Farming Just Got a Software Update! Meet the Man Bringing IT to AgriTech

Image Source: IABAC

Shailesh Modak, a former IT engineer, has made an extraordinary shift from coding to cultivating, pioneering hydroponic farming and AI-driven sericulture. His journey from beekeeping to soil-less farming showcases how technology can revolutionize agriculture and make farming more accessible to urban communities.

1. From IT to Beekeeping—A Unique Start

Shailesh initially ventured into beekeeping, launching a ‘rent-a-bee-box’ service that helped farmers with pollination.
He began with 60 bee boxes, each home to 10,000 to 150,000 bees, and soon found himself earning ₹80,000 to ₹1 lakh a month.
However, logistical challenges—such as transporting bees at night—led him to partner with Amrawati Honey, sharing profits while focusing on new ventures.

2. Hydroponics & Smart Farming Innovations

In 2018, Shailesh quit his IT job and invested in a shipping container, transforming it into a hydroponic farm.
His startup, 365D Farms, enables year-round farming using automated nutrient delivery systems and IoT-based monitoring.
He patented a Propagation Chamber, optimizing seed germination with precise temperature and humidity controls.
His farm runs almost entirely on automation, ensuring precise nutrient delivery to crops, eliminating human errors.

3. Future Plans—AI-Driven Sericulture & Sustainable Growth

Shailesh is now exploring AI-based sericulture, aiming to modernize silk farming with automated monitoring systems.
His vision is to bring farming closer to urban populations, making fresh produce more accessible through tech-driven solutions.
He believes that instead of people going to farms, farms should come to the people, a philosophy that drives his innovations.

Sources: MSN, Hindustan Times, Country Farmss