Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) has initiated steps to create agribusiness incubators (ABI) under Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAR) scheme funded by the Rashtrapati Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The project proposal has been sanctioned by Union Ministry of Agricultural Development and Farmers’ Welfares. Its estimated cost is 2.33 crore and will be implemented on the KAU main campus at Vellanaikkara.
The incubation centre will primarily focus on post-harvest technology and research with cost effective systems for agricultural commodities, especially fruits and vegetables.
KAU Vice Chancellor R. Chandra Babu said that the RAFTAR-AIB shall be launched at SAMARTH – national innovation, incubation workshop to be organized on Feb 11- 13 by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmer’s Welfare. The AIB Centre shall accelerate economic development in the State.
ICAR National Fellow and Professor at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, K.P. Sudheer, will be the head of the proposed incubation centre.
The goals include establishment of eight start-ups, equipping six service providers, graduate four ventures and provide internship for the start-ups.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is working since 2007 to make farming a remunerative business. The objectives of the RAFTAR Scheme (under RKVY) include strengthening the farmers’ efforts, risk mitigation and promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship via creation of agri-infrastructure. It also aims at empowering youth through skill development, innovation and agri-entrepreneurship models that can attract them to agriculture.
