APRIL-JUNE 2023

Agripreneurship
Promoting Innovation and
Startup led Growth

/InAgrisearch | /user/icarindia | officialicarindia | www.icar.org.in | /icarindia

 (April-June 2023)

02 From The Chief Editor Desk 27 Telangana Sona: Low Glycemic Index Super
Fine Rice from PJTSAU
03 From The Desk of Guest Editor
28 TNJFU Marine Products Business Incubation Forum:
Promoting Entrepreneurship in Fisheries and Aquaculture
04 The Rise of Entrepreneurship in India G Sugumar
Rakesh Chandra Agrawal

30 NIRF Rankings 2023

06 Startup India Standup India: Farm Universities
Nazir A Ganai
31 Institutes

08 How Higher Education Institutions are Building

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem 33 Inculation Cenres
V Geethalakshmi
43 Startups
10 Cultivating Agri-Innovation and Entrepreneurship
in Gujarat 51 Success Stories
K B Kathiria

52 Empowering farmers through new technology and

12 SKUAST-K Innovation Ecosystem: Setting Example innovative solutions: Dr Karan Singh Thakur’s agri-
and Delivering Impact entrepreneural journey
Parvaze A Soli

53 Purple Revolution: Meet Kashmir’s Lavender Lady

14 Agri-Startups: Status and Challenges
S S Vinayagam, S Karingu, P Chandana
BS Yashavanth, G Venkateshwarlu, and C S Rao 53 Innovative Minds: Taking walnut processors
to growers’ doorsteps
18 J&K’s Agricultural Export-Import Policy 2023-30
Sajad H Baba 54 Women empowerment: Dairy farmer changes
fortunes for her family

20 Nurturing Agripreneurial Ecosystem through

Agri Education 54 Entrepreneurial Journey: Self-reliance through
M A A Siddique integrated farming

20 Digital Agriculture: Future of Indian Agriculture 55 Sran Vermicompost Farm: Story of eminence
Dil Mohammad Makhdoom and progress from Punjab

21 SKUAST-K Innovation and Startup Policy 55 Sky is the Limit: Future Belongs to Fisheries Entrepreneurs
Haroon R Naik
56 Niche Crops
22 Building Agripreneurial Ecosystem at Anand
Agricultural University 60 Entrepreneur’s Glossary
M K Jhala and Samit Dutta

24 NEATEHUB: Promoting Entrepreneurship in North

Bidyut Chandan Deka

26 PJTSAU Making Drone Technology a Farm

Implementable Solution
 From the Chief Editor’s Desk
young citizens enters the workforce, it could create
economic growth resulting a shift in population’s age
structure, mainly when the working-age population is
larger than the number of dependents. The agriculture
sector will continue to be a major employer in India.
Agritech startups are developing innovative solutions
for various aspects of agriculture, including precision
farming, supply chain management, bio-fertilizer
production, ornamental gardens and market linkages.
These technologies can help improve productivity,
reduce costs and increase the income of farmers. Agri-
trading centres, commercial agri-hubs, etc. are some of
the prospective entrepreneurial areas that can be
extensively tapped on a larger scale.
The significance, importance and need of
agripreneurship is now being realized more and more.
The government as well as NGOs are also supporting
the promotion and development of the same. As a
helping hand for new agripreneurs, incubation centres
provide a wide variety of business and technical
services, including initial seed funding, network
opportunities, lab facilities and advisory services.
These centres help the new-age entrepreneurs and
young minds to transform their innovative ideas into
viable business propositions.
This issue of Agri-Rise mainly focuses on
agripreneurship in different sectors of agriculture. It
contains articles on the rise of entrepreneurship in
I n d i a , c u l t iva t i n g a g r i - i n n ova t i o n , b u i l d i n g
agripreneurial ecosystem, innovation and startup
policy, various incubation centres and startups in
Agripreneurship to Startups agriculture, details of champion farmers and the
glossary related to entrepreneurship. Some success
stories of student entrepreneurs are also included.

T
I believe that this issue of Agri-Rise will be highly useful,
he changing dynamics of the global economy
informative and beneficial for students and other
and the increasing demands of the growing
stakeholders. The editors express their gratitude to all
population require exploring innovative
the authors for developing and providing the articles,
solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, sustain-
especially to Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor,
ability and profitability. This can be achieved by
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture and
nurturing an agripreneurial ecosystem through
Technology-Kashmir, Srinagar for compiling this issue
strengthening our agricultural education. Agripre-
as the Guest Editor. We sincerely thank the Hon’ble
neurship is the process of adopting new methods,
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Hon’ble
processes, and techniques in agriculture and allied
Ministers of State of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare,
sectors for better output and economic earnings. In our
Government of India and Secretary, DARE and Director
country, agriculture and allied sectors offer
General, ICAR for their guidance and support in this
tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities.
activity. We are also thankful to the ICAR-Directorate of
India has the largest youth population in the world and Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi for
offers both a workforce as well as market. The young all the support in printing this quarterly issue of ICAR-
generation is driving the culture of innovation, Newsletter Agri-Rise.
entrepreneurship and diversity. As this vast resource of

02
 From the Desk of Guest Editor
I t is highly satisfying that SKUAST-K is leading the
compilation of this special issue of AgriRise on the
theme “Agripreneurship”. This role is the
testimony of ICAR’s appreciation of our path-
breaking efforts towards mainstreaming
Entrepreneurship and Startup culture in the
University. SKUAST-K’s growth and promotion of
entrepreneurship aptitude among faculty and
students have been phenomenal. Strong policy shift,
administrative will, and institutional mechanisms
together have created an enabling entrepreneurial
ecosystem in the University.
Promotion of entrepreneurship and start-up culture
in academic institutions is a national priority aiming
to build a self-reliant India that seeks to create
additional jobs outside the public sector and translate
research ideas into scalable technologies.
Since the inception of the Institutional Development
Plan NAHEP in SKUAST-K, we have been able to
establish 15 faculty and student start-ups. The
University at present has an idea bank of >250
innovations. Our innovators and student mentors
have been recognized at the national level for their
exemplary performance. Our University startups
range across a diversity of domains from food value
addition, functional foods, farm automation and
machanization, process innovations. This has led to
more than 40 patents being filled and 10 patents
being granted. More than 35 of our innovators have
been able to garner a cumulative seed grant of > 400
lakhs and 33 national awards. The outstanding
achievements have helped the University to secure 1st
Rank in Innovation Category among SAU in NIRF
Innovation ranking 2022 as well as improvement of
th
overall university ranking to 4 best SAU in the
country. The innovation profile of the University is set
to grab greater extramural funding for research and
innovation, having received one major research grant
under PURSE recently. We as an institution are
developing model systems for new age agri-
education as a major push for regional and national
farm economy by creating next-gen leaders that can
drive the change towards a broader national goal of
improving livelihood, profitability and sustainability
of the farm sector.
This issue of Agri-Rise contains expert perspectives,
case studies and success stories to pitch the case for
mainstreaming the entrepreneurship and startup
ecosystem in the country. India has already emerged as
the Startup capital of the world and under the mission
Startup India with a financial outlay of 10,000 crores,
the country has already 99,380 DPIIT registered
Startups. However, most of such efforts are coming
from IITs and non-farm sector. There is a need to infuse
Startup culture in the farm sector through NARS and
SAU’s to create solutions for the local and national
I trust and believe that this document is able to cover
the Startup landscape of SAU’s in India and help
identify the bottlenecks and opportunities for
creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat through Innovation,
Incubation, and Startups.
03
PROSPECTS

Rakesh Chandra Agrawal

The Rise of Entrepreneurship in India

E ntrepreneurship is critical for economic growth

and development because it drives innovation,
creates jobs, and boosts competitiveness.
Entrepreneurship has played a significant role in
India's economic growth, by creating jobs for millions,
Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India's
entrepreneurial activity (adults aged 18–64, starting or
running a new business) rose to 14.4% in 2021
compared to 5.3% in 2020, with a concomitant increase
in business ownership to 8.5% in 2021 from 5.9% in
contributing to the diversification of the economy, and 2020. This increase in early-stage entrepreneurial
creating new markets and opportunities for foreign activity in India in 2021 has been propelled by pent-up
investment . As India enters its 77 t h year of demand and subsequent opportunities, as well as
independence, it is time to acknowledge the enabling ecosystem and institutional and policy support
contribution the country has made to the global by the government.
entrepreneurial ecosystem. From just an emerging
India is gradually establishing a robust startup
market, India has consolidated its position as the third
ecosystem. The government set up a ministry that
largest in the world today with over 99,000 DPIIT-
focuses on helping new businesses in order to promote
recognized startups across 670 districts of the country
and support entrepreneurs. Several policy and
including > 100 unicorns (valuations of US$ 1 billion or
institutional initiatives including the provision of seed
more) with a total valuation of $ 340.80 billion
capital and financial assistance to startups, the
emerging in the last decade. Since 2017-18, the number
establishment of incubators and accelerators to provide
of unicorns has been increasing exponentially, with a
mentoring, networking, and resource access towards
whopping 66%. In 2022 alone, 42 technology-led start-
ideation and product development. The major policy
ups have been added to the list. These startups span
support system created by union government to
across diverse sectors and industries ranging from
promote the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India
fintech to agri tech to health tech and many more,
includes;
attracting global investors and venture capital. The
growth of India as a major start up hub in the last two Startup India Action Plan (2016): For promoting
decades is mainly due a rapid transition from being an simplification and handholding, funding support and
IT services and business process outsourcing hub to incentives and industry-academia partnership and
becoming a significant R&D centre. The growth has incubation.
also been led by the changes in talent landscape, with
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme: Established
most of new age entrepreneurs emerged from non-
with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore. Monitoted by DPIIT, and
business families. India ranks 2nd in innovation quality
executed by SIDBI, to make capital available for startups
with top positions in the quality of scientific
at the seed and growth stages, as well as raising the
publications and the quality of its universities among
domestic capital, reducing reliance on foreign capital,
middle-income economies. The Indian Startup
and encouraging homegrown and new venture capital
Ecosystem has seen exponential growth in past few
funds.
years (2015-2022), with 15X increase in the total
funding of startups, 9X increase in the number of Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS): To provide
investors and 7X increase in the number of incubators guarantees on loans made to DPIIT-recognised startups
by Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial
The evolution of Indian entrepreneurship dates back to
Companies (NBFCs), and Venture Debt Funds (VDFs)
Rigveda, when metal handicrafts were prevalent in
under SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds.
society. However, the rise of entrepreneurship culture in
India is a relatively recent phenomenon, having taken off Regulatory Reforms: Since 2016, the government has
in the early 2000s, largely driven by the growth of the implemented over 50 regulatory reforms to improve
Indian economy, the availability of venture capital, the the ease of doing business, the ease of raising capital,
emergence of incubators, and the availability of a large and the compliance burden on the startup ecosystem.
pool of talented individuals who have contributed to the
Ease of Procurement: To relax the prior turnover and
growth of entrepreneurship in India and has opened up
prior experience in public procurement requirements
greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their
for all DPIIT-recognized startups, subject to meeting
own businesses. According to the Global

04
quality and technical specifications, as well as creation of
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Startup Runway for
startups to sell products and services directly to the
government.
Entrepreneurship and National Development
India is contemplating to be the 3rd largest economy by
2047 and emerge as VishwaGuru leading the global
innovation and discovery market. Science and
technology is expected to drive national economy in
future. This will create wealth, employment, livelihood
and generate capital for social development. More than
that, it will also drive several transformations for
national development such as;
(i) Innovation: entrepreneurship relies heavily on
innovation. New-age entrepreneurs heavily
embrace technology and business model
innovations and not only bring technological
innovation, but also pioneer new business
structures. Innovation facilitates the market,
opens up new prospects, and increases
consumption. As a result, entrepreneurship is
crucial for fostering innovation.
(ii) Re s e a rc h a n d D eve l o p m e n t : I n n ova t i o n
progresses through research and development.
When an entrepreneur develops innovative ideas
and turns them into a business, they must
constantly innovate to stay competitive.
(iii) Employment: Employment is critical for the growth
of any economy. A low employment rate is an
indication of poor economy and an economy must
create more jobs and salary opportunities. In this
context, the scale of an entrepreneurial entity is
important as that defines its capacity to create jobs
and wage opportunities.
(iv) Social Development: Social entrepreneurship is a
modern notion that encourages entrepreneurs to
effect social change. Crowdfunding companies are
typically involved in social activity, such as
generating funds for non-profit organizations and
impacting the society. A prosperous society makes
the path to community development easier. As a
result, the necessity for entrepreneurship in India
is critical since it combines social reform with
economic development.
Education as a major driver of
entrepreneurial growth
Education plays a very important role in driving the
g ro w t h o f e n t re p re n e u r s h i p . T h e g ro w t h o f
entrepreneurship is undoubtedly propelled by
innovation and translational research that generates
products, solutions, and services with commercial
value. Improved education and research ecosystem
coupled with digital and other technologies are playing a
very important role in creating a vibrant business
environment. The emergence of new avenues of funding
has also changed the landscape, with non-banking
financial companies (NBFCs), angel funders, private
equity and venture capitalists providing working
capital. The government’s resolve to promote
entrepreneurship has been also reflected in NEP-2020
that focuses on bridging the skill divide and help country
create a vibrant skilled manpower under the SKILL
INDIA flagship programme. In this context, ICAR has
also embraced the change and is reorienting the
academic landscape in SAU’s to fuel such changes and
ensure that agriculture emerges as a key sector for
entrepreneurship and startups. The education system in
SAU’s needs reorientation towards creating social
capital by driving innovation and translational research,
upscaling the innovation products and services into
business prepositions and fostering linkages with
industry and service sectors to drive potential markets
as well as achieve the scale of economy.
T
he bottom line
As India enters its 77th year of independence, it is time to
acknowledge the contribution the country has made to
the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurship
in India has been promoted not just to create successful
businesses, but creating innovative solutions that bring
benefits to both business and society. It requires foresight,
dedication and most importantly, the willingness to take
risks. Entrepreneurship in India has been the driving
force behind the country's rise to become a global
economic powerhouse, with its potential to create jobs
a n d s t i m u l a te e c o n o m i c g ro w t h . T h e I n d i a n
entrepreneurial system should embrace Resilience,
Innovation, Customer Focus, Risk-taking, and
Adaptability. The start-up ecosystem is booming in India
due to, (a) Emerging markets , (b) Increased political will
and Government support, (c) Technological innovations,
(d) Changing mindset towards entrepreneurship,
however, the major challenges in growth of startup
culture in India including the availability of skilled
manpower, funding, policy frameworks, marketing value
chains and competitive ability of Indian startups
advantage with big companies have to be taken care of by
offsetting the implications of system bottlenecks. The
matra of Ease of Doing Business holds great value in
promoting the Deputy Director General
Entrepreneurship (Agri. Education)
ecosystem in India
towards larger goal Indian Councilnational
of fostering of Agricultural Research
development.
Email : ddg.edu@icar.gov.in
05
PROSPECTS
Startup India Standup India
Farm Universities
Agriculture universities possess a wealth of knowledge about local agro-climatic
conditions, crop patterns, and farming practices. This contextual understanding
is invaluable for startups aiming to develop region-specific solutions
I n the last few years, India has witnessed a burgeoning
interest in entrepreneurship and innovation, driven by
initiatives such as the Startup India Standup India
campaign. The flagship program, launched by Hon’ble
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to promote and
support the growth of startups across various sectors,
fostering economic development and job creation with
emphasis on women and people from ST/SC categories.
Amid this landscape, agriculture universities have emerged
as pivotal contributors to the success of the Startup India
Standup India campaign, particularly in solving critical
problems in the agriculture sector
while nurturing a culture of
innovation and entrepreneurship.
Agriculture, being the mainstay
of India's economy, plays an
important role in ensuring food
a n d n u t r i t i o n a l s e c u r i t y,
providing livelihoods, and
contributing to the country's
Endeavour and Prosper
GDP. However, the sector faces a
number of challenges such as
resource constraints, climate change, post-harvest losses,
and inefficiencies in the supply chain. The Startup India
Standup India campaign recognises that leveraging
technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship can
address these issues and revolutionize agriculture and
elevate the livelihoods of millions of farmers. Farm
universities play a vital role in realising this national goal. the grassroot level.
Research and Development, as we know, forms the
bedrock of any innovative ecosystem, agriculture
universities, with their extensive experience and
expertise in farm sciences, are well-equipped to conduct
ground-breaking research that addresses the sector's
pressing issues. These institutions serve as hubs for
scientific exploration, enabling the development of new
and improved crop varieties, sustainable farming
practices, precision agriculture techniques, and pest
management strategies. To translate their research and
06
Nazir A Ganai
innovative ideas into practical solutions, agriculture
universities can not only collaborate with various
agribusinesses but can launch their own startups.
SKUAST-K has a number of such examples, where both
students and faculty have formed startups based on their
own innovative ideas and research. For fostering this kind
of startup ecosystem, the university has come up with
many initiatives such as Innovation and Startup Policy
(SISP) on the lines of the National Innovation and Startup
Policy. The varsity has the target to become the first
innovation-led farm university in the country. Similarly, a
number of other agriculture
universities in the country have
framed their policies towards
fostering agri-entrepreneurship
and startup culture.
Agriculture universities possess
a wealth of knowledge about
local agro-climatic conditions,
crop patterns, and farming
practices. This contextual
understanding is invaluable for
startups aiming to develop region-specific solutions. By
sharing their insights, the universities empower startups
to create products and services that are tailored to the
needs and challenges of specific geographic areas. This
not only enhances the startups' chances of success but
also ensures that innovations are relevant and effective at
One of the key roles that agriculture universities play in
the Startup India Standup India campaign is the
nurturing of entrepreneurial talent. These institutions
have the infrastructure and resources to provide
comprehensive education and training in
agripreneurship. They can offer specialized courses,
workshops, and mentorship programs that equip
aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills required to
navigate the complexities of the agriculture sector. By
fostering enabling ecosystem, the universities inspire
students and researchers to think creatively and diverse backgrounds. These universities act as bridges,
develop innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. ensuring that innovative ideas reach the right people
At SKUAST-K we have taken several initiatives under and receive the necessary support to flourish.
I D P- NA H E P fo r n u r t u r i n g a g r i p re n e u r s . T h e
Moreover, agriculture universities contribute to policy
establishment of the SKUAST-Kashmir Innovation,
formulation and advocacy efforts that create an enabling
Incubation ad Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre, under
environment for startups in the agriculture sector. By
which trainings, mentoring, incubation facilities and
conducting research on regulatory barriers, market
grants for innovative ideas and research-based startups
dynamics, and technology adoption, these institutions
are provided.
generate evidence-based insights that inform policy
Collaboration is a cornerstone of thriving innovation decisions.
ecosystems, and agriculture universities act as crucial
As India strives to achieve sustainable and inclusive
intermediaries in fostering collaboration between
growth, the role of agriculture universities in fostering
startups, farmers, industry players, and government
startups stands as a beacon of hope, driving positive
agencies. They can facilitate networking events,
change and unlocking the immense potential of
technology transfer platforms, and innovation
agriculture in the country's development journey.
challenges that bring together stakeholders from

Hon’ble Lt Governor of J&K UT, Shri Manoj Sinha felicitating two SKUAST-K innovators, who won The first and
second prizes during the Youth Entrepreneurship Festival at Ganderbal Kashmir

Vice-Chancellor
SKUAST-Kashmir
Email : vc@skuastkashmir.ac.in

07
AGRI BUSINESS

V Geethalakshmi

How higher Education Institutions are

Building Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

E ntrepreneurship plays a significant role in promoting

economic development through innovation, job
creation and an increase in income. India ranks third
in terms of number of startups registered in the world. About
99% of the founders/co-founders of these startups were
Indian Scenario
The Indian education system is the second largest in the world
with 1074 universities and 45,000 colleges with an enrolment
of 4.13 crore students (UGC, 2023). There are 63 State
Agricultural Universities, five Deemed Universities, three
from Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) and 9% of them
Central Agricultural Universities, four Central Universities
were women entrepreneurs. This is a great break away from
with Agriculture Faculty and a few other institutions under the
the tradition, wherein industrial or business families were
private sector involved in promoting agriculture education.
known to initiate and establish business organizations.
There are about 35,000 faculty members engaged in
Investment and growth in education, to a greater extent,
agriculture education, research and extension, and an
contributed to the increasing number of skilled employees.
estimated three lakh students are pursuing various
Peer and parental pressure on youth was primarily to seek a
Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral programmes in
safe employment option, preferably in government
these institutions (2020).
organizations. However, in the last decade, there has been
greater thrust towards innovations and startups and few Innovation is measured in terms of the publication of
educated youth have chosen the adventure to become scholarly articles, patents granted, technology
entrepreneurs. This process has to be made robust and commercialisation, revenue generation, consultancy,
available to youth across all regions. research projects, academia-industry linkage etc.
Universities are expanding their academics and also act as
The emphasis on establishing an entrepreneurial ecosystem,
providers of innovation and technologies for their
research parks, incubation centres and institution’s culture in
stakeholders viz., incubators, accelerators, startups,
higher education, has motivated students and faculty
industries, national laboratories, research institutions,
members to convert their research output into products and
FPOs, and state and central government. The majority of
services and establish startups. Thus, education is a key trigger
the technological product development and prototype
for the development of entrepreneurship. It is evident that
products are validated at Universities. Other forms of
higher education aligned with the entrepreneurial ecosystem
promoting entrepreneurial activities in universities are
builds confidence among graduate students to start their
consultancies, capacity-building programs, research and
business ventures.
development; technology transfer and commercialization,
International Scenario ownership of technology/ science parks, incubators, and
staff and student project works.
Globally, academic research and innovation in universities
played a significant role in producing technological TNAU experiences in promoting entrepreneurship
products and promoting entrepreneurship. According to
Students are nurtured to become entrepreneurs through
the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) report on
courses, capacity-building programs, project works,
entrepreneurship, three pillars that enable innovation and
experiential learning programs and interactions with
entrepreneurship in universities are viz, developing an
entrepreneurs. The Institutional Development Plan (IDP)
innovation ecosystem, creating an entrepreneurial culture
funded by ICAR builds technical and entrepreneurial
and providing sustained financial support for new
competence among the student community. MoUs are signed
ventures. The US Department of Commerce study on
for specific research and product development collaborations.
entrepreneurial universities reported the following five
aspects for promoting entrepreneurship; The Global Conference: Linking Students with
Stakeholders for Demand-Driven Research & Industrial
• Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship
Internship was organized in 2022. About 75 innovations
• Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship
from students’ research were displayed and more than
• Actively supporting university technology transfer
800 visitors representing 150 industries/Startups/
and commercialisation
MSMEs witnessed the student innovation expo on both
• Facilitating university-industry collaboration and
days. About 17 Companies came forward to support the
• E n g a g i n g i n re g i o n a l a n d l o c a l e c o n o m i c
students’ innovations by funding for their research,
development efforts
Internships, and collaboration for research through the

08
 TNAU Business Incuba on Centres
TBI-ABIS, TNAU, Coimbatore-
Rs.2.5 Cr Supported by DST
NABARD - Madurai
Agribusiness
Incuba on Forum
(Rs.12.24 Cr)
E - YUVA - BIRAC
Post Harvest
Technology Centre
Killikulam Agribusiness Incuba on Forum
(Rs. 2.13 Cr) Supported by EDII, GoTN
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the
application of artificial intelligence and IoT in agriculture
and allied sectors.
TNAU formed the Directorate of Agribusiness Develop-
ment in 2007 and eight incubation forums have been
established with specialization in agriculture, horticul-
ture, forestry, food processing and biotechnology. These
incubation forums not only handhold Startups, but also
commercialize the technologies developed by students
and faculty members. There are 1303 incubatees across all
the Agribusiness Incubation Forums in TNAU. Over the years
Rs 68 Crores in the form of grants, subsidies and loans have
been distributed to incubatees. About 37 TNAU technologies
have been commercialized and 16 innovations of incubates
have been patented.
In addition, the establishment of an Agri hub with funding
from Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation
Institute, Chennai, conducting Agri Business
Management Meet “PRABANDHAZ” every year, Agri-
Ideathon Challenge, Boot camps, business simulation
games, and workshops contribute to a greater extent to
guiding students to become entrepreneurs.
Barriers to student entrepreneurship
Though there are numerous impediments for students to
become entrepreneurs, the most critical are discussed
below:
a) Prejudiced perspective: Students are generally
counselled by parents to become employees with
high salaries or professionals like Doctors. Only
when students reach college they come to know
about research, innovations and startups. By this
time, students become risk-averse and look at
entrepreneurship with prejudice. Lack of exposure
to entrepreneurship programs and peer support for
students, who want to become entrepreneurs also
discourages students from venturing into it.
b) Unrealistic assumptions: Students expect higher
growth in a shorter time span. The path to convert an
idea into an innovative product/service, accepted by the
Tiruchirappalli
Agribusiness Incuba on
Forum (Rs. 2.39 Cr)
Supported by EDII, GoTN
Me upalayam Agroforestry
Business Incuba on Forum
(Rs. 2.42 Cr) Supported by
EDII, GoTN
Periyakulam Hor business
Incuba on Forum (Rs. 2.15 Cr)
Supported by EDII, GoTN
market and realising growth is a long process with
many challenges of various dimensions from different
quarters. Most of the students are put off by this
physically and mentally arduous process and the fear of
failure. They seek simpler and smarter ways for growth.
c) Lack of business skills: Students are especially worried
about the business dimension of innovation, primarily
because they lack skills and experience in managing
various aspects of business, especially marketing and
finance.
Way Forward
Starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur will
become a favoured choice for students when the traditional
employment options are shrinking and on the other side, the
support to students to become entrepre-neurs is
strengthened and made available widely. The students
should be exposed to career options, including scientists,
startups and entrepreneurs at the school level. This should
gain momentum at HEIs. The link between students’
research, innovation and startups should be strengthened
and widely publicised for adoption.
One should be physically and mentally agile and possess the
perseverance to pursue the journey to become an
entrepreneur. Education, skill development, motivation,
mentoring, funding and continuous handholding of students
will enable them to become entrepreneurs. Procedures and
policies have to be developed at the University for identifying
students aspiring to become entrepreneurs and should be
nurtured as they pass through various stages of
entrepreneurial development. Networking with
government and private funding agencies and creating an
entrepreneurial ecosystem within the University is a
prerequisite for sustainable entrepreneurship development.
Vice-Chancellor,
TNAU, Coimbatore
Email : vctnau@tnau.ac.in
09
AGRIBUSINESS

K B Kathiria

Cultivating Agri-Innovation and

Entrepreneurship in Gujarat
Startups and Agribusiness Incubation infrastructure, equipment, and manpower. These R-
ABIs invite applications from agripreneurs in different
Initiatives stages of the business life cycle (ideation/expansion)
and provide them an opportunity to generate

W hile agripreneurship holds immense promise, it

is not without challenges. Lack of access to
finance, inadequate infrastructure, and
fragmented land holdings pose hurdles for aspiring
agripreneurs. Additionally, changing traditional mindsets,
innovations in agriculture and allied sectors.
These innovations may include, for example, technological
solutions, processes, products, services, business
platforms, etc., that could enhance productivity or increase
efficiency in agriculture and allied activities, enhance
bridging the urban-rural divide, and addressing policy gaps remuneration or farmers’ incomes, rural economy and
require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. To wealth. Aligning farmers to market through value chain
foster a vibrant agripreneurial ecosystem, policymakers, approach with a sustainable development agenda are the
financial institutions, research institutions, and industry key. Till date, more than 1100 entrepreneurs have been
experts must work together with entrepreneurs to provide funded under RKVY R-ABI programs and the initiative has
the necessary support, mentorship, and infrastructure. In created a great impact.
view of this, Government of India has designed ‘Startup
India’, a flagship initiative, intended to build a strong
ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the
country that will drive sustainable economic growth and
generate large scale employment opportunities. The
Government through this initiative aims to empower
startups to grow through innovation and design.

Key Central Schemes for

Agripreneurship & Agri-Startups
In line with this initiative, various central and state
government schemes and programmes have been
launched to support startups. Two such central
schemes, which benefit startups and entrepreneurs,
specifically working in the domain of agriculture and
food processing as enlisted below.
1. RKVY RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubator
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) an important
scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), is aimed
at strengthening infrastructure in agriculture and allied
areas and promote agripreneurship and agribusiness by
providing financial support and nurturing the
incubation ecosystem. A new component under the
revamped scheme RKVY-RAFTAAR (Remunerative
Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector
Rejuvenation) has been launched in 2018-19.
Under this scheme, 24 new agribusiness incubators
were established as well as existing agribusiness
incubators were strengthened with need-based
2. PMFME
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI),
Government of India, is implementing a Centrally
sponsored scheme-PM Formalisation of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) for providing
financial, technical and business support for setting up
and upgradation of two lakh micro food processing
enterprises through credit linked subsidy during five
years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs.
10,000 crores. Those interested in starting new food
business ventures, as well as those who are already
involved in food processing businesses and microenter-
prises, SHGs, FPOs, and producer cooperative societies,
can benefit from this programme. Food processing

10

projects with a project cost of up to ₹ 1 crore are eligible
for assistance under this scheme; 10% of the project cost
will be the investor’s share. The banks will extend 90% as
loan without collateral. The government’s grant will be
35% of the project’s cost, with a maximum limit of ₹ 10
lakh. If the SHG members are involved in food processing,
each member will be given ₹ 40,000 as seed capital. Apart
from extending the subsidy-linked credit for individual
projects, food processing clusters can avail credit-linked
subsidies at the rate of 35% for establishing common
infrastructure and a common facility centre.
Startups Support Initiatives by
Government of Gujarat
Government of Gujarat has also developed two unique
startup support initiatives which can be immensely
beneficial for entrepreneurs and students of agriculture
and allied sectors.
1. Scheme for Assistance for
Startups/Innovation
Government of Gujarat has also developed a policy for
providing assistance to Startups/ Innovation. Under this
scheme, any individual/ group of individuals having
innovative idea/ concept will be eligible and/ or
Universities/ education institutions, Incubation Centre/
PSUs/ R&D Institutions/ Private and other establishments
will be eligible as an institution to support and mentor to
innovators as approved by the committee.
Under this scheme, the following assistance is provided:
• Assistance upto ₹ 30 lakh as aseed support to the
startups
• Sustenance allowance of ₹ 20,000 per month to the
startups and ₹ 25,000 per month to women led
startups for a period of one year
• Assistance up to ₹ 1 lakh per startup for obtaining
training in soft skills on reimbursement basis
• Additional assistance up to ₹ 10 lakh for the startups
generating significant impact on the society
• Assistance up to ₹ 3 lakh to enroll and participate for
national/international recognized acceleration
program
• For mid-level Pre-Series A funding of startups, a
separate fund under Gujarat Venture Finance
Limited (GVFL) for smaller ticket funding between ₹
50 lakh to ₹ 3 crore
• Additional 1% Interest Subsidy, maximum up to 9%
on term loans to applicant under the provisions of
scheme for assistance to MSMEs
2. Student Startup and Innovation Policy
Government of Gujarat has also launched ‘Student Startup
and Innovation Policy (SSIP), which is an exclusive support
scheme for students aimed at financially support students
in innovation and entrepreneurship. With the aim of
“catching them young”, the rules laid down under SSIP
states that the support system at school level will be
provided as a maximum of ₹ 20,000 per proof of concept
(PoC)/ prototype/ innovation for classes 9-12 and PoC
prototype support grant upto ₹ 2,50,000 for higher and
technical Education students up to 35 years of age.
Support to Individual under SSIP
• All Beneficiaries
• Exposure to Tinkering Lab, Innovation Lab,
Incubation Centers
• Large scale sensitization, events, and programs for
developing Scientific Mindset
• Collective/Community level support system and
activities
• Capacity Building
• Class 9 to Class 12
• Maximum ₹ 20,000 per PoC/Prototype/ Innovation
• Higher and Technical Education
• Maximum ₹ 2.50 lakh per PoC/Prototype /Innovation
• IP Support up to 100% of expense
As per the state education department records, 6276
Student innovations were supported, 1122 intellectual
property got filed, 2132 Student Start-ups were
supported through various flagship programmes and
186 educational institutions including 51 universities
were funded under SSIP during 2017-21 to fund
innovations and startups.
Vice Chancellor,
Anand Agricultural University
Email : vc@aau.in
11
PROFILE
SKUAST-K Innovation
Ecosystem
Setting Example and
Delivering Impact
N
ational Agricultural
Higher Education
Project (NAHEP) was
launched by ICAR with the aim
to provide NARS (ICAR
institutes/SAUs) with the
opportunity to create
executable models of a
reformed education system
that will take the country to its
next developmental goals through innovative and out of
box initiatives. SKUAST-K has the distinction of being an
outstanding performer under IDP-NAHEP having led the
national resolve to create a reformed education model
inline with NEP-2020.
Innovation Key performance
indicators
SKUAST-K is the first innovation-led farm university, and
the impact of it's innovative vision, institutional will and
structured implementation has been obvious within just
three years. From being ranked 27th in 2018, we are sitting
proudly at the top, the 4th Best SAU in the country. The only
SAU figuring in the NIRF Innovation ranking and Band
Excellent in the Atal Innovation ranking. The university has
a comfortable position vis-à-vis the accomplishments made
especially in promoting innovation and discovery-led
education and research, and creating solutions to existing
and emerging farm sector challenges. Based on our strong
performance indicators, the university received the highest
number of seed grants from various funding agencies. We
have created a proactive mentoring system that has led to
well over 250 innovative ideas, 15 of which have emerged
as startups. Just in three years, SKUAST-K has earned 10
patents both from faculty and students. We are the only SAU
to have secured 9 BIRAC BIG grants as a testimony to our
enabling ecosystem.
12
Parvaze A Sofi
Innovation ecosystem
A s a major policy
s u p p o r t f o r
innovation, SKUAST-K
drafted its institutional
innovation policy SKUAST-K
Innovation and Startup Policy
(SISP), on the lines of NISP,
being the only SAU to do so, to
foster the development ,
streamline and strengthen
the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the
university. With a vision of becoming the first innovation
led University, we have engaged faculty, students as well
as outside innovators in idea pitching through a series of
events aimed at incubating the ideas and converting
them into scalable technologies. The policy envisages
mechanisms for promoting innovation, benefit sharing
and IPR management. Under the umbrella policy
initiative, SKUAST-K has established the SKUAST-K
Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (SKIIE)
Centre which houses a discovery centre and a patent
facilitation cell to provide physical infrastructure and
logistic support for IP creation and management.
Recognising the policy support and tangible impact of
SKUAST-K initiatives, the National Science & Technology
Entrepreneurship Development Board has granted the
university a Technology Business Incubator with a
financial outlay of ₹ 5 crore. In yet another recognition
for SKUAST-K’s inspiring credentials, the Union Ministry
of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has approved
550 capacity development programs for promoting
entrepreneurship and skill development in the UTs of
J&K, and Ladakh. As an institution, the university is
poised for greater feats in the coming years as it
continues to foster a changed mindset backed by
institutional support for mainstreaming innovation at
the grassroots level among students and young faculty.
We have set ourselves an ambitious target of leading
J&K’s innovation landscape in the farm sector and
re o r i e n t i n g o u r e d u c a t i o n s y s t e m t o c re a t e
opportunities for leadership, innovation, employment,
livelihood and overall social well-being.
Education Model- Propelling
Innovation
S KUAST-K IDP under the World Bank-funded NAHEP
was envisioned to create a holistic reform
framework that makes agri-education futuristic.
Much before the draft of NEP-2020 was unveiled for
public opinion, we had projected our vision for futuristic
higher education that is innovative, transformative,
inclusive and sustainable. Our model was drawn on
innovative shifts in policy and action that could help us
emerge as a socially responsible institution with a
mission of creating leaders
of tomorrow. Much of our
institutional progress in the
last two years has been a
result of our innovative and
futuristic approaches to
teaching, research and
outreach, a strong reflection
of our multidisciplinary,
choice-based and skill-
directed curriculum. When NEP-2020 was unveiled we
found ourselves in a comfortable stage of operation with
many reforms already having taken off in our university
with tangible impacts in terms of improved performance
in key indicators.
The SKUAST-K education model is a spinning wheel of
innovation that connects education and research with
innovation and entrepreneurship with multi-stakeholder
engagements. In order to institutionalize the reformed
education system, we have developed a framework for a
flexible curriculum that enshrines multi-disciplinarity as
well as choice-based course design (Degree by Design) in
all undergraduate programmes. We have also declared all
our masters and doctoral programmes as Sandwich in
partnership with leading national and international
institutions. In fact, this university has led the nation in
creating an institutional system for the partnership of
shared national resources by formulating a multiparty
engagement framework. We are the first SAU to institute a
Dual-degree programme with Western Sydney University
Australia towards our broader goal of internationalising
agricultural education.
SKUAST-K is the first SAU to have envisioned an initiative
to project India as a preferred destination for higher
education and thereby reverse the direction of
internationalisation. The initiative was heralded as a
strong beginning of our national resolve and as a sequel to
that, the Ministry of External Affairs has created a
dedicated portal for attracting foreign students. This is a
stark recognition of our leadership in the national
agricultural education platform where we have
demonstrated our excellence in promoting a globally
competitive education system that can create leaders for
the global good.
SKUAST-K also led the nation in developing a working
model of education in light of broader themes of NEP-2020
to create a dynamic system that is responsive to the
aspirations of the nation and our stakeholders. We are
committed to fast track our initiatives for implementation
and establishing our position as an institution to reckon
with. As a policy planning stakeholder to the J&K
government, we have reinforced our leadership position by
developing a roadmap for holistic agricultural
development of J&K that is expected to transform existing
sustainable agriculture into a commercial bio-economy
within the compass of sustainability, human and animal
health and overall social wellbeing.
As we poise to attain greater accomplishments under
NAHEP, we are extremely grateful to ICAR for having
reposed faith in our capabilities to design and articulate
a system of education that is innovative and breeds
innovation. We are committed to social responsibility
and a broader goal of making India a knowledge
superpower (Vishwa Guru) to lead the world in a new
geopolitical landscape.
Professor Plant Breeding & Genetics,
SKUAST-K
13
AGRI-STARTUPS
Agri-Startups: Status and Challenges
I ndia witnessed a remarkable ascent in its startup
ecosystem in recent years, ranking as the third rapidly
expanding hub in the world for budding entrepreneurs
after the USA and China as per the Economic Survey 2021-
22. According to the report published by the Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU) in April 2023, India stands in tenth
position in terms of Business Environment Ranking (BER)
among 82 countries for the period of 2023-27. Also, in the
World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index 2020, India
ranked 63 among 190 countries. To achieve Atmanirbhar
Bharat's vision of a $5 trillion Indian economy by 2024-25,
startups are observed as the country's next major
development drivers. Startups can generate impactful
solutions through their innovations, and thereby act as
vehicles for socio-economic development and
transformation. The Startup India initiative in 2016 has
achieved remarkable success, as evident by the recognition
of 99,380 startups by the DPIIT in 2023 and created
employment of 8.93 lakh. India is also home to more than
100 Unicorns and 23 of them emerged in 2022 itself. The
Indian startup ecosystem recorded a 7.5% increase in the
number of venture capital deals and raised $27.5 billion
across 1,355 deals during 2022 (www.startupindia.gov.in).
Among startups from various sectors, the Fintech, Edtech,
and health tech sectors have emerged as the top categories,
witnessing a substantial number of deals.
As of July 2023, India has a remarkable count of 5577
agriculture startups officially recognized by DPIIT. Of these
2608 are dedicated to Agritech, 861 to organic agriculture,
175 to horticulture, 888 to food processing, 320 to animal
husbandry and dairy farming, and 76 to fisheries
(www.startupindia.gov.in) which are focusing on
leveraging technology, data, and innovations to improve
farm productivity, enhancing supply chain efficiency,
promoting sustainable practices, and empowering
farmers. Of the total startups in India recognized by DPIIT
(99380), agriculture, food and beverages industry related
startups account to 11%. There are about 27.16% of the
startups creating value added products by reducing post-
harvest losses and contributing to the export market. The
geographical spread of agri-startups shows that
approximately 60% of these startups are concentrated in
four states: Maharashtra (1104), Karnataka (516), Gujarat
(474), and Uttar Pradesh (465) respectively.
Recommendations
1. Government and private sector collaboration:
Encourage collaboration between the government
and private sector in developing and implementing
national and state-focused entrepreneurship
programs. This partnership can ensure
comprehensive coverage and a diverse range of
support for startups.
14
S S Vinayagam, S Karingu, P Chandana
BS Yashavanth, G Venkateshwarlu and C S Rao
2. Skill development and capacity building: Focus on
skill development and capacity-building initiatives
as part of counselling programs. Equipping
entrepreneurs with essential business acumen and
leadership skills will enhance their chances of
success.
3. Financial literacy and accessibility: Implement
initiatives to enhance financial literacy among
entrepreneurs and establish better linkages
between financial institutions and
entrepreneurship programs. This will streamline
the funding process and make it more accessible for
promising ventures.
4. Networking and knowledge sharing among eco-
system Partners: Encourage incubators, financial
institutions, agri-tech startups, investors to share
best practices, experiences, and success stories
with each other. Establishing a network of will
facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration.
5. Regional-specific solutions: Tailor agri related
entrepreneurship programs and incubation models
to address the unique challenges faced by
entrepreneurs in different regions. A localized
approach can lead to more relevant and effective
support.
6. Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly monitor and
evaluate the impact of various programs and
initiatives. Data-driven insights will help refine
strategies and ensure continuous improvement in
the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By implementing these recommendations, India can
create an enabling environment for agri-startup
entrepreneurs to thrive, fostering a culture of innovation,
job creation, and economic prosperity for the nation.
Conclusion
Success and sustainability of agritech startups heavily rely
on supporting quantifiable business models with higher
unit economics while also embracing traditional value chain
partners rather than eliminating them. Additionally, it is
essential for these startups to maintain a strong focus on
their goals of independence and sustainability. Providing
technical support through mentors and investors and
strengthening incubation centres, agri-startups can better
navigate the challenges they face during their inception and
growth phases. Moreover, government policies, programs,
and initiatives play a critical role in nurturing a thriving agri-
tech entrepreneurial landscape in India.
ICAR-NAARM Hyderabad
Email: ceo.aidea@naarm.in
GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE AGRI-STARTUPS IN INDIA
Policy / Programme

Department of Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare has implemented ' Innovation and
Agri-Entrepreneurship Development' program under RKVY to encoursage new ideas
by providing finance of ` 5 lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and ` 25 lakh at the
seed stage and incubation services through RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs).
This initiative has made India as a global focus point for designing and
manufacturing that aids in captivating investments, stimulating innovation,
developing skills, protecting intellectual property in fields like biotechnology, food
processing, renewable energy, etc.

Department of Biotechnology promotes agribusiness biotech incubators through its

Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) with ` 50 lakh funding and mentorship.

The capital assistance is provided by Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium

(SFAC) in the form of interest-free loan up to ` 50 lakh or 26% of the promoter's
equity, whichever is lower.

The scheme is aimed to educate and train rural women in various sectors including
agriculture, horticulture, food processing, etc.

Supported by Department of Science and Technology with financial support upto

`10 lakh to a startup or to an individual for developing a prototype that can be
commercialized.

15
16
17
POLICY
J&K’s Agricultural Export -Import Policy 2023-30
D espite various exclusive attributes, agricultural
sector in J&K UT is characterized by low productivity,
resource use inefficiency, poor intensification, slow
advent of technologies and subsistence nature confronting
various sustainability issues. To break this inertia, Holistic
Agricultural Development Project (HADP) has been
conceived with its multi-pronged priority R&D interventions
to secure a central role for the farming sector in the economic
progress of the territory. Mega project is in practice to
increase aggregate agricultural outputs, meet demand of
growing population, encourage the growth of secondary
agriculture, generate productive employment and
strengthen backward and forward linkages.
Why Agricultural EXIM Policy
These HADP initiatives would restructure agriculture from
Subsistence to Sustainable Commercialization and this
sector is expected to emerge as a science-led and knowledge-
based bioeconomy. Agro-climatic diversity provides diverse
production environment and impart uniqueness to our
domestically produced commodities which are highly
demanded in other countries. The export potential can be
harnessed for the development of circular economy and can
earn appreciably in global market space. However, the
potential available in export is yet to be tapped owing to poor
deployment of appropriate technology, absence of export
infrastructure and missing links in global value chain.
Unfavorable import of some of the commodities like apple,
walnut, etc is draining our resources. These issues get
accentuated by the non-existent business & export
ecosystem in the J&K UT and non-availability of dedicated
export policy unlike other states/UT of India. We need to
promote export for functional and horizontal expansion of
market for our produce based on and agro-ecological and
traditional advantages in our agricultural produce. A
comprehensive EXIM policy is needed for building robust
domestic & global value chains that can connect farm gates
with demand centres in both national and global markets and
prevent loss of resources through import substitution.
Beyond the attainment of self-reliance in agricultural
production as outcomes of HADP, J&K UT Level Apex
Committee constituted by the Government of J&K vide G. O.
No. 985-JK (GAD) of 2022, Dated, 30.08.2022 for the
formulation of Agricultural EXIM policy for J&K. The
committee examined the issues from a pluralistic outlook
and gave final shape to the first ever Agricultural EXIM
policy of J&K UT that proposed a comprehensive
framework with a set of strategic and operational
interventions that could make J&K a net exporter of
agricultural commodities through policy support and
18
Sajad H Baba
global value chain integration.
Objectives & Goals
• To prioritize niche commodities for international
trade based on their inherent advantages
• To diversify export basket, widen the base, and
encourage export of high value and value-added
agricultural surplus
• To ensure the adherence to quality specifications of the
commodity(ies) at par with global quality standards
• To ensure consistency and commitment with respect
to delivery specifications, and product specifications
in international market
• To adopt globally recognized norms of Good
Agriculture Practices (GAP) all along the value chain
• To promote “Brand JK” and win trust for its
uniqueness and quality, and GI Products
• To focus on market-led production systems by the
farmers
The major goal of the Agricultural EXIM policy is to adopt and
operationalize J&K-dedicated Agri-EXIM Policy in harmony
with the J&K Holistic Agricultural Development Project.
Agricultural EXIM Policy for J&K was formulated within NITI
Aayog’s four verticals of export preparedness viz Policy,
Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem and Export
Performance. Broader proposed interventions categorized
into strategic, operational and import substitutions are as:
Strategic interventions
| Policy Support
{ Adoption of J&K-specific Agricultural EXIM Policy.
Coordination across institutions to build an ecosystem
for implementing EXIM policy recommendations to aid
in country’s import substitution and export of the
surplus commodities.
| Institutional Framework
{ Establishment of an ‘Export Promotion Council’ (EPC)
and formation of ‘Export Coordination Cells’ for
facilitation and grievance redressal mechanisms, with
Directorate of Horticulture P&M (JKHP&M) as the State
Implementing Agency (SIA).
{ Certification for Residue and Quality Analysis of the
agri-products (fresh and processed). The NABL RCRQ
Laboratory of SKUAST-Kashmir as the Nodal Agency for
residue level analysis for all Agro-chemicals
(fungicides, pesticides, weedicides, growth promotors,
antibiotics) and Heavy metals and nutritive quality
analysis.
{ GAP and Organic Certification with Department of
Agriculture being the nodal agency.
| Business Infrastructure:
{ Establishment of Export Incubation Centers at two
Universities (SKUAST J and K) for handholding and incubation
of new startups and enterprises on agri-export
{ Establishment of Packaging and Branding Centers at
two universities in collaboration with the IIP
{ Establishment of two dedicated Agri-StartUp parks by
Department of Industries and Commerce on pattern of
Industrial Estates Park
{ Incentivize establishment of Gramin Agricultural
Markets (GrAMs) as produce aggregation platforms at
field level.
| Export Infrastructure:
{ Establish export air cargo/dry ports and Inland
Container Depots (ICDs)
{ Development of integrated cold-chain infrastructure
{ Establish UT-level Agriculture Exports Capability Centers
(AECCs), Multi-modal logistic hubs (MMLHs) and Export
Intelligence Cells (EICs) and Export Food Parks
{ Permanent Trade Exhibition Centers to be established
at Srinagar and Jammu cities
| R&D Infrastructure:
{ Establishment of Centers of Excellence (CsoE) in
SKUAST-K & SKUAST-J to conduct research centered on
agriculture planning & trade policy.
{ Collaboration with Technology Incubation Centers (TBCs)
and Agri-Business Incubation Centers (ABICs).
Operational interventions
| Business environment
{ Promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for
cluster-based production as per GAP and value chain
development.
{ Promote use of digital/sensor technology.
{ Promotion of Startups by encouraging innovations and
incentivization of agripreneurship.
{ Crowding of private investments in the global value
chain and policy environment for ‘ease of doing
businesses and adopt system of track and trace of the
produce.
{ Reorient public extension system to support export-led
production system and enable private extension
services.
{ Support to get benefit from Intellectual Property Rights
(IPRs), right to plant varieties and so on.
| Transport connectivity
{ Development of sea protocols with shipping lines and
reefer services.
{ Enhance public sector investment in the development
of transport logistics and incentivize private
collaboration in upgrading transport infrastructure
and connectivity.
{ Convergence of programs of NHAI, State PWD and
District Development Agencies amongst others
{ Promotion of refrigerated transport to reduce carbon
footprints/time/cost, etc. and subsidies on transport &
risk cover in export transit.
| Access to institutional credit
{ Export-dedicated low-cost loan schemes with credit
guarantee trust fund (CGTF)
{ A system of Export Card to be put in place.
{ Mobilize central government schemes and HADP
initiatives.
{ Incentivize export-based activities to strengthen global
supply chain.
{ Access to government schemes including Startup India,
MUDRA and others.
| Trade support
{ Promote ‘Brand JK’ for uniqueness of produce.
{ Develop logo, packaging design and branding elements.
{ Conduct of export promotion events like trade fairs,
buyer-seller meets, summits, etc
{ Access to state land for establishing export units
{ Introduction of export promotion hubs, Special Economic
Zones(SEZs)/AgricultureExportZones(AEZs).
{ Develop dedicated web portal for export information
dissemination.
{ Export business offices to operate from district
headquarters.
| Growth and orientation
{ Provide necessary support to import germplasm & raw
materials of exportables.
{ Collaborate with universities, APEDA, NOCB, MANAGE,
etc for capacity building.
{ Quality standard compliance, logistic management, SPS
measures, food safety and appropriate use of market
intelligence, and others.
| Export diversification
{ R&D initiatives in collaboration with national and
international partners.
{ Identify new trade partners, assessment of demand in
different destinations.
{ A n a ly z e i m p o r t - d e m a n d i n g l o b a l m a r ke t s ,
identification of target-markets.
{ Define product positioning as well as adoption of
pricing strategy.
Import substitution interventions
| All the norms laid down for imports at the national level
to be observed.
| Establish robust domestic supply chains to meet local
demand in near- and far-range markets.
This policy document provides for leveraging upon
supportive framework available in the country and suggests
options for the convergence of proposed inter-ventions with
them. It identifies 11 food commodities, 4 non-food
commodities and 02 medicinal and aromatic commodities
for export promotion and details priorities and commodity
specific interventions for export promotion. Finally, it
envisages the reviewing and monitoring framework for the
effective implementation of the policy.
Professor Agri-Economics,
SKUAST-K
19
PROSPECTS

Nurturing Agripreneurial Ecosystem

through Agri Education
M A A Siddique
Director Education, SKUAST-K

T he changing dynamics of the global economy and

the increasing demands of a growing population
require us to explore innovative solutions to
enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability and
profitability. This can be achieved by nurturing
agripreneurial ecosystem through strengthening of our
agricultural education in the country. We need to instil
entrepreneurial mindset in our students with the
necessary skills and knowledge to think beyond
traditional career paths and embrace agripreneurship as
a viable career option. The holistic and multidisciplinary
approach to education through encouragement of
students to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge
across various domains is really the need of the hour.
Courses on Agribusiness management, market research,
value chain analysis, organic farming, precision
agriculture and sustainable farming practices need to be
encouraged. We need to grant students easy access to
farm management softwares, drones, precision
agriculture tools, remote sensing, AI and ML tools so that
they become tech savvy agripreneurs. Students require
gaining practical skills through hands-on activities
involving internships, industry collaborations, field visits
and establishment of farm schools etc. The collaborative
partnerships are a key to create a robust agripreneurial
ecosystem, and promotion of creative thinking; problem
solving and development of communication skills in
students can go a long way in changing the agricultural
landscape of the country. We need to organize entrepre-
neurship development programs, mentorship initiatives
and startup incubation centres focused on Agri-business
ventures. These centres can also provide access to market
linkages, technological resources and business
development guidance to help the startups thrive.

Digital Agriculture: Future of Indian Agriculture

Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi
Director Extension/SAMETI, SKUAST-K

T o feed an estimated nine billion people by 2050,

the world has to find better and smarter ways to
grow more with less which can be accomplished
through adoption of new technologies like data science,
smart sensing, digital communication channels, and
draw out insights about the farm at varying levels of
granularity via software algorithms. IoT-based digital
farming allows field monitoring with the help of sensors
(light, humidity, temperature, soil moisture, etc.) and
automating the irrigation system only to enable growers and
farm automation. farmers to reduce waste and enhance productivity.
Digitalization can make agriculture profitable and Precision farming is one of the most famous applications of
sustainable, delivering safe, nutritious and affordable IoT in the agricultural sector and numerous organizations
food to all. Simple low-cost information and are leveraging this technique around the world.
communication technology tools promise the ability to
Drones in agriculture are employed to accomplish
deliver timely, relevant, and actionable information to
agricultural tasks which otherwise are done using manual
farmers throughout the world, at dramatically lower
labor. It saves time and is relatively more efficient. Ground-
costs than traditional extension services. Mobile apps
based and aerial drones are being used in agriculture for crop
for instance, offers a futuristic scope by providing
health assessment, irrigation, crop monitoring, crop
localized agricultural information pivotal in reducing
spraying, planting, and soil and field analysis. With strategy
crop losses and improving the yields. Smart phones
and planning based on real-time data collection and
enable the young generation to take farming as
processing, the drone technology will give a high-
their profession and perform better.
tech makeover to the agriculture industry.
Internet of things (IoT) involving the use of sensors,
Digital Agriculture has now become a movement, a
cameras, and other devices turn every farming
catch-all term for the next step forward in
related element and action into data. Be it weather,
agriculture, a smarter, more efficient agriculture that
moisture, plant health, mineral status, chemical
makes full use of big data and new technologies to
applications, pest presence and much more. All turned
benefit all the relevant stakeholders.
into large data sets that allow big data engineers to

20
POLICY

Haroon R Naik

SKUAST-K Innovation and Startup Policy

Policy Objective advocacy in New
Education Policy-

T he SKUAS-K Innovation and Startup Policy (SISP-

2021) intends to create and promote student and
faculty-driven innovation and startup ecosystem in
the university. The entrepreneurial ecosystem will play a key
role in identifying, mentoring, and nurturing the innovative
2020 (NEP) and
N a t i o n a l
Innovation and
Start-up Policy-
2019 (NISP),
and entrepreneurial potential of students, faculty and staff and where innovation,
transforming them into startup entrepreneurs by providing skill education,
avenues of funding, invest-ment opportunities and incubation,
networking support to make the innovation and venture e n t r e p r e -
successful. It also aims to promote strong intra and inter- neurship and
institutional partnerships with ecosystem enablers and startup have been
different stakeholders at regional, national and international m a d e a n
levels. It delineates incentives for faculty and students indispensable
involved in innovation and startups and suggests mechanisms part of formal education. The adoption and implemen-
in the areas of IP ownership, revenue sharing, and equity tation of NEP-2020 and NISP-2019 have been made
sharing between institutes and incubated startups. mandatory for HEIs in India. Fortunately, SKUAST-K is
already treading the path of this paradigm shift in the new
Policy Genesis educational setup created under IDP-NAHEP. The policy
document is compatible with the existing statutes and

S KUAS-K is part of the flagship program on the National

Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP)
funded by ICAR and the World Bank. The Institutional
Development Plan under NAHEP was granted to it for its
academic regulations in the university, and is expected to:
•

innovative model of education- “A Spinning Wheel of
Knowledge connecting education and research with
innovation and entrepreneurship”, and for developing a
flexible and inter-disciplinary learning ecosystem with its
slogan of “DCIDE to LEED”. Promoting skill education,
innovation, incubation, entrepreneurship, industry
involvement and startup culture has been an important
objective of the project. Our endeavour under the project has
been to change the mindset of students from job seekers to
job creators by working on enhancing their leadership and
soft skills; infusing creative and critical thinking for
innovation-led enterprises; skilling them with technologies
that drive the Agri-4.0 revolution; linking them with the
industry and the leading international organizations. During
the past few years, we have built a very strong ideation bank,
out of which at least 13 have reached TRL-6, and are now
registered as student/faculty startups, which is very
encouraging. As part of the enabling ecosystem, we have
established an AI&ML centre (Artificial Intelligence &
Machine Learning centre) to skill students in new-age
technologies & SKIIE centre (SKUAST-K Innovation,
incubation and entrepreneurship centre) for handholding
the young startups towards successful enterprises.
Our novel initiatives under NAHEP have found its strong
•
Achieve an attitudinal change among students and
faculty
Build a startup and entrepreneurship culture in the
university
• Make industry as important stakeholder
• Set up revenue earning assets and creating
endowments
• Take J&K on board with 4th Generation Industrial and
Agricultural revolution
• Boost exports for exchange earning
• Create employment opportunities
SKUAST-K SISP-2021 document draws its guiding principles
from and is in complete consonance with the National
Innovation and Startup Policy-2019 rolled out by the
Ministry of Education, Government of India. The policy
highlights various important and practical aspects of
promoting and supporting innovation, technology
commercialisation and startup in academic setup.
Director Planning & Monitoring,
SKUAST-K

21
AGRIBUSINESS
M K Jhala¹
Samit Dutta²

Building Agripreneurial Ecosystem

at Anand Agricultural University
Incubation Center (AIC ANAND) - A Not-for-Profit company
was established under Section 8 of Companies Act, 2013.
AIC Anand is the first company of its kind in the state,
exclusively set up to nurture and grow new innovative
startups focused on food, agriculture, and allied sectors.
The Incubation facility is equipped to support startups
through the early stages of development through the
facilities it offers including co-working space for initial
business setup, food processing pilot plants for product
development, administrative support, office equipment
and access to AAU’s world-class testing labs with
support from specialized incubation team, network of
expert advisors and mentors from the industry. The

A nand Agricultural University (AAU) is playing its

role in building up an ecosystem for stimulating and
supporting Agri-startup culture across the country.
AAU has always actively supported agri-entrepreneurs on
the research and technology aspects, but with our past
company provides entrepreneurial training to students,
entrepreneurs, startups, and FPOs. It acts as a launching
pad for new agri-ventures by providing them access to
the resources they need, all under one roof.
experience of working with entrepreneurs and Facilities available at AIC Anand
researchers, it was clearly felt that building a strong and
sustainable startup ecosystem is needed for changing the • Exclusive Co-working Space, Meeting rooms &
momentum in agri-business development in the country. Event Space for startups
• Product Development Facility with 7 pilot scale food
Hence, AAU has started implementing various stratup
processing plants
support schemes of both state and central governments.
• Experiential Learning Units
For efficient implementation of the startup support
• Pool of technologies developed by AAU Scientists
schemes as well as long term sustainable and flexible
• Accommodation Facility at University Hostels &
operation of startup ecosystems in the university, AAU
Guest House

22
• Seed funding support from various government and get to work towards converting their idea into a
private agencies business under the guidance of expert mentors using
• 50+ mentors and experts/scientists from the support facilities created for them at AIC Anand.
Agriculture & Allied Sector domains
2. Prasoon – Startup Agribusiness Incubation program
• Shared facilities including Conference room,
for the innovative agri-startup with a minimum viable
Library, Seminar Hall and Auditorium.
product, is designed to provide the startup with
The effective production of safe and nutritious food is a business mentorship, technical assistance, and access to
major concern of all stakeholders in food industries. The
unique strength of the company is the availability of 100+ Agripreneurs Trained
modern food processing pilot plants which can help the
food tech startup to develop and launch their products.
The pilot plant facility can also be utilized for testing new
technologies and test manufacturing of new food
products. The facility includes Tomato Product
Processing Line, Fruit & Vegetable Canning Line including
Retort facility, Food Extrusion Line, Individual Quick
Freezing (IQF) Line, Automatic Juice Bottle Filling and
Capping Line, Food Dehydration Line, Continuous Frying
Line with Food Packaging Station.
The Incubation Centre has also obtained FSSAI license
for manufacturing, retailing, and relabeling of different
food products. domain experts, marketing and networking support to
AIC Anand operates multiple startup and entrepreneurship grow their businesses.
support schemes, which includes national startup program
‘RKVY RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubator’ of the Ministry of Success Stories of AIC Anand
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, and the
AAU is working towards building a world class ‘Agritech
Scheme for Assistance to Startups/Innovation and Student
Launchpad’ for startups. AIC Anand is planning for
Startup and Innovation Policy of Govt. of Gujarat.
collaboration with PUM Netherlands, an organization
AAU has also has been identified as the State Level supporting entrepreneurs in 37 countries with their
Technical Institute (SLTI) for PMFME scheme of pool of 1700 senior experts to build an impactful
Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI), Govt. of entrepreneurial ecosystem.
India. AAU is conducting and facilitating various
AIC Anand is also shortlisted by Atal Innovation Mission,
capacity building programs under the scheme for
Niti Aayog, Govt. of India to set up an Atal Incubation
master trainers, district resource persons and food-
Centre in the campus.
entrepreneurs in the state of Gujarat.
AAU Incubated 24 Agri-startups have raised successful grant-
in-aid seed funding of more than Rs. 1.95 Crores till date.

Director Research¹
Dean, College of FPT&BE²

Flagship Agripreneurship training and

incubation programs of AIC Anand
1. Pallav – Agripreneurship Orientation program for
students, innovators and budding entrepreneurs at idea
stage, is an pre-incubation program which covers
customized training for 2 months, where agripreneurs

23
AGRIBUSINESS
NEATEHUB
Promoting Entrepreneurship in North East
A IC-AAU Incubator, popularly known as North East
Agriculture Technology Entrepreneurs Hub
(NEATEHUB), is an "Atal Incubation Centre" of NITI
Aayog, the Government of India. It has been set up as a Section
8 company under the aegis of Assam Agricultural University,
Jorhat, Assam, to build successful startups in agriculture and
allied sectors. NEATEHUB is also a 'Knowledge Partner under
the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme' by the Department of Agri
Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India and
handholding three incubators in the North East Region - one
each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura. So far,
NEATEHUB has completed 9 Cohorts and has facilitated over
178 incubatees and the incubator has funded 42 startups to
the tune of ₹ 4.58 Cr, thus far.
NEATEHUB offers physical co-working space for startup and
entrepreneurs in its Jorhat campus where over 12,000 sq. ft. of
area has a professional plug-and-play infrastructure. It also
brings in industry linkages and networking, training and
business coaching, technology transfer and IP portfolio
management, legal and quality assurance services, seed
funding and access to investment. It is a one-point contact for
angel investors, mentors, corporate and VC funds interested in
investing in agri businesses in the North-East Region of India.
NEATEHUB 'Incubation Program' aims to identify young
entrepreneurs at various stages of their development
(ideation, prototype development & early stage to growth
stage) and provide the much-needed mentoring support and
industry exposure to facilitate them to develop a viable
business proposition. The Cohorts completed so far in the pre-
seed and seed stage are from various realms of Agri and allied
sectors such as Digital Agriculture, Food Processing, Supply
Chain Management, Biotechnology, Farm Mechanization, Agri
waste management, Protected Cultivation, Quality Input,
24
Bidyut Chandan Deka
Bamboo Craft, Bio-flocs, Agro Tourism, etc.
Objectives
• To provide an enabling ecosystem for agri startups
and entrepreneurs in the North East Region of India.
• To help create a cadre/ pipeline of agri startups with
elements of sustainability in the business by
commercializing technologies developed
particularly by the Assam Agricultural University,
and access other available technologies developed by
various institutions, in general.
• To offer incubation services such as physical co-working
spaces, industry linkages, networking opportunities
through events, training and business coaching,
mentoring support, technology transfer and IP portfolio
management, legal and quality assurance services, seed
capital funding and access to investments.
• To enable translation of ideas into prototypes and
minimum viable products and bring to a marketable
stage and, finally, scaling up of the business.
• To stimulate the interest in the agri students of the
University by bringing in an enabling ambience for
student-faculty led innovations that solve
human—centric problems in the community, and help
them build it as a business venture.
Coherent/Incoherent innovation activities
Student-ready programme: NEATEHUB has devised a
unique program titled “Student Ready” to encourage AAU
students from the agriculture and allied sector domains to
tinker with their ideas - right when they enter college
level–and work on their ideas with support from external
experts, for lending wings to such ideas. Under this program,
the students during their second year of graduation are
introduced to the “Student Ready” program where students
use smart technologies, testing, and validation services to
identify the problem areas from local surrounding
communities and develop solutions. The students are hand-
held through their ideas with able mentoring and technical
Incubation Centre and NEATEHUB has taken certain
initiatives in this regard. The incubator has organized
sensitization sessions for both students and teachers.
They have also organized poster making competitions for
students which emphasizes on solving community based
problems. The incubator has given special attention in
imparting STEM learnings to the students in order to
develop a problem solving attitude.
Ease of doing business Collaborations
NEATEUB since its inception has taken initiatives to sign
MOU’s with different organizations so far which include
academic as well as partners from industry. So far,
NEATEHUB has partnerships with 26 institutions, a few
of which are listed below:

support of the AAU faculty,

year-on-year, as they move
from the second year to the
fourth year of the UnderGrad
prog, they undergo the Student
Ready course comprising of 12
weeks of in-class programme.
The University is funding this
unique programme and it is
envisaged that a few viable and innovative ideas would
emerge that would be worthy of gap-funding and
investments in the years ahead. To enable this, the AAU has
in place its own Startup policy which faculties and students
leverage upon.
8 weeks Incubation programme for Startup
Companies and entrepreneurs: The eight weeks
incubation program of NEATEHUB entrepreneurs is
designed to support and nurture startups . These Academia
programs usually offer a combination of resources,
• University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya
mentorship, networking opportunities, and workspace
• The Assam Kaziranga University
to help participants develop and scale their agri-tech
• Kakojan College
innovations. Sessions on digital marketing, company
formation, IPR, marketing are arranged where experts
from the respective fields shared their first-hand
Industry
experience with the startups. • Assam Startup – The NEST
• Guwahati Bio Tech Park
Pre incubation support: NEATEHUB has envisaged a pre • Numaligarh Refinery Limited
incubation program for early stage startups of the region to • WE SERVE: An Initiative to serve the Unserved
help the entrepreneurs to refine their ideas, validate their
• The Hub, Jorhat
business concepts, and prepare for the incubation phase.
• SELCO Foundation
The Incubator offer mentoring sessions to help founders
• BODHIK Ventures
validate their startup ideas. This involves analysing market
• Sammunnati Foundation
potential, identifying target customers, and assessing the
• AIC – JK Lakshmipat University
viability of the business model.
Connecting the Atal Tinkering Labs : Working with Atal Vice Chancellor
Tinkering Lab is one of the mandates of an Atal Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat

25
TECHNOLOGY

PJTSAU Making Drone Technology

a Farm Implementable Solution

W ith a vision to mainstream the field applications

of drone technology at the farmer level, Professor
Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural
University (PJTSAU), Hyderabad has become the first
Agricultural University in India to get approval from the
Director General of Civil Aviation to carry out research in
agriculture using drones. It has established working
collaboration with Madras Institute of Technology, Govt. of
Telangana, NABARD, World Agricultural Forum, and several
drone startups like Marut Drone Tech,
Thanos and others, to develop cutting
edge technologies through integration
of AI&ML, and IOTs to make drone
technology a field implementable
solution. Through a network project
utilizing research innovation funds, a
s t u dy o n d e ve l o p i n g S t a n d a rd
Operating Procedures for using drones
in pesticide spraying was initiated and
validated in a Public Private Partnership
mode with Marut Drone Tech Ltd, for
predomenent crops like Rice, Cotton, Pigeonpea,
Groundnut, Sesame, Soybean and Safflower. Currently,
PJTSAU is handling a new NABARD funded research
project in association with Marut Drone Tech Ltd on
“Development of package of practices for direct seeded
rice using drones”, that envisage water conservation in
rice production. This platform aspires to train rural youth
in mastering drone applications. Further, studies on
generating SOPs using drones for herbicide spraying in rice
are in progress. All these efforts have transformed the
PJTSAU into a pioneer in Drone technologies in the country,
thus bringing Drone know-how in Agriculture to the
farmers’ doorstep and promoting Smart Agriculture in
Telangana.
The PJTSAU has embarked upon intensification of research
efforts in critical areas of drone application to generate
information on evidence-based data on drone efficacy. The
objectives are to study efficacy of drone spraying against
various insect pests or diseases vis-a-vis manual spraying, to
study and standardize drone operating procedures for
plant protection, to evaluate the efficacy of pesticide
formulations against various insect pests and diseases of
rice and to develop crop specific SOPs for pesticide use.
Publication like “Autonomous Drones In Agriculture -
Standard Operating Protocols For Agrochemical
Application in Field Crops” and “Standard Operating
Protocols for Drone Based Pesticide
Application in rice” have been released for
the benefit of stakeholders.
Further, to demystify the apprehensions
about interference of spray chemicals
applied by drones with environment,
special studies on ascertaining the
impact of drone-based spraying of
pesticides on avian and beneficial insect
fauna, and soil microbiota, have also
been initiated. Studies on product
quality assurance through bio-efficacy
studies and Pesticide residue analysis of insecticides and
fungicides sprayed using drones in rice have also been
taken up in multidisciplinary mode with an aim to
quantify the target molecules in the economic product.

26
RESEARCH Telangana Sona
Low Glycemic Index Super Fine Rice from PJTSAU

popularize the benefits through branding for

total value chain approach involving all the
stake holders.
Due to wider adaptability and preferences, the
variety is being cultivated in many other states
viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu,
Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal etc., During
th
the 87 meeting of Central Sub-Committee on
Crop Standards, Notification and Release of
Varieties for Agricultural Crops held on 22
September 2021, and 18 October 2021,
approved for cultivation in the state of
Karnataka. The said variety was also
registered under Protection of Plant Variety
and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001.
The University has also developed a strategy
of Memorandum of Agreement for rice
traders on non-exclusive basis. The firms
who have signed this agreement can utilize

P rofessor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural the image of PJTSAU by highlighting low
University (PJTSAU) has developed a new rice variety glycemic index component besides getting
namely Telangana Sona (RNR 15048), released technical support in quality rice production.
through State Variety Release Committee. So far four firms viz., M/S. Befach 4x Private
Limited, Hyderabad; M/S. Deccanmudra,
The variety has been notified vide Indian Gazette Notification Hyderabad; M/S Mulkanoor Co-operative
No.S.O. 2238 (E) dated 29.06.2016 and has been recommended for Credit & Marketing Society Ltd,
cultivation in the state of Telangana. Bheemadevaarapalli (M), Warangal Urban
Telangana Sona is a short duration, blast resistant rice variety not District, and M/S SPV Specialty Foods LLP,
suitable for both kharif and rabi seasons. It has high (>67%) Head Secunderabad have signed the agreement
Rice Recovery even in rabi harvests, which is a major advantage to the and taking benefits out of it.
farmers and millers. It became popular on account of its unique grain
size and shape (short slender) besides cooking quality as
evident from intermediate estimates of alkali spreading
value, gel consistency and amylose.
Telangana Sona has been classified under low glycemic
index category with values of 51.5 (Umamaheshwari et
al., 2015, Release proposals of RNR 15048 variety) and
51.72
Keeping in view of several advantages of this variety with respect to
farmer (high yield, short duration, blast resistance), trader (high head
rice recovery, very fine grain) and consumer (low glycemic index, good
cooking quality, slenderness), the University has decided to

27
AGRIBUSINESS
TNJFU Marine Products Business Incubation Forum
Promoting Entrepreneurship in Fisheries
and Aquaculture
E DII-Marine Products Business Incubation Forum
(MPBIF) was established in June 2019 at the
Department of Fish Processing Technology (DFPT),
Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI), Tamil Nadu
Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi
with funding support of ` 250 lakhs from the
Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute
(EDII), Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. At present, the
existing incubation forum supports the incubatees in the
formulation and production of marine-based products with
the available incubation service facilitating the aspiring
entrepreneurs to explore and manufacture new products
with the available equipment on a rental basis, offering
mentoring support through science and technology
intervention in the formulation of stable products,
extending support in accomplishing license and dealing
with labeling and packaging requirements. Apart from
these, EDII-MPBIF also provides co-working space to the
startups. Currently, 31 incubatees have enrolled in the
project and actively producing and marketing value-added
fish and fishery products and seaweed-based cosmetics
products using incubation facilities. A few of them after
receiving technological support and a few others getting
technological and production support from the incubation
forum (EDII-MPBIF, DFPT, FCRI, TNJFU, Thoothukudi) have
successfully established their brands in the market and
sustainably running their business.
Infrastructure
EDII-MPBIF is set up at a space of 8000 sq. ft including co-
working space in the Department of Fish Processing
Technology, FCRI, Thoothukudi. Further, the incubation
centre mentors start-ups in the production of the following
value-added products namely, Fish based battered &
28
G Sugumar
breaded products, Fish/seaweed based bakery products,
Fish based extruded products, Seaweed edible products,
Fish/shrimp based pickle products, Fish based
dried/smoked products, Fish based retorted products,
Seaweed fertilizers and Seaweed based cosmetics
For the production of the above-listed fish and
fishery/seaweed-based products, EDII-MPBIF has
machinery/equipment facilities to support its incubatees
in producing value-added marine products during their
incubated period. The equipment at the facility include
Fish cutting machine, Deskinner, Deboner, Genset, Blast
Freezer, Pasta making machine, Twin screw extruder,
Pickle Filling machine, Baking oven, Planetary Mixer,
Battered and Breaded Unit, Moulds for Patty / Burger
Forming Machine, Double Tank Oil Fryer, Decanter, Double
Jacket Kettle, Sausage Stuffing Machine, Bowl Chopper,
Over pressure retort, Autoclave, Drier, Deep Freezer, Ultra-
Freezer, Refrigerators,, Ice Flaking machine, Vacuum
packaging unit, Bottle sealing machine, Bottle capping
machine, Carton strapping machine, Shrink wrapping
machine, Pedal sealing machine, Horizontal sealing
machine, Coding machine, Continuous band sealer,
Pulveriser, Freshwater treatment unit, SS boiler with
burner, Seaweed washing tank, and Seaweed grinder and
treatment tank. Apart from production facilities,
laboratory facilities for analysis are also offered to the
incubatees of EDII-MPBIF that include Viscometer
Accessories, Karl Fisher Moisture Titrator, Refractometer,
Ultrasound sonicator, UV Spectrophotometer, Kjeldhal
apparatus, Soxhlet Unit, Hot air oven, Muffle furnace,
Distillation unit, Centrifuge, Homogenizer, Water bath,
heating mantle, pH meter and Facility for microbial
analysis (separate microbiology lab is available).
Support to Incubatees
Innovation Voucher Program (IVP), a program under the
EDII scheme offers a grant of `2,00,000 under Voucher A
plan to start-ups having viable innovative ideas. This
voucher A program supports grants for the conver-sion of
innovative ideas into a prototype. Further, under voucher B
plan of IVP, `5,00,000 as a grant is offered to start-ups to
undertake market research. In this context, an IVP grant of
`2 lakhs is issued to one of our incuba-tees M/s.
Nutrigenetics Life Science, Madurai working on the
formulation of a Nutritive plant egg.The start-up has
received all instalments and its product is now success-fully
launched into the market. Further, another incubatee, M/s.
Herblis Health Care, Madurai is also selected for the IVP
award of voucher A plan of `2,00, 000 for his innovative
seaweed soap and face cream.
The thrust area of the MPBIF are
I) Development of different value-added fish and
fishery products and seaweed-based feed, fertilizer,
cosmetics and edible products and examination of
their physico-chemical, sensory, functional,
structural, and bioactive proper-ties and their
storage stability and
ii) Provision of incubation services
such as machinery support for the
production and packaging of value-
added fish and fishery/seaweed-
based products, offering co-
working space on a rental basis and
analytical support, licensing and
labeling guidance; technological
mentoring; providing awareness/
skill development training
programs; act as a knowledge
partner of the startup to fetch them
funding support, in a view to developing
entrepreneurship in the field of marine processing.
The primary Objectives :
I) Transferring indigenous and innovative technologies
for commercialization in the areas of marine products
towards the establishment of new start-ups
ii) Providing incubation and mentoring support to
existing entrepreneurs and
iii) Building small business opportunities forthe fishing
community through Science and Technology
intervention.
Technologies Commercialized
Two technologies namely Seaweed (Hypneapanosa) extract
incorporated face cream and Seaweed (Hypneapanosa)
powder incorporated soap were given to the incubate cum
start-up M/s. Herblis Health Care, Madurai who is working
with EDII-MPBIF signing an MoU for the production/
formulation of seaweed-incorporated different cosmetics
products and at present they successfully launched their
seaweed-incorporated cosmetics products on 10.03.2023
and it was launched by the Vice Chancellor, TNJFU, Nagapa-
ttinam, at Madurai. Technology for various value-added fish
and fishery/seaweed-based products (detailed below in the
success story of the agri-startup section) was given to one of
our incubatees cum start-up M/s. FLTF Food Products LLP,
Thoothukudi. This particular startup has also signed an
MoU with us for the formulation of various value-added
marine products and started its own restaurant serving
exclusively for marine products in the brand name of
“Rybax” and it was opened on 26.03.2023 by the Vice
Chancellor, TNJFU, Thoothukudi.
Technology for the production of fish/shrimp/crab based
battered and breaded products viz. cuttlets, nuggets, fingers,
balls, etc is given to an incubate cum startup of EDII-MPBIF,
M/s. JSF Foods, Thoothukudi. The incubatee is
also given the technology for the production
of fish/seaweed incorporated extruded
product i.e. Kurkure and the product was
launched during the Brandlab/Launch Pad
event organized by startup TN in the presence
of District Collector, Tirunellvelli. The same
technology for fish/shrimp/crab based
battered and breaded products was given to
another incubatee cum startup of the EDII-
MPBIF, M/s. Priya Foods, Thoothukudi.
Technology for fish/shrimp/masmin based
pickle/thokku was given to the following
startups, namely, M/s. Zafira Foods, Ramnard;
M/s. JIS Pickle Unit, Thoothukudi; M/s.
Ichthys Marine Foods, Thoothukudi; M/S J
Star Seafoods, Thoothukudi; M/s. Thomas Seafoods,
Kanyakumari. Technology for frozen fish/shrimp was given
to the startup, M/s. Pearl Frozen Foods, Thoothukudi.
Vice-Chancellor,
TNJFU, Tamil Nadu
29
INSTITUTES

NIRF Rankings 2023: Agriculture and Allied Sectors

E v e r y y e a r, t h e
Ministry of
Education, Govt. of
India releases the ranking
of all universities in India
various parameters
considered for ranking are
Teaching, Learning and
R e s o u r c e s ( T L R ),
Research and Professional
based on ranking Practice (RP), Graduation
parameters identified and Outcomes (GO), Outreach
defined in the National and Inclusivity (OI) and
Institutional Ranking Perception.
Framework (NIRF). The parameters and
However, for the first time methodology for ranking
this year, institutions institutions under the
belonging to the Agriculture and Allied
Agriculture and Allied Sectors was developed
Sectors were included in afresh under the overall
the NIRF for ranking. The NIRF.
For the 2023 ranking, 152 Agricultural Universities on 5, June 2023, listed 40 agricultural universities. The
including Private Universities and Colleges offering details can be seen at https://www.nirfindia.org/2023/
agriculture degrees participated. The ranking released AgricultureRanking.html.

S. No. PARAMETERS Marks

1. Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) 100
Ranking weight: 0.30
A. Student Strength including Doctoral (SS): 20 marks
B. Faculty-student ratio with emphasis on permanent faculty (FSR): 30 marks
C. Combined metric for Faculty with PhD (or equivalent) and Experience (FQE): 20 marks
D. Financial Resources and their Utilisation (FRU): 30 marks
2. Research and Professional Practice (RP) 100
Ranking weight: 0.30
A. Combined metric for Publications (PU): 35 marks
B. Combined metric for Quality of Publications (QP): 40 marks
C. IPR and Patents: Published and Granted (IPR): 15 marks
D. Footprint of Projects and Professional Practice (FPPP): 10 marks
3. Graduation Outcomes (GO) 100
Ranking weight: 0.20
A. Combined metric for Placement and Higher Studies (GPH): 40 marks
B. Metric for University Examinations (GUE): 15 marks
C. Median Salary (GMS): 25 marks
D. Metric for Number of PhD Students Graduated (GPHD): 20 marks
4. Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) 100
Ranking weight: 0.10
A. Percentage of Students from other States/Countries (Region Diversity RD): 30 marks
B. Percentage of Women (Women Diversity WD): 30 marks
C. Economically and Socially Challenged Students (ESCS): 20 marks
D. Facilities for Physically Challenged Students (PCS): 20 marks
5. Perception (PR) 100
Ranking weight: 0.10
A. Peer Perception : Employers & Academic Peer (PR): 100 marks

30
The list of 40 universities ranked under
“Agriculture and Allied Sectors”
along with the score are listed below.

31
6 best SA I
61-70 in world

32
INCUBATION CENTRES

33
 Common Incubation Centre (CIC)
Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani
Supported By: Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing
Enterprises Scheme under MoFPI New Delhi

THRUST AREA OBJECTIVES

Food Processing Training and incubation for microentrepreneurs

particularly women SHGs and cooperatives

FACILITIES Coworking space, meeting and conference rooms, mentoring cell and
food testing laboratories

Contact Information

Entrepreneurship Capacity Building Cell

Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar
Supported By: Atal Incubation Centre and RKVY-RAFTAAR

THRUST AREA OBJECTIVES

Dairy Technology Entrepreneurial enabling ecosystem in the dairy sector

FACILITIES Mentoring and dairy product development laboratories

34
 Centre for Agribusiness Incubation and
Entrepreneurship (CAIE)
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior
Supported By: National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development

THRUST AREA OBJECTIVES

Agribusiness, Farm Management, Service Sector, Agri-business incubation and creation of a

Food Processing, Biotechnology, etc dynamic ecosystem

TECHNOLOGIES Petroleum products from plastic waste, Antiseptic ointment from herbal waste,
COMMERCIALIZED Herbal Drinks, Biogas from aquatic weeds

Coworking spaces, skilling, mentoring, processing and

FACILITIES
product prototype development labs

Technology Incubation Center

Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar

THRUST AREA OBJECTIVES

Dairy and Meat Technology, Diagnostics, Technical and handholding support for micro food
and Feed Technology processing enterprises, FPOs/SHGs and Cooperatives

TECHNOLOGIES
COMMERCIALIZED

FACILITIES Coworking space, mentoring and laboratory support for product development

35
 FACILITIES

36
TECHNOLOGIES COMMERCIALIZED

FACILITIES

37
38
39
40
41
42
STARTUPS

43
44
45
46
47
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) +91 6005432788 bbggorg@gmail.com

Turnover: Rs 3 lakh | Employees: 04

) +91

49
 Dr Rafiya Mushtaq

M/S Zeeba Biotech

Turnover: Rs 5 lakh | Employees: 02

50
SUCCESS STORIES

51
SUCCESS STORY
Empowering Farmers through
New Technology and Innovative Solutions
Dr Karan Singh Thakur’s Agri-Entrepreneural Journey
D r Karan Singh Thakur, a dynamic and resourceful
young farmer hailing from the serene village of
Dharo Ki Dhar in Solan district of Himachal
Pradesh, has crafted an inspiring narrative of
achievement that extends well beyond his village
boundaries. As a graduate of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar
University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Karan
embarked on an agriculture entrepreneurial journey
that has not only revolutionized his own life but has also
influenced the lives of numerous individuals within his
community.
Innovative Concept: "Agri-Horti
Knowledge-based Cultivation”
Dr Karan Thakur's innovative concept revolves around
establishing "Agri-Horti knowledge-based cultivation"
within rural landscape. These high-density cultivation
centers serve as dynamic hubs for hands-on learning,
introducing local farmers to contemporary techniques
and entrepreneurial strategies. By advocating the
cultivation of high-value unconventional crops tailored
to the specific climate and market demands, he has
empowered farmers to diversify their farming and
52
augment their earnings. Dr Thakur's vision encompasses
a comprehensive approach that harmonizes education,
innovation, and entrepreneurship, ultimately fostering
sustainable growth and propelling rural communities
towards prosperity.
Achievements and Impact
Dr Thakur’s inaugural polyhouse, spanning 100 square
meter, marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial
voyage. Over time, his enterprise expanded to an
impressive cultivating area of 3,000 square meter. The
cultivation of carnation flowers initially played a pivotal
role in his annual income, generating an impressive sum
of approximately ₹ 13 lakh. Additionally, diversifying his
business portfolio through the establishment of
nurseries for various fruit crops including apple, plum,
pear, pomegranate, kiwi, apricot, peach, nectarine, and
persimmon, yielded him an estimated ₹ 14 lakh
annually. This diversification also contributed
significantly to providing employment opportunities for
numerous locals in the region.
His success narrative is one characterized by resilience,
innovation, and transformative influence. From modest
beginnings to a position of eminence in the agribusiness
sector, his journey has left an indelible imprint on the
horticulture and entrepreneurship landscape. His
agricultural enterprise has been a guiding beacon for
countless others, directing them towards a future
enriched with prosperity and sustainable progress.
Source: Directorate of Extension Education,
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Nauni-Solan 173230, Himachal Pradesh
SUCCESS STORY

Purple Revolution
Meet Kashmir’s Lavender Lady
aromatic plants (Lavender and Rosa re c i p i e n t o f J K B a n k Wo m e n
damascena) and value addition of Entrepreneur Award, Best Grower
the produce. She is currently Award, Champion Farmer Award,
working on contract farming where ICAR-IARI Innovative Award etc. She
interested farmers independently is really an inspiration for other
grow aromatic plants and flowers women farmers of the region. She is
under her guidance and extract Lavender Lady of the valley. When
essential oils at distillation facility contacted, she quoted Pele “Success
established by her. She has launched is no accident. It is hard work,
a n e w b ra n d “A ro m a P u re & perseverance, learning, studying,
Rubeena Tabassum Naturals” and is working with the sacrifice and most of all, love of what
university’s is extension wing for you are doing or learning to do.”
better marketing facilities. She is a
Rubeena Tabassum started with a
small agri-business “Cultivation of
Cut Flowers under controlled
conditions” in a remote village of
District Budgam, J&K. Realising her
entrepreneurial talent, enthusiasm,
courage and creativity, Krishi Vigyan
Kendra Budgam provided her all
technical guidance and support in
expanding the business. The Kendra
motivated her for cultivation of

Innovative Minds
Taking Walnut Processors to Growers’ Doorsteps
Farooq Ahmad
Farooq Ahmad, a resident of
Shalimar, Srinagar, started
his business with a small
workshop at his house (M/S
Jhelum Traders),
manufacturing small
agri c u l t u ra l to o ls and
implements, and earning a
meagre amount of ₹ 10,000 a
month.
To widen customer base, grow business and
earn more, he sought technical guidance
from SKUAST-K scientists for design and
fabrication of food processing machines. His
business expansion and better earning
prompted him to enter into an MoU with
SKUAST-K in 2016. He designed walnut
processing machines for growers, food
processors or any other stakeholder.
Buoyed by the significant increase in
customers and profit, Mr Farooq Ahmad
established a full-fledged unit of Mechanical
and Engineering works with the name M/S
Multi Tech Engineering at Khunmoh
Industrial Estate, Srinagar for large scale
manufacturing of food processing
machines. Realizing the success and
quantum of work, he sent his two sons for
higher education in Mechanical Engineering
who are now his arms and wings in the
industrial unit at Kunmoh. Farooq Ahmad
expressed deep satisfaction over his
business having annual turnover of more
than ₹ 12 lakh and providing jobs to a
good number of skilled, semi-skilled and
unskilled people. He said, “to succeed, one
must take into consideration the fact, that
business talent alone isn’t enough. There
are things that one can do on his/her own
and things that need professional help to
earn more profit. And profit is what a
successful business is all about!”

53
SUCCESS STORY

Women empowerment
Dairy Farmer Changes Fortunes for Her Family
farm. Presently, she has a 25-dairy cow unit, 59-sheep, 50-key stone
golden egg-laying birds, vegetable and grapevine garden. KVK
scientists very frequently conduct skill development and knowledge
updation programs for her and other farmers of the district. The
family’s net annual income rose to ₹ 12.21 lakh from a meagre amount.
Not all that, she now supports women empowerment in the village.
She leads a Dairy Cooperative in the area. She is a recipient of the
Progressive Farmers' Award, Innovative Farmers Award etc. When
asked about the secret of her success, she quoted Rumi, “Wherever you
stand, be the soul of that place”. She is really an inspiration for other

Z
women farmers in the area, said Dr Pervaiz A Dar.
a m ro o d a B a n o , a re s i d e n t o f
‘Kashmir’s Grape village: Repora’ in
district Ganderbal was busy doing
household chores and assisting her better
half in agricultural activities. However, the
net income was too less to support the
family's needs, particularly the kids’
education. But she was determined to
change the fortune of the family. Innovative
farming was the only workable solution.
The struggle brought the family into
contact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
Ganderbal. The integrated farming model
at the KVK inspired her. With KVK's
assistance, she established an integrated

Entrepreneurial Journey
Self-Reliance through Integrated Farming
Vanraja, Keystone, and Kadekhnath under the Department of
Biotech-nology-funded project. Recently, he has taken up duckery,
fish and turkey farming. His annual income from the enterprise is
around ₹13 lakh. Presently the livestock strength is 300 Vanraja, 100
Kadaknath, 350 ducks, three cows, and one fishpond. The daily egg
production at the farm is 150, milk production is 30 Kg; the net daily
income is ₹ 3700. He is a recipient of the champion farmer award from
SKUAST-K. He has also received appreciation at the UT level. He is an
inspiration for other farmers in the area. The success story of Syed
Fida Hussain has been widely covered by print and electronic media.
Fida quotes Jeff Koehler

S yed Fida Hussain Safwi of Shippora

Budgam Kashmir started farming 5
years back with 2 cows, 100 poultry
birds and crops like maize, apple, potato
and kale. After receiving technical support
for his passion for
Integrated Farming
System, “Farming isn’t a
battle against nature, but a
partnership with it. It is
and handholding from Krishi Vigyan respecting the basics of
Kendra Budgam, his interest in farming n a t u re i n a c t i o n a n d
grew. He increased livestock numbers and ensuring that they
introduced improved chicken varieties like continue”.

54
SUCCESS STORY

Sran Vermicompost Farm

Story of Eminence and Progress from Punjab

H arpreet Singh is a resident of village Dugri, Tarn

Taran (Punjab). He is specially-abled, courageous
and hard-working. He owns 9 acres of land. In the
year 2020, he came in contact with KVK experts and
started learning vermicompost production on a
Government of Punjab. He is very humble and eager to
provide training to youth on vermicompost production
free of cost. He also helps fellow farmers in establishing
vermicompost units at domestic as well as commercial
levels. He has also created his Facebook and Instagram
commercial scale. He started the vermicompost unit with accounts for wider advertisement of his product.
two beds in 2020 just before the commencement of the
COVID-19 pandemic in India. With his skill and regular
guidance from KVK scientists, he keeps on increasing the
vermin beds and expanding the business. As on date, he
has over 125 beds [30 (L) 3 (B) feet] producing 100 tons
per annum. In just a span of 3 years, he is now earning
near about ` 4-5 lakhs per annum with the sale of
vermicompost as well as vermiculture (earthworms). He
has categorized vermicompost into 3 categories based on
its quality and grading. He is selling vermicompost locally
in Punjab. For his efforts, he was honoured by Krishi
Vigyan Kendra, Tarn Taran, Punjab and by the

Sky is the Limit

Future Belongs to Fisheries Entrepreneurs
Khushwant Singh Brar
deter him for pursuing his dream of
becoming an entrepreneur. With
continuous guidance and help of
IDP-NAHEP, he constructed shrimp
ponds on 3 acre land in his native
village Gaddan Dob, Tehsil Abohar,
District Fazilka (Punjab) during the
month of April 2022. From the start,
he undertook shrimp farming
activity in a scientific manner with all
the biosecurity measures. He is
expecting 8-9 tonnes of export
quality shrimp. With the knowledge
gained during his post-graduation
and mentorship under IDP, he is
going to maintain shrimp in winter
months which otherwise is not
possible due to extreme temperature
drop during the four months
(December to February).
Khushwant’s entrepreneurial
journey is a real motivation for
young generation. He says “IDP
proved huge blessing during difficult
pandemic time and gave me wings;
now I have to fly high with never
looking back attitude.” Let’s delete
impossible word from our dictionary
and move ahead towards our – GOAL,
he added.

K
hushwant Singh Brar, a
student of Fisheries Science
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary
and Animal Sciences University
(GADVASU), Ludhiana, Punjab is
always keen to learn and experiment
with unique ideas. He had a clear
vision of becoming entrepreneur in
shrimp farming. He met with a
horrible accident while doing
postgrad research, which took him 6
months to recover fully, and didn’t

55
 NICHE CROPS

56
Niche Crops - UT of Jammu and Kashmir

57
Niche Crops - State of Punjab

58
 Niche Crops - State of Bihar

Niche Crops - State of Uttarakhand

59
Enterprise Small Scale Entrepreneurs
Is a legal entity possessing the right to conduct business These are entrepreneurs who operate on a small scale
on its own, for example, to enter into contracts, own and are popular in underdeveloped countries.
property, incur liabilities and establish bank accounts. It
may be a corporation, a quasi-corporation, a non-profit
institution, or an unincorporated enterprise.
Social Entrepreneurship
A social entrepreneur is interested in starting a business
for the greater social good and not just the pursuit of
Entrepreneurship profits. Social entrepreneurs may seek to produce
Process of setting up a business by an entrepreneur e nv i ro n m e n t a l ly- f r i e n d ly p ro d u c t s , s e r ve a n
(individual who creates and/or invests in one or more underserved community, or focus on philanthropic
businesses, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most activities.
of the rewards). The entrepreneur is commonly seen as
an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and Startup
business/or procedures. An entrepreneurial venture in the early stages of
operations, based on an innovative idea
Agripreneurship that will disrupt the market or created
to resolve a real-life problem. As
Agripreneur is an individual many startups solve society's
who starts, organises and needs, they attract investors
manages a business venture and funders because of the
focusing on the agricultural tremendous growth
s e c t o r. B r o a d l y, A g r i - opportunities. Scalability is
entrepreneurship or an important aspect of a
Agripreneurship provides startup.
value addition to
a g ric u lt u ra l resou rc es Incubator
typically engaging rural
Is an organization that helps
human resources.
startup companies and
individual entrepreneurs to
Ecopreneurship develop their businesses by
Ecopreneurship represents providing a full-scale range of
the process of principles of services starting with
entrepreneurship being applied management training and office
to create businesses that solve space and ending with venture capital
environmental problems or operate financing.
sustainably.
Host Institution
Well-known technology, management and R&D
Intrapreneurship institutions working for developing startups and
Intrapreneurship refers to a system that allows an contributing towards developing a favourable
employee to act like an entrepreneur within an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
organization. Intrapreneurs are self-motivated,
proactive, and action-oriented people who take the
initiative to pursue an innovative product or service. Technology parks
Is a purpose-built cluster of office spaces, labs,
workrooms and meeting areas designed to support
Technopreneurship research and development in science and technology.
A kind of entrepreneurship in the field of technology and Also known as a research park, technology park or
involves tech-savvy, creative, innovative individuals innovation centre.
who have a knack for taking calculated risk.

60
Angel investor
An individual who provides capital for startups, usually
in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.
Angel investors often provide support to startups at a
very early stage (when the risk of their failure is
relatively high), once or in a consecutive manner, and
when most investors are not prepared to back them.
Also known as a business angel, informal investor, angel
funder, private investor, or seed investor.
Crowdfunding
The use of small amounts of capital (money) from a large
number of individuals/groups to finance a new business
venture. Crowdfunding makes use of the easy
accessibility of vast networks of people through social
media and crowdfunding websites to bring investors
and entrepreneurs together. Besides startup funding,
crowdfunding is popular for funding non-profit
organisations and donations for the needy.
Venture capital
Is a form of private equity and a type of financing that
investors provide to startup companies and small
businesses that are believed to have long-term growth
potential.
Unicorn
A privately-owned
startup with a
va l u a t i o n o f
over $1 billion
and is often used
in venture capital
companies.
Fintech
Fintech or financial technology is used to describe new
technology that seeks to improve and automate the
delivery and use of financial services. Composed of
special software and algorithms using computers and
smartphones, fintech helps companies and businesses
in better financial management.
Ideation
Is the creative process of generating, developing, and
communicating new ideas. Ideation comprises all stages
of a thought cycle, from innovation, to development, to
actualization. Ideation can be conducted by individuals,
organizations, or crowds.
Innovation
Is the practical implementation of ideas that result in the
introduction of new goods or services or improvement
in offering goods or services or innovation as "a new or
changed entity realizing or redistributing value".
Proof of Concept
Also known as proof of principle, is a realization of a
certain method or idea in order to demonstrate its
feasibility or a demonstration in principle with the aim
of verifying that some concept or theory has practical
potential.
Prototype
Is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to
test a concept or process.
Minimum Viable Product
Is a version of a product with just enough features to be
usable by early customers who can then provide
feedback for future product development.
Co-Creation
Is the act of creating together. When applied in
business, it is used as an
economic strategy to develop
new business models, products
and services with
customers, clients,
trading partners or
other parts of the
s a m e e n te r p r i s e o r
venture.
Launch
A product launch is an organization's
planned and coordinated effort to bring a new product
or service to market and make it available for purchase
by consumers.
Evangelist
An evangelist in startups is someone who promotes and
advocates for a startup company, its products or services,
and its vision. He sings praises for a brand and convinces
others to try or convert to the product or service.
Elevator Pitch
A platform to lure an investor or executive in a company,
or explain an idea/topic to the founder's parents in an
exciting way. Unlike a sales pitch, there may not be a
clear buyer–seller relationship.
61
Imagineer
Is someone capable of taking creative ideas or using
imagination and turning them into reality with actual
solutions.
Unique Selling Point
A marketing statement that differentiates a product or
brand from its competitors. Also called as unique selling
proposition.
Value Proposition
A statement that clearly identifies the benefits a
company's products and services will deliver to its
customers. A well-crafted value proposition will
differentiate the company and/or its specific product or
service in the marketplace and among a target market or
target audience.
EDP Workshop
Is usually a brief intensive educational program related
to entrepreneurship and startup for a relatively small
group of people that focuses especially on
techniques and skills in a particular field.
Entrepreneurship
Education
Refers to a set of formalized teachings
that informs, trains, and educates
anyone to promote entrepreneurship
awareness, business creation, or small
business development.
Virtual Elevator Pitch
Is a short, descriptive speech aimed at introducing an
organization/brand, a product/service, a project, or an idea
to relevant stakeholders who have no idea about them.
Intellectual property
Is patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret.
Partnership
Is an arrangement where parties, known as business
partners, agree to cooperate to advance their mutual
interests and include individuals, businesses, interest-
based organizations, schools, governments or
combinations.
Mergers and Acquisitions
This term, abbreviated as M&A, concerns corporate
takeovers. Mergers, in which two companies of roughly
62
equal size combine, are much rarer than acquisitions, in
which a larger company buys a smaller one.
Pivot
Is a change in business strategy when the current
strategy doesn’t work e.g. changing the product.
Accelerators
Are fixed-term, cohort-based programs, that include
mentorship and educational components and culminate
in a public pitch event or demo day. While traditional
business incubators are often government-funded,
generally take no equity, and rarely provide funding,
accelerators can be either privately or publicly funded
and cover a wide range of industries.
Business Model Canvas
Is a strategic management template used for developing
new business models and documenting
exist ing ones. It offers a visual chart
with elements describing a firm's
or product's value proposition,
infrastructure, customers, and
finances, assisting businesses to
align their activities by illustrating
potential trade-offs.
Cash flow management
Is the process of tracking how much money is
coming into and going out of your business.
Special Purpose Vehicle
Is a subsidiary created by a parent company to isolate
financial risk. Its legal status as a separate company
makes its obligations secure even if the parent company
goes bankrupt. Also called a special purpose entity.
Technology management
Is the integrated planning, design, optimization,
operation and control of technological products,
processes and services.
Technology Licensing Agreement
Whereby an owner of a technological intellectual
property (the licensor) allows another party (the
licensee) to use, modify, and/or resell that property in
exchange for compensation.
Compiled by:
Sajad H Baba | Aijaz A Dar | Syed Inam Ul Haq
 INTERNATIONAL DAY
(April-June)
INTERNATIONAL SEEDS DAY
International Seeds Day is celebrated on
April 26 every year. This day is dedicated
to advocate patent-free seeds, organic
food, and farmer's right. Seed is the life for
farming.

WORLD VETERINARY DAY

Under the theme of "Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the
Veterinary Profession", World Veterinary Day was celebrated on 29 April 2023.
Last Saturday of April to celebrate the efforts of veterinary associations and
to advocate for fairness and equity.

INTERNATIONAL POTATO DAY

Since July 2022, the International Day of the Potato is celebrated on May 30. It is the first
International Day declared by the United Nations for a major crop and it is a testament
of the many qualities of the potato that make it a vital tool in helping to eradicate poverty,
improving food security, and providing healthy and nutritious food to millions of consumers
around the globe.

WORLD MILK DAY

World Milk Day is an international day established by the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAQ) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk
as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001.

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Editor : Dr Seema Jaggi, agririse@icar.gov.in