News · Agriculture & Food Systems

Unnati Agri cofounder Ashok Prasad dies suddenly

What they do

Unnati Agri sells agricultural inputs to retailers via a digital platform

Cofounder Ashok Prasad died of sudden cardiac arrest on May 11 2026

The company announced the acquisition of Info Edge-backed Gramophone earlier this year

Unnati Agri cofounder Ashok Prasad died from sudden cardiac arrest on May 11 2026.
Prasad co-founded the company in 2011 and held leadership roles at Tata Teleservices, Paytm, and Nokia.
The startup operates a digital platform where retailers sell agricultural inputs to farmers.
It offers over 4000 SKUs including crop protection seeds and nutrition products.
The company has an operating presence across multiple Indian states in central and northern India.
Unnati Agri reported a revenue jump to ₹515 Cr in FY24 from ₹397 Cr in FY23.
However net losses widened to ₹469 Cr in FY24 from ₹370 Cr in FY23.
Info Edge-backed Gramophone announced an acquisition earlier this year.

Prasad was a key leader with prior experience at major tech firms like Paytm and Nokia.
The death occurs as the company navigates a significant acquisition deal with Gramophone.
Financial results show high growth but also widening losses indicating operational challenges.

Unnati Agri runs a digital platform connecting retailers with agricultural supply chains.
Retailers use the platform to purchase inputs for distribution to farmers.
The catalog includes crop protection products seeds and nutritional supplies.
The business model relies on a wide inventory of over 4000 SKUs.
Operations span various states in central and northern India.
Revenue grew significantly to ₹515 Cr in FY24 reflecting scale expansion.
The company incurred a net loss of ₹469 Cr in FY24.
Losses increased by 27% compared to the previous fiscal year.
Total funding raised to date stands at $13.24 Mn.

Product: Integrated platform spanning manufacturing, wholesale distribution, retail, and farmer engagement for agri-inputs; offers pre- and post-harvest services and working credit
Customers: Farmers purchasing agri-inputs and selling produce; food processors and agribusinesses as direct buyers
How it makes money: Generates 99% revenue from farmer transactions and agribusiness partnerships; financial services and working credit provide additional revenue
What sets it apart: Largest integrated reach in India's agri-input sector post-Gramophone merger; focus on sustainable product adoption (35-40% of sales, targeting 66% within 2-3 years)
Operations: Network of 20,000+ uStores reaching 3-5 million farmers; operates across agri-input value chain