Jiva Company Profile

Background

Overview

Jiva was an agritech company founded in 2020 with a mission to empower smallholder farmers globally by enhancing their livelihoods through innovative technology solutions. The company aimed to address the challenges faced by farmers by providing services such as micro-financing, agri-e-commerce, personalized agronomy advisory, and assistance with crop sales. Headquartered in Singapore, Jiva operated primarily in Indonesia and India.

Mission and Vision

Jiva's mission was to improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods at scale. The company focused on delivering personalized, AI-powered agronomic advice, facilitating access to quality agricultural inputs, and ensuring fair pricing and transparent crop procurement processes. By integrating technology with deep-rooted human-centered purposes, Jiva aimed to create lasting positive impacts for farmers.

Industry Significance

As a leading agritech company, Jiva played a significant role in digitizing the rural supply chain and bringing modern agricultural practices to smallholder farmers. Its innovative approach addressed critical needs in the agricultural sector, contributing to increased yields, improved incomes, and enhanced resilience among farmers.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Empowerment of Farmers: Jiva aimed to empower farmers by providing them with the tools and resources needed to enhance their productivity and income.

• Digitization of Agricultural Practices: The company focused on integrating technology into traditional farming methods to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Areas of Specialization

• Micro-Financing: Offering low-cost, digital credit to farmers, allowing them to access necessary agricultural inputs without immediate repayment obligations.

• Agri-E-Commerce: Providing a platform for farmers to purchase high-quality farm supplies directly through Jiva’s in-app store, with doorstep delivery.

• Personalized Agronomy Advisory: Delivering AI-powered, personalized agronomic advice to farmers, assisting them in making informed decisions.

• Harvest Procurement: Ensuring fair pricing and transparent processes for purchasing crops directly from farmers.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Employed AI to provide personalized agronomic advice and to develop AI-driven pest and disease diagnosis tools.

• Machine Learning (ML): Utilized ML algorithms to analyze agricultural data and offer insights for improved farming practices.

• Mobile Applications: Developed user-friendly mobile platforms to facilitate access to services and information for farmers.

Primary Markets Targeted

Jiva primarily targeted smallholder farmers in Indonesia and India, aiming to enhance their agricultural practices and economic outcomes.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Jiva was a corporate venture between Olam International and BCG Digital Ventures, launched in 2020. Specific details regarding funding rounds, total funds raised, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. In August 2025, Jiva ceased its operations as part of Olam Group’s reorganization plan, which focused on two core businesses, leading to the discontinuation of support for Jiva.

Pipeline Development

During its operational period, Jiva developed and deployed several key initiatives:

• AgriCentral Platform: A farmer application that reached over 11 million registered farmers, offering services such as pricing and advisory for multiple crops.

• AI-Driven Tools: Introduced AI-driven pest and disease diagnosis tools to assist farmers in managing crop health.

• Retailer Partner Network: Launched a network to expand the reach of agricultural inputs and services to a broader audience.

• Procurement Operations: Procured over 500,000 metric tons of corn, becoming one of the largest direct-from-farmer procurers in Indonesia.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• AgriCentral Platform: A comprehensive mobile application providing farmers with access to various services, including advisory, e-commerce, and financial support.

• AI-Powered Advisory Tools: Utilized artificial intelligence to deliver personalized agronomic advice and pest and disease diagnosis.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Employed data analytics to understand farming patterns and provide actionable insights.

• Machine Learning Algorithms: Used ML algorithms to predict crop yields and optimize procurement strategies.

Leadership Team

Jiva's leadership team comprised professionals with diverse expertise in technology, product development, and agriculture:

• Ramanarayanan Mahadevan: Chief Executive Officer with 25 years of experience as a founder and entrepreneur within Olam.

• Arnav Pandey: Chief Product Officer with 10 years of experience in engineering, product, and supply chain management.

• Tejas Dinkar: Chief Technology Officer with 15 years of experience as a founder and technologist.

• Pankaj Lunawat: Country Head, Jiva Indonesia, with over 17 years of experience in developing digital products and on-ground operations serving smallholder farmers.

• Aditya Thareja: Head of New Growth and Partnerships, previously a Principal at the Boston Consulting Group.

• Suresh Sundararajan: Founder & Director, also serving as Olam’s Chief Digital Officer.

Leadership Changes

In August 2025, Jiva announced the closure of its operations as part of Olam Group’s reorganization plan, leading to the discontinuation of support for Jiva.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The agritech sector, particularly focusing on smallholder farmers, is characterized by a growing demand for digital solutions that enhance productivity and income. Key trends include the adoption of mobile technology, AI-driven advisory services, and integrated e-commerce platforms.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the agritech space include:

• AgriDigital: Offers a platform for grain supply chain management, providing services from farm to customer.

• CropIn: Provides AI and data-driven solutions for the agriculture industry, focusing on farm management and analytics.

• Ninjacart: An agri-tech startup that connects farmers directly with retailers, streamlining the supply chain.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Jiva was backed by Olam International, one of the world’s leading agri-businesses, which provided significant support and resources for its operations.

Operational Insights

Jiva's hybrid model combined technology with human interactions, aiming to accelerate adoption and build trust among farmers. The company focused on creating a closed-loop model, extending advances to farmers who repaid with their harvests, thereby reducing risks and increasing the number of farmers served.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Despite its closure, Jiva's approach highlighted the potential for integrating technology into traditional farming practices to enhance productivity and income. Future opportunities in this space include developing scalable digital solutions tailored to the unique needs of smallholder farmers and fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between technology providers and rural communities.