best practices
- An e-store, making farm inputs more accessible and reliable
This integrated approach has helped streamline operations for farmers and improve overall efficiency.
Strong Early Traction
Despite operating in a traditionally underserved sector, Manjha Technologies has shown impressive early growth.
Within just six months:
- The platform facilitated over 2.5 million sales
- More than 1,000 fish seed suppliers were listed
The company has also seen increasing engagement from farmers, with users actively participating in discussions and seeking guidance through the platform.
Fundraising and Strategic Growth
Manjha Technologies has raised approximately $128,480 from various investors, including institutional support and grants.
However, Shobhit emphasizes that fundraising was approached strategically rather than aggressively.
He focused on:
- Demonstrating real traction and impact
- Aligning with the right investors
- Raising funds only when necessary for growth and sustainability
This disciplined approach has allowed the company to maintain a strong focus on building a sustainable business.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a tech-driven platform for farmers came with its own set of challenges.
Some of the key hurdles included:
- Limited internet connectivity in rural areas
- Lack of awareness about digital platforms
- Initial resistance from farmers in adopting technology
Despite these challenges, Shobhit remained confident in the potential of technology to transform the sector. By focusing on education, trust, and consistent engagement, Manjha gradually gained acceptance among its users.
Customer-Centric Approach
A key driver of Manjha’s growth has been its strong focus on customer feedback.
Shobhit believes in:
- Continuously listening to farmers
- Adapting the platform based on their needs
- Maintaining transparency and trust
This approach has helped the company build long-term relationships with its users and establish credibility in the market.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Manjha Technologies aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
The company plans to:
- Develop a network of 25 village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) across North India
- Improve last-mile delivery and reduce turnaround time
- Create employment opportunities in rural areas
- Strengthen farmer productivity and profitability
The long-term goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports farmers at every stage of their journey.
Leadership & Learnings
Shobhit Aggrawal describes his leadership style as humble and learning-oriented, emphasizing the importance of listening to both team members and customers.
He acknowledges that entrepreneurship comes with constant ups and downs, and staying motivated requires:
- Strong team support
- A reliable ecosystem
- Continuous learning
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For young entrepreneurs, especially those building in challenging sectors, Shobhit shares a simple yet powerful message:
- Keep hustling and stay patient
- Focus on solving real problems
- Learn continuously from experience
- Build a strong support system
- Take advantage of incubation and mentorship opportunities
Conclusion
Manjha Technologies stands as an example of how technology can drive meaningful change in traditional sectors. By addressing real challenges faced by aquaculture farmers, Shobhit Aggrawal is not only building a business but also creating impact at the grassroots level.
As the platform continues to grow, its focus remains clear empowering farmers, improving productivity, and building a more sustainable future for the aquaculture ecosystem.
Interview by : Kashish Srivastava
