Union Agriculture Minister Launches Rs 750 Crore AgriSure Fund to Empower Startups

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan launched the Rs 750 crore AgriSure Scheme in New Delhi, aimed at boosting technology-driven agricultural startups. The fund features contributions from the Government of India, NABARD, and private investors, and is part of broader efforts to bolster agricultural infrastructure and support farmers.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan unveiled the AgriSure Scheme in New Delhi on Tuesday, a dedicated fund designed to empower agricultural startups. This Rs 750 crore initiative seeks to enhance technology-driven agricultural startups and rural enterprises, backed by contributions from the Government of India, NABARD, and private investors. The event also saw the launch of the AgriSure Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal.

At the event, Minister Chouhan highlighted the fund's successes, noting that over Rs 78,000 crore has already been funneled into the agriculture infrastructure fund, resulting in the completion of more than 65,000 infrastructure projects. Expressing gratitude to bankers, Chouhan said, "The Agri Infra Fund has emerged as a boon today. I would like to thank my bankers from the bottom of my heart for their incomparable contribution to making this scheme a success."

Chouhan, also a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, used the platform to discuss the importance of tailored infrastructure development, warning against the creation of redundant facilities. He emphasized the necessity of infrastructure such as cold storage and ripening centres. Chouhan assured that the fund would remain effective and encouraged startups to take full advantage. He reiterated the government's commitment to empowering farmers, quoting, "Farming is the backbone of the country, with farmers being the lifeblood."

An official press release echoed these points, stating the government's aims to enhance production, reduce costs for farmers, ensure remunerative prices, promote crop diversification, and protect against post-harvest and crop losses. The event concluded with the AgriSure Greenathon Awards, recognizing top innovations in agri-tech by startups like Green Sapio, Krushikanti, and Ambronics.

(With inputs from agencies.)