In the middle of Ahmedabad’s concrete chaos, where honking horns and high-rises dominate the skyline, something quietly revolutionary is blooming. No, it’s not another IT park or café chain—it’s spinach. Basil. Microgreens. Saffron.

Welcome to Gujarat’s greenest startup scene—where urban farming is no longer a hobby but a high-tech hustle. What began as a pandemic passion project has grown into a new-age dhandho, led by a new crop of Gujpreneur trailblazers. These entrepreneurs aren’t waiting for farmland—they’re growing futures on rooftops, inside rooms, and in clouds.

Let’s dig into the soil-less success stories redefining what it means to be a Gujarati startup today.

1. Baagaan – Organic Living, Greener Living

“Urban farming began for us as a passion in 2021, driven by love, effort, and a deep-rooted belief that when we give to nature, it always gives back. What started as a small step has grown into a thriving experience of organic living, where farm life nurtures not only food but futures, generating income, inspiring children, and creating spaces for learning, workshops, and community greening. It’s more than farming; it’s a way of life that reconnects us with the earth and each other,” says  Hemil Shah and Riddhi Shah, the founders of Baagaan.

2. Rise Hydroponics – Soilless, Limitless

Founded in 2020 by Tusshar Aggarwal, Meet Patel, and Vivek Shukla, Rise Hydroponics emerged from the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) in Ahmedabad. Their mission was clear: make hydroponics accessible and scalable for modern entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights:

• Turnkey Hydroponic Farm Setups: Offering end-to-end solutions for setting up hydroponic farms.
• Training for 35,000+ Future Farmers: Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to embark on their farming journeys.
• Direct-to-Consumer Brand: Their brand, Rise Freshz, delivers fresh produce directly to consumers.

With over 40 commercial farms across India, Rise Hydroponics is leading soilless farming. Their approach combines modern technology with traditional Gujarati ingenuity, creating an innovative and sustainable model. 

3.  Mali Greens – Microgreens, Major Vision

In March 2021, Aditi Mali, an urban planner turned entrepreneur, founded Mali Greens in Ahmedabad. What began as a small-scale operation in her guest room has blossomed into one of Gujarat’s largest microgreens suppliers.

Key Highlights:

• 15+ Varieties of Organic Microgreens: Cultivating a diverse range of nutrient-rich microgreens.
• Supplying 60+ Hotels and Cafés: Partnering with local establishments to provide fresh produce.
• B2B Sales, Training, and Farm Consulting: Offering comprehensive services to aspiring urban farmers.

Mali Greens exemplifies the spirit of Gujpreneurship, turning a passion into a thriving dhandho. Aditi’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and inspiration.

4. Croptek Agri Grower – Farming for the Fearless

Founded in 2021 by Keval Ahir, Croptek Agri Grower is a Surat-based agritech startup specializing in hydroponic farming solutions.

Key Highlights:

• Turnkey Hydroponic Farm Setups: Designing and implementing hydroponic systems for various scales.
• Buyback and Financing Support: Providing financial assistance and assurance of produce purchase.
• In-Depth Training for New-Age Farmers: Equipping individuals with the skills needed for modern farming.

Croptek Agri Grower is empowering Gujarati entrepreneurs to embrace smart farming practices. Their commitment to innovation and support is helping shape the future of agriculture in the region.

5. Hightech Agribiotech – Saffron in a Box

In 2023, engineers Subhash Kanetiya and Ashish Bavaliya founded Hightech Agribiotech in Botad, Gujarat, with a vision to cultivate saffron indoors using aeroponics.

Key Highlights:

• Controlled Environment Saffron Farming: Utilizing misting technology and LED lights to grow saffron indoors.
• Online and B2B Saffron Sales: Selling premium saffron directly to consumers and businesses.
• Farmer Training and Export Pipelines: Providing education and resources to expand saffron cultivation.

Hightech Agribiotech is redefining the spice industry, proving that innovation can flourish even in the most unexpected places.

Final Thoughts: Your Seeds of Inspiration

These five startups— Baagaan, Rise Hydroponics, Mali Greens, Croptek Agri Grower, and Hightech Agribiotech—are more than just businesses; they’re beacons of innovation and resilience. They embody the spirit of Gujpreneurship, demonstrating that with vision and perseverance, it’s possible to transform challenges into opportunities.

As urban spaces continue to expand, the need for sustainable food production becomes increasingly critical. These ventures are leading the way, showing that it’s not only possible to grow food in cities but that doing so can be profitable, sustainable, and inspiring.

So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone passionate about sustainability, let these stories inspire you. The future of farming is here, and it’s green, innovative, and full of potential.

Want more stories that blend roots with revolution? Keep following Gujpreneur—because around here, even a basil leaf can lead to big business.