FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

The Indian agri-tech environment can possibly draw in ventures of more than $10 billion over the course of the following ten years, as per a FICCI-PwC report.

The report, named 'Agri-start-ups: Heralding next level of agricultural transformation,' uncovers that the country's present start-ups, assessed at more than 600, represent only 1 percent of the assessed future business opportunity of 24 billion US Dollar. This addresses the enormous capability of the country's horticultural new businesses, said in the report .

Notwithstanding being a pandemic year, financial backers poured in more than 500 million US Dollar in agri-tech field in 2020, contrasted with 248 million US Dollar out of 2019."With a huge ascent in venture action and taking a gander at the immense market capability of Agritech in India, industry specialists gauge that there will be speculations of more than or more 10 billion US Dollar in the following ten years," the report said.

In addition, the report further claimed that the Centre has demonstrated its willingness to push policy changes in farming and unified areas and to reinforce the infrastructure of agri start-ups. The newly introduced Agri changes are a move toward that path and tries to aim to break the complicated Agri-production network, it noticed.

Further to pull in capital and assemble a powerful agri start-up framework proceeding, the FICCI-PwC report said driving force is required in vital key territories, namely, infrastructural facilitation, product creativity, supporting business venture and incubation, improved co-manifestations and institutional help.

5 point plan recommended by FICCI-PwC for building a comprehensive agri-tech environment.

Accelerating Development of Agri-Stack – A cross country single and centralized computerized agri information base platform could serve as a one-stop-arrangement and empowering agent for information necessities in the start-up environment. This combined with better information framework, portable proficiency and high speed access to the web in rural India, will lighten the framework barriers.

Introducing business venture and incubation: Using entrepreneurship and incubation: assistance at the ecological level in incubation centres for agribusiness, correct professional development, and a combination of technical and managerial aid will allow AgriTech start-ups to move up in their business.

Co-creation via partnerships: In order to maximise viability throughout supply chains and promote good price realisation for marginal and small producers, there is a need to cultivate an excellent joint relationship amongst start-up firms, FPOs and MSMEs.

Innovation in terms of products: New agri businesses need to team up and connect effectively with banking and financial firms to incorporate credit and insurance Programmes namely Agri-FinTech arrangements focused on crops and regions in such a way that marginal and small farmers get urged to promptly receive climate strong arrangements. New agri companies can likewise advance and alter tech answers for quality examining, recognizability and food handling. Item innovation initiatives can be effectively applied through constant commitment between new companies and the Government, and different facilitators.

Institutional help: To guarantee essential institutional help for new Agri companies there is additionally a requirement for making a committed Agri start-up cell at a decentralized level to meet the imperative regulatory and Ease of Doing Business necessities for new companies.

FnBnews | Feb 12, 2021

Karnataka set to release policy framework on agri start-ups & operational guidelines to boost growth

Karnataka government is expected to shortly bring out a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines. The state sees that this would give the much needed boost to the agriculture landscape across the 30 districts.

The move ensues following Union government’s Start up and Stand Up India agenda, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the country has been noticing the significant contribution coming in from the start-ups in the primarily in the area of innovation in technology that could bring in cost effectiveness and efficiency. In this regard the state government has constituted a committee to devise a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines that will enable formulate a congenial eco-system for this segment of early stage companies.

On similar lines too agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers, noted Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil.

Minister Patil was deliberating a virtual session of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) summit and awards for agri start-ups, said the food and agriculture practices and enterprises in India are ready for transformational changes in line with the new government policies.

"Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agri business in terms of approach and structure. The committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly," he was quoted as saying in a FICCI statement.

T R Kesavan, chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President (Corporate Relations and Alliances), TAFE said every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups.

According to Hemendra Mathur, chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups, "Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka."

Pravesh Sharma, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and Co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Pvt Ltd, emphasised on having state-level agri start-up policy for different states and this should be supported by a dedicated organisation to promote agri start-ups.

Chiming in on a similar note was Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI who said that the agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic ideas.

Indiapigeon News | Feb 11, 2021

Pune agri-Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions bags FICCI award 2021

Pune-based agriculture Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited has bagged the Best Agri Startup (Industry Partnership) Award presented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), winners of which were on Wednesday in New Delhi.

The Startup is involved in developing bio-molecules capable of making crops climate resilient and withstand adverse weather. Currently, they are engaging farmers from Pune, Satara and Nashik districts in Maharashtra besides collaborating with those from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Their solutions have curbed crops losses upto 70 per cent due to untimely rain and similar weather events.

Incubated at the Venture Centre, under CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, in 2016, this Startup also has special projects to develop export quality fruits, including grapes and pomegranate. The company is a recipient of LEAP funds from BIRAC and also winners of a grant supported by Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission.

During the event hosted virtually, the rising trend of Startups was shared. Since the launch of Startup India about five years ago, the number of Startups has been steadily rising with 9300 emerging in 2019.

“However, only 500 Startups working in agriculture took off,” remarked BC patil, Minister for Agriculture, Karnataka.

This year, about 30 Statrups and companies were presented with FICCI awards in numerous categories.

Silicon India | Feb 11, 2021

AgTech Startup 'AgNext' Bags "Most Innovative Agri Startup Award" in the 3rd Edition of Virtual FICCI Summit & Awards

AgTech startup, AgNext, was named as the “Most Innovative Agri Startup Award” in the 3rd edition of Virtual FICCI Summit & Awards for Agri Start-Ups held on 9-10 February 2021. Incubated at IIT Kharagpur and supported by VC funds Omnivore and Kalaari, AgNext works at intersection of hardware, software and analytics for quality estimation in agriculture and food.

The award was presented by Shri B.C. Patil, Hon. Agriculture Minister, Govt. of Karnataka. At the event, he said that agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

Speaking at the event, TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd emphasized that every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups.

Speaking about receiving the award, Taranjeet Singh Bhamra, Founder & CEO, AgNext said, “I’m delighted to receive this award. FICCI has shown great confidence in our vision and it truly inspires us to use first principles and data science along with deep learning to continue innovating for agriculture and solving the food problem for the world.”

Founded in 2016 AgNext has built a technology platform for agribusinesses aimed at solving the problem of food quality to accelerate transactions and build sustainability.

The AI based platform 'Qualix' helps in rapid commodity assessment across procurement, trade, production, storage, and consumption of food & agri value chains. The Qualix AI engine uses spectrometry, computer vision and IoT Sensing solutions, delivered through an integrated hardware and software interface for accurate and instant quality analysis of commodities like milk, tea, grains, animal feed and spices.

AgNext has become India’s first digital assaying company for Government along with many private players & working across seven states impacting 1.5 million tonnes of procurement through its system.

Pehal News | Feb 11, 2021

Karnataka to soon unveil policy framework on agri startups & operational guidelines

Karnataka agriculture minister B C Patil stated on Wednesday the government would soon unveil a policy framework on agri startups and operational guidelines. Patil stated agri startups can present lacking hyperlinks within the agricultural worth chain and ship environment friendly, modern merchandise, applied sciences and providers to farmers and shoppers.

Addressing a digital session of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) summit and awards for agri startups, he stated the meals and agriculture practices and enterprises in India are poised for transformational adjustments consistent with the brand new authorities insurance policies.

“Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agri business in terms of approach and structure,” he was quoted as saying in a FICCI assertion.

To develop congenial eco-system for agri startups in Karnataka, a committee had been constituted to formulate a policy framework on agri startups and operational guidelines.

“The committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly,” he stated, in accordance to the assertion.

Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President (Corporate Relations & Alliances), TAFE Ltd, T R Kesavan stated stated each agri startup has its personal power and there’s a want to create a devoted cell for agri startups.

Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri startups, Hemendra Mathur stated: “Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka”.

Pravesh Sharma, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and Co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Pvt Ltd, emphasised on having state-level agri startup policy for various states and this ought to be supported by a devoted organisation to promote agri startups.

FICCI Secretary General Dilip Chenoy stated the agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic concepts.

The Indian Express | Feb 11, 2021

Pune agri-Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions bags FICCI award 2021

Pune-based agriculture Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited has bagged the Best Agri Startup (Industry Partnership) Award presented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), winners of which were on Wednesday in New Delhi.

The Startup is involved in developing bio-molecules capable of making crops climate resilient and withstand adverse weather. Currently, they are engaging farmers from Pune, Satara and Nashik districts in Maharashtra besides collaborating with those from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Their solutions have curbed crops losses upto 70 per cent due to untimely rain and similar weather events.

Incubated at the Venture Centre, under CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, in 2016, this Startup also has special projects to develop export quality fruits, including grapes and pomegranate. The company is a recipient of LEAP funds from BIRAC and also winners of a grant supported by Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission.

During the event hosted virtually, the rising trend of Startups was shared. Since the launch of Startup India about five years ago, the number of Startups has been steadily rising with 9300 emerging in 2019.

“However, only 500 Startups working in agriculture took off,” remarked BC patil, Minister for Agriculture, Karnataka.

This year, about 30 Statrups and companies were presented with FICCI awards in numerous categories.

India Education Diary | Feb 11, 2021

Agri Start-ups can provide missing links in agri value chain & deliver innovative products to farmers, consumers: Agriculture Minister, Govt of Karnataka

Mr BC Patil, Agriculture Minister, Govt of Karnataka today said that agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

Addressing the virtual session of FICCI Summit & Awards for Agri Start-ups, Mr Patil said that the food and agriculture practices and enterprises in India is poised for transformational changes in line with the new government policies. “Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agri business in terms of approach and structure,” he added.

Mr Patil stated that since 2014, start-ups have been coming in a big way in India and by 2018 we had more than 50,000 start-ups. “In 2019 alone 9,300 start-ups emerged, however only 500 agri start-ups could take off so far,” he emphasized.

Mr Patil said that considering Bangalore as a hub of start-ups and to develop congenial eco-system for agri start-ups in Karnataka, the ministry constituted a committee to formulate a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines. “The Committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly,” he noted.

He further congratulated FICCI for its continued support in developing the desired agri ecosystem in promoting agri start-ups in India, and especially in Karnataka. “The selection process for the awards was on competitive mode and with an evaluation process through three-tier assessment by a jury comprising of experts in the sector,” Mr Patil said.

Mr TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd said that every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups. “Karnataka is known as the start-up capital and the state is focusing to invite global companies to invest in India and boost the start-up ecosystem in India,” he added.

Mr Hemendra Mathur, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups said that Bangalore is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka.

Mr Pravesh Sharma, Advisor, FICCI; Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and Co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Pvt Ltd emphasized on having state level agri start-up policy for different states and this should be supported by a dedicated organization to promote agri start-ups.

Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI said that the FICCI Award for agriculture start-up showcases the innovative interventions of the agri sector. The award recognizes the best of the best, but each applicant is a winner. “The agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic ideas. FICCI is committed to the development of agri tech sector for the last three years,” he added.

Representative from KisanKraft Ltd and PwC who was also the Knowledge partner of this initiative congratulated FICCI and the winners. The Award ceremony ended with the note that Agri Start-ups are the future of Indian Agriculture and their innovations can go a long way in improving farm economic too.

Agro Spectrum | Feb 11, 2021

Aquaconnect receives FICCI’s 'Best Agri Startup in Application of Digital Technologies Award'

This Award gives a platform to Agri Startups to showcase their exemplary projects implemented on a range of issues impacting Indian Agriculture and allied sectors.

The pioneer in tech infused Aqua farming, Aquaconnect, wins the 1st runner up 'Best Agri Startup in Application of Digital Technologies (Mature Stage) Award' in the 3rd edition of Virtual FICCI Summit & Awards for Agri Start-Ups held on February 9-10, 2021. This Award gives a platform to Agri Startups to showcase their exemplary projects implemented on a range of issues impacting Indian Agriculture and allied sectors. The award was presented by B.C. Patil, Hon. Agriculture Minister, Government of Karnataka.

BC Patil, Agriculture Minister, Govt of Karnataka said that agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

On the award achievement Rajamanohar Somasundaram, CEO and Founder of Aquaconnect said, “I thank FICCI for recognising Aquaconnect as a winner of FICCI Agri Startup Awards. It is a great validation and encouragement for us to continue our efforts to improve the efficiencies of Indian fisheries and aquaculture value chains through technology intervention.”

TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd emphasized that every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups.

Aquaconnect is a full-stack aquaculture technology venture that works with 13,000+ shrimp and fish aquaculture farmers in various states of India to improve their farm productivity and market linkage through AI and satellite remote sensing technology.

Orissa Diary | Feb 11, 2021

Agri Start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation & democratization of technology: Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, NRAA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, NRAA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India today said that while India has made good progress in ease of doing business, more efforts are still required to make agriculture competitive.

Addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of FICCI Summit and Awards for Agri Start-ups, Dr Dalwai said that agricultural start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation. He also mentioned that it is imperative to democratize technology and create jobs in rural India through development of Agri start up ecosystem. “We need to create a single platform of agricultural institutions and compile their technology to make it available to the Agri start-ups. There are numerous incubation centres in the country that run entrepreneurship development programmes. This needs to be made available through a single window system,” he said. Also, all government departments and stakeholders need to come together and set up a one-stop- solution for data collection, he added.

Speaking on the importance of the sector, Dr Dalwai said, “Agriculture should not be seen as just a food producing sector but as a major contributor to building the nation’s economy. While every nation will compete to becoming a global hub for certain commodities, India need to reorient and redesign agriculture to generate more productive employment and gain rightful position in global market.” He also highlighted the importance of collaborative partnership between Start-ups, FPOs and MSMEs to drive holistic growth in the sector.

Further, Dr Dalwai said that it is important to promote capacity building and enhance skills. “Secondary agriculture should be brought forward as a main activity for agricultural start-ups to explore” he added.

Ms Neelkamal Darbari, MD, SFAC, Govt of India, mentioned that wider use and dissemination of customised technologies across the agriculture value chain from pre-harvest to post harvest is the need of the hour. Enhancing the use of technology to empower FPOs with information is equally important, she added.

Mr TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd said that FICCI is well connected with Agri Start-ups. He said that compared to start-ups in other sectors, the main constraint that Agri start-ups face is that of not being able to scale. “While the agri start-ups bring in brilliant ideas and get into a mode of action on the ground, one of the areas that they get stuck in is ‘how to expand?’ and we need to address this issue,” he said.

Speaking on FICCI’s pre budget agenda, Mr Kesavan mentioned that FICCI had put profound focus on development of agri start-up ecosystem and creation of single unified digital agri-database infrastructure. On the recent farm reform laws, Mr Kesavan said that the reform laws are good for the country in the long run. It is anticipated that these reforms will also encourage farmers to interact directly with those new age Agri start-ups that have built their foundations on technology.

Mr Rajesh Raghvan, Managing Director and Country Head, Husqvarna India said that with multi-fold growth in less than a decade and with more technological minds getting into agriculture, it is no surprise that the global eyes are on the emerging Agritech sector in India.

The FICCI-PwC Report: Agri-startups: Heralding Next Level of Agricultural Transformation was also released. The report identifies the status of Indian agriculture and the resilience of start-ups during COVID-19 and beyond. The knowledge report also strongly suggests strategies to build globally competitive and robust Agri ecosystem.

Briefing about the knowledge report released during the event, Mr Ashok Varma, Partner & Head, Social Sector Advisory Practice, PwC, and Knowledge partner to this initiative, said that the report looks at the agricultural start-up ecosystem in the country as well as the various emerging trends in Indian agriculture. “Agri Start-ups are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture in next decade therefore supporting Agtech start up ecosystem to scale up would be critical to success of this journey,” he said.

Mr Hemendra Mathur, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups and Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund said that FICCI has had numerous industry- start-up interactions in last few years. “The next decade will be the period of Agri start-ups with a huge transformation in the food economy. He further said that the Agri start-up ecosystem will not only create value, but also improve farmer access and take innovative solutions to rural areas.

Bada Business | Feb 11, 2021

Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Ltd bags FICCI best Agri Start-Up Award 2021

Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited, a Pune-based agriculture start-up has won the Best Agri Start-Up (Industry Partnership) Award presented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for 2021. The winners for this year awards were announced on Wednesday in New Delhi. It was founded in 2016 in Venture Centre, under CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory. As per their official website, the start-up aims at providing relief to farmers worldwide, struggling with crop loss, temperature fluctuations, drought, resilient insects and diseases. Bioprime Agrisolutions is developing effective and affordable next generation Agri biologicals with time-proven biomolecules, life-friendly chemistry, smart material and energy use.

Its mission is to create innovative and disruptive next-generation Agri Biological technology platforms, in order to help the farmers fight the climate change, and help in increasing the field's yield in order to enhance farming revenues. " Our endeavor is to be leader in the agricultural industry, reforming and revolutionizing the industry by developing, promoting and providing Innovative and Sustainable farming solutions," the start-up says.

The start-up is currently working with farmers from Pune, Satara and Nashik districts and have collaborated with several peasants from the states of Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana as well. As per reports, the solutions developed by the Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited have been beneficial in avoiding crop losses owing to untimely rain and other climatic events by 70 per cent.

Its research and development activities has been supported and acknowledged by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The start-up has so far launched three products across ten states in India. It has also been recognised as DIPP start-up with intra-ministerial approval. Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited is a recipient of LEAP funds from BIRAC and also winners of a grant supported by Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission.

Daily Pune | Feb 11, 2021

Pune-based Agriculture-Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions bags FICCI Award 2021

Pune-based agriculture Startup Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Limited has stowed the Best Agri Startup (Industry Partnership) Award introduced by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), champs of which were on Wednesday in New Delhi.

The Startup is associated with creating bio-particles fit for making crops environment versatile and withstand antagonistic climate. Right now, they are drawing in ranchers from Pune, Satara and Nashik areas in Maharashtra other than teaming up with those from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Their answers have controlled yields misfortunes upto 70% because of troublesome downpour and comparative climate occasions.

Brooded at the Venture Center, under CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, in 2016, this Startup additionally has exceptional activities to create send out quality organic products, including grapes and pomegranate. The organization is a beneficiary of LEAP assets from BIRAC and furthermore victors of an award upheld by Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission.

During the event facilitated practically, the rising pattern of Startups was shared. Since the dispatch of Startup India around five years back, the quantity of Startups has been consistently ascending with 9300 arising in 2019.

“However, only 500 Startups working in agriculture took off,” remarked BC patil, Minister for Agriculture, Karnataka.

This year, around 30 Statrups and organizations were given FICCI grants in various classes.

Indian Chemical News | Feb 11, 2021

Agri Start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation & democratization of technology: CEO, NRAA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, NRAA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India today said that while India has made good progress in ease of doing business, more efforts are still required to make agriculture competitive.

Addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of FICCI Summit and Awards for Agri Start-ups, Dr Dalwai said that agricultural start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation. He also mentioned that it is imperative to democratize technology and create jobs in rural India through development of Agri start up ecosystem. "We need to create a single platform of agricultural institutions and compile their technology to make it available to the Agri start-ups. There are numerous incubation centres in the country that run entrepreneurship development programmes. This needs to be made available through a single window system," he said. Also, all government departments and stakeholders need to come together and set up a one-stop- solution for data collection, he added.

Speaking on the importance of the sector, Dr Dalwai said, "Agriculture should not be seen as just a food producing sector but as a major contributor to building the nation's economy. While every nation will compete to becoming a global hub for certain commodities, India need to reorient and redesign agriculture to generate more productive employment and gain rightful position in global market." He also highlighted the importance of collaborative partnership between Start-ups, FPOs and MSMEs to drive holistic growth in the sector.

Further, Dr Dalwai said that it is important to promote capacity building and enhance skills. "Secondary agriculture should be brought forward as a main activity for agricultural start-ups to explore" he added.

Neelkamal Darbari, MD, SFAC, Govt of India, mentioned that wider use and dissemination of customised technologies across the agriculture value chain from pre-harvest to post harvest is the need of the hour. Enhancing the use of technology to empower FPOs with information is equally important, she added.

TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd said that FICCI is well connected with Agri Start-ups. He said that compared to start-ups in other sectors, the main constraint that Agri start-ups face is that of not being able to scale. "While the agri start-ups bring in brilliant ideas and get into a mode of action on the ground, one of the areas that they get stuck in is 'how to expand?' and we need to address this issue," he said.

Rajesh Raghvan, Managing Director and Country Head, Husqvarna India said that with multi-fold growth in less than a decade and with more technological minds getting into agriculture, it is no surprise that the global eyes are on the emerging Agritech sector in India.

The FICCI-PwC Report: Agri-startups: Heralding Next Level of Agricultural Transformation was also released. The report identifies the status of Indian agriculture and the resilience of start-ups during COVID-19 and beyond. The knowledge report also strongly suggests strategies to build globally competitive and robust Agri ecosystem.

Briefing about the knowledge report released during the event, Ashok Varma, Partner & Head, Social Sector Advisory Practice, PwC, and Knowledge partner to this initiative, said that the report looks at the agricultural start-up ecosystem in the country as well as the various emerging trends in Indian agriculture. "Agri Start-ups are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture in next decade therefore supporting Agtech start up ecosystem to scale up would be critical to success of this journey," he said.

Hemendra Mathur, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups and Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund said that FICCI has had numerous industry- start-up interactions in last few years. "The next decade will be the period of Agri start-ups with a huge transformation in the food economy. He further said that the Agri start-up ecosystem will not only create value, but also improve farmer access and take innovative solutions to rural areas.

Agro Spectrum | Feb 10, 2021

Agri Start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation: Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, NRAA

Dr Ashok Dalwai, CEO, NRAA, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India said that while India has made good progress in ease of doing business, more efforts are still required to make agriculture competitive.

Addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of FICCI Summit and Awards for Agri Start-ups, Dr Dalwai said that agricultural start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation. He also mentioned that it is imperative to democratize technology and create jobs in rural India through development of Agri start up ecosystem. “We need to create a single platform of agricultural institutions and compile their technology to make it available to the Agri start-ups. There are numerous incubation centres in the country that run entrepreneurship development programmes. This needs to be made available through a single window system,” he said. Also, all government departments and stakeholders need to come together and set up a one -stop- solution for data collection, he added.

Speaking on the importance of the sector, Dr Dalwai said, “Agriculture should not be seen as just a food producing sector but as a major contributor to building the nation’s economy. While every nation will compete to becoming a global hub for certain commodities, India need to reorient and redesign agriculture to generate more productive employment and gain rightful position in global market.” He also highlighted the importance of collaborative partnership between Start-ups, FPOs and MSMEs to drive holistic growth in the sector.

Further, Dr Dalwai said that it is important to promote capacity building and enhance skills. “Secondary agriculture should be brought forward as a main activity for agricultural start-ups to explore” he added.

Neelkamal Darbari, MD, SFAC, Govt of India, mentioned that wider use and dissemination of customised technologies across the agriculture value chain from pre-harvest to post harvest is the need of the hour.

TR Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President, TAFE Ltd said, “While the agri start-ups bring in brilliant ideas and get into a mode of action on the ground, one of the areas that they get stuck in is ‘how to expand?’ and we need to address this issue”.

Daily Hunt | Feb 10, 2021

K'taka to soon unveil policy framework on agri start-ups & operational guidelines

Karnataka Agriculture Minister BC Patil said on Wednesday the government would soon unveil a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines.

Patil said agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

Addressing a virtual session of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) summit and awards for agri start-ups, he said the food and agriculture practices and enterprises in India are poised for transformational changes in line with the new government policies.

”Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agribusiness in terms of approach and structure,” he was quoted as saying in a FICCI statement.

To develop congenial eco-system for agri start-ups in Karnataka, a committee had been constituted to formulate a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines.

”The committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly,” he said, according to the statement.

Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President (Corporate Relations & Alliances), TAFE Limited, TR Kesavan said every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups.

Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups, HemendraMathur said: ”Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka.”

Pravesh Sharma, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Private Limited, emphasised on having State-level agri start-up policy for different States and this should be supported by a dedicated organisation to promote agri start-ups.

FICCI Secretary General Dilip Chenoy said the agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic ideas.

The Economic Times | Feb 10, 2021

Karnataka to soon unveil policy framework on agri startups & operational guidelines

Karnataka agriculture minister B C Patil said on Wednesday the government would soon unveil a policy framework on agri startups and operational guidelines. Patil said agri startups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

Addressing a virtual session of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) summit and awards for agri startups, he said the food and agriculture practices and enterprises in India are poised for transformational changes in line with the new government policies.

"Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agri business in terms of approach and structure," he was quoted as saying in a FICCI statement.

To develop congenial eco-system for agri startups in Karnataka, a committee had been constituted to formulate a policy framework on agri startups and operational guidelines.

"The committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly," he said, according to the statement.

Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President (Corporate Relations & Alliances), TAFE Ltd, T R Kesavan said said every agri startup has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri startups.

Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri startups, Hemendra Mathur said: "Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka".

Pravesh Sharma, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and Co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Pvt Ltd, emphasised on having state-level agri startup policy for different states and this should be supported by a dedicated organisation to promote agri startups.

FICCI Secretary General Dilip Chenoy said the agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic ideas.

Business Standard | Feb 10, 2021

Karnataka to soon unveil policy framework on agriculture start-ups

Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil said on Wednesday the Government would soon unveil a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines.

Patil said agri start-ups can provide missing links in the agricultural value chain and deliver efficient, innovative products, technologies and services to farmers and consumers.

Addressing a virtual session of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) summit and awards for agri start-ups,he said the food and agriculture practices and enterprises in India are poised for transformational changes in line with the new government policies.

"Agriculture has been rapidly evolving into agri business in terms of approach and structure," he was quoted as saying in a FICCI statement.

To develop congenial eco-system for agri start-ups in Karnataka, a committee had been constituted to formulate a policy framework on agri start-ups and operational guidelines.

"The committee has submitted the policy documents to the government, and we are in the process of releasing it shortly," he said, according to the statement.

Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee & Group President (Corporate Relations & Alliances), TAFE Ltd, T R Kesavan said said every agri start-up has its own strength and there is a need to create a dedicated cell for agri start-ups.

Chairman, FICCI Task Force on Agri Start-ups, Hemendra Mathur said: "Bengaluru is the tech capital of the country and we must think towards building a centre for excellence in the agriculture sector with the kind of talent and resources that we have in Karnataka".

Pravesh Sharma, Chairman, FICCI Task Force on FPOs and Co-founder and CEO, Kamatan Farm Tech Pvt Ltd, emphasised on having state-level agri start-up policy for different states and this should be supported by a dedicated organisation to promote agri start-ups.

FICCI Secretary General Dilip Chenoy said the agriculture ecosystem is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship with disruptive and futuristic ideas.

Business Standard | Feb 10, 2021

There is a need to create single platform of Agricultural Institutions

Ashok Welfare, has said that while India has made good progress in ease of doing business, more efforts are still required to make agriculture competitive. Addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of FICCI Summit and Awards for Agri Start-ups, Dalwai said that agricultural start-ups should become the pivot of agricultural transformation. He also mentioned that it is imperative to democratize technology and create jobs in rural India through development of Agri start up ecosystem. There is a need to create a single platform of agricultural institutions and compile their technology to make it available to the Agri start-ups.

There are numerous incubation centres in the country that run entrepreneurship development programmes. This needs to be made available through a single window system. Agriculture should not be seen as just a food producing sector but as a major contributor to building the nation's economy. While every nation will compete to becoming a global hub for certain commodities, India need to reorient and redesign agriculture to generate more productive employment and gain rightful position in global market.

Agriculture Post | Feb 10, 2021

Karnataka to bring in new policies for agritech start-ups soon: Minister

The Week | Feb 10, 2021

Karnataka to soon unveil policy framework on agri start-ups operational guidelines