(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Startups Promoting Entrepreneurship in Rural India

(JANUARY-2026)

Startups Promoting Entrepreneurship in Rural India

Context:

Entrepreneurship is a vital economic and social activity. Even the ancient Rigveda states: "Work is accomplished through effort, not mere wishes" (Udyamen hi siddhyanti karyani na manorathah). From ancient and medieval times to the modern era, entrepreneurship forms the foundation of the Indian economy. Rural India is no laggard in entrepreneurial innovations.

Entrepreneurship simplifies lives, creates jobs through innovations, and is supported by government policies for self-employment and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provides financial and technical support to agricultural startups. Since 2018-19, the “Innovation and Agripreneurship Development" programme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been implemented. 5 Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) have been appointed till date for training, incubation, and programme implementation.
Under the programme, agri- entrepreneurs and startups receive up to Rs. lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and up to lakh at the seed stage to market their products, services, business platforms, and scale operations. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their family members also receive support to establish small non-farm enterprises under SVEP.

NIDHI-PRAYAS Programme

The NIDHI-PRAYAS programme by the Department of Science and Technology supports early-stage innovators in rural India, focusing on agri-tech solutions. It provides funding, incubation, and training for startups, helping to create jobs and promote economic growth.

Institutional Training at the District Level

Training and Courses

Training and courses are crucial for promoting entrepreneurship through startups.
Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) support rural youth in becoming entrepreneurs.
One RSETI is present in every district of the country.
Each RSETI conducts 30-40 skill development programs annually, lasting from one to six weeks.

Skill Development Programs

Programs include agriculture and allied activities:
Dairy farming
Poultry
Beekeeping
Horticulture
Sericulture
Mushroom cultivation
Floriculture
Fisheries

Production-oriented programs cover:

Dress designing
Rexine products
Agarbatti making
Football manufacturing
Bakery products
Leaf-based cups
Recycled paper initiatives

Additional training includes:

Repairing two-wheelers, radios/TVs, etc.
Beauty courses
Photography and videography
Computer hardware/DTP

Support for Trainees

At least 70% of trainees must be from rural BPL categories.
RSETI certificates are recognized by banks for loan access.
Agriculture sector in India offers vast entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Government of India has launched the NABARD’s Agri-SURE initiative to promote growth in agri-startups and enterprises for:

Creating an investment-friendly environment for startups in agriculture and allied activities.
Increasing and sustaining sector-specific capital commitments to enable equity support for agri and agri-tech startups serving farmers, FPOs/FPCs, and primary cooperatives.
Encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt modern technologies in agriculture and agri-tech.

Entrepreneurship Creating Jobs in Tribal Areas

Best Practices in Rural Entrepreneurship

Startups in tribal-dominant states like Chhattisgarh encourage rural entrepreneurship.
Dhamtari district focuses on medicinal farming, inspiring women farmers.
NRLM motivates 300 SHG members to cultivate medicinal crops on 130 acres.
Successful crops include bach, khas, patchouli, sindoor, brahmi, and lemongrass.
4,000 medicinal plants planted along Mahanadi riverbanks for income growth.
The model enhances livelihoods and includes grants, training, and seed links from the Medicinal Plants Board.

Conclusion

Success stories of entrepreneurship in India go beyond metros. Youth in small towns and villages are accelerating the economy through startups and innovation. Notably, rural initiatives generate employment and livelihoods while addressing challenges like cleanliness, plastic waste, and climate crises— fostering social enterprises.