Kerala is backing 19 agri-startups with a ₹2 crore grant under the central PM RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme to drive agricultural exports. The initiative focuses on value-added products and modern processing technology to help local agribusinesses compete internationally.
Detailed Coverage
The Kerala government has launched a targeted initiative to strengthen the state’s agricultural exports by supporting technology-driven startups. Through the central PM RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme, a total of ₹2 crore has been allocated to assist 19 selected agribusiness ventures. This financial support, distributed through the Kerala Agricultural University’s (KAU) Agri Business Incubator, aims to transition traditional farming output into higher-value processed goods suitable for global markets.
Focus on Value Addition and Technology
State Agriculture Minister T. Siddique noted that the initiative is designed to move beyond raw commodity sales. By investing in scientific processing and quality assurance, the state hopes to improve the international competitiveness of its agricultural products. The selected startups are working on a variety of innovations, ranging from processed fruit and vegetable cubes and specialized peanut butter to mechanical tools like electric brush cutters and pepper threshers. Other ventures are focused on smart farming technology, such as dragon fruit care systems and soil nutrient testers.
Supporting the Agri-Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The funding is complemented by a month-long training program for new entrepreneurs. This training covers essential business areas, including financial management, branding, market access, and the commercialization of agricultural technologies. KAU Vice-Chancellor T. Sajitha Rani stated that the university is acting as a bridge, helping research-based ideas become viable enterprises through incubation and mentoring.
For investors and sector observers, this move signals a state-level push toward industrializing the agricultural supply chain. While the grant amount of ₹2 crore is relatively small in the context of total state agricultural spending, it represents a strategic effort to foster an ecosystem of high-tech agribusinesses. The success of this initiative will depend on whether these startups can scale their operations, secure further private funding, and successfully establish brands in competitive export markets. The primary monitorables moving forward will be the commercial viability of these startups, their ability to meet international quality standards, and the state’s progress in creating broader market access for these new value-added products.