Azeedo Shield

What it does

Azeedo Shield is a bio-based crop protection solution that helps small farmers combat pests and soil-borne diseases using eco-friendly, locally sourced plant extracts, reducing chemical use, lowering input costs, and improving yield sustainably.

Your inspiration

Growing up in a farming family, I witnessed how small farmers struggle with rising input costs and declining soil health due to chemical pesticides. The idea for Azeedo Shield came during my biotech studies, where I explored natural compounds in invasive weeds. I realised these overlooked plants could offer a sustainable, low-cost alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. Our solution emerged from field trials, farmer feedback, and a strong desire to make farming safer, more affordable, and environmentally responsible, especially for smallholders.

How it works

Azeedo Shield is a natural crop protection product made from invasive weeds and locally available plant extracts. These plants contain bioactive compounds that have antifungal and insect-repellent properties. Instead of using harsh chemical pesticides, which can damage soil and harm the environment, farmers can apply Azeedo Shield as a spray on their crops. It works by creating a protective barrier that prevents pests like mealybugs and fungal diseases such as Fusarium and Sclerotium from attacking plants. The formulation is water-based, safe for humans and beneficial soil microbes, and can be used during any stage of crop growth. One litre is sufficient for one acre of farmland. Farmers reported reduced crop damage, healthier soil, and improved yields with its use. Because it’s made from readily available weeds, it’s affordable and scalable, designed especially for small and marginal farmers. It is a clean way to protect crops without harming the environment.

Design process

The idea for Azeedo Shield began when I observed how invasive weeds, often seen as a nuisance, were naturally pest-resistant. During my biotechnology studies, I explored the potential of these plants and created early lab extracts to test their antifungal and insect-repellent properties. The first prototype was crude and unstable, but it showed promising results in lab tests against common pathogens like Fusarium and pests like mealybugs. We then moved to controlled greenhouse trials, improving extraction methods and stabilising the formulation. With feedback from farmers, we refined the product to reduce smell, increase shelf life, and improve ease of application. Next, we conducted field pilots in Purvanchal, UP, testing the product across different crops and soil types. Data showed improved yield, reduced pest attacks, and lower input costs. We collaborated with Sahyadri Farms for in vitro validation and confirmed efficacy against major pathogens. Now, Azeedo Shield is a field-tested, lab-validated product with a scalable, eco-friendly production model—ready for commercialisation.

How it is different

What makes Azeedo Shield truly unique is that it’s a bio-based crop protection solution formulated from locally available invasive weeds and medicinal plant extracts, something most competitors overlook. While many organic or biological alternatives rely on imported or synthetic inputs, Azeedo Shield turns an ecological problem into a solution, making it both sustainable and cost-effective. Unlike chemical pesticides, it is safe for humans and animals and doesn’t harm beneficial soil microbes. Unlike neem or cow urine-based products, which often lack consistent efficacy, Azeedo Shield is lab-validated against specific pests and pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and mealybugs. It also doubles as a crop immune booster, reducing the need for multiple agrochemical inputs. Our field trials show it reduces input cost by over 37%, while increasing yield by nearly 5%. This holistic impact, pest control and soil health restoration is what sets it apart.

Future plans

Next, we aim to scale Azeedo Shield through farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), agri-retailers, and government schemes. We’re refining our packaging, securing IP protection, and expanding lab validations across more crops. Our goal is to serve 50,000 smallholder farmers in the next two years, helping them reduce input costs, improve yields, and shift to sustainable farming practices. We're also working on building strategic partnerships for international expansion, starting with regions like Africa and Germany facing similar soil and pest challenges.

Awards

Azeedo was awarded the “Bharat Agripreneur Award” at the Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit 2024 and was a winner in the AgriTech domain at Startup Mahakumbh 2025’s Startup Maharathi Challenge. These recognitions highlight our innovation and impact in sustainable agriculture.