In an alliance that melds scientific rigour with entrepreneurial vision, Shunya Agritech — the rural-first animal nutrition enterprise — has entered into a seminal Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana. The collaboration aspires to usher in a paradigm shift in India’s dairy sector through hydroponically cultivated maize green fodder, offering climatic resilience, exceptional nutritional value, and the promise of revitalised rural livelihoods.

India’s eminence as the world’s foremost milk producer is paradoxically undercut by a persistently low per-animal yield, hovering at half the global benchmark. This deficit, largely rooted in the chronic shortage of fresh green fodder, demands an innovative remedy. Shunya Agritech’s subscription-based hydroponic systems, operating with 99 per cent less water, minimal land requirements, and immunity to seasonal vagaries, provide a consistent supply of high-quality feed throughout the year.

The joint research will be anchored at a dedicated hydroponics unit within the ICAR-IIMR Delhi campus, where an array of maize hybrid varieties will be evaluated for rapid growth, superior biomass production, and resilience to biotic stressors. Comprehensive protocols will be developed for pest management, disease prevention, and optimal yield performance, ensuring a scientifically robust foundation for large-scale deployment.

Shunya Agritech already serves over 3,000 farmers across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, delivering measurable improvements in milk yield, fat and SNF content, and extending lactation periods by up to thirty days annually. These gains translate into increased household income, reduced dependence on costly concentrate feeds, and liberation of arable land for alternative cultivation. The doorstep delivery of fodder further alleviates the arduous labour traditionally borne by rural women, enabling greater participation in income-generating activities or the reclamation of time for rest and family.

Complementing its physical distribution network, the enterprise employs digital tools — including a dedicated mobile application and WhatsApp integration — to facilitate seamless ordering, real-time tracking, precision nutrition advisories, and veterinary assistance, extending the benefits of precision agriculture into the remotest agrarian communities. With expansion planned into Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Bihar, and with recent international recognition at Innova Europe for innovation aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative exemplifies the confluence of advanced agricultural science and rural-first execution. It represents a decisive step towards enhancing dairy productivity, strengthening farmer incomes, and fortifying India’s position in the global agricultural economy.