The AGRI-SURE Fund: A Catalyst for Agricultural Innovation

Frequently Asked Questions about the AGRI-SURE Fund

The AGRI-SURE fund is a significant initiative designed to bolster agriculture and allied sectors in India. Here are some important aspects of this fund:

1. What is the AGRI-SURE Fund?

The AGRI-SURE fund is a ₹750 crore initiative launched in collaboration with NABARD, the agriculture ministry, and private entities. Its primary goal is to support startups, rural enterprises, and agripreneurs within the agricultural domain.

2. What is the Purpose of the AGRI-SURE Fund?

The fund aims to scale up operations for approximately 85 startups over the next five years. Its objectives include:

• Reducing post-harvest losses.
• Enhancing agricultural infrastructure.
• Improving value chains.
• Strengthening Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs).

3. How is the Fund Structured in Terms of Inflows and Outflows?

Inflows: The fund comprises contributions as follows:

• ₹250 crore from NABARD.
• ₹250 crore from the agriculture ministry.
• ₹250 crore mobilized from private institutions.

Outflows: The fund is utilized in the following ways:

• ₹300 crore is directly invested in startups.
• ₹450 crore is allocated as a fund of funds to support venture investors in agriculture and allied sectors.

4. What are the Main Focus Areas of the Fund?

The AGRI-SURE fund concentrates on:

• Supporting startups and agripreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Enhancing the value chains of farm produce.
• Building essential rural infrastructure, including warehouses, cold storage, and processing units.
• Empowering FPOs to minimize reliance on intermediaries.

5. Can You Provide Examples of the Fund’s Application?

Some practical applications of the AGRI-SURE fund include:

• Cold Storage Solutions: Funding startups that develop cold chain infrastructure to prevent spoilage of fruits and vegetables.
• Farm-to-Table Models: Supporting platforms that connect farmers directly to consumers or retailers.
• Agri-Tech Startups: Investing in companies that leverage AI and IoT for precision farming.

6. What are the Fund’s Broader Objectives?

The AGRI-SURE fund addresses critical challenges related to climate change, bridges existing infrastructure gaps, empowers farmers by providing direct access to resources, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices to effectively reduce post-harvest losses. A thriving agriculture sector is essential for a resilient economy.