Agriculture remains the heart of Bangladesh’s economy. Yet smallholder farmers continue to face familiar barriers — limited access to finance, poor market linkages, and climate-driven uncertainty.
iFarmer, one of Startup Bangladesh Limited’s proud portfolio startups, has been tackling these challenges with a blend of fintech, data, and human-centered design. Now, with the launch of its new Folon app, the company is bringing the full power of its ecosystem straight into the hands of farmers.
The iFarmer Journey
Founded in Dhaka, iFarmer began by connecting urban and institutional investors with rural farmers, enabling shared prosperity. Over time, it evolved into a full-stack agri-tech platform offering:
- Financing access: Collateral-free, cycle-based funding for crops and livestock.
- Quality inputs: Verified seeds, fertilizers, and feed sourced directly from manufacturers.
- Advisory & training: Data-driven, field-level guidance to improve productivity.
- Market access: Transparent produce-buying channels that eliminate middlemen.
Today, iFarmer supports 230,000 + farmers, has facilitated BDT 2.45 billion + in financing, and enabled sales of 299,000 tons + of produce nationwide.
Its global recognition includes selection in Visa Accelerator 2024, inclusion in Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch, and a USD 500,000 investment from Pioneer Facility — marking the facility’s first ever venture in Bangladesh’s agri-tech sector.
The Folon App: A Farmer’s Digital Companion
Launched in November 2024 in Jashore, Folon is designed as an all-in-one, farmer-first app that simplifies the agricultural journey.
Key Features
- 🌿 Expert Advice: Chat directly with agricultural specialists.
- 🌤️ Weather Alerts: Timely warnings and forecasts for planting and irrigation.
- 🤝 Community Platform: Connect, share, and learn from fellow farmers.
- 🧠 Disease & Pest Insights: Identify problems and access instant remedies.
- 💸 Finance & Market Access: Apply for funding and sell produce directly through iFarmer’s ecosystem.
The app’s interface supports Bangla language, intuitive icons, and offline learning modules — ensuring accessibility for farmers with varying literacy levels.
Beyond an App: Building a Data-Driven Future
Folon is a strategic shift from mediated service delivery toward a direct-to-farmer model.
This transition unlocks:
- Real-time data loops → Better credit scoring, advisory personalization, and risk management.
- Lower service costs → Digital delivery reduces dependency on field agents.
- Community learning effects → Peer-to-peer exchange drives faster adoption of best practices.
- Climate resilience → Weather and disease tools help farmers anticipate and mitigate losses.
Strategic Impact
| Focus Area | Impact of Folon |
| Financial Inclusion | Enables rural farmers to access formal credit and digital payments. |
| Productivity Growth | Empowers informed decision-making and input optimization. |
| Market Access | Farmers can sell directly, increasing profit margins. |
| Climate Adaptation | Weather alerts and crop advisories enhance resilience. |
| Data Transparency | Aggregated data supports smarter policy and investment. |
Looking Ahead
With Folon, iFarmer is not just expanding its reach — it is re-imagining how agriculture functions in a digital economy.
The platform’s integration with fintech, logistics, and data analytics positions Bangladesh to become a regional leader in smart agriculture.
As Startup Bangladesh continues to nurture mission-driven founders, success stories like iFarmer × Folon demonstrate the transformative power of homegrown innovation in achieving the goals of a Innovation Driven Bangladesh.
Learn More
Visit www.ifarmer.asia to explore their work or download Folon from the Google Play Store.
To read more inspiring stories of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, visit Startup Bangladesh Limited’s Official Website.