Agriculture startups in India are rapidly gaining support through government initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and rural development. These schemes provide financial assistance, mentorship, market access, and technical guidance to help startups grow and succeed. By leveraging these programs, agri-entrepreneurs can implement innovative solutions and scale their businesses effectively.
Agri Udaan
Agri Udaan is a flagship accelerator program launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR, and NAARM. It is designed to support agribusiness startups in scaling their operations. The program provides mentorship from industry experts, investor pitching opportunities, market access, and technical guidance. Agri Udaan is especially suitable for startups that already have a working prototype and some initial market traction, helping them grow faster and connect with potential investors.
AgriSURE Fund
The AgriSURE Fund, managed by NABARD, focuses on early-stage agriculture startups and rural development projects. It offers blended capital support and invests in agri-tech solutions, while also providing assistance to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and machinery rental models. The fund encourages innovation across the agricultural value chain and promotes sustainable farming practices, allowing startups to strengthen their operations and market presence.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provides grants of up to ₹20–25 lakh to early-stage startups, including those in agriculture. The funding helps startups develop proof of concept, create prototypes, conduct product trials, and enter new markets. SISFS enables agri-entrepreneurs to establish a strong foundation, reduce financial constraints, and scale their solutions efficiently.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is aimed at supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and rural entrepreneurs in building essential infrastructure. It provides loans of up to ₹2 crore with 3% interest subvention to set up cold storage units, warehouses, and food processing facilities. By reducing the financial burden of infrastructure development, AIF helps startups improve production efficiency and maintain the quality of their produce.
Agriculture Grand Challenge
The Agriculture Grand Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Invest India, invites agri-tech startups to address critical problems in the sector. Focus areas include yield estimation models, fair pricing mechanisms, and sustainable farming solutions. Startups selected under this challenge receive funding, mentorship, and support for implementation, helping them turn innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Agri Seed Funding Scheme
This scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh for startups in agriculture and allied sectors to support research and development, prototype creation, and scaling production. Eligible startups must be registered under DPIIT and operate in agri-tech domains, ensuring that resources are directed toward innovative and high-impact initiatives.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
PM-KISAN provides direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers. While primarily aimed at supporting farmers’ day-to-day expenses, this financial assistance can help agri-entrepreneurs invest in farming essentials, adopt innovative practices, and improve overall productivity, indirectly supporting agriculture startups.
NIDHI-PRAYAS
NIDHI-PRAYAS, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, supports entrepreneurs in prototype development, technology commercialization, and market validation. It is particularly suitable for startups operating in agri-biotech and agri-tech sectors, offering them guidance, mentorship, and initial financial support to validate and scale their solutions.
Eligibility and Application Tips
Most of these schemes require startups to be DPIIT-registered under Startup India, have an innovative and scalable business model in agriculture or allied sectors, and possess a working prototype or proof of concept. A capable team with relevant expertise is also important. To apply successfully, entrepreneurs should prepare a detailed business plan, register on the Startup India portal, utilize incubators and accelerators for mentorship, and submit applications through official online platforms while keeping track of deadlines.
Conclusion
Government schemes in India provide significant opportunities for agriculture startups to grow and succeed. By taking advantage of financial support, mentorship, and infrastructure assistance, agri-entrepreneurs can scale their operations, introduce innovative solutions, and contribute to the modernization of the agriculture sector. Aligning startup objectives with these programs enhances access to resources, improves credibility, and increases the likelihood of success in the competitive agri-business ecosystem.
