The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has launched several programs aimed at fostering agricultural entrepreneurship and enhancing the agriculture business ecosystem in India. These programs focus on providing financial support, technical assistance, and training to individuals and startups in the agriculture and allied sectors. Below is an overview of some key initiatives designed to promote agricultural entrepreneurship.
1. Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Programme
Implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2018-19 onwards, the Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Programme seeks to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector. The program provides financial assistance and support for the incubation of agricultural startups, helping them transition from ideation to operational businesses.
To facilitate the successful implementation of this program, the Ministry has appointed five Knowledge Partners (KPs) and twenty-four RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) across the country. These partners and incubators offer necessary incubation services, mentoring, and networking opportunities to nascent startups in the agricultural sector. Financial assistance under the program varies at different stages of a startup’s development:
-
Rs. 4 lakhs for students aiming to transform their innovative ideas into businesses.
-
Rs. 5 lakhs for startups at the idea/pre-seed stage.
-
Rs. 25 lakhs for startups at the seed stage.
Through this support, over 4,800 agri-startups were trained by the appointed KPs and R-ABIs between 2019 and 2024. Additionally, 1,708 agri-startups received technical and financial assistance during the same period, including 448 women-led startups, demonstrating the program’s inclusivity.
2. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC&ABC)
The Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC&ABC) has been operational since 2002 and is implemented by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The scheme provides 45-day free residential training to individuals aged 18 to 60 years with a degree in agriculture or related fields. The training aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to start their own agri-business ventures, providing extension services to farmers in various agricultural sectors.
The training is followed by handholding support, loan facilitation, and a credit-linked subsidy program. The subsidy amount varies based on the category of the candidate:
-
44% of the project cost for women, SC/ST candidates, and those from North Eastern and Hill states.
-
36% of the project cost for general category candidates.
As of 2024, over 90,540 candidates have received training, and 40,285 of them have successfully launched their agri-ventures. The AC&ABC scheme continues to play a significant role in empowering individuals to build sustainable businesses in agriculture.
3. Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) Project
The Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) initiative aims to engage and retain young people in the agricultural sector. Under this project, operational in 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country, rural youth are trained and supported in setting up agri-business ventures. In the financial year 2023-24 alone, the project led to the establishment of 4,036 entrepreneurial units in areas such as mushroom production, horticulture, fish farming, poultry, and vermicomposting, benefiting over 6,000 youth.
In addition, KVKs conducted 815 training programs that benefitted nearly 20,000 youth, thus furthering the goal of making agriculture an attractive and viable career option for young people.
4. Management Courses for Agricultural Entrepreneurs
Recognizing the importance of professional management in agricultural ventures, the government has partnered with institutions like MANAGE, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), and State Agricultural Universities to offer specialized management courses. These programs are designed to equip agricultural graduates with the necessary skills to excel in agribusiness management.
MANAGE offers two key programs: a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM) and a two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Agri-Business Management (PGDM-ABM). Similarly, ICAR-NAARM offers a two-year, full-time residential PGDM-ABM program, which has been running since 2009.
Furthermore, 24 Agricultural and Allied Science Universities in India offer a Master’s degree in Agri-Business Management (M.Sc. Agri-Business Management), while eight universities provide Ph.D. programs in the field. These programs aim to produce a new generation of agri-techno managers who can drive innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The Government of India, through these various programs, is making significant strides in encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship. By providing financial aid, training, and technical support, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is helping to create a vibrant ecosystem of agri-businesses that can contribute to sustainable agricultural development and rural employment. These initiatives not only help young entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses but also ensure that agriculture remains a dynamic and progressive sector in the country’s economy.
