Sreeram Raavi: Empowering Aquaculture Through Innovation and Technology

In the heartland of Andhra Pradesh, where the vibrant hues of chilli and cotton farms paint the landscape, Sreeram Raavi‘s journey unfolded from semiconductor design to pioneering solutions for the aquaculture industry. Born and raised in Pedanandipadu village, Raavi, an electrical engineer by training, found his true calling at the intersection of technology and agriculture.

Raavi’s foray into agri-tech was sparked by a family incident in 2011 when a sudden change in water quality led to the loss of an entire fish population in his uncle’s pond. This event triggered a deep reflection on how technology could be harnessed to monitor and safeguard crucial parameters in aquaculture, particularly the dissolved oxygen levels that are vital for the well-being of fish and shrimp.

Recognizing the lack of scientific tools for aquaculture farmers, Raavi founded Eruvaka Technologies in April 2012, with the aim of providing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry. Eruvaka’s flagship product, PondGuard, addresses a critical concern in aquaculture – monitoring the levels of dissolved oxygen in ponds. Oxygen depletion can occur due to various factors, including weather conditions, excess feeding, or power outages affecting aerators. PondGuard utilizes sensors to measure oxygen levels in real-time, transmitting data to Eruvaka’s cloud servers and, subsequently, to the farmer’s smartphone via the PondLogs app.

The real-time monitoring capability and alerts empower farmers to take prompt action when oxygen levels fall below a certain threshold, mitigating the risk of fish and shrimp mortality. This technology eliminates the guesswork traditionally associated with aquaculture, providing farmers with peace of mind. Eruvaka’s commitment to transforming aquaculture extends beyond PondGuard. The company’s product portfolio includes PondMother, an automated feeder for shrimp, and ShrimpTalk, an Internet of Things (IoT) device that listens to the sounds made by shrimp while eating. ShrimpTalk’s sophisticated technology analyzes these sounds to determine if the feed has been consumed fully, minimizing wastage and contributing to a healthier pond environment.

While PondMother hit the market in 2015, the development of ShrimpTalk took four years, with the product becoming commercially available in 2018. Raavi’s dedication to innovation and understanding the intricacies of shrimp farming has positioned Eruvaka as a leader in the aquaculture technology space. Eruvaka’s success is not confined to Indian shores. The company’s products have garnered attention and acclaim globally, with 90 percent of its sales coming from international markets, particularly Latin America and Southeast Asia. Raavi’s vision aligns with the Make-In-India initiative, with Eruvaka proudly contributing to employment in coastal Andhra Pradesh while exporting its products to diverse regions.

In April 2018, Raavi secured a $5 million series B funding round from investors such as Nutreco, a Dutch animal and aqua-feed company, and Omnivore. This financial backing, coupled with Eruvaka’s in-house expertise across mechanical, electronics, and computer science domains, has propelled the company’s growth.

Eruvaka achieved profitability from FY19, with a remarkable year-on-year revenue growth exceeding 100 percent. Raavi’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond financial success; it encapsulates a commitment to revolutionizing aquaculture practices, fostering mutual trust between farmers and technologists, and building a knowledge base that enhances the industry’s sustainability.

Looking ahead, Raavi envisions the development of devices for pisciculture, broadening Eruvaka’s impact across different facets of aquaculture. Leveraging the data generated by devices like ShrimpTalk, the company aims to launch an advisory service for farmers. This service will provide valuable insights, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. Furthermore, Raavi plans to introduce an online marketplace connecting shrimp farmers to buyers, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that combines technology, knowledge-sharing, and market access.