AgriSURE Fund for Innovative Agri Tech Startups

In a landmark move, the Government of India has launched the AgriSURE Fund—an ambitious initiative designed to revolutionise farming and rural enterprises. This fund aims to foster innovation, stimulate growth, and modernise Agriculture by encouraging high-impact, technology-driven ventures that will benefit both the farming community and rural economy.

What is the AgriSURE Fund? A Catalyst for Agri-innovation

The Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises is a game-changing initiative aimed at reshaping India’s agricultural landscape. It focuses on supporting high-risk, high-reward ventures with a sharp emphasis on technology-driven solutions. The ₹750 crore blended capital fund includes contributions of ₹250 crore each from the Government of India, NABARD, and additional investments from banks, insurance companies, and private investors. AgriSURE is set to accelerate innovation and drive sustainable growth in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem.

At the launch event, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressed his optimism about the initiative. He said,

“Our vision is to empower every farmer, and the launch of the AgriSURE Fund is a testament to our unwavering dedication to agriculture. Farmers' prosperity leads to national prosperity, and we are committed to giving them the tools to thrive.”

AgriSURE Greenathon Awards: Celebrating Agri Innovation

The event also celebrated the success of the AgriSURE Greenathon, a national competition recognising start-ups with innovative solutions to improve various stages of the agricultural value chain—from input selection to market access. Launched in July 2024, the Greenathon saw over 2,000 applications, with 10 finalists making it to the grand finale.

The top three start-ups were honoured for their pioneering contributions:

• Winner: Greensapio
• Runner-Up: Krushikanti
• Second Runner-Up: Ambronics

These innovators were awarded a prize pool of ₹6 lakhs and were given invaluable networking opportunities to further collaborate with key stakeholders.

“Farmers Are the Lifeblood of India”

In his keynote address, Chouhan emphasised the crucial role farmers play in India’s economy. “Farming is the backbone of the country, with the farmer being the lifeblood,” he stated. Chouhan highlighted the importance of technology in boosting productivity, reducing costs, and securing fair prices for farmers.

AgriTech Startups: Empowering Farmers for a Brighter Tomorrow

Chouhan outlined the government’s continuous efforts to uplift the rural economy through strategic investments in agriculture. He explained that the AgriSURE Fund will prioritise key areas such as crop diversification, post-harvest loss prevention, and crop insurance, which are critical to improving farmers’ livelihoods. “We are working relentlessly to ensure that farmers have access to affordable and innovative solutions,” he added.

A Collaborative Effort for Agri Start-ups

The event saw a diverse gathering of stakeholders, including government officials, start-up founders, investors, and agricultural experts. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, stressed the need for start-ups to develop real-world solutions to the challenges faced by farmers. He reiterated the vital role of technology and innovation in driving sustainable growth within India’s agricultural sector.

A Vision for a Thriving Agri Economy

The introduction of the AgriSURE Fund reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening rural development through agricultural innovation. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, the initiative is set to empower farmers, fuel growth, and transform the agricultural landscape.

As India advances towards becoming an agricultural powerhouse, AgriSURE is poised to be a cornerstone of this transformation—impacting the lives of millions of farmers and bringing sustainable progress to the rural economy.