RKVY-RAFTAAR – Agribusiness Incubation Program

The RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program was launched in 2018-19 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.

The program aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors by providing startups with financial assistance, mentorship, and incubation support. It focuses on nurturing agri-entrepreneurs working in areas like Agri-Tech, post-harvest management, organic farming, supply chain innovations, and rural agri-businesses.

As of 2024, the program has supported over 1,700 agri-startups across India, with a cumulative funding of approximately ₹122.5 crore, through a network of 5 Knowledge Partners and 24 Agribusiness Incubators.

Through this initiative, RKVY-RAFTAAR continues to strengthen the agri-startup ecosystem, drive rural innovation, and enhance the sustainability and profitability of Indian agriculture.

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Funding Overview – RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program

Government Funding Commitment

The RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program, launched in 2018-19, has received strong financial backing from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare to promote agri-entrepreneurship and innovation across India. Over the years, significant funds have been allocated and disbursed to support startups through various stages of their business journey.

Total Funding Pool for 2023-24

• Total Allocated Budget (2023-24): ₹106.05 crore

• Funds Released (2023-24): ₹45.15 crore
  

The funds are used to support agribusiness startups, strengthen incubation centres, and promote rural entrepreneurship across India through 5 Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs)

Types of Funding Available for Startups

The RKVY-RAFTAAR program provides two levels of financial support to agri-startups based on their stage of development:

Funding Stage	Purpose	Support Amount	Grant Structure
Idea/Pre-Seed Stage	For startups at the concept or prototype stage.	Up to ₹5 lakh	90% grant-in-aid, 10% contribution by the startup
Seed Stage	For startups ready for scaling after validating their product/solution.	Up to ₹25 lakh	85% grant-in-aid, 15% contribution by the startup

Fund Disbursement Criteria and Process

The approved grant is released in three installments, linked to the achievement of pre-defined milestones:

Installment	Condition	Amount
First Installment	After signing of agreement with the incubator and submission of initial documentation	40% of the sanctioned amount
Second Installment	After utilization of 80% of the first installment and achievement of initial milestones (like prototype development, market validation)	40%
Third (Final) Installment	After utilization of 80% of the second installment and achievement of final milestones (like product launch, first customer engagement)	20%

Total Funding Allocation and Disbursement (Till 2023-24)

Financial Year	Funds Allocated (₹ crore)	Funds Disbursed (₹ crore)
2018-19	238.00	39.90
2019-20	123.70	15.27
2020-21	119.40	48.00
2021-22	102.85	31.60
2022-23	132.34	35.50
2023-24	106.05	45.15
Total	822.34	215.42

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Eligibility Criteria – RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program

Category	Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Type	Indian citizens (individual innovators) OR- Startups registered as Private Limited Company/LLP/Partnership in India
Company Age	Preferably less than 3 years old at the time of application (for startups)
Legal Requirement	Individual innovators must register a company (Private Ltd/LLP/Partnership) before availing funding
Sector Focus	Agriculture and allied sectors: Agri-Tech, Food Processing, Post-harvest Management, Precision Farming, Organic Farming, Supply Chain, Agri-Biotech, Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, Rural Innovations
Startup Stage (for Funding Type)	Idea/Pre-Seed Stage: For early-stage innovators at concept/prototype level Seed Stage: For startups with a working prototype, MVP, or early market validation
Recognition	DPIIT Startup Recognition preferred but not mandatory
Other Conditions	Should not have received similar financial support from any other government scheme for the same project Must commit to work closely with assigned RKVY-RAFTAAR Incubator (R-ABI) for mentoring and milestone tracking

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Key Knowledge Partners in Agri-Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development

 

This table lists key Knowledge Partners (KPs) supporting agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship in India. These institutions provide technical expertise, mentorship, and regional insights across areas like agripreneurship, agri-marketing, biotechnology, and sustainable farming. They play a vital role in empowering agri-startups and promoting innovation-led growth in the sector.

S.No.	Knowledge Partner (KP)	Location	Specialization
1	National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)	Hyderabad, Telangana	Agripreneurship development, extension management
2	National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM)	Jaipur, Rajasthan	Agricultural marketing, value chain development
3	Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)	New Delhi	Agricultural research, biotechnology, crop improvement
4	University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS)	Dharwad, Karnataka	Sustainable agriculture, organic farming, agri-technology
5	Assam Agricultural University (AAU)	Jorhat, Assam	Northeast agri-innovation, fisheries, horticulture

RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs)

S.No.	Incubator Name	Location	Specialization	Notable Achievements
1	Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU)	Hisar, Haryana	Crop sciences, farm machinery	Supported startups in precision agriculture and farm equipment innovation.
2	CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV)	Palampur, Himachal Pradesh	Organic farming, hill agriculture	Promoted organic agri-startups in hilly terrains.
3	Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Varanasi (BHU)	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Agri-tech, AI in agriculture	Incubated over 30 startups focusing on AI-based farm solutions.
4	Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV)	Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh	Soil science, water management	Facilitated startups in soil health and irrigation technologies.
5	ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)	Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh	Animal health, veterinary sciences	Supported ventures in animal diagnostics and health supplements.
6	Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)	Ludhiana, Punjab	Crop improvement, post-harvest technology	Assisted startups in grain storage and processing innovations.
7	Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV)	Raipur, Chhattisgarh	Agri-biotechnology, farm mechanization	Focused on startups in bio-fertilizers and low-cost farm machinery.
8	Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)	Jammu & Kashmir	Temperate horticulture, organic farming	Promoted startups in apple and saffron value chains.
9	Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur	Kashipur, Uttarakhand	Agri-business management, supply chain optimization	Supported ventures in agri-logistics and market linkages.
10	Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)	Thrissur, Kerala	Plantation crops, organic agriculture	Incubated startups in spices and coconut-based products.
11	ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)	Hyderabad, Telangana	Millets research, value addition	Focused on startups developing millet-based health foods.
12	Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)	Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu	Horticulture, precision farming	Assisted startups in precision irrigation and protected cultivation.
13	Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU)	Andhra Pradesh	Crop sciences, seed technology	Supported ventures in seed production and certification.
14	ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI)	Cuttack, Odisha	Rice research, sustainable agriculture	Promoted startups in rice value chain enhancements.
15	Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU)	Jobner, Rajasthan	Dryland farming, agri-inputs	Focused on startups in drought-resistant crops and inputs.
16	Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur	Kharagpur, West Bengal	Agri-engineering, AI in agriculture	Incubated startups in drone-based crop monitoring.
17	Bihar Agricultural University (BAU)	Sabour, Bihar	Soil health, agri-extension	Supported ventures in soil testing and farmer advisory services.
18	Anand Agricultural University (AAU)	Anand, Gujarat	Dairy technology, food processing	Promoted startups in dairy product innovations.
19	ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT)	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Cotton processing, textile technology	Assisted startups in cotton by-product utilization.
20	Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV)	Akola, Maharashtra	Dryland agriculture, oilseed crops	Focused on startups in oilseed processing and value addition.
21	ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI)	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Animal health informatics, disease surveillance	Supported ventures in livestock disease monitoring tools.
22	College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (CoF-CAU)	Lembucherra, Tripura	Fisheries, aquaculture	Incubated startups in fish feed and aquaculture technologies.
23	College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry	Aizawl, Mizoram	Veterinary sciences, animal husbandry	Promoted startups in animal nutrition and healthcare.
24	College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University (CoHF-CAU)	Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh	Horticulture, agroforestry	Assisted ventures in fruit processing and agroforestry models.

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Applications, Selections, and Success Rates (2019–2024)

Financial Year	Applications Received (Approx.)	Startups Funded	Funding Disbursed (₹ crore)	Selection Rate (%)
2019-20	400+	58	3.13	~14%
2020-21	1,000+	588	27.43	~59%
2021-22	800+	277	20.34	~35%
2022-23	700+	253	24.35	~36%
2023-24	1,200+	532	47.25	~44%
Total	4,100+	1,708	122.5	~42% Average

When to Apply?

• Application Calls are Released Periodically:

  New application rounds are announced by Knowledge Partners (KPs) and Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) on their respective websites and on the official RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Portal.
  

• Typically 1–2 Calls per Year:

  Each incubator issues 1–2 startup intake calls annually.

• Application Window Duration:

  Applications are open for 30 to 45 days once a call is announced.
  

Step-by-Step Application Process

To apply for the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program, startups must follow a structured multi-stage process, from identifying pen calls to pitching and final selection. The overall journey, from application submission to first fund disbursement, typically takes around 4 to 5 months, depending on the evaluation cycle and milestone completion.

Step	Action	Details	Approximate Time Taken
1️⃣	Identify Active Call	Visit agristartup.gov.in or R-ABI websites to check new openings.	Application window typically open for 30–45 days after announcement.
2️⃣	Choose Incubator (R-ABI/KP)	Select based on sector focus or geographic preference.	Immediate (during application period).
3️⃣	Register Online	Fill in basic startup/innovator details and create login.	1–2 days
4️⃣	Prepare Proposal	Upload executive summary, business model, proof of concept, etc.	Depends on readiness — ideally within 7–10 days.
5️⃣	Submit Application	Complete and submit the full online form before the deadline.	Before application closing date (within 30–45 days of opening).
6️⃣	Initial Screening & Shortlisting	R-ABI evaluates eligibility, innovation strength, document completeness.	2–4 weeks after application closing.
7️⃣	Pitch Presentation	Shortlisted applicants present to the Incubation Selection Committee (ISC).	Usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks after shortlisting.
8️⃣	Final Selection and Offer Letter	Final list of selected startups is announced by R-ABI.	1–2 weeks after pitch presentation.
9️⃣	Agreement Signing & Onboarding	Signing incubation and funding agreement with the incubator.	Within 2 weeks of final selection.
🔟	First Fund Disbursement	Release of 1st installment of grant upon milestone plan submission.	Within 3–4 weeks after agreement signing.

Grant Selection Criteria and Weightage (Based on Assumptions)

Category	Weightage to Selection
Clear Problem-Solution Fit	25%
Prototype/Proof of Concept	20%
Strong Documentation	15%
Business/Financial Plan	15%
Pitch and Presentation	15%
Founder Commitment	10%

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Documents Required – RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubation Program

Applicants are required to submit the following documents along with their application to ensure eligibility verification, business validation, and smooth onboarding.

Document	Purpose
Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card)	To verify applicant identity (for individuals) or authorized signatory (for startups).
Company Registration Certificate	Proof of registered entity (Private Limited, LLP, or Partnership Firm) — mandatory for startups.
Startup India / DPIIT Recognition Certificate	Optional but preferred — adds credibility if available.
GST Registration Certificate	Required if the startup is already generating revenue and registered under GST.
Business Plan / Executive Summary	Clear explanation of business idea, product/service offering, target market, business model, and scalability.
Pitch Deck	A slide presentation summarizing innovation, solution, problem statement, business opportunity, and team.
Proof of Concept (PoC) / Prototype Details	Evidence of prototype development or technology validation (where applicable).
Financial Plan	Brief estimation of funding needs, expected expenses, and projected revenue (especially for seed-stage applicants).
Bank Details	Cancelled cheque or bank letter for fund disbursement setup (provided after selection).
Photographs	Passport-sized photograph of the applicant or founder(s).

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Agri-Startup Funding Readiness Checklist

This checklist helps agri-startups prepare strong, fundable applications for R-ABIs and similar schemes. It covers key areas like problem-solution clarity, prototype readiness, complete documents, realistic funding plans, and founder commitment. Startups with early validation, clear traction, and alignment with the incubator’s sector focus have significantly higher success rates. Use this to boost your chances before applying.

Section	Checklist Item	Details
Business Readiness	Problem and Solution Clearly Defined	Clearly explain the real market/farmer problem and your specific solution within 1–2 paragraphs.
	Prototype, Pilot, or Proof of Concept Available	More than 80% of funded startups had a working prototype or proof of concept ready.
	Technology/Innovation Clearly Articulated	Show how your idea is better, cheaper, faster, or more scalable than existing alternatives.
	Sector Focus Matches Incubator Strength	Choose a R-ABI specializing in your sector (e.g., Millets ➔ IIMR Hyderabad, Food Processing ➔ Anand AAU).
Document Preparation	Full Set of Required Documents Ready	Missing documents were the #1 reason for rejection. Ensure business plan, pitch deck, registration, PAN/GST, prototype proof are ready.
	Financial Ask and Plan Realistic	Request ₹5–₹25 lakh with a clear 12–18 month milestone plan. Avoid unrealistic or poorly justified amounts.
Pitching Strength	Simple and Sharp Pitch Deck Ready	Prepare 8–10 slides covering Problem ➔ Solution ➔ Business Model ➔ Traction ➔ Funding Ask.
	Market Size and Revenue Model Clearly Shown	Estimate market size and basic revenue model even if early stage — it shows business maturity.
	Realistic Milestones for 12–18 Months	Examples: complete pilot trial, launch MVP, secure first 50 customers, start production.
Team Strength	Founders with Relevant Skills or Domain Knowledge	Founders with agriculture, engineering, business, or rural expertise had higher selection rates.
	Full-Time Founder Commitment Proof	Full-time commitment is preferred; part-time founders rarely succeeded. Show clear dedication.
Past Performance Insights (Based on Analysis)	Early Validation Increases Chances	Startups with pilot customers, test users, or early validation had 2X better selection chances.
	Practical Problem-Solution Highlighted	Applications showing clear market gaps + practical solutions had 3X more shortlisting.
	Proof of Early User Interest Helps	Submitting letters of intent or early feedback forms greatly improved success chances.
	Clarity Over Jargon	Simple, straightforward applications without excessive technical jargon performed better.