Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Arka Inc. is an innovative AgriTech startup based in Cebu City, Philippines, committed to transforming the country's agricultural landscape through technology. With a robust digital platform and smart farming solutions, Arka bridges the gap between farmers and markets, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability for smallholder farmers.

Brief History

Founded in 2018 by Jonathan Anthony Ybanez and a team of technology and agriculture experts, Arka Inc. was established with a mission to address inefficiencies in the Philippine agri-food supply chain. The startup quickly garnered attention for its user-centric platform that integrates data-driven tools with field-based realities of Filipino farmers.

Core Business

Arka operates a hybrid model combining AgriTech software development with agricultural product aggregation and distribution. The company provides technological tools for farm management while facilitating direct farm-to-market linkages that improve logistics, transparency, and income for rural producers.

Product and Service Offerings

Arka’s integrated AgriTech suite includes:

• Smart Farming Tools:

  • Soil monitoring systems using IoT-based sensors
  • Mobile-accessible Farm management software for crop planning, inventory, pest alerts, and harvest scheduling
  • Data analytics tools to guide irrigation and fertilization strategies

• Farm-to-Market Platform:

  • Produce aggregation from local farmers
  • Transparent pricing model for buyers and sellers
  • Market linkage services connecting producers with institutional buyers and retailers

The platform is accessible via mobile and web applications, tailored for ease-of-use by local farmers and cooperatives.

Specialisation and Core USP

Arka stands out for:

• Empowering farmers through real-time agricultural insights
• Offering an end-to-end value chain solution, from soil to shelf
• Reducing wastage and increasing efficiency in the agri-supply chain
• Fostering inclusive growth by onboarding smallholder farmers into the digital economy

Financials

As a startup, Arka has participated in multiple pitch competitions and innovation grants:

• Recipient of seed funding and grants from Startup Pilipinas, IDEYA (Innovation for Digital Economy in the Philippines), and QBO Innovation Hub
• Revenue streams include platform licensing, service fees on market transactions, and pilot project contracts with cooperatives and LGUs
• Estimated early-stage funding: USD 50,000–100,000

Shipment Data

Arka is not a product exporter but plays a facilitative role in enabling local produce to reach urban markets efficiently. Through its logistics and produce distribution arm, it has helped farmers transport over 50 metric tons of fresh produce monthly to regional supermarkets and food hubs.

Target Market

Arka targets:

• Smallholder farmers and cooperatives across the Philippines
• Institutional produce buyers including hotels, restaurants, and retail chains
• LGUs and NGOs implementing smart agriculture programs
• Partners in agribusiness development and sustainability

Capabilities

• Deployment of smart agriculture devices across farms
• Customized dashboard solutions for crop-specific requirements
• Farmer training and digital literacy programs
• Multi-channel logistics coordination for produce delivery

Certifications and Compliance

Arka adheres to:

• Data privacy and cybersecurity standards for digital platforms
• Collaboration protocols with DA (Department of Agriculture) and DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology)
• Compliance with local business licensing and agri-trade regulations

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from pilot projects and user communities has praised:

• Ease-of-use of Arka’s mobile dashboard
• Increased yield and reduced input costs
• Timely access to larger markets with better prices
• Recognized impact on farmer income and empowerment

Major Achievements

• Deployed AgriTech solutions to over 500 farmers in Central Visayas
• Facilitated over USD 150,000 worth of produce transactions
• Featured in YouTube AgriTech showcases and startup forums
• Participated in local and ASEAN innovation summits
• Successfully conducted farmer digital upskilling sessions

Arka Inc. continues to pioneer accessible digital innovations tailored for agriculture, shaping the future of farming in the Philippines with a scalable, inclusive, and sustainable model.