In a time when most people are moving away from nature, Paresh Rohan is building a bridge that brings people closer to it — through technology, innovation, and purpose.
A former Automation Engineer turned entrepreneur, Paresh is the Founder and CEO of Urban Roots Digital Farming, a modern agri-tech startup that lets individuals adopt and manage real farm plots digitally — making farming accessible to everyone, even those living in cities.
From Salem to Limerick — A Journey Rooted in Growth
Born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, Paresh’s curiosity for machines and how things work began early. That fascination led him to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai.
Eager to explore how automation could solve real-world problems, he later moved to Ireland, earning his Master’s in Automation Engineering from the University of Limerick.
During his time abroad, Paresh worked with leading organizations, including Johnson & Johnson Vision Care and NNIT, where he gained experience in process automation, SCADA/HMI systems, and industrial validation — expertise that would later become the foundation of his entrepreneurial vision.
Urban Roots — Farming Meets Technology
After returning to India, Paresh founded Urban Roots Digital Farming, an initiative that reimagines the connection between people and agriculture.
Urban Roots enables users to adopt or rent small farm plots online through a digital platform. Once subscribed, users can choose crops, monitor their farm’s progress in real-time, and receive live updates, images, and harvest notifications — all through a smartphone dashboard.
The idea is simple yet powerful: to give people the experience of farming without needing land or expertise, while empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
“Urban Roots isn’t just about growing crops — it’s about growing awareness,” says Paresh.
“We’re helping people reconnect with food, soil, and sustainability — one digital plot at a time.”
Blending Automation and Sustainability
Paresh’s engineering background shines through in how Urban Roots operates.
Automation and IoT-inspired processes help ensure efficient irrigation, optimized crop cycles, and transparent farm management.
By applying the precision of automation to agriculture, Urban Roots offers a model where urban citizens, farmers, and technology work together toward a shared goal — a greener, more self-sustaining future.
Engineering with Purpose
Paresh’s journey, from working on global pharmaceutical systems in Ireland to launching a people-driven farming movement in India, reflects a rare blend of technical brilliance and social responsibility.
His earlier research, including publications on agricultural drones and intelligent automation systems, showcases his commitment to applying engineering to real human needs.
We’re entering an era where automation isn’t just for factories,” says Paresh. “It’s becoming the foundation of sustainable food systems. Urban farming is no longer a hobby — it’s a necessity.
A Vision for the Future
Urban Roots Digital Farming is more than a startup — it’s a mission to make every Indian, whether living in a city or a village, feel connected to the land again.
By merging the efficiency of automation with the emotion of farming, Paresh Rohan is sowing the seeds of a future where technology and nature thrive side by side — and where anyone can be a farmer, digitally.
