In a move signaling continued consolidation within India’s agri-tech sector, Info Edge (India) Ltd has confirmed that its portfolio companies, Gramophone and Unnati, are set to merge, culminating in a strategic realignment of their operations and a fortified presence in agricultural services. As first reported in the article “Info Edge Confirms Gramophone-Unnati Merger, To Hold 20% Stake” by Startup News Fyi, the merged entity will see Info Edge holding approximately 20 percent ownership, marking a significant investment in the future of technology-driven farming solutions.
Both Gramophone and Unnati operate in the digital agriculture space, offering a suite of services designed to enhance farm productivity, optimize input usage, and improve market linkages for India’s vast farming population. Gramophone is known for its data-driven agronomy advisory and input commerce platform, while Unnati provides financial solutions and a technology-enabled approach to farm management and supply chains. Combined, the companies aim to leverage their complementary strengths to build a more holistic ecosystem addressing end-to-end needs of farmers.
Info Edge, the parent company behind online platforms such as Naukri.com and 99acres.com, has taken a deep interest in India’s burgeoning agri-tech market, viewing it as a high-growth sector capable of delivering long-term impact. The 20 percent stake in the newly consolidated entity positions Info Edge to benefit from emerging opportunities in rural digitization and sustainable agriculture practices.
The merger reflects broader trends in the Indian startup economy, where sectoral convergence and partnerships are becoming key tactics for scaling operations and achieving profitability in competitive, capital-intensive domains. As macroeconomic pressures and investor expectations for sustainable business models increase, such consolidations are likely to become more prevalent, especially in sectors where infrastructure and distribution remain key challenges.
According to Startup News Fyi, the merger will undergo customary regulatory approvals, after which the combined business is expected to refine its strategy to aggressively target national expansion and deepen its technological offerings. Early signals suggest a focus on AI and precision agriculture technology integration, potentially widening the platform’s appeal to institutional partners, agri-input companies, and financial institutions.
For farmers, the merged entity promises a more integrated service pipeline—combining input planning, credit access, agronomic advisory, and market linkage into a single digital platform. The union could redefine how smallholder farmers in India engage with agri-commerce, fostering greater efficiency and resilience in an industry often characterized by fragmentation.
As the agri-tech space continues to attract attention from both strategic and financial investors, Info Edge’s positioning signals confidence not only in the scalability of such platforms but also in their potential to impact the broader food supply chain. The Gramophone-Unnati merger could serve as a bellwether for future consolidation efforts and an indication of where the next phase of innovation in Indian agriculture is heading.
