(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Empowering Farmers through Agri Startups

(JANUARY-2026)

Empowering Farmers through Agri Startups

Context:

Agri startups are changing India’s entrepreneurial scene by combining new ideas with traditional agriculture. They are important for developing sustainable business models. India is now one of the top five startup hubs globally, supported by initiatives like Startup India, making it the third-largest unicorn hub

Growth of Agricultural Startups in India

India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, becoming the third fastest-growing hub for entrepreneurs after the USA and China. As of April 2023, a report lists India ranks tenth in the Business Environment Ranking among 82 countries. To achieve the goal of a $5 trillion economy by 2024-2025, startups are seen as key contributors to development and innovation for socio-economic improvement.

Proactive Government Policies & Supportive Agri- Startup Ecosystems

Startup Environment in India

India has developed an innovation-driven startup landscape.
Government policies aim to turn job seekers into job creators.

Make in India Initiative

Launched in 2014 to make India a global manufacturing hub.
Focuses on investments, skill development, intellectual property, and infrastructure.
Spurs technology-led innovations, including in agri-tech.

Startup India Initiative

Initiated in 2016 with a 19-point action plan to expand the startup ecosystem.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Nurtures startups through incubators and support systems for national challenges.

Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Programme

Launched in 2018-19 to support agri-startups with incubation and grants.
Supported over 1,100 agri-startups and trained 3,500 entrepreneurs.

Incubators and Accelerators

Numerous institutions offer support from ideation to commercialization.
Over 100 agriculture-focused incubators nurtured by various government bodies.

Innovation Platforms

Agri India Hackathon connects startups with scientists and industry leaders.
Startups develop diverse agri-tech solutions to address agricultural challenges.

Functional Domains of Agricultural Start-ups in India

Agri-Startups Overview

Agri-startups focus on crops, livestock, and fisheries.
Classified into agri-tech, fisheries, dairy farming, animal husbandry, food processing, and organic agriculture.
Development stages: Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, and Scaling.

Key Areas of Impact

Precision Agriculture: Uses IoT, drones, and satellite imaging (Examples: Fasal, Cropln).
Supply Chain and Logistics: Optimizes farm-to-fork delivery (Examples: DeHaat, Ninjacart).
Input Retailing and Advisory: App-based agri-inputs and crop advisory (Examples: Agro Wave, Agri Bazaar).
Fintech and Insurance: Provides access to credit and weather-based insurance (Examples: Samunnati, Gram Cover).

Conclusion

Agri-startups in India are innovating in agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and supporting sustainability goals. They can drive growth and resilience in farming with policy support, investment, and capacity-building.