Heaptalk, Jakarta — Indonesia’s Eratani has secured a US$6.2 million, or around Rp105 billion, Series A funding round led by Singapore-based Clay Capital. Several investors, including TNB Aura, SBI Ven Capital, AgFunder, Genting Ventures, and IIX, also joined the round.
With the new funds, Eratani plans to expedite the deployment of modern agricultural technologies, such as precision tools, mechanization, and sustainable cultivation practices. These innovations aim to boost productivity and profitability further, while supporting the Archipelago’s broader climate and sustainability objectives.
The company observed that Rice is the sample food for over half of the global population and provides over 70% of daily caloric intake in many developing nations. Yet, it is also one of the most environmentally burdensome crops. Flooded rice fields account for 1.5%-2% of global greenhouse gas emissions—comparable to the aviation sector—and nearly half of all agricultural emissions. Rice also demands an extremely high volume of water, consuming between 3,000 and 5,000 liters per kilogram, two to three times more than other major food crops.
“As a connector in an otherwise fragmented rice farming ecosystem, Eratani’s integrated and farmer-centric model sets it apart from typical agritech platforms. Beyond improving farmer livelihoods and productivity, Eratani is poised to drive systemic change through sustainable agricultural practices and open new opportunities in emerging areas such as carbon markets.” Partner at Clay Capital, Gerard Chia, conveyed.
Eratani’s core value proposition lies in its ability to connect previously siloed stakeholders in Indonesia’s rice farming sector. Its digital platform enables smallholder farmers to access affordable financing, high-quality agricultural inputs, agronomic guidance, and expanded market opportunities.
“By leveraging data-driven insights, we can better manage risk and support smarter decision-making. This enhances operational efficiency and reinforces the strength of our farming ecosystem as we expand to strategic regions across the country.” Co-founder and CFO of Eratani, Bambang Cahyo Susilo, affirmed.
Enabling Measurable Impact at Scale
Since its establishment in 2021, Eratani has deployed a comprehensive end-to-end platform explicitly tailored for smallholder rice farmers. The platform integrates financial access, agronomic support, and market linkages, addressing long-standing fragmentation across the agricultural value chain.
Eratani has performed multiple milestones, including:
- Empowered over 34,000 farmers across Java and Sulawesi, many of whom have gained access to formal financing for the first time.
- Improved cultivation practices across more than 13,000 hectares of rice farmland.
- Boosted average yields by 29% and farmer incomes by 25% in 2024.
- Enabled the production of over 112,000 tons of rice and unhusked grain, directly contributing to national food resilience.
“Our focus is not on rapid expansion, but on building strong foundations to grow strategically—delivering long-term value to farmers, the agricultural ecosystem, and Indonesia’s food security agenda.” Co-Founder and CEO of Eratani, Andrew Soeharman, said.
