Kisani Urjaa Pvt Ltd (KUPL), a key initiative of Gruner Renewable Energy focused on transforming India’s rural energy landscape, has announced the appointment of Anand Behl as Chief Business Officer (CBO). With more than three decades of experience in agriculture and sustainability, Behl will lead the company’s national strategy to scale climate-smart energy and farming innovations.
In his new role, Mr Behl will oversee the development of a digitally enabled feedstock supply chain, offer precision agriculture services to farmers, and forge strategic alliances to expand the use of regenerative agriculture and clean energy technologies. His focus will be on building an integrated model that combines carbon reduction, rural development, and renewable power generation.
Commenting on his new position, Anand Behl said, “It’s an exciting time to join Kisani Urjaa, as rural development and renewable energy are converging in powerful ways. Every acre of farmland holds the potential to generate clean energy while producing food. At Kisani Urjaa, we aim to transform this potential into reality by combining satellite-based data, advanced agricultural tools, and farmer-first solutions. Our goal is to support over 10,000 farmers by 2026 through improved yields, increased income, and reduced carbon footprints.”
India’s biogas and bioenergy sector continues to expand rapidly—estimated at USD 1.69 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at nearly 10% annually over the next decade. Agriculture, employing nearly half the nation’s workforce, remains central to India’s economy. Initiatives such as the National Bioenergy Mission, SATAT, and the National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme are opening new opportunities for agri-residue-based fuels. By integrating clean energy and agri-tech, Kisani Urjaa is aligning with these national priorities while helping build energy self-reliance in rural communities.
Utkarsh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Gruner Renewable Energy and Kisani Urjaa Pvt Ltd, welcomed the appointment: “Anand’s experience—ranging from managing large-scale farmer networks to deploying digital platforms in rural areas—makes him a valuable addition to our leadership. His expertise will play a vital role in accelerating our growth while staying rooted in regenerative agriculture, circular economy principles, and farmer empowerment.”
Over his career, Anand Behl has worked across India, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, contributing to sectors like spices, plantation crops, aromatics, and horticulture. He has led projects in digital traceability, AI-enabled biodiversity tracking, and agro-waste-to-biofuel systems. His educational background includes a degree in agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, along with an Executive MBA and advanced certifications from IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kochi. He is also certified in quality audits, biofuels, precision farming, Six Sigma, and environmental safety.
At KUPL, Anand Behl will lead initiatives that enable dual land use—where agricultural fields produce both food and clean energy. He will guide the rollout of digital tools that enhance productivity, reduce emissions, and improve rural incomes, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Indian farming communities.
Kisani Urjaa was established with the mission to uplift India’s rural economy by empowering farmers through clean energy and sustainable farming. As part of Gruner Renewable Energy, the company works to transform agricultural waste into valuable clean energy, creating new income sources for farmers. Through education, technology, and local engagement, Kisani Urjaa is building a rural energy movement rooted in dignity, equity, and long-term impact.
