How this Jaipur-based startup is addressing healthcare gaps in India's rural cattle farming

India's livestock sector plays a crucial role in the rural economy, with the country boasting the world's largest livestock population. Despite its significance, the sector faces a critical challenge: inadequate access to healthcare for cattle. 

With a sparse network of fewer than 12,500 veterinary clinics to cater to over 536 million livestock, the majority of which are reared in rural areas, the gap in veterinary care is stark. 

This scarcity of healthcare services leads to a situation where diseases that could be treatable become fatal, causing not only the loss of valuable livestock but also imposing a significant financial burden on farmers. 

The economic impact of such losses is profound, affecting individual livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy. The situation is exacerbated by the geographical and infrastructural limitations of rural India, where access to specialised veterinary care is often out of reach. 

The story of Manish K Prahlad, a farmer who lost his buffaloes to an unidentified disease due to the absence of medical assistance, highlights the dire need for accessible veterinary services. 

The loss of livestock is not just an economic setback for farmers; it represents a loss of investment, labour, and, often, a part of their family. 

The emotional and financial toll of these losses underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that can bridge the gap between rural livestock rearing practices and modern veterinary care, ensuring the health and well-being of India's vast livestock population.

Manish himself realised the need and founded Verdant Impact in January 2020, along with Maya Zeph, Vimal Shastri, and Dr Navneet.

Who is Manish K Prahlad?

Manish K Prahlad completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Political Science, and Geography. He has also completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Policy, Governance, and Administration. 

Besides Verdant, Manish is also the founder of Tribal Economy Alliance (TEA), an indigenous forum for the emergence of significant, motivational, and necessary initiatives achieved via inventive collaborations and affiliations.

Addressing the problem

Verdant Impact is tackling critical challenges in India's livestock sector, which is vital for the rural economy but faces significant hurdles in animal healthcare and sustainability. 

Despite India's vast livestock population, the country struggles with a glaring deficiency in veterinary services, particularly in rural areas where the majority of livestock are reared. 

The gap in healthcare services leads to preventable diseases and significant economic losses for farmers, compounded by the broader environmental impact of livestock farming on greenhouse gas emissions. 

What does Verdant Impact do?

Verdant Impact emerges as a comprehensive solution to these challenges, offering a full-stack animal husbandry platform designed to enhance livestock care and facilitate informed trading decisions. 

The startup provides a telemedicine facility named Animal ICU, offering real-time diagnostics, remote monitoring, and virtual veterinary consultations. The platform enables farmers to upload multimedia descriptions of their animals for expert consultation, receive prescriptions, alternate remedies, or even ambulance services based on the diagnosis. 

Additionally, It employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for monitoring and tracing cattle health, location, and movement, further supporting farmers in managing their livestock efficiently and preventing insurance fraud.

Beyond telemedicine, Verdant Impact is pioneering in the field of livestock management with its introduction of Animal Ancestry Animal Mark. 

The service uses DNA analysis and unique identification techniques to help farmers make informed breeding and trade decisions, potentially revolutionising how livestock quality and lineage are assessed. 

The startup's use of under-skin RFID implants for storing crucial health history data also addresses issues of insurance fraud and supports more informed decision-making by insurers and farmers alike.

Business Model

Verdant Impact adopts a B2B2C business model, generating revenue through direct sales, commissions, and co-branding efforts. 

The startup charges for telemedicine consultations and field visits, with a pricing model that includes a fixed fee for teleconsultations and an additional charge for on-site visits if required. 

With this model, It claims to have garnered a significant user base, with over 25,000 monthly active users and 18,000 paying customers, primarily in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. 

Currently, the platform charges Rs 95 for each call, and if it requires a field visit, it charges Rs 200.

Verdant Impact has also partnered with district governments to use its telemedicine facilities to contribute to its revenue stream further.

Funding & Future plans 

So far, Verdant Impact has received funding through grants. Recently, the startup received a Rs 4 lakh grant from the engineering college, BITS Pilani. It has also received grants from NABARD's climate change fund and NITI Aayog. 

However, It is now looking to raise $4 million in funding to expand operations across the country and invest in brand building. 

Notably, Verdant Impact is now targeting $12 million in gross revenue by FY25 and $50 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within three years.

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