NABARD Announces ₹750 Crore ‘Agri SURE’ Fund to Promote Innovation in Agriculture

‘Agri SURE’ Fund (Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises):

• Objective: Support start-ups and entrepreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Financial Structure:
  • Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
  • Rs 250 crore each from NABARD and Ministry of Agriculture; remaining Rs 250 crore from other institutions.
• Investment Focus:
  • Investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic, and debt AIFs.
  • Direct equity support to agri start-ups.
• Target: Support approximately 85 agri start-ups.
• Investment Sizes: Up to Rs 25 crore per start-up.

Focus Areas:

• Promote innovation and technology-driven solutions in agriculture.
• Enhance farm produce value chains and rural ecosystem linkages.
• Generate employment and support Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Implementation:

• Managed by NABVENTURES, a subsidiary of NABARD.
• Encourage IT-based solutions and machinery rental services for farmers.