AgriTech Government Schemes 2025: Top 10 Empowering Startups

AgriTech Government Schemes IntroductionAgriTech Government Schemes Introduction

India’s traditional economic engine, the agriculture industry, is going through a tech shift. Startups are addressing rural and agri related problems and the government is aiding this revolution with multiple AgriTech government schemes, which aim at enabling entrepreneurs, raising farmers and also bringing in sustainable agriculture. The Top 10 government schemes helping (up) AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 Numbers one through ten best govt schemes fostering AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 appear in this article.India’s traditional economic engine, the agriculture industry, is going through a tech shift. Startups are addressing rural and agri related problems and the government is aiding this revolution with multiple AgriTech government schemes, which aim at enabling entrepreneurs, raising farmers and also bringing in sustainable agriculture. The Top 10 government schemes helping (up) AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 Numbers one through ten best govt schemes fostering AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 appear in this article.India’s traditional economic engine, the agriculture industry, is going through a tech shift. Startups are addressing rural and agri related problems and the government is aiding this revolution with multiple AgriTech government schemes, which aim at enabling entrepreneurs, raising farmers and also bringing in sustainable agriculture. The Top 10 government schemes helping (up) AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 Numbers one through ten best govt schemes fostering AgriTech and rural startups in 2025 appear in this article.

Why AgriTech is the Future of Indian AgricultureWhy AgriTech is the Future of Indian Agriculture

India has over 120 million farmers. However, unreliable weather, outdated practices, and lack of access to credit have stifled growth in agriculture. AgriTech firms are reversing that using technology to increase yields, optimize resources, and reach wider markets. The government, recognizing that, has initiated some AgriTech government schemes to spur innovation in agriculture and rural development.India has over 120 million farmers. However, unreliable weather, outdated practices, and lack of access to credit have stifled growth in agriculture. AgriTech firms are reversing that using technology to increase yields, optimize resources, and reach wider markets. The government, recognizing that, has initiated some AgriTech government schemes to spur innovation in agriculture and rural development.India has over 120 million farmers. However, unreliable weather, outdated practices, and lack of access to credit have stifled growth in agriculture. AgriTech firms are reversing that using technology to increase yields, optimize resources, and reach wider markets. The government, recognizing that, has initiated some AgriTech government schemes to spur innovation in agriculture and rural development.

How AgriTech Government Schemes Are Shaping the Rural Startup BoomHow AgriTech Government Schemes Are Shaping the Rural Startup Boom

The proposals don’t just offer financial assistance; they also involve the fostering of tech-enabled solutions through mentoring or market linkages. Be it rural employment generation or ease of technology-enabled solutions, AgriTech Rethinking AgriTech government schemes Key takeaways schemes are reimagining the status quo.The proposals don’t just offer financial assistance; they also involve the fostering of tech-enabled solutions through mentoring or market linkages. Be it rural employment generation or ease of technology-enabled solutions, AgriTech Rethinking AgriTech government schemes Key takeaways schemes are reimagining the status quo.The proposals don’t just offer financial assistance; they also involve the fostering of tech-enabled solutions through mentoring or market linkages. Be it rural employment generation or ease of technology-enabled solutions, AgriTech Rethinking AgriTech government schemes Key takeaways schemes are reimagining the status quo.

Top 10 AgriTech Government Schemes Supporting Rural StartupsTop 10 AgriTech Government Schemes Supporting Rural Startups

1. Startup India Initiative1. Startup India Initiative

OverviewOverview

Initiated in 2016, Startup India offers tax benefits, financial aid, and simplified regulatory procedures for startups, including those within AgriTech. Initiated in 2016, Startup India offers tax benefits, financial aid, and simplified regulatory procedures for startups, including those within AgriTech. Initiated in 2016, Startup India offers tax benefits, financial aid, and simplified regulatory procedures for startups, including those within AgriTech. 

Benefits of Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) Startups Benefits of Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) Startups Benefits of Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) Startups

• Three years of income exempt from taxes Three years of income exempt from taxes Three years of income exempt from taxes

• Self-assessment for labor and environmental standardsSelf-assessment for labor and environmental standardsSelf-assessment for labor and environmental standards

• Access to government contractsAccess to government contractsAccess to government contracts

2. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)2. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)2. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)

Speeding Up Agricultural Startups Speeding Up Agricultural Startups Speeding Up Agricultural Startups 

This is among the most significant AgriTech government initiatives, financing incubation centers and offering grants of up to Rs. 25 lakh for cutting-edge AgriTech startups.This is among the most significant AgriTech government initiatives, financing incubation centers and offering grants of up to Rs. 25 lakh for cutting-edge AgriTech startups.This is among the most significant AgriTech government initiatives, financing incubation centers and offering grants of up to Rs. 25 lakh for cutting-edge AgriTech startups.

Key FeaturesKey Features

• Focused on product commercializationFocused on product commercializationFocused on product commercialization

• Network of 24 RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness IncubatorsNetwork of 24 RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness IncubatorsNetwork of 24 RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators

• Business mentoring and technical supportBusiness mentoring and technical supportBusiness mentoring and technical support

3. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)3. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)

For Rural Food Business OwnersFor Rural Food Business OwnersFor Rural Food Business Owners

The PMFME program assists rural business owners by providing credit-linked financial aid and training to establish micro food processing enterprises. The PMFME program assists rural business owners by providing credit-linked financial aid and training to establish micro food processing enterprises. The PMFME program assists rural business owners by providing credit-linked financial aid and training to establish micro food processing enterprises. 

AgriTech InfluenceAgriTech InfluenceAgriTech Influence

• 35% funding assistance35% funding assistance35% funding assistance

• Expertise assistanceExpertise assistanceExpertise assistance

• Market connection supportMarket connection supportMarket connection support

4. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC&ABC)4. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme (AC&ABC)

Encouraging Agri GraduatesEncouraging Agri Graduates

This scheme supports agri-graduates in setting up Agri-clinics and Agri-business centers with interest-free loans.This scheme supports agri-graduates in setting up Agri-clinics and Agri-business centers with interest-free loans.This scheme supports agri-graduates in setting up Agri-clinics and Agri-business centers with interest-free loans.

StartupStartup Benefits Benefits

• Training from Nodal Training InstitutesTraining from Nodal Training InstitutesTraining from Nodal Training Institutes

• Up to Rs. 20 lakh subsidy for individual projectsUp to Rs. 20 lakh subsidy for individual projectsUp to Rs. 20 lakh subsidy for individual projects

• 100% loan repayment support for first 3 years100% loan repayment support for first 3 years100% loan repayment support for first 3 years

5. Digital Agriculture Mission 2021-20255. Digital Agriculture Mission 2021-2025

Revamping Indian AgricultureRevamping Indian Agriculture

This initiative backs technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and drones within the agricultural sector.This initiative backs technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and drones within the agricultural sector.This initiative backs technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and drones within the agricultural sector.

Advantages for Startups Advantages for Startups

• Collaboration with government databasesCollaboration with government databasesCollaboration with government databases

• Platforms for open data to drive innovationPlatforms for open data to drive innovationPlatforms for open data to drive innovation

• Assistance for digital resources and technology applicationsAssistance for digital resources and technology applicationsAssistance for digital resources and technology applications

6. NABARD’s Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF)6. NABARD’s Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Constructing Rural Infrastructure Constructing Rural Infrastructure

AIF assists startups in developing infrastructure for post-harvest needs, including storage facilities, cold storage systems, and processing centers.AIF assists startups in developing infrastructure for post-harvest needs, including storage facilities, cold storage systems, and processing centers.AIF assists startups in developing infrastructure for post-harvest needs, including storage facilities, cold storage systems, and processing centers.

Funding OverviewFunding Overview

• Loans at subsidized interest ratesLoans at subsidized interest ratesLoans at subsidized interest rates

• Credit guarantee coverageCredit guarantee coverageCredit guarantee coverage

• Support for FPOs and Agri entrepreneursSupport for FPOs and Agri entrepreneursSupport for FPOs and Agri entrepreneurs

7. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)7. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)

Enhancing Agricultural Processing Enhancing Agricultural Processing

This program supports food processing clusters, agro-marine processing, and cold chain infrastructure.This program supports food processing clusters, agro-marine processing, and cold chain infrastructure.This program supports food processing clusters, agro-marine processing, and cold chain infrastructure.

Advantages of the Scheme Advantages of the Scheme

• Financial assistance of up to 75% Financial assistance of up to 75% Financial assistance of up to 75% 

• Creation of backward and forward linkages Creation of backward and forward linkages Creation of backward and forward linkages 

• Encourages entrepreneurship in rural areasEncourages entrepreneurship in rural areasEncourages entrepreneurship in rural areas

8. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)8. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Innovative-Primary Strategy Innovative-Primary Strategy

NITI Aayog’s AIM focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation across India.NITI Aayog’s AIM focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation across India.NITI Aayog’s AIM focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation across India.

AgriTech ApplicationsAgriTech Applications

• Assistance for incubators and creative workshops Assistance for incubators and creative workshops Assistance for incubators and creative workshops 

• Grants for startups in a competitive environment Grants for startups in a competitive environment Grants for startups in a competitive environment 

• Partnership with global AgriTech organizationsPartnership with global AgriTech organizationsPartnership with global AgriTech organizations

9. PM-KUSUM Scheme9. PM-KUSUM Scheme

Sustainable Energy for AgricultureSustainable Energy for Agriculture

This program encourages farmers to adopt solar energy for irrigation and achieve energy self-sufficiency.This program encourages farmers to adopt solar energy for irrigation and achieve energy self-sufficiency.This program encourages farmers to adopt solar energy for irrigation and achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Startup IntegrationStartup Integration

• Chance for solar solution providers Chance for solar solution providers Chance for solar solution providers 

• 30–60% funding assistance 30–60% funding assistance 30–60% funding assistance 

• Assistance for decentralized solar energy systemsAssistance for decentralized solar energy systemsAssistance for decentralized solar energy systems

10. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)10. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Mitigation of Risks via InsuranceMitigation of Risks via Insurance

PMFBY offers crop insurance for farmers that can be integrated by AgriTech startups into their platforms.PMFBY offers crop insurance for farmers that can be integrated by AgriTech startups into their platforms.PMFBY offers crop insurance for farmers that can be integrated by AgriTech startups into their platforms.

Key AdvantagesKey AdvantagesKey Advantages

• Online claim resolutions Online claim resolutions Online claim resolutions 

• Evaluation using satellites and drones Evaluation using satellites and drones Evaluation using satellites and drones 

• Collaborations with InsurTech startupsCollaborations with InsurTech startupsCollaborations with InsurTech startups

Role of NABVENTURES in Assisting Agri StartupsRole of NABVENTURES in Assisting Agri Startups

NABVENTURES, the venture capital division of NABARD, finances AgriTech startups at early and growth stages. It provides equity funding, guidance, and market access. Startups working in precision farming, supply chain tech, and rural fintech can benefit immensely from this AgriTech government scheme enabler.NABVENTURES, the venture capital division of NABARD, finances AgriTech startups at early and growth stages. It provides equity funding, guidance, and market access. Startups working in precision farming, supply chain tech, and rural fintech can benefit immensely from this AgriTech government scheme enabler.NABVENTURES, the venture capital division of NABARD, finances AgriTech startups at early and growth stages. It provides equity funding, guidance, and market access. Startups working in precision farming, supply chain tech, and rural fintech can benefit immensely from this AgriTech government scheme enabler.

How Rural Startups are Leveraging Government SchemesHow Rural Startups are Leveraging Government Schemes

Rural startups are quickly progressing from developing AI-driven crop advisory applications to drone-enabled soil testing systems. Government initiatives offer these startups the funding, guidance, and facilities necessary for success.Rural startups are quickly progressing from developing AI-driven crop advisory applications to drone-enabled soil testing systems. Government initiatives offer these startups the funding, guidance, and facilities necessary for success.Rural startups are quickly progressing from developing AI-driven crop advisory applications to drone-enabled soil testing systems. Government initiatives offer these startups the funding, guidance, and facilities necessary for success.

Achievements NarrativesAchievements Narratives

• DeHaat: DeHaat: DeHaat: Utilized RKVY and AIF to expand its network of farmers. Utilized RKVY and AIF to expand its network of farmers. Utilized RKVY and AIF to expand its network of farmers. 

• Agrowave: Agrowave: Agrowave: Gained advantages from PMKSY for its logistics framework. Gained advantages from PMKSY for its logistics framework. Gained advantages from PMKSY for its logistics framework. 

• Stellapps: Stellapps: Stellapps: Obtained AIM funding for its IoT solutions in the dairy sector.Obtained AIM funding for its IoT solutions in the dairy sector.Obtained AIM funding for its IoT solutions in the dairy sector.

Obstacles and SuggestionsObstacles and Suggestions

Main ObstaclesMain Obstacles

• Administrative holdups Administrative holdups Administrative holdups 

• Insufficient knowledge among new businesses Insufficient knowledge among new businesses Insufficient knowledge among new businesses 

• Digital infrastructure deficiencies in rural locationsDigital infrastructure deficiencies in rural locationsDigital infrastructure deficiencies in rural locations

SuggestionsSuggestions

• Consolidated platform for all governmental agricultural technology initiatives. Consolidated platform for all governmental agricultural technology initiatives. Consolidated platform for all governmental agricultural technology initiatives. 

• Engagement and participation for innovators in rural regions Engagement and participation for innovators in rural regions Engagement and participation for innovators in rural regions 

• Improving partnerships between the government and private industries.Improving partnerships between the government and private industries.Improving partnerships between the government and private industries.

Integrating Government-Backed Incubator Programs into the AgriTech EcosystemIntegrating Government-Backed Incubator Programs into the AgriTech Ecosystem

While government programs offer financial support and policy assistance, incubator initiatives are essential in aiding startups through mentorship, facilities, and networking opportunities. Several of these incubators are making important contributions to the AgriTech sector and the rural startup landscape: While government programs offer financial support and policy assistance, incubator initiatives are essential in aiding startups through mentorship, facilities, and networking opportunities. Several of these incubators are making important contributions to the AgriTech sector and the rural startup landscape: While government programs offer financial support and policy assistance, incubator initiatives are essential in aiding startups through mentorship, facilities, and networking opportunities. Several of these incubators are making important contributions to the AgriTech sector and the rural startup landscape: 

1. Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)1. Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)

OverviewOverview

Set up by NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, AICs seek to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in multiple sectors, such as agriculture. Set up by NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, AICs seek to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in multiple sectors, such as agriculture. Set up by NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, AICs seek to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in multiple sectors, such as agriculture. 

Significance to AgriTechSignificance to AgriTech

These hubs offer AgriTech startups funding, mentorship, and co-working facilities, promoting the creation of scalable and sustainable farming solutions.These hubs offer AgriTech startups funding, mentorship, and co-working facilities, promoting the creation of scalable and sustainable farming solutions.These hubs offer AgriTech startups funding, mentorship, and co-working facilities, promoting the creation of scalable and sustainable farming solutions.

Key characteristicsKey characteristics

• Financial assistance amounting to ₹10 crore allocated over a period of five years.Financial assistance amounting to ₹10 crore allocated over a period of five years.Financial assistance amounting to ₹10 crore allocated over a period of five years.

• Support for 25 to 30 startups each year across various sectors.Support for 25 to 30 startups each year across various sectors.Support for 25 to 30 startups each year across various sectors.

• Solid collaborations with educational organizations, business sectors, and governmental bodies.Solid collaborations with educational organizations, business sectors, and governmental bodies.Solid collaborations with educational organizations, business sectors, and governmental bodies.

Advantages Advantages

• Access to financial resources, assistance, and connections within the industry.Access to financial resources, assistance, and connections within the industry.Access to financial resources, assistance, and connections within the industry.

• Combined settings and support initiatives. Combined settings and support initiatives. Combined settings and support initiatives. 

• Opportunities for engaging with businesses and investorsOpportunities for engaging with businesses and investorsOpportunities for engaging with businesses and investors

2. FIED – IIM Kashipur2. FIED – IIM Kashipur

OverviewOverview

The IIM Kashipur Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) aims to advance AgriTech, rural development, and startups led by women.The IIM Kashipur Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) aims to advance AgriTech, rural development, and startups led by women.The IIM Kashipur Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) aims to advance AgriTech, rural development, and startups led by women.

Connection to AgriTechConnection to AgriTech

FIED provides organized cohort-based initiatives and bootcamps designed for AgriTech entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential resources to thrive in rural markets.FIED provides organized cohort-based initiatives and bootcamps designed for AgriTech entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential resources to thrive in rural markets.FIED provides organized cohort-based initiatives and bootcamps designed for AgriTech entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential resources to thrive in rural markets.

Important FeaturesImportant Features

• Prioritize sustainable livelihoods and social entrepreneurship.Prioritize sustainable livelihoods and social entrepreneurship.Prioritize sustainable livelihoods and social entrepreneurship.

• Boot camps and organized cohort-based programsBoot camps and organized cohort-based programsBoot camps and organized cohort-based programs

AdvantagesAdvantages

• Access is granted by the government (RKVY-RAFTAAR, DST, NABARD).Access is granted by the government (RKVY-RAFTAAR, DST, NABARD).Access is granted by the government (RKVY-RAFTAAR, DST, NABARD).

• CSR partners and market connections in rural IndiaCSR partners and market connections in rural IndiaCSR partners and market connections in rural India

• Support for go-to-market strategy and prototypingSupport for go-to-market strategy and prototypingSupport for go-to-market strategy and prototyping

3. Venture Centre – Pune3. Venture Centre – Pune

OverviewOverview

Located at the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Venture Centre supports IP-heavy startups in engineering, material sciences, and biotech.Located at the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Venture Centre supports IP-heavy startups in engineering, material sciences, and biotech.Located at the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Venture Centre supports IP-heavy startups in engineering, material sciences, and biotech.

Relevance to AgriTechRelevance to AgriTech

AgriTech startups focusing on biotechnology and material sciences can benefit from Venture Centre’s resources, including dedicated IP support and access to BIRAC and DST funds.AgriTech startups focusing on biotechnology and material sciences can benefit from Venture Centre’s resources, including dedicated IP support and access to BIRAC and DST funds.AgriTech startups focusing on biotechnology and material sciences can benefit from Venture Centre’s resources, including dedicated IP support and access to BIRAC and DST funds.

Key FeaturesKey Features

• Dedicated IP support cellDedicated IP support cellDedicated IP support cell

• Fab labs and testing facilitiesFab labs and testing facilitiesFab labs and testing facilities

• Support through BIRAC and DST fundsSupport through BIRAC and DST fundsSupport through BIRAC and DST funds

BenefitsBenefits

• Access to investors and grantsAccess to investors and grantsAccess to investors and grants

• Legal, IP, and business development servicesLegal, IP, and business development servicesLegal, IP, and business development services

• Physical incubation and scale-up spacePhysical incubation and scale-up spacePhysical incubation and scale-up space

Conclusion: Synergizing Schemes and Incubators for AgriTech AdvancementConclusion: Synergizing Schemes and Incubators for AgriTech Advancement

The integration of AgriTech government initiatives and incubator programs fosters a strong environment for AgriTech and rural startups in India. Although schemes deliver crucial financial resources and policy assistance, incubators supply the guidance, facilities, and networking chances vital for startups to flourish. By utilizing both, entrepreneurs can tackle the difficulties of the agriculture industry and promote innovation that aids the wider rural economy.The integration of AgriTech government initiatives and incubator programs fosters a strong environment for AgriTech and rural startups in India. Although schemes deliver crucial financial resources and policy assistance, incubators supply the guidance, facilities, and networking chances vital for startups to flourish. By utilizing both, entrepreneurs can tackle the difficulties of the agriculture industry and promote innovation that aids the wider rural economy.The integration of AgriTech government initiatives and incubator programs fosters a strong environment for AgriTech and rural startups in India. Although schemes deliver crucial financial resources and policy assistance, incubators supply the guidance, facilities, and networking chances vital for startups to flourish. By utilizing both, entrepreneurs can tackle the difficulties of the agriculture industry and promote innovation that aids the wider rural economy.