Kerala Agricultural University Launches ₹2 Crore Grant for Agri Startups

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has taken a significant step to boost agribusiness innovation by disbursing the first instalment of financial assistance to selected startups under the PM RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme. The initiative was inaugurated on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, who also unveiled a one-month Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme for aspiring agripreneurs.

₹2 Crore Grant for Agri Startups

Under the scheme, the Centre has sanctioned ₹2 crore to support 19 startups focused on agricultural innovation. The first phase of this financial assistance has been released to 10 eligible startups, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Minister Siddique highlighted Kerala’s untapped potential in the global agricultural market, emphasizing the importance of value addition, scientific processing, branding, and quality assurance. He called for export-oriented agribusiness ventures to enhance farmers’ income, create jobs, and improve the competitiveness of Kerala’s agricultural products internationally.

KAU’s Vision for Entrepreneurship

Dr. Sajitha Rani, Vice-Chancellor of KAU, reiterated the university’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship alongside academic excellence. She explained that KAU is building an ecosystem where students are encouraged to translate innovative ideas and research into viable enterprises. The university is providing incubation support, mentoring, and financial assistance to help students succeed in agribusiness.

Training Programme Objectives

The Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme launched alongside the grant distribution aims to equip participants with practical skills in enterprise creation, business planning, financial management, branding, and market access. It also focuses on the commercialisation of agricultural technologies.

Dr. K.P. Sudheer, head of KAU’s Agri Business Incubator, stated that the programme seeks to cultivate a new generation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs capable of building sustainable, scalable, and globally competitive agribusiness ventures.

This initiative marks a pivotal effort to transform Kerala’s agricultural landscape, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for economic growth.

Source: The Hindu