െചറുകിട കർഷക കാർഷിക വ ാപാര ... - sfac) kerala · 2020....
TRANSCRIPT
െചറുകിട കർഷക കാർഷിക വ�ാപാര കൺേസാർഷ�ം
േകരളതിരുവന�പുരം
Small Farmers Agri business
Consortium (SFAC Kerala)
SUPPORT TO AGRI START-UPS AND AGRIBUSINESS
INCUBATORS 2020 – 21
Online Applications are invited through www.sfackerala.org
The last date of online application is 15-10-2020
Apply with pdf copy of Aadhar & Business Plan
Contents
i) Operational Guidelines Page: 1-21.
ii) G.O (Rt) No-628/2020/AGRI Dated 02-07-
2020.Page: 22-24.
For any query or support please contact
Karshika Vivara Sanketham
Toll Free No: 1800-425-1661
8am-8 pm on all days (Except National
Holidays)
Office No: 0471-2742110
1
Operational Guidelines
SUPPORT TO AGRI START-UPS AND AGRIBUSINESS INCUBATORS
2020 – 21
1. About SFAC Kerala
Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) Kerala is an organization
under the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare ,
Government of Kerala working for the promotion of agribusiness to the benefit of
farmers and entrepreneurs by providing necessary linkages for establishment and
running of successful agribusiness.
The Kerala SFAC was established as a society registered under the
Travancore Cochin Literary Charitable Societies Registration Act on 8th March
1995 with a Memorandum of Association and Article of Association incorporating
provisions outlined in the concept paper of SFAC. The area of operation of SFAC,
Kerala covers the entire state of Kerala. The primary objective of SFAC is to
facilitate production, processing and marketing of agricultural commodities in the
small farm sector by fostering group activities on a sustainable basis. This is to be
achieved through:
i. By catalyzing agro- industrial ventures in the State
ii. By promoting, assisting or undertaking programmes for production,
processing, product diversification and by-product utilization for the
development of such commodities and enterprises.
iii. By identifying and promoting post harvest processing/ manufacturing
units in the public, private and cooperative sectors.
iv. By promoting organization of both domestic and export marketing
chains.
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v. By providing financial assistance to projects in agriculture and allied
sectors.
vi. By identifying special area and ventures which have the potential for
creation of additional employment opportunities particularly women.
vii. By identifying gaps in the existing system and establishing appropriate
linkages through liaison with the Government departments and other
stake holders.
viii. By undertaking surveys and studies for identifying commodities and
enterprises which have potential for development in the state.
ix. By organizing inputs, material supply and production services through
public, private and co-operative sectors.
x. By sponsoring specific research projects relevant to the activities of the
SFAC Kerala in collaboration with research organizations by providing
funding and organizing special training programmes for the transfer of
technology so developed.
In addition to the above, Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC),
Kerala has been entrusted with the implementation of schemes for promotion of
value addition in agriculture in the state in MSME Sector, promotion of Farmer
Producer Organizations and Support to Agri Start ups and agribusiness incubators.
2. Background of the Scheme
To successfully face the existing and emerging challenges for Agricultural
Development, Department of Agricultural Development and Farmers’ Welfare has
to foster innovations in agriculture by promoting futuristic ideas and developing
them in to scalable and marketable business models . Agriculture Development in
Kerala depends on promoting new entrepreneurs to solve challenges in
production to processing in Agriculture. Agripreneurship is to be nourished and
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encouraged to ensure food security of growing population with quality food
produced in a sustainable and eco friendly way. This can only be achieved by
actively creating a new farm-to-fork innovation ecosystem, which supports agri-
entrepreneurs to leverage technology and create a modern agro-industry that is
sustainable but also enriches the lives of people. To accelerate this we need a
program which support disruptive agri-startups holistically by setting agendas,
identifying breakthrough ideas, contributing to knowledge dissemination, and
creating a network of agri-entrepreneurs who share a common vision for the
development of Kerala.
Agri startups and Agribusiness incubators are leading the way globally in
modifying traditional agriculture system with innovative ideas and affordable
solutions. Growing population, climatic change, urbanization and globalized trade
are the parameters that impact agricultural development in Kerala. The need of
the hour is to bridge the gaps in agriculture production with the most modern
technologies and unique business ideas for generating revenue and problem
solving. Agri startups and Agribusiness incubators provide relevant solutions
across the value chain.
Government of Kerala has made policy interventions to uplift the startup
ecosystems by constituting Kerala Start up Mission (KSUM). Department of
Agricultural Development and Farmers’ Welfare intends to collaborate with KSUM
to render innovative and practical solutions to a number of challenges faced by
the stakeholders along the agricultural value chain.
3. Objectives of the Scheme
To foster innovations in agriculture by promoting ideas and developing
them in to scalable and marketable business models
To provide incubation, seed funding and business support services to
entrepreneurs who bring disruptive technologies and fresh ideas to
agriculture.
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To promote convergence of applications of multi disciplinary modern
technologies to Agriculture and development of business models for
enhancing crop production, productivity and profitability of farming.
To attract youth to farming by providing high precision technologies for
high productivity and better price realization by modern post harvest
handling, processing ,packaging and marketing by developing agri- business
start ups.
To provide a gig economy in agriculture by simplifying tasks and timings
and providing appropriate technology and farm machinery so that every
one from school students to highly skilled farm technicians can participate
and face the existing shortage of labor in Agriculture
To attract cutting edge technologies to agriculture and channelize more
investment opportunities in Agriculture.
To modernize agriculture sector by utilizing the modern sophisticated
technologies including e commerce plat forms, IoT (Internet of Things), big
data and advanced analytics technology.
To tap the potential of agripreneurship among the youth in Kerala to
generate employment and income generation particularly in the rural
areas.
To explore models that will help the stakeholders to formulate new
solutions for growing crops in a competitive way by mitigating risks.
To impart necessary training /mentoring activities to entrepreneurs in
collaboration with KSUM , Kerala Agricultural University and other
International and National Institutes.
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To channelize Technically Competent and futuristic ideas for Agricultural
Development of Kerala.
4. Focus Areas and Technology Interventions
4.1 The focus areas of the program will include
Agri Inputs
Cultivation and Crop Care Techniques and Technologies for Safe to Eat and
Organic Food Production . Pest , Disease and Nutrient Management
Technologies. Extension Technologies and New Applications
Green House Technology and Precision Farming use of drones and Robotics
New farming methods like vertical farming ,hydroponics, aeroponics and
Urban Farming
Advanced Irrigation Technology and Water Management
Farm Mechanization, Precision Farming
Better Harvesting Technologies and Applications for Kerala based Crops
Post Harvesting Handling Technology, Food Processing, Value Addition
and Packaging
Food Traceability , e-Commerce Platform and Food Safety
Warehouse and Supply Chain Management
ICT in Agriculture and e-platforms
Farmer Services Centre and Financing Options
Integrated and Mixed Farm Enterprises including Dairy, Animal
Husbandry, and Fisheries.
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Biodiversity Conservation and Introduction of Exotic Crops and Varieties
for Value addition and processing
Innovative , technically Competent and futuristic ideas for Agricultural
Development.
Simplifying Farm Operations by Technology Interventions and
development of a Platform for Gig economy Development for Agricultural
Operations specifically suited for Kerala.
Waste Management Innovations
E-Mobility and Environmentally sustainable solutions for farming
Eco development technologies like Miyawaki Forest
4.2 New and Emerging Smart Technology Applications to be implemented
with the help of Start Ups for paradigm shift in Agricultural Development
in Kerala
Block Chain for Agriculture
Big Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Intelligent Chat Bots
Augmented Reality
Supply Chain Management linked with traceability for Marketing and
Export
ERP Solutions-
Virtual Reality
Internet of Things and Farm Automation
Robotics in Agriculture
Precision Farming
Use of drones
Bug Sensors & IOT Measuring Pest population in field for Pest Control
Machine Learning
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4.3 New age technologies
IT enabled Technology Platforms and Applications for Agricultural Development
to be promoted through start up
Sl.
No Brief Description Area of Application
Potential
Benefits foreseen
2 Augmented Reality,
Internet Of Things (IOT),
Artificial Intelligence and
machine learning based
applications for floods zone
demarcation, timely
warning, monitoring and
reducing the impact of
natural calamities on
cultivated area and crop
loss, drone based crop area
assessment
floods zone
demarcation, timely
warning, monitoring
and reducing the
impact of natural
calamities on
cultivated area and
crop loss, drone
based crop area
assessment
reducing the
impact of natural
calamities on
cultivated area
and crop loss
3 Big data analytics - Soil
Health Card Based Support
System – analysis and
predictions on nutrients,
soil ameliorants etc
Increasing the
production,
productivity and
profitability of
farming
Increasing the
production,
productivity and
profitability of
farming using Big
Data Soil Health
Analytics
4 Block chain technologies
Smart Agricultural
Transactions - User
authentication and
Proper user
authentication and
payment validation
Timely payment
of subsidies with
the highest level
of transparency
and customer
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payment validation satisfaction
5 Smart Crop Insurance / IOT
based climate change
variable confirmation/
drone based pre-surveys
and post damage validation
Crop insurance
service delivery
Better
implementation
of crop insurance
scheme
6 Intelligent Chat Bots based
user interactivity in
Karshika Vivara
Sanketham based
applications
e-Extension through
Karshika Vivara
Sanketham
Better impact for
e-extension
7 Asset Sharing technologies
for Automation System for
Agro Services and Hiring
Centre Activities
Timely supply of farm
machinery and
service of skilled
labourers at
affordable rates
Use of modern
machinery and
service of skilled
labourers
8 E-Commerce Platform for
Kerala based Agricultural
Commodities and
Production based Systems
in Special Agricultural
Zones ensuring traceability
from farm to fork and
supply chain management
and logistics solutions for
Kerala based Safe to Eat
Food Products
Swiggy Model Mobile
Application for buyer and
Agricultural
Marketing
Better price
realization for
Kerala based safe
to eat food
products
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seller interaction
9 Precision Farming and IOT
(Internet of Things ) Based
Applications
Enhancing
productivity of
farming
Increasing
production,
productivity and
profitability of
farming
10 Training and Virtual
Classroom based Solutions
using augmented reality
and virtual reality
technologies
Better extension
technologies
Better adoption
and increasing
yield
11 Robotics and IOT based
solutions for produce
harvesting in Kerala based
crops
Harvesting and post
harvest handling
Better harvesting
12 Pest and disease analysis of
crop pest surveillance
system using IOT and
artificial intelligence and
prediction models
Pest and disease
management
Better pest
control and
increase in yield
13 Price analysis and
predictions models for
Kerala based crops
Marketing Better price
realisation
14 Pesticide residue analysis
and traceability
Produce quality
analysis
Better quality
safe to eat
products
10
15 IOT and AI based irrigation
models for smart
agriculture
Irrigation Better utilization
of water
resources
5. Target Beneficiaries
Individuals, SHG’s, FPO’s, Co-operative and Charitable Societies,
Companies , Women Groups , Student or Student Groups ,Organizations
from Kerala , Government Institutions and Public Sector Undertakings etc
In case of Technology Development for specific purposes if successful
technology ideas from Kerala is not available, based on the urgency of
solution National or International solutions can be accepted. NRKs and NRI’s
can also provide solutions.
6. Scheme Components
Any Agri Business entrepreneur from Kerala is eligible and preference will
be given to those who have registered under Kerala Start Up Mission. Agri Start
up with a valid Business Plan can apply under the scheme. Detailed norms for
implementation of the following components will be decided by Managing
Committee
A) Financial Components under the scheme are
6.1 Seed Fund for Startups
Start ups with an innovative idea for product or Service can apply for
Seed Funding under the scheme. Seed fund (non refundable grant) will
empower the start up to develop a scalable business model in agricultural
sector by offering a customer centric product or services. Selected Start Ups
will be offered a seed fund of 1 Lakh to 10 Lakhs Rupees limited to 50 % of
total Cost as a credit linked back ended subsidy.
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Sl No Components Amount in Lakhs
1) Seed Funding to Start ups as back ended
subsidy
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2) Cost of development of model business plans
and start up capacity building modules in
collaboration with reputed national and
international institutions, deploying interns
and project trainees of MBA, Agri Business,
Post Graduate Courses in Agriculture and
allied fields for field level customization of
business plans , handholding agripreneurs ,
conducting detailed studies, surveys related to
promotion of agripreneur ecosystem in Kerala
(Including handholding or strengthening
existing startups/fpos and msme
entrepreneurs of SFAC Kerala) (Honorarium
@ Rs 20,000/- month per intern/project
trainee for maximum of 3 months, Cost of
certificates to interns/project trainees etc)
10
Total 150 Lakhs
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Seed fund can be used to develop innovative agricultural products,
services, technologies , sustainable Kerala based replicable agri business
models, developing solutions for problems faced by farmers and to solve
challenges in Agricultural sector or for any innovative or special activities
approved by the Managing Committee of the Scheme. Services of reputed
national or international institutions, incubators, accelerators, research
centres, technology developers etc can be used for the benefit of selected
start ups and 50% of costs including patent /trade mark registration
approved by Technical Committee can be reimbursed as back ended
subsidy.
6.2 Challenges & Hackathons
SFAC Kerala will be organizing Challenges and Hackathons for
different categories : School Students, College Students , Women, FPO’s
and Individuals ,Companies and different groups. Selected ideas will be
given prizes and showcased in innovation Demo Days and Innovation
Grant/Seed Fund will be given if selected for further development based
on actual potential of the idea and decisions of Technical Committee. SFAC
Kerala will finalize the themes ,rules and regulations for challenges and
hackathons.
Example of Challenges
i) Appropriate Harvesting Technologies in Coconut, Arecanut , Jack
fruit ,Mango , Banana and other selected crops.
ii) Minimal Processing Machinery (Cutting and separating jack fruit and
other agricultural products for initial processing)
Examples of Hackathons
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i) Mobile and web based e-commerce software platforms for
agricultural commodities, farm produce, processed products
etc with integration of logistics arrangement , latest e-payment
gateways including UPI arrangements and innovative business
models to ensure better prizes to farmers.
ii) Mobile and Web based platforms for electronic or mobile farm
operations and automation of farm or field.
Rs 10 lakhs is earmarked for organizing Challenges and Hackathons for the
year 2020-21.Cost of organizing challenges, prizes, promotion,
documentation etc can be met from this fund.
6.3 Innovation Demo Days/Events
Selected Innovations will be showcased in different events for
encouraging innovators and popularize their application .This will create
awareness and faster adoption for technology to increase the efficiency
and sustainability. This will help in building a vibrant startup culture and a
cohesive ecosystem to address the fragmented ways of current working in
this field, shaping up the cause of Agri-Tech in the State. Eventually the
program will act as a central pillar to provide the knowledge-base, tools &
techniques, acting as a consortium and common body for the agri-
innovators to connect with the Industry, Govt / Semi-Govt Institutions,
Investors / Banks, other startups and many entities connected with the
Agriculture Technologies across the country. Rs 5.5 lakhs is earmarked for
organizing innovation demo days. SFAC Kerala will finalize the themes of
demo days.
6.4 Innovation Grant
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Winners of challenges and hackathons will be given innovation grant @
Rs 1 Lakh per applicant for developing and fine tuning prototype of
product or service based on the recommendations of the Technical
Committee of the Scheme. Rs 10 Lakhs is earmarked for funding 10
potential start ups.
6.5 Agri Start Up Portal
An Agri Start Up Portal will be developed along with Karshika Vivara
Sanketham Portal and Call Centre to disseminate Information about the
Agri Start Up Ecosystem in Kerala and collect ideas/challenges from farmers
and public for product/solution development and conduct various
challenges and competitions. This will provide a vibrant, innovative
ecosystem for agribusiness start ups to flourish. Solution development in a
gamification model to be encouraged with a gig economy model service
benefitting every one in society and simplification of farming challenges.
Rs 2 Lakhs is earmarked for Portal Development and 0.5 Lakhs for giving
publicity to the portal and social media promotion. Total fund of Rs 2.5
Lakhs is available for this purpose.
6.6 Agri Incubation Support Services
Selected Start Ups to be given product /Service Development support
by offering the facility at Agri Incubators / Other Incubators in the State or
Renowned National and International Institutes in India and to test market
the Product/service in selected markets. RKVY RAFTAAR Incubator in KAU,
SFAC Kerala Incubator in CTCRI and other Incubators, Accelerators and
Research Institutions will be used for assisting the start up. An amount up
to Rs 2 Lakhs will be reimbursed to start ups including full cost of
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Incubator fees and cost of inputs. In addition to this 50 % cost of test
marketing in one market limited to Rs 1 Lakh will be reimbursed. Cost of
patent/copy right registration can also be included in this maximum
eligible subsidy of Rs 3 Lakhs. The direct subsidy will be credited to the
bank account of Start up/Incubator. Rs 12 lakhs is earmarked for Agri
Incubation and support services for 4 or more units (maximum eligible
rates of Rs 3 Lakhs per start up)
6.7 Program Manpower and Cost of Essential Infrastructure
One Program Manager will be appointed on contract to co-ordinate the
activities envisaged in the project.
Qualifications of Program Manager
i. Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture
ii Post Graduation in Management or Agri Business with one year
experience
or
One Year IT /e-Governance Experience in reputed National e-Governance
Projects with suitable IT/e-Governance Qualifications
Program Manager will be managing the day to day activities of the
Innovation Centre under the guidance of SFAC Team which includes organising
various outreach activities, responding to internal and external queries,
maintaining relationships with all stakeholders and preparing reports and other
documentation as and when necessary, detailing the program plan and execution
strategy, connecting startups to academia, industry and/or investors as required
for mentorship and funding, branding and management of the innovation centre
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space, identify bottlenecks in the product development process and actively
resolving it, co-ordination of Demo Day to showcase the prototypes and products
developed, assist in the functioning of the technical Committee, Project Appraisal
Committee and Mentor Panel etc. Rs 6 Lakhs is earmarked for this purpose.
( Consolidated Pay @ Rs 40,000/- for 12 months [4,80,000/-] and essential
infrastructure cost of Rs 1.2 lakhs for Laptop, Wireless Net Connector, Printer and
a Smart Phone and SIM for official purpose and other essential office
infrastructure)
6.8 Cost towards mentorship /connect , entrepreneurship support services,
R&D support activities including infrastructure Development and other
contingent expenditure, Honorarium, TA /DA reimbursement of Mentors/
TA /DA reimbursement of Interns and Project trainees for field level survey,
study, business plan customization related travel to start up locations ,cost
of conducting committee meetings etc.
Rs 4.00 Lakhs is earmarked for this purpose
B) Non Financial Components
6.9 Mentoring from Agricultural experts to support product development.
Creation of a Virtual Cadre in Department for mentoring Agri Business Start
Ups in districts by including ADA (Marketing) and interested officers or officers
having Management /Agribusiness Education from districts. 50 Master Trainers
will be trained Online /Offline with the help of KSUM,IIM, Incubators etc for
Virtual Cadre for giving mentoring and other support to start ups. Support of
Mentors and Consultants to be made available to Startups.
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6.10 Provision of requisite knowledge, regulatory and advisory services through
professionals
6.11 Technical support for Development of a Proof of Concept to accelerate
growth
6.12 Purposeful networking for business development
6.13 Business model development Support from Professionals and Institutions
6.14 Access to office spaces/Virtual Offices at KSUM/Agencies under
Department for business activities .Video conferencing and other facilities for
start up by sharing existing facilities in Department free of cost or at
subsidized rates.
6.15 Conference /Exhibition facilities of Department /KSUM and Other
Government agencies free of cost or at subsidized rates
6.16 Product Showcase or free publicity through Department /SFAC/Start Up
Portal or Other Websites
6.17 Marketing Support & Shop Creation Facility through e-commerce
platforms of Department and other popular platforms like Amazon, Jiomart
etc
6.18 Free or Subsidized Participation in B to B Meets organized by Department
and Governmental Agencies.
6.19 Internship at Departmental Institutions and Department assisted MSMES.
6.20 Information Centre Support at SFAC
6.21 Information on single window clearance of GOK
6.22 Promotional Support to Start up
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6.23 Provision of a repository of Model Business Plans/ Projects through Start
Up Portal with the help of NABARD,KSUM ,IIM ,Incubators and other
National and International Institutions
6.24 Online/Offline Trainings for start ups on various subjects with the help
KSUM,SFAC,SAMETI ,IIM, Incubators and other National and International
Institutions.
6.25 Co-ordination with ,KSUM ,Start Up India, TIE,CII ,Management Associations
and Start up Promotional Agencies
6.26 Credit Support through NABARD, SLBC, KSUM, Venture Capital and Angel
Investors and other Agencies and Institutions.
6.27 Joint Programmes with other business promoting Agencies.
6.28 Innovation and Agribusiness Clubs in Agricultural University and Other
Colleges and Schools.
6.29 Leadership Development Opportunities for Start Ups
6.30 Mentoring by NRK’s and NRI’s to emerging start ups.
6.31 Preparation of District wise Directory of Agribusiness start ups
6.32 Bringing together all stakeholders in the agribusiness spectrum in Kerala
under a single umbrella and facilitation and promotion of start ups.
7. Implementation
SFAC Kerala will be the implementing Agency of the scheme.
7.1 Managing Committee
A managing Committee Chaired by the Director, Department of Agriculture
Development and Farmers’ Welfare with representatives from Kerala Start Up
Mission , Department of Industries, KAU, K-DiSC, , NIIST, IISR, CPCRI, Incubation
Centre –CTCRI, Incubation Centre –KAU,NABARD , KSIDC etc will be formed.
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Managing Director, SFAC will be the Convener of the Committee. Managing
Committee will decide on the implementation the Program and sanction
assistance and support to start ups based on the recommendation of Technical
Committee .
7.2 Technical Committee / Business Plan Appraisal Committee
This committee will be chaired by the Managing Director , SFAC Kerala with
selected Technical Persons and Representatives of Kerala Start Up Mission. This
committee will meet to evaluate, select and monitor the progress of startups in
the program.
This committee will meet in a need based manner and will be responsible for
● Identifying problem statements and selecting business plans which could
address various pain points identified by the Department
● Monitoring the projects and providing necessary knowledge support
● Creating a mentor pool with officers from all relevant Agri Institutes in
Kerala
Arriving at the cost of technology or service or business model to be
developed and funding from scheme.
7.3 Process of Implementation
1) Receiving Online Application and Verification by SFAC
2) Online Interview and Business Plan Presentation by Applicant
3) Selection of Applicants by Technical Committee , approval in Managing
Committee and Issue of Primary Approval Letter
4) Inspection of facility /Evaluation of Start up activity
5) Approval by Technical Committee and Managing Committee
6) Release of funds by SFAC to Beneficiaries
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In case of emerging technology areas where licensing or regulations or
sanction is yet to be initiated by appropriate authority Managing Committee can
sanction funding for technology development/application in an experimental or
pilot project model considering the potential of technology and its utility to
farmers.
8. Expected Outcomes
Attracting Innovative technologies in Agriculture
Attracting the best brains and youth to Agriculture
Value Addition and enhancing profitability
Increasing Production, Productivity and Profitability of Farming
Development of GIG economy for Agricultural Development.
Converting Challenges in Agriculture to profitable business
opportunities
Fostering the Start up ecosystem in Agriculture
Providing more Job opportunities in Agriculture
Skill upgradation and increased mechanization in Agriculture
Solving Labour Shortage
Increasing GDP Contribution from Agriculture in the State Economy
Returning to the golden era of farming in Kerala
9. Abstract of Scheme Components
Sl No Components Cost in Lakhs INR
1. Seed Fund for Startups 150.00
2. Challenges & Hackathons 10.00
3. Innovation Grant 10.00
4. Innovation Demo Days 5.50