Kerala Agricultural University's startup ventures, nurtured under the Agribusiness Incubator (KAU RABI), have recently secured a substantial grant of Rs 4.66 crore from the central government. This funding comes under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR). The benefiting startups hail from the fourth and fifth batches of KAU RABI.

Of the total grant, Rs 3.94 crore has been allocated to 20 startups in the seed-stage category, while Rs 72 lakh has been set aside for 15 startups in the ideation stage.

It may be noted that The RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme encompasses three main components:

1. Agripreneurship Orientation: A two-month program offering a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000, focusing on mentoring in financial, technical, and IP aspects.
   
2. Seed Stage Funding for R-ABI Incubatees: Grants of up to Rs. 25 lakhs (85% grant & 15% incubatee contribution) to support startups.

3. Idea/Pre-Seed Stage Funding for Agripreneurs: Funding of up to Rs. 5 lakhs (90% grant & 10% incubatee contribution) for early-stage ideas.

KAU RABI and RKVY RAFTAAR are jointly fostering the conversion of agricultural expertise into commercially viable ventures, promoting entrepreneurship. KAU RABI's goal is to support agribusiness innovation and the bold application of technology in agriculture. Leveraging existing facilities and expertise, Kerala Agricultural University aims to collaborate with reputable institutions nationwide to offer technical support, training, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.