Overview

The Government is set to launch the 'Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises' (AgriSURE), a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) aimed at supporting start-ups and agripreneurs in the agriculture sector. Announced at a pre-launch stakeholder meet in Mumbai, this fund will provide both equity and debt investments to foster innovation and sustainability in agriculture. It will be managed by NABVENTURES, a NABARD subsidiary, and will focus on enhancing the agricultural value chain, rural infrastructure, and employment.

Complementing this initiative, NABARD has introduced the AgriSURE Greenathon 2024, a hackathon designed to address key challenges such as cost-effective smart agriculture, profitable agri-waste management, and making regenerative agriculture economically viable. This event seeks to engage innovative minds to contribute solutions that advance India's agricultural sector.

Track 1: Smart Agriculture on a Budget

Problem: The high cost of smart agriculture technologies, like advanced sensors and data analysis platforms, creates a barrier to entry for small and marginal farmers.

Track 2: Turning Agri-waste into Profitable Business Opportunities

Problem: Agricultural waste poses a significant environmental challenge, while farmers miss out on potential income streams from proper waste management. Turning Agri-Waste into something profitable and useful for farmers has its own set of unique challenges and benefits.

Track 3: Tech Solutions Making Regenerative

Problem: Delay in sustainability action, Regenerative agriculture practices, while demonstrably beneficial for long-term soil health, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation, often face economic hurdles for adoption.