– Mahindra aims to digitize and track every acre and kilometer of rental activity in the country with the Krish-e Smart Kit.
Mumbai, March 31st, 2023: Krish-e Mahindra’s AgTech business recently launched the Krish-e Smart Kit (KSK), a first-of-its-kind device that provides detailed insights on tractors and farm equipment. This after-market smart device uses GPS-enabled time tracking and remote monitoring of various parameters to provide equipment owners with a comprehensive report through their smartphones.
Carnot Technologies, an Ag-Tech start-up founded in 2015 by four IIT Bombay alumni, developed this cutting-edge Krish-e Smart Kit. Carnot Technologies is engaged in manufacturing and retailing internet-connected devices for monitoring performance of vehicles and equipment, and M&M Ltd. has acquired a significant stake in the company.
The Krish-e Smart Kit is a game-changer for equipment owners and rental entrepreneurs, allowing them to improve fleet performance and manage maintenance costs. The advanced trip replay feature can track commercial transportation and trolley activity. The Smart Kit can also prevent unauthorised usage of their tractors, ultimately reducing downtime and increasing income.
This brand-agnostic kit is compatible with any new or old brand of tractor or farm equipment, including harvesters, rice transplanters and self-propelled sprayers. The Krish-e Rental Partner App, which is paired with the kit, is available on the Google Play Store. In addition to tracking and monitoring, the app offers access to an inventory of high-end farm machinery on a pay-per-use basis.
Ramesh Ramachandran – Senior Vice President and Head Krish-e – Farm Equipment Sector, M&M Ltd. said, “An industry first aftermarket IoT solution, the Krish-e Smart Kit presents the smartest, most affordable and sustainable way for farmers and businesses to connect and monitor their farm equipment on the go. In its scale-up phase, with over 25,000 active users we will officially launch the Krish-e Smart Kit. Besides farmers, we invite institutions, FPO’s, government bodies and start-ups in the state to partner with us on this connected journey as we aim to digitise every acre and kilometre of rental activity. Going forward we aim to become the leading provider of connectivity for farm equipment in India.”
Pushkar Limaye – CTO, Carnot Technologies commented, “With a vision of building world-class products out of India, we came up with a small plug-and-play device for tractors to help improve their productivity using IoT, with real-time updates on smartphones. And today we are glad to see over 25,000 kits having already helped farmers digitise their businesses and adding real value on ground. And today with the official launch of the Krish-e Smart Kit, together with Mahindra, we aim to digitise Indian farming with an India-based solution, while reaching a larger audience of tractor owners and rental business owners.
Krish-e has more than 25,000 active subscribers with 85% daily active users spending 55 minutes per day on the app during the season. After the free subscription period, 70% of users resubscribe.
Krish-e Smart Kit can be purchased by individual farmers, institutional buyers, FPOs, and start-ups through various channels, including the Krish-e website, centers, and Sahayaks, at an early bird price of INR 4,995, which includes taxes and a six-month subscription.
Launched in 2020, Krish-e is a new vertical from Mahindra that offers technology-driven services to improve the income potential of farmers and other value chain players sustainably. The services offered by Krish-e include Farm Advisory, Equipment Rental & Used Equipment, and have an omni-channel presence with 150 Krish-e centers and app-based touch points.
Krish-e’s efforts have been recognised and included in the World Economic Forum’s January 2023 White Paper on “Accelerating Business Action on Climate Change Adaptation” as an example of how businesses can collaborate with communities to ensure the sustainability of critical natural resources.
Krish-e Smart Kit
| Easy tracking of all brands of tractors, harvesters & rice transplanters via a smart phone or desktop |
| Increases operator revenue with accurate acreage measurement |
| Reduces fuel cost by monitoring fuel levels and alerting for fuel theft |
| Tracks total fleet expenses and reduces fleet maintenance cost |
| Increases equipment security through geofencing alerts |
| Offers advanced trip replay features |
| Retails at an introductory price of INR 4,995 |