NEERX, founded by Nikita Tiwari and Harsh Agrawal, is addressing one of Indian agriculture’s oldest problems: lack of timely soil health data. Through its portable smart sensor called Shool, NEERX allows farmers to test soil conditions in seconds instead of waiting weeks for lab reports. The startup works across several Indian states and is gaining ground as real-time farm data becomes more important for crop planning and cost control.

The work of NEERX focuses on practical use. It does not promise higher yields through theory. It offers farmers clear information they can act on during the crop cycle.

A problem farmers face every season

Soil health plays a major role in crop output, yet most farmers rely on guesswork or delayed lab tests. Traditional soil testing requires samples to be sent to labs. Results often take one to three weeks. By then, fertiliser schedules or irrigation plans may already be locked in.

This delay leads to excess fertiliser use, higher costs, and poor soil balance. NEERX set out to shorten this gap.

How NEERX began

Nikita Tiwari, 26, and Harsh Agrawal, 27, started working on the Shool sensor as a college project. Both had an interest in using technology to solve farm-level problems. Early testing showed the concept could work outside academic settings.

In 2019, they incorporated NEERX and shifted toward industrial design. The goal was to build a device that farmers could carry into the field without special training or setup.

According to the founders, climate change and irregular rainfall patterns made real-time soil data more urgent. Static soil reports no longer matched fast-changing field conditions.

What the Shool sensor does

The Shool sensor is a handheld device used directly in the soil. It takes about two seconds to analyse conditions. The data syncs to a mobile app linked to the sensor.

The app shows soil health indicators, fertiliser retention, water holding capacity, and signs of pest risk. It also uses satellite data to give insights on crop foliage and field health.

One Shool device can cover around 2.5 acres. Most features work without constant internet access, which helps farmers in low-connectivity regions.

Early results from the field

Farmers using the sensor report reduced input costs. Santosh Parmar, a farmer in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh, used Shool in his paddy fields for several months. He found that certain sections of his land received excess fertiliser.

By adjusting usage, he reduced fertiliser input by about 25 percent. This lowered costs without affecting yield.

Such feedback highlights the value of fast data. When decisions happen on time, farmers can avoid waste.

Scaling adoption remains a challenge

While the technology works, adoption takes time. Many farmers rely on experience or advice from local sellers. Trust in data-driven tools builds slowly.

Harsh Agrawal notes that agritech investment in India has long focused on marketplaces and supply chains. Hardware-based deep tech solutions struggled to attract attention in earlier years.

That outlook is changing. Rising fertiliser prices and climate stress have pushed farmers and governments to explore tools that improve efficiency.

Where NEERX operates today

NEERX currently works directly with about 450 farmers across Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The startup also partners with around 60 organisations.

These include farmer producer organisations, state agencies, and research institutes. Through these partnerships, Shool reaches nearly 15,000 to 20,000 farmers.

The company uses a mixed model. Farmers can buy the device for about ₹12,000 or rent it for ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month. The mobile app runs on a SaaS model.

Revenue and financial position

In the last financial year, NEERX recorded revenue of ₹75 lakh. For the current year, the founders aim to reach ₹1.5 crore.

The startup has not raised venture capital. Instead, it relies on grants from the Government of Gujarat, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, BIRAC, and CIIE.

These grants support product improvement and cost reduction. Making the sensor more affordable remains a key priority.

Validation and technical checks

NEERX’s technology has been tested by ISRO and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. The company reports an accuracy level above 97 percent.

This validation helps NEERX work with state bodies and research partners. It also builds confidence among farmers who depend on reliable data.

The startup is incubated at CrAdLE, the business incubator of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India in Ahmedabad. The program provides mentoring and operational guidance.

A sector ready for change

Indian agriculture faces pressure from rising costs, water stress, and soil degradation. Tools that help farmers act early and reduce waste are gaining importance.

NEERX operates in this space with a narrow focus. It does not aim to replace farm wisdom. It adds data to decision-making.

As digital adoption grows in rural areas, tools like Shool could become common during sowing and fertiliser planning.

What comes next

Nikita Tiwari and Harsh Agrawal remain focused on steady growth. Their priorities include lowering manufacturing costs, expanding partnerships, and improving ease of use.

They believe agri deep tech is entering a phase where results matter more than claims. If adoption continues, NEERX could play a larger role in how Indian farmers manage soil health.

FAQs

Q1. Who are Nikita Tiwari and Harsh Agrawal?
Nikita Tiwari and Harsh Agrawal are agritech entrepreneurs and co-founders of NEERX, a startup focused on real-time soil health testing.

Q2. What is the NEERX Shool sensor?
The Shool sensor is a portable device that checks soil health, fertiliser efficiency, water retention, and pest risk within seconds.

Q3. How much does the Shool sensor cost?
The device costs about ₹12,000 to buy and can be rented for ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month.

Q4. Where does NEERX operate in India?
NEERX works with farmers across Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, reaching up to 20,000 farmers through partnerships.