Social Alpha, the multi-stage venture development platform, in collaboration with NITI Aayog and PUSA KRISHI, has launched “Techtonic: Innovations for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods,” a program designed to identify and support technologies that address key challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability and resilience by fostering innovations that improve farming practices across India.
The program will scout for entrepreneurs and innovators who have developed technologies that can impact smallholder farmers, in the areas of crop productivity, resource management, and post-harvest solutions.
Focus Areas of Innovation
The Techtonic program is seeking innovations in seven key focus areas where technological interventions can improve agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Integrated Farming Management
A major challenge for smallholder farmers has been the declining quality of seeds and the excessive use of agrochemicals, which have harmed soil health and reduced crop yields. Solutions in this area may include precision farming technologies for real-time crop health monitoring, and biotech or nanotech-based inputs that can replace traditional pesticides and herbicides, thereby improving crop resilience and reducing production costs.
Soil Rejuvenation and Irrigation Management
Soil degradation and water stress are critical issues in Indian agriculture, affecting productivity and increasing costs. The program seeks innovative solutions such as soil health diagnostic tools, water management systems, and solar-powered irrigation solutions. These technologies aim to restore soil health, improve water use efficiency, and help farmers cope with the growing groundwater crisis.
Farm Mechanisation
Farm mechanisation can reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, but smallholder farmers often lack affordable and suitable machinery. Techtonic is looking for small, gender-neutral farm tools and machinery designed for small landholdings (0.5-5 acres). These innovations should focus on increasing operational efficiency and reducing drudgery, while also being affordable and easy to use.
Post-Harvest Management
Smallholder farmers frequently face market volatility, especially when selling perishable produce. The program is seeking affordable preservation and storage solutions that can extend shelf life and reduce the need for distress selling. This includes technologies such as energy-efficient hybrid storage units and off-grid processing solutions that can add value to produce and create new market opportunities for farmers.
Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry is a major livelihood for many smallholder farmers in India, but challenges such as poor veterinary care, limited feed resources, and low productivity persist. Techtonic will support innovations that improve animal health management, feed quality, and reproductive technologies to help farmers increase milk production and profitability.
Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP)
NTFP is an essential income source for forest-dwelling communities in India, but exploitation and limited access to forest resources are impacting economic returns. Solutions in this area may involve blockchain for traceability, AI/ML-based surveillance, and value-added processing technologies that ensure sustainable harvesting and improve the incomes of communities reliant on forest produce.
Farm Waste Management (Next-Gen Biogas Systems)
India generates significant agricultural waste, much of which is burned, contributing to environmental pollution. Techtonic seeks innovations in biogas and waste-to-energy technologies, including solutions that enhance the efficiency of biogas production, improve slurry management, and make organic fertilizers more accessible to farmers.
Also read: ICAR Organized National Conference to Focus on Sustainable Agricultural Startups
Eligibility Criteria
The Techtonic program is open to innovators and startups working on technology-based solutions that can create sustainable, scalable impacts for smallholder farmers. The program is interested in technologies at three development stages:
- Product Development Stage: Technologies that are being integrated and tested in controlled or field settings.
- Pilot Stage: Technologies that have demonstrated technical performance and are ready for market testing and validation.
- Deployment Ready Stage: Technologies with early market success, demonstrating use cases and return on investment.
Program Offerings
Social Alpha will provide key resources to support the growth of selected innovators:
Pilot Deployments: Successful applicants will have access to sandbox facilities to test and validate their technologies with feedback from the community, agriculture experts, and other stakeholders. This will be supported with non-dilutive funding of up to INR 50 lakhs.
Market Access Opportunities: Innovators will gain access to a large network of more than 200,000 farmers and 150 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. This also includes deployment funding of up to INR 2 crores.
Mentorship and Workshops: Innovators will receive guidance from agri-business experts on business planning, market strategies, and other aspects of business development.
Incubation Support: Social Alpha Labs will provide access to lab infrastructure for product development, design, prototyping, and manufacturing support.
Financial Support: Selected participants may also have the opportunity to access seed funding from Social Alpha and its partners, subject to due diligence.
The application process for the Techtonic: Innovations for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods program begins on 6th November 2024, with the deadline for submissions set for 10th December 2024. The evaluation of applications will take place from 11th to 30th December 2024, followed by the jury round on 15th January 2025. The winners of the program will be announced between 15th and 31st January 2025.
