Turning Agri-Waste into Gold: Trash It on Shark Tank Pakistan

Turning Agri-Waste into Gold: Trash It on Shark Tank Pakistan

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing more than 40% of the workforce

and accounting for roughly 20% of the country’s GDP. However, for a country so reliant on

agriculture, unsustainable agricultural practices such as crop residue burning have posed

considerable issues, damaging both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods. On Shark Tank

Pakistan, Trash It proposed a revolutionary concept that might transform the country’s

agricultural practices by converting hazardous garbage into life-giving compost. Their pitch

attempted to blend sustainability and profitability, bringing optimism for Pakistan’s agricultural

future.

The Pitch

It proposed an effective alternative to this damaging practice: converting agricultural waste into

compost. Their environmentally friendly fertilizer not only lowers waste, but it also improves soil

health, providing farmers with numerous benefits. Trash It says that its compost may increase

agricultural yields by up to 40%, which is a huge benefit for farmers wanting to maximize

earnings. Compost contains 68% organic matter, which improves the soil and promotes

sustainable farming techniques. Compost improves the soil’s ability to retain water, lowering the

need for irrigation, which is an important advantage in water-scarce areas. By lowering

dependency on chemical fertilizers, Trash It’s product can reduce farming costs by up to 30%.

These features make their product a win-win option for farmers and the environment, balancing

profitability and sustainability.

Company Overview

On Shark Tank Pakistan, the Trash It team discussed their journey and ambitious goals for the

future. Founded in 2017, the firm has already made great progress in the agricultural industry.

Their proposal stated that with 5,000 clients, Trash It had established a foundation of trust and

demand for their product. The company reported revenue of PKR 1 crore in 2023 and forecasts

strong growth in the next years, with revenue of PKR 4.5 crore in 2024 and a net profit margin of

10%. By 2025, they expect a 20% net profit margin. They now operate two locations in Karachi,

Surjani and Gulshan, and intend to expand by adding three more.

Trash it’s Ask

Their investment request was PKR 4.5 crore for a 7.5% ownership stake, with the firm valued at

PKR 60 crore. The breakdown of funds included:

● 30% for setting up new sites.

● 30% for a pilot farm deployment program.

● 22% for operations.

● 12% for sales and marketing.

● 8% for certifications.

The team’s vision was clear: expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and introduce

new farming initiatives to further validate their product’s benefits.The Sharks’ Concerns

While Trash The Sharks reacted strongly to the pitch, which was passionate and well-structured.

Unrealistic Valuation: The Sharks judged the company’s valuation of PKR 60 crore unrealistic

considering its present financials. With a revenue of only PKR 1 crore in 2023, the valuation

appeared overstated, casting doubt on the creators’ comprehension of investment

fundamentals.

Scalability: While the concept of transforming agri-waste into compost is appealing, the Sharks

questioned whether Trash It could efficiently scale its operations to meet expected demand.

Establishing additional plants, managing logistics, and ensuring product quality will necessitate

enormous resources and experience.

Value Proposition:The Sharks said the presentation lacked a clear description of how Trash It’s

product differed from other fertilizers on the market. While the environmental benefits were

obvious, the team needed to make their competitive advantage more compelling.

Intentions: Some Sharks thought that the team was more concerned with gaining publicity than

securing finance. This view, combined with their high price, raised questions about the

genuineness of their offer.

Decision: All of the Sharks opted out, leaving Trash It without the financing they wanted.

What’s Next for Trash It?

Trash It’s mission is crucial for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, reducing crop burning damage and

promoting sustainable farming practices. Its focus on cost reduction and productivity

improvement aligns with small and medium-scale farmers’ needs. Shark Tank Pakistan’s

exposure could attract investors, NGOs, and government agencies interested in sustainable

agriculture, allowing Trash It to refine its strategy, build partnerships, and explore new markets.

● Collaborating with government programs focused on environmental sustainability.

● Partnering with large agricultural firms to scale operations.

● Introducing smaller, affordable compost packs for individual farmers.

Trash It, with determination, strategic adjustments, and partnerships, could lead Pakistan’s

agricultural transformation, demonstrating waste as an untapped resource with potential value

creation..