Shri Digant Sharma, Chairman of Torus Innotech Pvt Ltd, was recently honored with the prestigious Excellence in Agriculture Award by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Shri Eknath Shinde. This recognition highlights Shri Sharma’s relentless efforts in advancing agriculture and empowering tribal communities, particularly Adivasi and Banjara farmers.
Under Shri Sharma’s leadership, Torus Innotech Pvt Ltd has significantly impacted the lives of more than 100,000 farmers in Maharashtra’s Nanded district. The company’s innovative agricultural strategies have improved productivity and enhanced the socio-economic status of these marginalized communities.
A key aspect of Torus Innotech’s approach is its focus on women’s empowerment within the tribal farming community. Approximately 40% of the farmers supported by the company are women, underscoring its commitment to gender equality. Torus Innotech also plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development, with initiatives such as transitioning 2,000 farmers to organic farming practices.Presenting the award, Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde praised Shri Sharma’s efforts, saying, “Shri Digant Sharma’s contributions to agriculture, particularly his work with tribal and women farmers, exemplify how innovation can drive meaningful change. His dedication is truly commendable.”
Expansion of Farmer Support Initiatives
In his acceptance speech, Shri Digant Sharma expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting farmers. “This award belongs to our entire team and the resilient farmers we work with. Our journey started in 2019, supporting a few hundred farmers. Today, we have expanded to serve over 100,000 farmers across Maharashtra, and we remain dedicated to building a sustainable future,” said Sharma.
The company plans to launch over 3,000 farmers’ markets across Maharashtra to boost the income of more than two crore small farmers and provide fresh produce to urban consumers.
Innovative Ventures and Future Growth
In addition to agricultural initiatives, Torus Innotech has diversified into raw material trading, currently supplying over 3,500 small retailers. The company plans to increase its network to more than one million retailers across key regions by 2026. A new platform, Smallretaileripo.com, is in the works, aiming to connect farmers directly with buyers to improve their income and provide retailers with fresh stock.
Furthermore, Torus Innotech has launched 12 Farmers Input Centres across Maharashtra, offering essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. The company plans to expand to 200 outlets by 2026, enhancing support for local farmers with training programs aimed at boosting productivity year-round.
Investors from Europe, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE have shown keen interest in partnering with Torus Innotech. The company has already raised USD 2.3 million for a 1.35% equity stake and continues to operate on a self-sustaining, profitable model.
This award represents a significant milestone in Shri Digant Sharma’s career, reinforcing his reputation as a pioneer in agricultural innovation. As Torus Innotech grows, its work will continue to improve the livelihoods of millions of tribal farmers in Maharashtra.