Indian DeepTech startup in AgriTech ecosystem NAVA Innovation, has secured a Seed investment from angel investors Christo George, CMD of Hykon India Ltd and Manoj V Raman, an NRI Businessman. With this seed stage investment, NAVA hopes to deliver its technological invention, Coconut Sap Tapping device to the worldwide market within the next 6-9 months.
Coconut Sap Tapping
The business has also secured a utility patent in 28 countries, representing nearly 90% of the worldwide market, for their unique automated ‘coconut sap or neera’ tapping technology. The startup has developed a disruptive and scalable machine that leverages AI, robotics and IoT to collect fresh sap or toddy daily from the container placed at the bottom of the tree and eliminate day-to-day tree climbing of the tapper. This innovation is expected to enhance productivity and enable coconut farmers to produce sap and value-added products on a large scale, thereby revitalizing the agrarian economy.
Coconut sap tapping is a practice for farmers, generating profits that are reportedly 8-10 times higher than traditional coconut sales in coconut-growing regions worldwide. The demand for coconut sap derivatives such as Coco sugar, Aminos, Sap vinegar, etc., is at an all-time high. However, despite its profitability, the tapping industry is facing a decline due to a severe shortage of skilled tappers. It happens because the increasing number of fatal falls from coconut trees has deterred workers from pursuing this labor-intensive and high-risk occupation, opting instead for more accessible and better-paying jobs.
Technology Relevance
NAVA’s technology is expected to revolutionize the coconut tapping industry by making it safer and more efficient. The innovative device is said to help a tapper to tap 300 or more trees per day. Additionally, it is equipped with sensors that can detect the optimal time for tapping and can also monitor the health of the tree, which will help farmers optimize their yield and reduce wastage.
The startup further claims its automatic sap tapping device has the potential to transform the coconut tapping industry by making it more profitable and sustainable.
