Agrotech startups took center stage at the 6th edition of the Agri Startup Summit & Awards, hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on August 5th at FICCI Federation House in New Delhi. The event, focused on “Nurturing Agri Innovations,” celebrated the remarkable contributions of startups in revolutionizing India’s agriculture sector.
The summit highlighted the transformative power of technology in agriculture, promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions. It addressed the challenges faced by agro startups and encouraged them to develop solutions for both domestic and international markets.
The event celebrated the achievements of agricultural startups, providing them with support and incentives to foster innovation and growth. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary was present as the Chief Guest of the event.
Agriculture’s role in driving inclusive growth, boosting rural incomes and ensuring food security was emphasized. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector through policies and schemes, such as promoting natural farming, conserving water, and enhancing soil health, was highlighted.
Government initiatives like the ‘Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR), Startup India program and the Agri-Sure Fund by NARBAD were mentioned as key contributors to the growth of the agrotech ecosystem.
“The government is committed to keep the agriculture sector viable, innovative and sustainable through its policies and schemes. We should focus on promoting natural farming along with conserving water. We need to not only conserve water but promote the use of recycled water in farming. The government is working on interlinking the rivers in India recycling of water is necessary in farming.”
The summit also revealed that there are currently around 6,000 active startups in the agriculture sector, working on various aspects including productivity, financing, insurance, marketing, and input procurement. The potential of the agrotech sector to create millions of jobs in rural India was also underscored.
“Through Agri Startups and Technology awards, we have supported around 150 startups in agriculture sector. “We now have a healthy startup ecosystem in agriculture sector. There are around 6,000 active startups actively working in the sector by helping farmers in various segments including productivity, financing, insurance, helping in marketing and buying quality inputs for farming.”
Overall, the summit showcased the growing importance of agri-tech startups in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.
Winners of 6th Edition of Startup Summit and Awards 2024 | |||
| Category | Position | Awardees | |
| Best Agtech in Sustainable Agriculture | First | Renewagri Om Ecommerce Pvt Ltd | |
| First | Unnati (Akshamaala Solutions Pvt Ltd) | ||
| Second | Bandhu Renewable private limited | ||
| Best Women Agtech Entrepreneurs | Special Jury Award | PureMe Organics | |
| Best Agri Fintech Startup | First | Ergos- The Grainbank | |
| Second | Whrrl Fintech Solutions | ||
| Third | Jai Kisan | ||
| Third | Apna Godam | ||
| Best Startup in Agri Biologicals | First | Barrix Agro Sciences Pvt Ltd. | |
| Second | Bioprime Agrisolutions Pvt Ltd | ||
| Third | String Bio | ||
| Most Innovative Agtech Startup | First | Farmonaut Technologies Private Limited | |
| Second | Innoterra BioScience Private Limited | ||
| Third | Boomitra | ||
