Unnati Co-founder Ashok Prasad Passes Away

Ashok Prasad, Co-founder of agritech platform Unnati, passed away on May 11, 2026, following a sudden cardiac arrest, the company said in a statement. 

His passing marks a significant loss for the agritech sector, where he was known for his role in building tech-driven solutions for India’s agricultural ecosystem.

Prasad co-founded Unnati in 2011 along with Amit Sinha and played a key role in shaping the company into a major agri-input distribution platform. Over the years, he contributed to building a digitally connected network that links manufacturers, retailers, and farmers, with a focus on improving efficiency and accessibility across the agricultural value chain.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Prasad brought expertise from sectors including telecommunications, enterprise tech, and agriculture. Before starting Unnati, he held leadership roles at companies such as Ericsson, Nokia Networks, Nortel Networks, Paytm, and Tata Teleservices.

At Unnati, he was closely involved in guiding the company’s long-term strategy, strengthening institutional capabilities, and expanding its presence across multiple states. The platform today connects thousands of agri-input touchpoints and supports a wide range of products across seeds, crop protection, and crop nutrition.

The company’s recent consolidation with Gramophone further expanded its omnichannel distribution and agronomy capabilities, aligning with the long-term vision Prasad had helped establish. Industry participants often recognised him for his clear strategic thinking and commitment to improving outcomes for farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain.

Amit Sinha, Co-founder of Unnati, said, “Ashok was far more than a co-founder to me. Over the last two decades, we shared not just a professional journey, but a deep friendship built on trust, resilience, and a common belief that technology can meaningfully transform Indian agriculture.”

He added, “Much of what Unnati stands for today carries his imprint, from the values we built the organisation on to the long-term vision we continue to pursue. His absence is deeply personal for all of us, and he will be profoundly missed.”

Unnati said its leadership team and board will continue to carry forward the vision and institution that Prasad helped build over the last decade and a half.