In Bihar, where over 70% of the population depends on agriculture, a startup is reshaping the way farmers connect with markets. Agrifeeder Agricultural Services Pvt Ltd, founded in 2017 by brothers Raman and Rounak Kumar and Priya Pandey, links farmers directly to consumers, improving incomes and promoting indigenous food products.
The startup took a significant leap in August 2025 when National Award-winning actor and producer Neetu Chandra joined as a co-founder. Chandra, originally from Patna, brings her global recognition and business experience to support Agrifeeder’s mission of farmer empowerment.
“I recognize the challenges faced by farmers in Bihar, particularly women, in accessing markets and receiving fair compensation for their hard work,” Chandra said in a press statement. “Agrifeeder’s business model allows farmers to bypass middlemen, sell value-added products with recognized branding, and earn a more sustainable income.”
Agrifeeder’s growth strategy also reflects a broader trend of celebrity-led branding in India’s consumer businesses.
From Local Roots to Entrepreneurial Vision
Raman and Rounak Kumar witnessed the hardships of marginal farmers firsthand. Combining their academic backgrounds with a deep understanding of agriculture, they launched Agrifeeder to create a sustainable ecosystem benefiting both farmers and consumers. the company is building a farmer-focused ecosystem centred on product quality, supply-chain support, branding, and direct market access for Bihar’s indigenous foods.
Agrifeeder offers products including Lemongrass Tea, Sattu, Honey, Jaggery, Katarni Rice, and Jardalu Mango, sold under the brand label ‘Agrifeeder by Neetu Chandra’ through physical and online retail stores. Today, the company supports over 50,000 farmers, including over 1,000 women, providing training, quality seeds, fertilizers, and market access.
Celebrity Co-Founder Driving Growth
Neetu Chandra’s involvement has elevated Agrifeeder’s profile nationally and internationally. Her connection to Bihar, combined with her entrepreneurship experience, strengthens the startup’s mission.
“The fact that over 1,000 women farmers are part of Agrifeeder and are experiencing income improvements underscores our commitment to women’s empowerment in agriculture,” Chandra said.
Scaling for the Global Market
With US FDA certification, Agrifeeder is targeting international markets. Co-founder Priya Pandey said that the startup aims to serve one million customers worldwide within three years and planning to to raise funds to expand manufacturing. The revenue is projected to increase 75% this fiscal to ₹3.5 crore, driven largely by maize, while products like Katarni Rice, Sattu, and Jardalu Mango are gaining traction domestically and internationally.
Impact on Farmers and Local Economy
Agrifeeder’s omni-channel model gives farmers direct market access, logistics support, and branded sales opportunities. Participating farmers see income improvements up to ₹1,000 per month, while gaining recognition for high-quality, indigenous produce. The startup’s focus on women farmers also advances gender equality in agriculture.
Looking Ahead
Combining celebrity-led branding, strong local roots, and global ambitions, Agrifeeder exemplifies Bihar’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. For Neetu Chandra, this co-founder role is both a business venture and a mission to uplift her home state.
“Our goal is simple: empower farmers, create sustainable livelihoods, and bring the best of Bihar’s agriculture to the world,” Chandra said.
Agrifeeder’s journey from a small village to global markets showcases how regional innovation, celebrity influence, and farmer-first strategies can converge for meaningful impact.
