NABARD Announces ₹750 Crore ‘Agri SURE’ Fund
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.