Deadline Date: March 20, 2026
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is seeking applications for its RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme to promote innovation-driven growth in agriculture and allied sectors through structured support for emerging startups.
The program focuses on key areas including Agriculture and Farm Technologies, Agri-Biotech, Post Harvest and Value Addition, Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Agri-Waste to Wealth, Farm Mechanisation, Agri Supply Chain, and other related sectors aligned with agritech innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
The program also supports startups in testing and scaling their innovations through partnerships with Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), urban local bodies (ULBs), industries, and farming communities, enabling real-world deployment and validation of agritech solutions. In addition, the initiative contributes to strengthening the broader innovation ecosystem by building the capacity of RKVY-Agribusiness Incubators and promoting student entrepreneurship in agritech and allied sectors.
Under the program, 40 startups are supported annually through structured incubation that includes mentorship, technical validation, access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, and industry connections. The program aims to strengthen the agritech startup ecosystem while enabling startups to develop scalable solutions that benefit farmers, agri-enterprises, and rural communities.
Selected startups can receive financial support based on their stage of development. Pre-seed startups are eligible for funding of up to INR 5 lakhs, while seed-stage startups can receive up to INR 25 lakhs based on milestone-driven evaluation during the incubation period. The program also provides opportunities for follow-on funding through investor connections and pitching platforms.
Startups accepted into the program receive incubation support through access to IIT Kanpur’s facilities, mentorship from domain experts, and networking opportunities with investors, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. Mentorship sessions are tailored to help startups refine their technology, strengthen their business model, and develop effective go-to-market strategies.
Shortlisted startups also participate in a one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program that introduces them to various aspects of the startup ecosystem, incubation processes at SIIC, and relevant technological domains. Startups that physically participate in the orientation program are eligible to receive a stipend of INR 10,000 per month.
To be eligible, startups must operate in one or more of the program’s focus sectors and be incorporated and based in India. Applicants must be registered as Private Limited Companies with all required compliances in place and must have at least one full-time employee. The product or technology offered by the startup must represent original ideas that are wholly owned by the company or licensed with the freedom to use. The startup team must be part of a recognised legal entity within the company structure.
For more information, visit Government of India.
