India’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by technological advancements and innovative startups. Recognizing the potential of AgriTech and rural enterprises, the Indian government has introduced several schemes to support and accelerate this growth. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most impactful initiatives:
1. AgriSURE Fund by NABARD
The AgriSURE (Agri Fund for Startups & Rural Enterprises) is a ₹750 crore fund established to support innovative, technology-driven startups in agriculture and allied sectors. Jointly sponsored by the Government of India and NABARD, the fund aims to:
Provide equity support to Agri & Agri-tech startups.
Encourage young entrepreneurs with high-risk, high-impact ideas.
Strengthen the farm produce value chain system.
Create employment opportunities for rural and urban youth.
Learn more: NABARD AgriSURE Fund
2. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Launched under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package, the AIF is a ₹1 lakh crore fund aimed at developing post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. Key features include:
Interest subvention of 3% per annum on loans.
Credit guarantee coverage for loans up to ₹2 crores.
Support for projects like warehouses, cold storage, and processing units.
Apply here: https://agriinfra.dac.gov.in/
3. AgriStack Initiative
The AgriStack is a digital platform aiming to create a unified database for farmers, integrating various services like:
Land records and crop patterns.
A robust data exchange system
This initiative facilitates data-driven decision-making, enhancing productivity and income for farmers.
Source: AgriStack Portal
4. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme providing comprehensive risk coverage against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Since its inception:
Over 554.94 million farmer applications have been insured.
Claims worth ₹1.5 lakh crore have been paid.
This scheme ensures financial stability for farmers, encouraging them to adopt innovative farming practices.
Apply here: https://pmfby.gov.in/
5. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
MISS offers short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakhs at an interest rate of 7% per annum, with an additional 3% subvention for timely repayment, effectively reducing the interest rate to 4%. The scheme also provides:
Post-harvest loans against Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs).
Support during natural calamities.
Learn more and apply here: https://fasalrin.gov.in/about
6. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme
Implemented by NABARD, the ACABC scheme aims to:
Provide self-employment opportunities to agriculture graduates.
Offer expert advice and services to farmers.
Enhance technology transfer in agriculture.
The scheme supports the establishment of agri-clinics and agribusiness centers across the country.
Learn More: https://www.nabard.org/content1.aspx?id=595&catid=23&mid=530
7. Mission Bee – Beekeeping Initiative
The Gujarat government, under the ‘Mission Bee’ initiative, has:
Provided ₹8.76 crore in financial aid to over 11,300 farmers.
Supported the establishment of bee colonies and purchase of beehives.
Organized training programs in beekeeping-active districts.
This initiative promotes beekeeping as an additional income source for farmers.
Learn More: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/nbhm
8. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – RAFTAAR
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), now reoriented as RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation), is a scheme focusing on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, productivity, and profitability.
A significant component of RAFTAAR is its support for Agri-entrepreneurship and startups.
It provides incubation support, seed funding, and mentorship to innovative ventures in the agricultural and allied sectors, making it a direct pipeline for AgriTech and rural startups seeking early-stage support.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.manage.gov.in/managecia/RKVYSAIP.aspx
9. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
With an investment of ₹2,481 crore, NMNF promotes eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices. The mission focuses on:
Reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Enhancing soil health and biodiversity.
Encouraging the adoption of traditional and natural farming methods.
Learn more and apply here: https://naturalfarming.dac.gov.in/
10. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
The e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform that connects APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) mandis across the country.
It aims to create a single, unified national market for agricultural commodities, ensuring better price discovery for farmers.
For AgriTech and rural startups, e-NAM presents opportunities to provide services like quality testing, logistics, and aggregation, facilitating smoother transactions and greater market access for agricultural produce.
Source: https://www.enam.gov.in/web/
The Indian government’s multifaceted approach to supporting AgriTech and rural startups is fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. By leveraging these schemes, entrepreneurs and farmers can drive sustainable growth and contribute to the nation’s agricultural transformation.
Note: For detailed information and application procedures, please refer to the official websites of the respective schemes.