Criyagen: Growth Challenges of a Social Entrepreneur

Abstract

Dr. Basavaraj Girennavar (BG) was a first-generation entrepreneur who set up a life sciences company named Criyagen in the year 2008. After some initial failures encountered in the R&D of products, the company was successful in producing a bio fertilizer called Dynamic Nutrient Provider (DNP). This patented technology later became a commercial success. Currently, the company operated from its factory at Doddaballapur, and manufactured a wide range of bio fertilizers, special nutrients and micronutrients for crops. However, the journey of Criyagen was faced with numerous challenges. To create awareness among farmers about organic farming, Criyagen developed a software application named Agri App that was displayable on mobile phones and could provide help to farmers on various aspects of organic farming. The app could also provide crop advisory services. However, the adoption of this app was low due to the lack of technology knowhow among the farmers. Given the burgeoning agricultural market of India there was a lot of room for growth for Criyagen. But how should BG overcome the challenges that his company was facing at the current time, balance between his social and business goals, and achieve the next round of growth for Criyagen?