U.Solve #KissanKarobar
The U.Solve #KissanKarobar is tailored for Agri-specific businesses and farmers in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and strategic insights needed to address the key agriculture challenges of low adoption of climate resilience techniques, limited post-harvest waste handling and storage solutions and lack of systematic approaches to recycling natural and wood waste.
Program Goals
- Equip farmers and Agri-entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, frameworks, and strategic insights needed to build climate-resilient, sustainable, scalable, and market-ready businesses through expert-led technical advisory.
- Provide business advisory to refine the business models to enhance the commercial viability of the agricultural produce locally and support nationwide scalability, with a focus on growth potential and value chain integration.
- Provide access to patient debt financing for promising businesses, enabling sustainable growth and innovation.
Problem Statements
U.Solve #KissanKarobar is aimed at current and aspiring agri-businesses and farmers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral who are
adopting or working towards sustainable agricultural practices and solving below identified problems:
Low Adoption of Climate-Resilient Techniques in Agriculture
Challenge: Climate change is reducing agricultural productivity in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral due to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather. Opportunity: Solutions that promote climate-smart farming to help farmers sustain yields in changing conditions.
Limited Post-Harvest and Storage Infrastructure in Agriculture
Challenge: A lack of cold storage, supply chain infrastructure, and value-addition technologies leads to significant post-harvest losses, especially for perishable fruits and vegetables.
Opportunity: Innovations that reduce post-harvest waste through affordable cold storage, processing, and value-addition technologies.
Untapped Potential of Cash Crops in Regional Farming
Challenge: The region has not yet capitalized on high-value crops limiting farmer incomes. Opportunity: Scalable models to cultivate and commercialize high-value crops using modern, climate-smart methods.
Lack of Systematic Wood Waste Management and Recycling
Challenge: A large portion of wood waste remains unused, despite its potential for eco-friendly products.
Opportunity: Solutions that turn wood waste into valuable materials, supporting green construction and circular economy practices.
Components of U.Solve #KissanKorobar
Subject Matter Expert Sessions
Subject matter experts for the following topics will be engaged for one-on-one advisory during the in-person sessions:
Post-Harvest Management & Storage Solution: Farmers and Agri-entrepreneurs will learn key quality preservation techniques and will be encouraged to adopt cold storage methods for perishable Agri-Products.
Cash Crop Potential Mapping: Experts will support farmers in identifying high-potential and region-specific cash crops and conducting their value chain analysis to highlight key challenges and their practical solutions.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The experts will be briefing the participants on this approach which encompasses a range of practices and technologies that are tailored to specific agri-ecological conditions and socio-economic contexts including the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, conservation agriculture techniques, agroforestry, precision farming, water management strategies, and improved livestock management.
Agri-Waste Recycling: Experts will share valuable insights on the circular economy focusing on how agri-waste can be reintegrated into the value chain. They will be discussing successful and region specific agri-waste management models for practical references.
One-on-one Business Advisory and Coaching
The businesses will then receive one-on-one advisory support focused on business development, market access, unit economics and financial projections, and tailored technical assistance aligned with their specific needs.
GBAT Training
Equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to assess and improve the environmental sustainability of their businesses using the GBAT framework
Potential Subsidized Debt Financing
Upon the completion of one-on-one advisory sessions, shortlisted potential businesses will be shared with AP’s investment team for further pre- investment due diligence.
Market Linkages/Networking Opportunities
- Entrepreneurs will gain access to AP’s alumni network, industry stakeholders, and potential investors. - Entrepreneurs will get the chance to hunt different points of sale and better connect with their customer base and target market.
