From Industry Hurdles to a ₹4 Crore Aquaculture Gamechanger
Farming isn’t just about soil and crops anymore. In the ever-evolving world of aquaculture, fish farmers face constant challenges from maintaining water quality to ensuring the health of their stock. And while fancy international solutions exist, they’re pricey, complicated, and often out of reach for local farmers.
Enter Corel Lifecare, a Mumbai-based aquaculture innovation startup founded by Abhijeet Naohate in March 2023. With a mission to democratize science, Corel Lifecare is providing advanced yet affordable bio-formulations to help fish farmers boost profits and sustainability because let’s face it, innovation isn’t just for the big guys. 🌱🐟
Meet the Minds Behind Corel Lifecare
- Abhijeet Naohate (Founder & CEO): A tech-driven aquaculture expert who specializes in turning ideas into reality.
- Rohit Patel (Chief Business Officer): A commercial strategy pro with 15+ years in the aqua and animal health industry.
- Nikhilesh Hajare (Chief Operating Officer): A serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in supply chain and business operations.
Together, this powerhouse team is on a mission to make aquaculture profitable, sustainable, and science-driven.
How It All Started: A Founder’s Leap of Faith
Launching Corel Lifecare wasn’t as simple as mixing a few scientific formulas and calling it a day. Abhijeet Naohate, an aquaculture expert with over a decade of experience at companies like Skretting (Nutreco) and Biostadt, had all the industry knowledge but zero business experience.
Finding the right manufacturer was a massive hurdle. After rejecting several vendors in Mumbai, Abhijeet met Hemant Hajare, a seasoned producer of animal feed supplements. Their values aligned perfectly, but when Hemant offered to invest, Abhijeet declined; he wanted a strategic partner, not just financial backing.
That’s when Hemant’s son, Nikhilesh Hajare, stepped in. As a serial entrepreneur with a background in supply chain and manufacturing, Nikhilesh became Corel’s COO and co-founder, combining Abhijeet’s formulation expertise with his operational know-how.
The First Big Break: Creating Game-Changing Products
For three months, Abhijeet and Nikhilesh poured their energy into R&D, creating Corel Lifecare’s first range of products:
- Mintamix: A mineral mixture designed to improve fish health and growth.
- Immu-45: An immunity-boosting supplement that helps protect fish stock from diseases.
- Bindo Best: A feed-binding gel that enhances nutrition absorption and reduces feed waste.
Sounds straightforward, right? Not exactly.
When Corel launched its products, dealers hesitated. With big international players dominating the market, Corel had to prove its credibility to skeptical fish farmers. So, instead of just selling, Corel took a different approach to education.
Winning Trust, One Fish Farmer at a Time
Unlike traditional supply chains that push products without explanation, Corel Lifecare knew awareness was key. Their field team went directly to farmers, explaining how their solutions could:
- Improve fish health
- Reduce feed costs
- Increase profits
They organized workshops, leveraged word-of-mouth, and used LinkedIn and Facebook marketing to connect with more farmers. And the results? Undeniable.
FY 2024-25: Corel Lifecare’s Impact
- 3,000+ unique fish farmers served
- ₹4 crore in annual revenue
- 120 channel partners across seven states
- Presence in major aquaculture hubs like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal
The company isn’t just selling products, it’s helping Indian fish farmers scale sustainably.
The Future of Fish Farming: AI-Driven Precision Aquaculture
Corel Lifecare isn’t stopping at bio-formulations. The company recently partnered with RYNAN Aquaculture, a Vietnamese agritech firm, to bring AI-driven precision farming to India.
What This Means:
- Real-time water quality monitoring
- Automated feed control
- Disease prediction and prevention
This tech revolution will help farmers optimize production while ensuring long-term sustainability, a huge win for the industry.
Why Corel Lifecare is a Game-Changer
- Affordable Innovation: Making high-quality aquaculture solutions accessible to everyday farmers.
- Farmer Education First: Teaching fish farmers how to optimize their yields and boost productivity.
- Expanding Beyond Aquaculture: Plans to impact dairy, poultry, and agricultural sectors next.
Instead of gatekeeping technology, Corel Lifecare believes in democratizing scientific solutions because farming should be profitable for everyone, not just the elite.
What’s Next for Corel Lifecare?
- Expanding product offerings beyond aquaculture
- Growing presence across more states
- Integrating AI-driven farming through strategic partnerships
- Boosting farmer profitability with sustainable, science-based solutions
- Corel is on a mission to change aquaculture in Indiaone farm, one fish, one formula at a time.
Final Thoughts
Corel Lifecare proves that innovation doesn’t have to be exclusive; it can be affordable, impactful, and tailored to real-world needs.
With a dedicated team, cutting-edge products, and AI-powered farming on the horizon, Corel is redefining how Indian fish farmers succeed.
So, whether you’re a fish farmer, an industry insider, or just someone curious about how science meets sustainability, Corel Lifecare is a name to watch. 🐟🔬🚀
