Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Digital Innovation

In April 2025, Indonesian agritech startup Eratani announced the successful closure of its Series A funding round, raising $6.2 million. This significant investment, led by Clay Capital with participation from TNB Aura, SBI Ven Capital, AgFunder, Genting Ventures, and IIX, underscores the growing confidence in Eratani's mission to revolutionize Indonesia's agricultural sector.

Founded in 2021, Eratani has rapidly positioned itself as a pivotal player in the agritech space, focusing on providing end-to-end solutions for smallholder rice farmers. The company's platform offers services ranging from access to affordable financing and high-quality agricultural inputs to agronomic consulting and market linkage for crop sales.​

As of 2024, Eratani has empowered over 34,000 farmers across Java and Sulawesi, many of whom gained access to formal financing for the first time. The initiative has led to a 29% increase in average crop yields and a 25% rise in farmers' incomes, contributing to the production of over 112,000 tons of rice and paddy.

Bridging Gaps in the Agricultural Ecosystem

Indonesia's agricultural sector, while vital to the nation's economy, faces challenges such as fragmented supply chains, limited access to capital, and outdated farming practices. Eratani addresses these issues by integrating various stakeholders into a cohesive digital ecosystem.​

The platform's data-driven approach enables better risk management and informed decision-making for farmers. By digitizing the agricultural process, Eratani not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a more resilient farming community.

Co-founder and CFO Bambang Cahyo Susilo emphasizes the importance of digitalization in agriculture, stating that leveraging data insights allows for more effective risk management and smarter decision-making on the ground.

Advancing Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Farming

Rice, a staple food for over half of the global population, is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to traditional farming methods. Eratani is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate environmental impact while ensuring food security.​

By providing farmers with access to eco-friendly inputs and educating them on sustainable farming techniques, Eratani aims to reduce the carbon footprint of rice cultivation. This approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports Indonesia's goal of achieving food self-sufficiency by 2027.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

With the new funding, Eratani plans to expand its services to more regions across Indonesia, aiming to support 50,000 farmers by the end of 2024. The company also intends to enhance its technological capabilities, offering more personalized and efficient services to its users.​

Eratani's holistic approach to agriculture, combining financial services, supply chain management, and technological innovation, positions it as a leader in transforming Indonesia's farming sector. The company's success serves as a model for integrating traditional industries with modern technology to drive sustainable development.​