Kisani Urjaa appoints Anand Behl as CBO

Kisani Urjaa, a flagship venture of Gruner Renewable Energy, focused on innovation in India’s Agri-Energy ecosystem, has announced the appointment of Anand Behl as chief business officer (CBO). With over 30 years of experience in agribusiness and sustainability, Behl will spearhead KUPL’s efforts to scale sustainable, technology-driven agricultural and renewable energy solutions nationwide.

In his role, Anand Behl will lead the development of a tech-enabled feedstock supply chain, precision farming support for farmers. He will also drive strategic partnerships to integrate regenerative agriculture, carbon reduction, and renewable energy generation, guiding KUPL’s growth toward a digitized, climate-smart Agri-Energy model.

“I am honored to join Kisani Urjaa at a pivotal time when India’s renewable and rural sectors are converging like never before,” said Anand Behl, chief business officer, Kisani Urjaa.

“Renewables extend beyond energy; they create ecosystems. We are now at a juncture where every acre can be a climate solution, and every farmer is a green innovator. At Kisani Urjaa and Gruner Renewable Energy, we combine satellite intelligence, AI-driven AgriTech, and sustainable farming practices to build a future that is clean, inclusive, and profitable for all stakeholders. Empowering farmers, enhancing biodiversity, and advancing carbon-smart agriculture are key to this promise. Through this initiative, we aim to empower over 10,000 farmers by 2026,” added Behl.

India’s bioenergy and biogas market has grown rapidly, valued at approximately US$ 1.69 billion in 2024, and is projected to expand further with a CAGR of around 9.6%through the next decade*. Meanwhile, agriculture continues to be the backbone of India’s economy, supporting roughly 46% of the workforce while contributing between 16–18% of GDP.

Against this backdrop, the National Bioenergy Mission, alongside policies under SATAT and the National Biogas and Organic Manure Program, is accelerating agri-residue–based clean fuel production. By integrating Agri-Tech, these initiatives are not only advancing India’s decarbonization goals but also empowering rural economies through sustainable, farmer-centric energy solutions.

Welcoming Anand to the leadership team, Utkarsh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Gruner Renewable Energy and Kisani Urjaa, said, “Anand’s appointment reflects our ambition to make KUPL India’s most trusted Agri-Energy company. His vast expertise, ranging from managing 250,000 plus farmers to deploying AI in rural ecosystems, makes him the ideal partner to accelerate our rollout of sustainable, and digital platforms across India. His leadership will be instrumental in scaling, grounded in circular economy principles, regenerative agriculture, and farmer-centric business models.”

Anand’s career spans India, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, working across spices, plantation crops, oleoresins, aromatics, and horticulture. He has led digital traceability projects, AI-powered biodiversity platforms, and circular economy initiatives that convert agro-waste into biofuels, building sustainable value chains, and scalable carbon credit frameworks. Anand holds a degree in agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, an Executive MBA, and advanced management certifications from IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kochi. He is also certified in areas including ISO quality audits, biofuels, precision agriculture, Six Sigma, and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE).

Under his leadership, KUPL is set to scale dual-use agro-renewable initiatives where farmland supports both food production and clean energy generation. He will champion AI and IoT-based platforms that enhance yield efficiency, carbon reduction, and rural livelihoods.