The Indian agricultural sector is worth around $300 billion and generates employment for 58% of the Indian population. However, it is not living up to its full potential; outdated processes and agri trading practices are serious stumbling blocks in the path to success. Technology can make the much needed difference in the agriculture sector. Therefore agritech startups are slowly and steadily identifying core problem areas and providing solutions for the same. Nowadays, you will find agritech companies focused on various sections of the agri value chain – right from farm inputs to logistics to trade. Bijak is one of the pioneering companies in the agritech sector focused on trade.
Over the past few years, Bijak has designed digital solutions that help agri traders tackle challenges at key points in their trading journey. Bijak users are made up of farmers, Buyers(commission agents) and Suppliers (loaders). These agri traders control 80% of the $300 billion agri value chain, but they have limited access to technology that can enhance their trade. Bijak helps these users discover verified counterparties and trade with minimal friction, while providing many features that can enhance their trade.
Bijak’s success lies in understanding the users and creating an app that mirrors their trading process while solving major pain points along the way. Today let’s look at the Bijak app from a Bijak Buyer and Supplier’s point of view to get a better understanding of the app features that have helped them.
Bijak Buyer – Ravinder Singh, Yashpal Singh & Company, Khandsa Mandi, Gurugram
Commission agents across India deal with a few problems in general – difficulty in finding verified counter parties and sending payments on time. With Bijak’s strong onboarding process, we were able to create a strong network of verified Buyers and Suppliers across India. Each time a new trader registers with us, they are able to take advantage of the ever-growing network.
Ravinder Singh, a commission agent from Khandsa Mandi has been able to double his business by finding the right Suppliers from nearby mandis on the Bijak app,”We are able to get the benefit of networking. Through Bijak, we came to know about other mandis like Rohtak mandi, Faridabad, Palwal, and other nearby mandis.”
We spoke about the benefits of trading using the Bijak Marketplace feature in an earlier article. Ravinder Singh has been able to leverage this feature very well,”On the app, we can check the rating of a loader, talk to him directly, know how much quantity he wants to sell and at what rate. All these details are available. With Bijak, we get the benefit of directly connecting with the loader. Earlier we required a mediator, but with Bijak app, we can directly talk to the loader.”
“With Bijak, we get the benefit of directly connecting with the loader. Earlier we required a mediator, but with Bijak app, we can directly talk to the loader.”
Bijak has over 150 commodities listed on it. This makes it easier for commission agents to stock up on commodities that are in demand,”Previously we used to deal in seasonal commodities only. If it’s mango season, then mango, if it’s apple season, then apple, if it’s a grape season, then grape. But with Bijak, the market has become global. It means now all the fruits are available in all seasons. Whichever commodity is in demand can be availed on time. We also get to know their rates which makes it easier for us to sell the commodity.”
Documentation can be a hassle in the hectic mandi environment, therefore we introduced E-Bijak feature. With E-Bijak, commission agents and Suppliers can create easily shareable digital receipts. ”With E-Bijak feature, we create online receipts directly on the app and send them to the merchants,” says Ravinder,”with this, the merchant also receives the receipt on time. Earlier we used to do it manually, but now everything is possible with a phone.”
At Bijak, we understand the importance of making payments on time. Prompt payments enhance the Supplier’s trust in the Buyer, and also affects the Buyer’s ratings positively on the app. We have designed the app such that Buyers can make quick payments at any time, even on weekends. “Bijak app is great in terms of payment as well,” says Ravinder Singh,”Earlier we used to visit the bank and stand in the queue. But with Bijak, the payment is transferred directly.”
“Bijak app is great in terms of payment as well. Earlier we used to visit the bank and stand in the queue. But with Bijak, the payment is transferred directly.”
Bijak Supplier – Atul Shewale, Abhinav Traders, Mungsa Market APMC
Suppliers or loaders across India are tasked with getting fresh commodities to the right Buyer on time at the right price. This is a tall order and therefore most Suppliers deal with trusted Buyers or commission agents only. Of course, this means they do not often get the chance to explore other mandis and expand their business. Bijak’s rigorous verification process ensures that the Bijak verified Buyers have a good track record of successful business dealings and on-time payments. This level of professionalism is rewarded on the app with higher visibility and connect with the right Suppliers.
Atul Shewale, a Supplier from Mungsa Market APMC has been able to double his business just by finding the right Buyers on the app. “I have been working here for the past 8-10 years,” says Atul,”when I started my business, I faced a lot of difficulty in finding the right buyers. Even if I found new buyers somehow and sent loaded trucks to them, I faced problems regarding payments. I have been using Bijak for past 2.5 years. I have found trustworthy buyers from 15-20 states on the Bijak App and I don’t face any issues while supplying commodities to them. After loading the truck from here, I get my Payments on the second day of my truck reaching them, from the Bijak App.”
“I have been using Bijak for past 2.5 years. I have found trustworthy buyers from 15-20 states on the Bijak App and I don’t face any issues while supplying commodities to them.”
The Bijak app allows Suppliers to send payment reminders to their Buyers. Apart from this, services like ‘Payment Guarantee’ allows Suppliers to get assured payments on time. In Atul’s words, this makes a big impact on his trade,”Through Bijak my business has doubled and I also get guaranteed Payments. They give us the Payment as soon as the truck reaches. The sooner I get payment in the APMC, the faster I can trade by sending additional trucks. Buyers also contact me through the Bijak App. Because these are verified customers of Bijak, I am confident about sending them our trucks. As they are verified customers on the Bijak app, I do not face problems and due to this, my business has also doubled.”
“Because these are verified customers of Bijak, I am confident about sending them our trucks. As they are verified customers on the Bijak app, I do not face problems and due to this, my business has also doubled.”
At Bijak, we understand that most of our users are new to technology. Keeping this in mind, we have kept the app design simple and it is available in 11 languages. We also have a great customer care team and YouTube tutorial videos that help new users become comfortable using our app. If you’re a trader, we would like to hear from you. Comment below on how your experience has been and what you would like to see on the Bijak app. Bijak is India’s most trusted agri-trading app that acts as a meeting point for farmers, Buyers(commission agents), and Suppliers. It oversees trade in over 150 commodities. You can download the Bijak app from Google Playstore and Apple App Store. You can contact us at 8588998844 or email us at contact@bijak.in.