The Indian agricultural landscape is poised for a significant transformation with the recent launch of the AgriSURE Fund and the Krishi Nivesh Portal by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. These initiatives, aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing investment in agriculture, reflect the government's commitment to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agritech solutions.

AgriSURE Fund: A Catalyst for Innovation
The AgriSURE Fund, officially launched on September 3, 2024, is a ₹750 crore (approximately $90 million) initiative designed to support technology-driven startups and rural enterprises. This fund is structured as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It aims to provide equity and debt funding to approximately 85 startups, with individual investments capped at ₹25 crore each.
- Financial Contributions: The fund comprises ₹250 crore from the Government of India, ₹250 crore from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and ₹250 crore mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors.
- Focus Areas: It targets high-risk, high-impact activities across the agricultural value chain, including enhancing farm produce value chains, creating rural infrastructure, and supporting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- Support for Innovation: The fund will encourage the development of IT-based solutions, machinery rental services, and other innovative approaches to address farmers' challenges, thereby fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria for AgriSURE Fund
- Sector Focus: Startups must operate within the agriculture or allied sectors. This includes businesses that enhance the agricultural value chain, such as precision farming, post-harvest management, agri-fintech, and sustainable farming practices.
- Innovation and Technology: Eligible startups should demonstrate a clear value proposition that leverages technology to address challenges in agriculture.
- Business Model Viability: Startups need to present scalable business models with the potential for high impact.
- Funding Amount: Each startup can receive funding of up to ₹25 crore.
- Operational Stage: The fund is particularly aimed at early-stage companies, ideally with a working prototype or proof of concept.
- Alignment with Fund Objectives: Startups must align their goals with the fund's objectives, such as reducing post-harvest losses and improving supply chain efficiency.
Krishi Nivesh Portal: Centralizing Agricultural Investment
Alongside the AgriSURE Fund, the Krishi Nivesh Portal was also launched to centralize investment opportunities and information related to agribusinesses. This integrated platform aims to enhance farmers' and agritech startups' access to resources, ultimately boosting their income and productivity.
- Enhance Visibility: Providing a one-stop solution for agribusinesses to showcase their investment needs and opportunities facilitates better connections between investors and agricultural entrepreneurs.
- Promote Modernization: The portal aligns with the government's vision of modernizing agriculture through technological advancements and innovative practices.
Conclusion
The launch of the AgriSURE Fund and the Krishi Nivesh Portal marks a pivotal moment in India's agricultural sector. As the government continues to invest in agritech solutions, the future of Indian agriculture looks promising, with the potential for increased productivity and improved livelihoods for farmers across the nation.
References
- Economic Times. (2024). AgriSURE fund launched by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Here's all you need to know about the initiative. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/agrisure-fund-launched-by-union-minister-shivraj-singh-chouhan-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-initiative/articleshow/113023200.cms
- NABARD. (2024). NABARD announces ₹750 crore 'Agri SURE' fund to promote innovation in agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/business/nabard-announces-750-crore-agri-sure-fund-to-promote-innovation-in-agriculture/article68396955.ece
- Inc42. (2024). Govt Debuts INR 750 Cr AgriSURE Fund To Back Agritech Startups. Retrieved from https://inc42.com/buzz/centre-launches-inr-750-cr-agrisure-fund-to-back-agritech-startups/