Pavan's : Transforming Agriculture From Cultivation To Consumption
Pavan's
Chairman
Having a vision of empowering farmers and integrating technology, Arkaa Cluster has created a 360-degree agro-ecosystem that includes trading, FMCG, warehousing, agro-infra, logistics and finance.
The company bridges the gaps of the highly unorganized agriculture industry in India by enhancing the quality of products, market access and operational efficiency. Thanks to its innovative solutions, capitalizing on the impact of technology, and approaching the farmers personally.
A visionary leader and go-getter, Pavan is creating a resilient and technology-enabled, farmer-empowered ecosystem through initiatives such as bulk grain trade, proprietary brand, the True Millet, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products.
Pavan started his career with the desire to be at the cutting edge of business. With a "nothing is impossible" attitude, he has developed a successful entre -preneurial career that has seen him manifest and establish his brainbaby, Arkaa Cluster.
Under his leadership, the company links farmers to domestic and international markets and provides end-to-end agro solutions. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive conversation with Pavan, who walks us through his journey, leadership approach, and future.
What are the major challenges in the agriculture industry you are addressing?
The agriculture industry faces several major challenges, including an unorganized supply chain, quality issues, and limited market access for farmers.
At Arkaa Cluster, we address these challenges by building a 360-degree, comprehensive agro ecosystem that provides farmers with logistics support, quality control, financial access, and consistent customer value. Our overarching goal is to empower farmers, reduce wastage, and create a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system.
What quality control measures have you adopted in your organization to ensure the standard of your products?
Quality plays a crucial role in agriculture, as factors like grading and product condition directly impact pricing. To address this, we deploy our quality team during the loading stage to assess produce and guide farmers on the reasons behind price variations. We also advise them on using better seeds, pesticides, and modern technologies to improve yield and quality in future harvests. By combining transparent com - munication with techno -logical interventions, we help farmers enhance both product quality and profitability.
How tech-savvy are you? Could you share some of the latest technology trends you have adopted?
In agriculture, price transparency is a major challenge, as farmers often lack access to real- time market rates. To address this, we have introduced solutions such as a mobile app and WhatsApp broadcasts that provide daily market prices while bypassing middlemen. This helps us ensure that farmers receive better value for their produce. Additionally, we are in the process of adopting advanced technologies like robotics and AI for automated weed and pesticide spraying, smart irrigation systems, and remote-controlled watering through mobile devices. We are also actively implementing drip irrigation to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Tell us about your leadership methodologies and strategies.
My leadership style is strongly team-oriented, as I believe collective effort is the foundation of success. I prioritize my team by ensuring clear goal setting, well-structured planning, and open channels for feedback. Discipline is also a key aspect, as it creates accountability and consistency. By combining these principles, teamwork, clarity, planning, feedback, and discipline, we are able to achieve sustainable success.
What kind of work environment have you created to support both business and employee growth?
At our organization, we strive to create a work environment where employees feel motivated, supported, and at ease. To balance work responsibilities with wellbeing, we organize weekly recreational activities such as games, movie screenings, and team outings. These initiatives not only provide entertainment but also encourage team bonding and reduce workplace stress.
Quality plays a crucial role in agriculture, as factors like grading and product condition directly impact pricing. To address this, we deploy our quality team during the loading stage to assess produce and guide farmers on the reasons behind price variations. We also advise them on using better seeds, pesticides, and modern technologies to improve yield and quality in future harvests. By combining transparent com - munication with techno -logical interventions, we help farmers enhance both product quality and profitability.
Remain resilient during tough times, & transform obstacles into learning experiences
How tech-savvy are you? Could you share some of the latest technology trends you have adopted?
In agriculture, price transparency is a major challenge, as farmers often lack access to real- time market rates. To address this, we have introduced solutions such as a mobile app and WhatsApp broadcasts that provide daily market prices while bypassing middlemen. This helps us ensure that farmers receive better value for their produce. Additionally, we are in the process of adopting advanced technologies like robotics and AI for automated weed and pesticide spraying, smart irrigation systems, and remote-controlled watering through mobile devices. We are also actively implementing drip irrigation to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Tell us about your leadership methodologies and strategies.
My leadership style is strongly team-oriented, as I believe collective effort is the foundation of success. I prioritize my team by ensuring clear goal setting, well-structured planning, and open channels for feedback. Discipline is also a key aspect, as it creates accountability and consistency. By combining these principles, teamwork, clarity, planning, feedback, and discipline, we are able to achieve sustainable success.
What kind of work environment have you created to support both business and employee growth?
At our organization, we strive to create a work environment where employees feel motivated, supported, and at ease. To balance work responsibilities with wellbeing, we organize weekly recreational activities such as games, movie screenings, and team outings. These initiatives not only provide entertainment but also encourage team bonding and reduce workplace stress.
Our aim is to ensure that employees feel a sense of belonging, as though they are in a second home, rather than experiencing the environment as just an office.
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest developments and emerging trends in the industry?
We stay updated through various sources, including social media platforms, news outlets, and industry reports. For instance, global developments such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict and policy changes like tariff impositions by international governments have significantly impacted export markets. In response, we continuously analyze such shifts and explore opportunities in alternative markets and countries, ensuring resilience and sustained growth despite external challenges.
What future mission have you set for your self? Also, what advice would you give to budding agro leaders?
We are committed to building a technology-driven, 360-degree agriculture company that empowers farmers and positions urban millet as a global brand. My advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities, remain resilient during tough times, and transform obstacles into learning experiences. Continuous learning, building a strong and capable team, and taking bold, well-aligned decisions are essential to achieving long-term vision and success.
Pavan's, Chairman, Arkaa Cluster
Pavan’s leadership at Arkaa Cluster is transforming Indian agriculture paradigms through a technology driven, farmer-centric approach. He has built a 360-degree agro-ecosystem spanning trading, FMCG, ware housing, agro-infra, logistics, and finance.
•Hobbies: Watching movies, reading books, writing songs and travelling
•Favorite Cuisine: South Indian
•Favorite Book: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
•Favorite Travel Destination: Europe
Awards And Recognition:
•Best Supplier Award from multiple states.
•Notable Network Award – presented by BNI Arka Chapter
•Certificate of Achievement-for the role of AGRO-Master from honorary consulate of
Cambodia
•Award from FKCCI (Federation of Karanataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
•Member and Chairperson of BNI -ArkaChapter
•Member and CC to Chairperson (Bangalore)
•Award from KMF (Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producer's Federation)
•Best Supplier Award from NCDFI (emarket conveys) – two Awards (2020–2021 & 2022–
2023)
•Award from Kendriya Bhandar
•Award from Bharat Insecticides - Payment Performance
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest developments and emerging trends in the industry?
We stay updated through various sources, including social media platforms, news outlets, and industry reports. For instance, global developments such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict and policy changes like tariff impositions by international governments have significantly impacted export markets. In response, we continuously analyze such shifts and explore opportunities in alternative markets and countries, ensuring resilience and sustained growth despite external challenges.
What future mission have you set for your self? Also, what advice would you give to budding agro leaders?
We are committed to building a technology-driven, 360-degree agriculture company that empowers farmers and positions urban millet as a global brand. My advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities, remain resilient during tough times, and transform obstacles into learning experiences. Continuous learning, building a strong and capable team, and taking bold, well-aligned decisions are essential to achieving long-term vision and success.
Pavan's, Chairman, Arkaa Cluster
Pavan’s leadership at Arkaa Cluster is transforming Indian agriculture paradigms through a technology driven, farmer-centric approach. He has built a 360-degree agro-ecosystem spanning trading, FMCG, ware housing, agro-infra, logistics, and finance.
•Hobbies: Watching movies, reading books, writing songs and travelling
•Favorite Cuisine: South Indian
•Favorite Book: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
•Favorite Travel Destination: Europe
Awards And Recognition:
•Best Supplier Award from multiple states.
•Notable Network Award – presented by BNI Arka Chapter
•Certificate of Achievement-for the role of AGRO-Master from honorary consulate of
Cambodia
•Award from FKCCI (Federation of Karanataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
•Member and Chairperson of BNI -ArkaChapter
•Member and CC to Chairperson (Bangalore)
•Award from KMF (Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producer's Federation)
•Best Supplier Award from NCDFI (emarket conveys) – two Awards (2020–2021 & 2022–
2023)
•Award from Kendriya Bhandar
•Award from Bharat Insecticides - Payment Performance