Beleaf Farms is Transforming Agriculture in Indonesia with support from Funding Societies

The digital lending platform Funding Societies has raised 8.6 million through the Lendahand crowd so far, of which 7.1 million has already been repaid in a timely manner.

How does Funding Societies transform this financing into tangible impact and positive change in Southeast Asia? 

Lendahand had the opportunity to talk to Amrit Lakhiani, the founder and CEO of Beleaf Farms, one of Funding Societies’ clients. In an enlightening online interview, he opened up about the innovative strides his company is making in Indonesia's agricultural sector.

 

From the Idea of a Hydroponic Farm to an Agritech Scale-Up 

Amrit’s dream for the future was to start a small hydroponic farm. Supported by his wife and the thought that ‘the future is now,’ he started building his dream earlier than expected. Fast-forward four years, and Amrit is the CEO of an agritech scale-up that is doing way more than cultivating fresh veggies. 

During our interview, Amrit shared, "A lot of Indonesian farmers are actually underperforming in terms of yield and quality. We decided that rather than continuing to build on our farms, we would instead help existing farms… They have the skillset and need the support to increase their yield and income and improve their living conditions.”

Supported significantly by Funding Societies through strategic financing, Beleaf Farms is a testament to how targeted financial support can empower innovative and impactful businesses. 

 

Watch the interview here on our YouTube channel

You can turn on the automatically translated subtitles in the language of your choice.

 

Empowering Farmers with Farming as a Service (FaaS)

Beleaf is redefining farming practices in Indonesia, which have profound impacts on local farming communities and the environment. Their innovative approach, Farming as a Service (FaaS), not only boosts agricultural yields and improves quality but also supports the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

By integrating modern technology and sustainable practices into the core of its operations, Beleaf addresses SDGs such as climate action, decent work, economic growth, and food security. Their work enhances farmers' incomes, expands their agricultural capabilities, and, crucially, shifts practices towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural methods.

Beleaf operates a unique financing model that doesn't just provide cash to farmers; instead, it operates through a system where funds are used to purchase necessary agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers, which are then supplied to the farmers. This ensures that the investments are directly contributing to agricultural productivity. Post-harvest, the produce is bought back from the farmers at a predetermined price, and the proceeds are used to repay the P2P lenders, with farmers receiving the balance. This approach mitigates risk for both the lender and the farmer, supported further by the integration of crop insurance, protecting against natural disasters or crop failures, thereby securing the financial stability of the farmers and ensuring the sustainability of farming operations.

Additionally, Beleaf researches and develops new agricultural methods and products that promote more efficient and cost-effective farming techniques. 

 

Beleaf's Key Activities and Outcomes:

• Farming as a Service (FaaS):

Provides farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and expert agronomist guidance to enhance yields and produce quality without high upfront costs.

• Supporting Smallholder Farmers:

Utilizes a unique financing model with Funding Societies to provide resources upfront, reducing financial pressure and breaking the cycle of debt from traditional middlemen.

• Technological Integration and Innovation:

Invests in new farming techniques and data-driven insights, employing methods like hydroponics and optimized nutrient delivery to boost productivity and sustainability.

• Crop Insurance and Risk Management:

Integrates crop insurance to protect farmers from losses due to natural disasters, ensuring stable and secure farming operations.

• Community Development and Employment:

Promotes community development through job creation and economic improvement, supporting farmers and employing locals in research farms and processing facilities.

• Export and Market Expansion:

Expands markets by exporting produce, increasing operational scale and revenue, and reinvesting in local communities to extend farming programs and land cultivation.

 

Let’s Cultivate a Bright Future

Beleaf is not just cultivating crops but is also cultivating a brighter future for farmers and ecosystems alike, driven by profound impacts on local farming communities and the environment. 

Through strategic partnerships like that with Funding Societies, Beleaf is demonstrating the power of finance in transforming agriculture into a force for global change and sustainability. 

Consider how your investment in Funding Societies has been transformative in agricultural initiatives and beyond! To show your continuous support, head to our projects page to see what impact you can make today.