The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare is implementing "Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development" programme under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2018-19, with the objective of promoting innovation and agri- entrepreneurship, by providing financial and technical support for nurturing startups. 5 Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABls) have been appointed for training & incubation of startups and implementation of this programme. Under the programme, financial support up to Rs. 5 lakh is provided at the idea/ pre seed stage and up to Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage to entrepreneurs/ startups in agriculture & allied sector to launch their products, services, business platforms, etc. in the market and to facilitate them in scaling up. These programs are set to revolutionize India's agricultural sector by investing in modernizing post-harvest management, expanding cold chain facilities, and improving market access. They aim to boost production, reduce post-harvest losses, ensure better returns for farmers and create sustainable growth in the agricultural value chain.

The government is advancing agricultural productivity through a broad range of centrally supported initiatives. These efforts include developing infrastructure, enhancing crop, horticultural practices, and ensuring seed quality. To improve storage facilities, the government is implementing the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) scheme, a component of the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM). This scheme provides assistance for the construction or renovation of godowns and warehouses in rural areas to boost agricultural storage capacity.

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AlF) Scheme supports sustainable agriculture by financing infrastructure projects across India. AIF facilitates medium- and long-term loans from banks and other lending institutions for farm-gate and aggregation point projects, with a target of ₹ 1 lakh crore by 2025-26. Loans up to 2 crore feature a capped interest rate of 9%, along with a 3% annual interest subvention and reimbursement of credit guarantee fees for up to seven years, ensuring affordability for beneficiaries. The objective of AIF Scheme is to support a sustainable and robust agricultural industry, focusing on setting up infrastructure and viable farming assets to support both farming and agro-industrial development. On the industrial front, the AIF facilitates convergence with other Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) in food processing and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mah Abhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) for renewable energy integration, ensuring value addition and optimum value realisation. The AIF fosters innovation in precision farming and value-added products by empowering agritech startups and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it connects ecosystem players, fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs and farmers for greater impact. Above all, the AIF initiative supports rural industrialization, creating employment opportunities and boosting markets of processed agricultural goods. Furthermore, the promotion of sustainability through green practices, digital tools, and environmentally friendly technologies ensures the development of a resilient agro-industry that aligns with national and global goals for sustainable agriculture.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

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