4 September 2025, Kharagpur & Kolkata
In a major step to catalyze the agri-startup ecosystem of West Bengal, a virtual Agri-Startup Bootcamp was jointly organized by the Agri-Food Business Incubation Centre (AFBIC), IIT Kharagpur, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) scheme.
The programme, designed for agri-entrepreneurs, startups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) connected with KVKs, was significant as AFBIC, IIT Kharagpur, is the designated RKVY-RAFTAAR incubator for West Bengal.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, underscored the importance of building a vibrant ecosystem for agri-entrepreneurship in the state. He emphasized that with robust institutional support, strategic partnerships, and youth-driven innovations, West Bengal can harness its rural potential and contribute substantially to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The bootcamp highlighted the scheme’s key support pillars and opportunities:
• Funding Support – Grants of up to ₹5 lakh for idea-stage innovations and up to ₹25 lakh or more for early-growth startups to facilitate the transition from concept to commercialization.
• Incubation & Mentorship – Specialized services through AFBIC, including co-working spaces, laboratory access, IP and legal support, technical mentorship, and business development assistance.
• Strategic Growth Opportunities – Focus on sustainable agri-enterprises through market linkages, value chain integration, climate-resilient business models, and investor engagement.
The event witnessed participation from 72 agri-startups and grassroots innovators across West Bengal. An interactive Q&A session enabled direct engagement with experts, fostering exchange of ideas and clarity on incubation and funding pathways.
Concluding the programme, the organizers reiterated their commitment to handholding rural innovators and strengthening the ecosystem through KVKs, incubators, and strategic partnerships laying a strong foundation for scalable and sustainable agri-enterprises in the state.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram