Neha BaruahNABARD has introduced the “Agri-SURE” fund, aimed at catalyzing immediate growth in agriculture through sustainable innovations. Managed by NABVENTURES, a NABARD subsidiary, the fund commences with an initial corpus of Rs 750 crore. It aims to bolster the agricultural sector by supporting new enterprises and rural ventures leveraging technology solutions.
NABARD’s Financial Framework
The “Agri-SURE” fund, totaling Rs 750 crore, is jointly contributed by NABARD, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders, each contributing Rs 250 crore. This substantial investment underscores both public and private sectors’ commitment to bridging the innovation and funding gap in agriculture.
NABARD’s Objectives and Operational Strategy
The fund’s primary objective is to enhance the agricultural value chain through direct equity support and investments in both sector-specific and sector-agnostic Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Agri-SURE targets approximately 85 agribusiness startups, focusing on high-risk, high-impact projects with potential investments of up to Rs 25 crore each. Its overarching goal is to foster a conducive environment for enhanced productivity, particularly benefiting small landholders, and facilitating large-scale automation and digitization in farming.
Areas of Focus for NABARD
Agri-SURE prioritizes new, technology-driven initiatives that support Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) while developing critical rural infrastructure. By promoting long-term growth and rural employment through IT solutions and mechanization, the fund aims to bolster productivity, improve last-mile connectivity, and ignite sustainable agricultural expansion. This initiative is pivotal in transforming traditional farming into a more efficient and enduring sector that meets short-term demands and long-term developmental aspirations.
About NABARD
Established on July 12, 1982, by an act of the Indian Parliament, NABARD serves as the apex financing agency for institutions providing investment and production credit to promote agriculture, cottage, and rural industries. Through initiatives like the SHG Bank Linkage Program, NABARD has significantly enhanced financial inclusion in rural areas, facilitating credit access and banking services for millions. As a crucial component of India’s rural development strategy, NABARD plays a vital role in ensuring the flow of credit for sustainable rural development under the Ministry of Finance’s oversight.
Neha Baruah
Izaz Ahmed
Asik Syed
