Success Story: From Being Called ‘Illiterate’ to Building a ₹2.5 Crore Agri-Business — How Prince Shukla Transformed His Destiny

While most young Indians chase the glamour of big cities, 24-year-old Prince Shukla from Purnea, Bihar, chose a path few dare to walk. He left a well-paying job in Bengaluru to return to his village and build an agricultural startup — a decision that initially invited mockery. People called him “ganwar” for giving up a corporate career to work in the fields.

But Prince refused to quit. His grit, vision and belief in modern farming have today created a company with an impressive annual turnover of ₹2.5 crore, started with just ₹1 lakh. His venture, AGRATE, has uplifted thousands of farmers and proved that agriculture, when done smartly, can be a thriving business.

Leaving a City Job to Rebuild Rural Agriculture

Born in a small village in Purnea, Prince grew up watching farmers struggle with poor-quality seeds, expensive fertilizers, and outdated tools. After completing his BSc in Agriculture, he secured a good job in Bengaluru and planned to pursue a master’s degree abroad.

However, the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted those plans and brought him back home. Once in the village, Prince decided he could no longer ignore the persistent problems farmers faced. He dropped his plan of studying abroad and chose to transform farming into a sustainable and profitable career.

A Humble Beginning with Just ₹1 Lakh

Prince named his startup “AGRATE” (Agriculture Great) and launched it from a small room with an investment of only ₹1 lakh. Initially, AGRATE supplied farmers with high-quality seeds, organic fertilizers and modern tools.

But Prince knew that simply supplying materials wasn’t enough to solve farmers’ challenges. He began visiting villages, interacting with farmers directly, and teaching them:

• Scientific sowing methods
• Water-saving techniques
• Organic farming practices
• Use of technology for crop management

Through workshops, app-based support and video consultations, he successfully connected with over 10,000 farmers.

Facing Ridicule, Yet Moving Forward

When Prince left his city job to work with farmers, relatives and locals ridiculed him. Many mocked him, calling him “ganwar” for choosing agriculture over a conventional career.

But Prince stayed focused.
His methods began showing results — farmers reported improved crop yields and reduced losses. AGRATE soon strengthened its supply chain, providing farmers with market linkages and fair prices for their produce.

A Multi-Crore Enterprise Today

Today, AGRATE has grown into a flourishing agri-business with a turnover of ₹2.5 crore. From Purnea, it has expanded into multiple districts across Bihar.

Recognising Prince’s success, major companies such as ITC, Parle and Nestlé have partnered with AGRATE for organic products. His journey has become an inspiration for youth across Bihar, proving that agriculture is not a backward profession — it is a sector with immense potential, especially when powered by technology and modern practices.

At just 24, Prince Shukla is not only running a multi-crore enterprise but also working toward his larger dream: turning Bihar into an organic agriculture hub.

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