Business coaches can provide support at the ideation stage and help start-ups desiring to innovate in Indian agriculture.

India has 20 agroclimatic zones, grows 157 million hectares, and produces 326 mt and 303 mt respectively of foodgrains, fruits & veggies and foodgrains (FY2021 estimates). About 60% of rural households in India rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Our food and grocery markets rank sixth in the world.

Agriculture has shined brightly in the face of the pandemic. Consumers are demanding safe, healthy food to maintain their immunity. Around 750 startups are involved in agriculture, which has received approximately $800 million in funding. Some of these startups are farmer-facing, while most are consumer-facing. These numbers are sufficient to address the many issues that Indian agriculture faces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clarion call for Doubling Farmers Income (DFI) on February 28, 2016. The heart of DFI is a simple, three-pronged principle. The three-pronged principle of DFI is that farmers’ incomes rise as yields increase and costs decrease. Farmers also receive remuneration prices. Many agencies are working to encourage startups, and agri-startups could play a part in DFI. There are many successes, but better coordination is needed to institutionalise them.

There are certain questions, How do startups get started? Are there any Incubators for them? is there an accelerator to help them grow? Or how champions with concrete ideas and intimate knowledge of agriculture will proceed ahead to fulfil their desire and dream to serve the agriculture sector for better efficiency and productivity. The World Bank first supported incubators for agriculture. Later, support was extended by many other organisations.

RAFTAAR 

Remunerative approaches for agriculture and allied sectors rehabilitation — is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The NITI Aayog governs a comprehensive Atal Innovation Mission. DBT manages Biotech Parks, incubators, and other programs. There are also versions run by the CSIR, ICAR and State Agricultural Universities, private and public universities, and private companies.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Startup India and AGNIi — Accelerating the Growth of New India’s Innovations — both under the Office of Principal Scientist Adviser are two powerful platforms that help build an innovation ecosystem. They include award programmes, commercialisation, and other initiatives.

While reviewing the ICAR in June 2020, the Prime Minister suggested that startups be selected through hackathons to solve problems and create tools and equipment that reduce farmer’s struggle. His intention is clear: India’s welfare is farmers’ welfare.

How can we foster innovation?

This is the typical route taken by incubators: build buildings and facilities, find suitable CEOs (who understand agriculture and have an eye for commercialisation), keep such CEOs, who may be able to move for higher remuneration, or freedom, and apply for grants. Many incubators close their doors when funding is exhausted.