Performance and challenges of a woman-led bio-input enterprise: A case study of agricultural technology commercialization in plantation crops
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/jpc.2026.v54.i2.10147Abstract
Commercialization of publicly funded agricultural technologies can support rural entrepreneurship and sustainable plantation agriculture. This case study documents the commercialization of ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) microbial and organic-input technologies by Sree Krishna Agrofert, a woman-led agro-input enterprise established in Kasaragod district, Keralam. A descriptive single-case study was conducted using structured interviews, direct observations, enterprise records and production and marketing data verified during field visits in 2026. The enterprise uses locally available agro-industrial residues, including fish waste, poultry manure, coir pith, neem cake and cow dung, in a diversified portfolio of organic nutrient formulations and Trichoderma-based microbial bio-inputs. In 2025, annual returns were Rs.20.00 lakh against operating expenditure of Rs.16.40 lakh, giving an operating surplus of Rs.3.60 lakh, equivalent to 18.0% of annual returns. Annual sales increased from Rs.8.00 lakh in 2021–22 to Rs.20.00 lakh in 2024–25, while the customer base increased from 42 to 156. While the share of sales from Keralam declined from 92% to 70%, it increased from 8% to 22% in Karnataka during the same period. The enterprise generated seven direct employment opportunities, including five for women. The case highlights the role of technology licensing, technical mentoring, quality assurance, demonstrations and market facilitation in supporting commercialization, while also identifying market awareness, seasonal demand, working-capital requirements and gender-related barriers as continuing challenges. The findings support structured incubation and post-licensing support for women-led, decentralized bio-input enterprises in plantation agriculture.
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