10 Schemes & Funds to Support Indian Innovation in Agriculture / Startups in 2025

India offers a strong ecosystem of grants, incubators, and venture funds to empower agri-innovators and entrepreneurs. Here’s an updated guide featuring who can apply, how, and where to find more info—including official URLs.

1. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)

Who can apply?
Farmers, agripreneurs, and startups incubated at R-ABIs (Agri-Business Incubators). No age limit; applicants must be adults.

Funding details:
Pre-seed for agripreneurs: up to ₹5 lakhs (90% grant + 10% contribution; 100% central for UTs).
Incubatee startups: up to ₹25 lakhs (85% grant + 15% incubator share).

Benefits:
Provides early-stage funding, incubation, mentoring, and market linkage to help agri startups scale quickly.

How to apply:
1. Find an R-ABI near you (via ICAR/DARE network).
2. Register and incubate for ≥2 months.
3. Submit proposal to the relevant State Agriculture Department or R-ABI.

Learn more & apply:
Visit the ICAR/DA&FW site or your State’s DBT portal.

2. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

Who can apply?
DPIIT-recognized startups incorporated within the last 2 years with turnover ≤₹100 crore.

Funding:
Up to ₹20 lakhs (grants) for PoC, prototype, trials.
Up to ₹50 lakhs (convertible debt) for market entry.

Benefits:
Helps startups with proof-of-concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization.

How to apply:
1. Get DPIIT recognition via Startup India portal.
2. Apply online via Startup India Seed Fund portal.
3. Select up to 3 eligible incubators.
4. Submit required documents.
5. Funding is milestone-based, approved by Incubator Seed Management Committee.

3. NABARD Grant – AgriSURE / NABVENTURES

Who can apply?
Agri-tech and rural startups in food-processing, supply chain, biotech, farm mechanization, etc.

Funds available:
AgriSURE Direct Equity: Corpus ₹300 crore for early-stage startups.
AgriSURE FoF: Corpus ₹450 crore via AIFs.

Benefits:
Provides venture capital support and helps startups reach growth and expansion stages faster.

How to apply:
Approach NABVENTURES via their funding section on the NABARD website.

4. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)

Who can apply?
Micro food processing units (FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives).

Support includes:
Credit-linked subsidies, training, branding, and market linkages.

Benefits:
Empowers micro-entrepreneurs in food processing by providing capital subsidies, capacity building, and branding support.

How to apply:
Register via PMFME portal.

5. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Who can apply?
Innovators, startups, incubators.

Benefits:
Supports innovation through grants, incubators, and national-level exposure for scaling impactful solutions.

How to apply:
Browse open calls via Atal Innovation Mission portal and apply online.

6. Agri Udaan – Food & Agribusiness Accelerator

Who can apply?
High-growth agri startups with proven product traction and scalability potential.

Benefits:
Provides mentoring, investor connects, and rapid market entry opportunities for growth-stage agri startups.

How to apply:
Monitor accelerator websites for open cohort announcements and submit applications accordingly.

7. BIRAC – Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)

Who can apply?
Biotech startups and researchers in agriculture, health, and energy sectors.

Funding:
Up to ₹50 lakhs for R&D and proof-of-concept.

Benefits:
Enables biotech innovators to develop and validate early-stage technologies that can transform agriculture and healthcare.

How to apply:
Respond to periodic calls via BIRAC portal.

8. SFAC – Venture Capital Assistance (VCA)

Who can apply?
Farmer-led agribusinesses, FPOs, agri-entrepreneurs.

Benefits:
Provides equity support and soft loans to help farmers and FPOs establish viable agri-business ventures.

How to apply:
Contact SFAC state offices and submit a business plan for evaluation.

9. ICAR Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centers

Who can apply?
Agri/food-processing startups incubated at ICAR-ABI centers.

Benefits:
Offers incubation, mentorship, access to ICAR research, and grant support to develop sustainable agri-tech businesses.

How to apply:
Find and apply through your nearest ICAR ABI center (check ICAR website).

10. SIDBI Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)

Who can apply?
DPIIT-recognized startups supported by SEBI-registered VC funds.

Benefits:
Provides large-scale venture capital access through selected VC partners, helping startups grow nationally and globally.

How to apply:
Apply through VC firms backed by SIDBI FFS (list available on SIDBI portal).

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Indian agriculture startups can access a wide range of funding and support. Align your application with scheme objectives, prepare a solid business plan, and monitor official portals for announcements. With the right strategy, your startup can benefit from significant mentorship and growth opportunities.