Arya.ag, backed by Lightrock India, has acquired a 100% stake in agricultural data science company Prakshep. The integrated grain commerce platform looks to enhance its technological capabilities to provide end-to-end solutions for its users.

On June 2, the company said that the acquisition of Prakshep would help Arya.ag advance its AI and ML capabilities in farm digitisation, crop monitoring, quality analysis and monitoring.

It added that the acquisition would also help Arya.ag deepen its relationships with other agricultural chain stakeholders such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), processors and businesses, banks and insurance companies.

Prakshep’s unique digital products will be added to Arya. According to Arya.ag, deep technical capabilities provide traceability, transparency and quality assurance for seamless merchandise trade. The company said the acquisition of Prakshep is also in line with Arya’s focus on a climate-smart farming model that reduces its carbon footprint.

Arya.ag claims that Prakshep’s model helps reduce crop damage by 45%, chemical use by 40%, water use by 35% and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30%.

Arya.ag, formerly part of the 105-year-old marine conglomerate JM Baxi Group, recently raised $60 million from Asia Impact SA, Lightrock India and Quona Capital. Founders Rao, Chattanathan Devarajan and Anand Chandra acquired a controlling stake in the company in 2013.

Arya.ag’s platform connects sellers and buyers of agricultural products with complete guarantees on quantity, quality and payment. The company claims to have the largest agricultural database, adding farm details including boundaries, crop activity, health and yield estimates to its existing repository and grain value chain database.

Arya.ag said it aims to strengthen relationships with nearly 1 million existing farmers and 500 FPOs by providing farm assessments and crop health monitoring through AI integration, remote sensing and satellite imaging.