Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches AgriSURE Fund to Revolutionize Agricultural Start-ups

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s agricultural sector, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today launched the AgriSURE Scheme, an ambitious fund designed to support agricultural and rural start-ups. The AgriSURE – Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises, launched in New Delhi, aims to drive growth in the agricultural ecosystem by funding high-risk, technology-driven ventures. The scheme’s blended capital fund of ₹750 crore includes contributions from the Government of India (₹250 crore), NABARD (₹250 crore), and an additional ₹250 crore mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors.

During the launch event, which was attended by key dignitaries including Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary and Ram Nath Thakur, and Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Chouhan emphasized the transformative potential of the AgriSURE Fund. He stated that the fund is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide technological and financial support to India’s farmers. “Farmers’ prosperity will lead to a prosperous economy. Farming is the backbone of this country, and farmers are the lifeblood,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity, crop diversification, and the prevention of post-harvest loss.

Chouhan also emphasized the government’s focus on creating a sustainable agricultural ecosystem through crop insurance and reduced production costs. “Our vision is to empower every farmer, and the AgriSURE Fund is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the agricultural sector,” he added.

The event also marked the culmination of the AgriSURE Greenathon Awards, an initiative that recognizes innovative start-ups working to solve challenges across the agri-value chain. Launched in July 2024, the Greenathon saw over 2,000 Agri Start-ups participate, with Greensapio, Krushikanti, and Ambronics being named the Winner, Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up, respectively. The top three start-ups were awarded a total prize pool of ₹6 lakhs for their tech-centric solutions aimed at improving input selection, marketing, and value addition for farmers.

Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the importance of start-ups in addressing farmers’ challenges, stating, “Start-ups in agriculture are critical to finding innovative solutions for the problems faced by farmers.”

The AgriSURE launch event was attended by representatives from state governments, banks, the investment community, and the agricultural start-up sector, marking a significant step forward for India’s agricultural innovation and rural enterprise ecosystem. The government hopes that the AgriSURE fund will catalyze further investment in agriculture, empowering farmers and driving the rural economy through innovative, accessible solutions.