SUSTAINABLE AGRIPRENEURSHIP: ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BIO-BASED AGRO STARTUPS IN COIMBATORE REGION

Abstract

The paper is a quantitative analysis of the environmental performance of bio-based agro-start-ups in Coimbatore based on the quantifiable variables of sustainability that include reduction of carbon emissions, water-use efficiency, enhanced soil organic carbon, conversion of waste, and energy savings. Based on a cross-sectional research design, the numerical data were gathered using structured questionnaires and valid secondary sources (n=30 start-ups). Environmental Impact Index (EII) was developed with normalized metrics and PCA-generated weights to assess the performance of the overall sustainability. Descriptive statistics showed higher environmental benefits with an average carbon reduction of 4.8 tons CO 2 -eq/yr, 28% water-use efficiency, and 19.6% addition to the soil organic carbon. Correlation and regression analysis established the fact that resource efficiency, conversion of waste to the value, and operational scale are important in improving environmental results. Comparative benchmarking also proved that bio-based inputs are more successful in the field of conventional agricultural practices in all the significant indicators. The results are important in indicating the huge importance of bio-based agro-start-ups in facilitating sustainable agropreneurship and facilitating eco-efficient agricultural transformations in India.