Mr. Gavaskar Jayakanthan is a Biotechnologist, specializes in Agri innovation, Biocontrol product development and has several years of research experience in horticultural and agricultural crop protection. Started his career in Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), where he developed his passion for the farming community through constant interactions via several farm trials and farmer training programmes. Also got hands on experience in project execution, product evaluation, validation and scaling up. Has filed 6 patents in organic bio-formulations. Having a desire to have own start up and passion to serve farmers started the firm Hi7 Agri Biosolutions to fulfill the same. Later obtained a national and international patent for innovative biomolecule formulation to overcome post-harvest losses by extending shelf-life of horticulture produce. His associations with ICAR-IIHR, ICAR-IISR and UHSB has helped him to reach out 20,000 farmers till date and disseminate the developed green technologies. He also runs a state of art manufacturing unit with production capacity of 600MT per Annum.

Mr. Gavaskar says…. 

“I always believe “End of caterpillar is beginning of Butterfly”, We need to face the challenges and overcome it to see the beautiful tomorrow. I faced a lot of struggles in initial walk with finances & marketing but with spirit of endurance could overcome all the struggles. I want to encourage all the young entrepreneurs out there “Don’t just exist; be different”, “Don’t just settle average, keep moving, be focused, give your best”. Also I would like to say “Don’t go after your business at the cost of your health and family. Steward well your health, family and people in your life, automatically your business will take wings”. 

Gavaskar has got “Best Entrepreneur Award 2018” from DG, ICAR for successfully disseminating the technologies of sustainable agri inputs among farming community. His start up was also recognised by ICAR-IIHR as outstanding Incubatee. The challenge of overcoming 90,000 crore post-harvest losses every year in India is the next biggest opportunity he sees.