Agritech Startups in India

India has been rapidly emerging as a hub for agritech startups in India, with innovations in the agriculture and food processing sectors gaining global recognition. In 2025, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the BHARATI Initiative 2025 to empower 100 agri-food and agri-technology startups.

This initiative aims to foster innovation, enhance export readiness, and create new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs in the agritech sector.

What is the BHARATI Initiative 2025 and Its Objectives?

BHARATI Initiative 2025 stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement. It is a dedicated program designed to accelerate the growth of agriculture startups and farm tech startups in India. The initiative complements existing government incubation programs under schemes like Start-Up India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Vocal for Local.

The primary objectives of the BHARATI Initiative 2025 include:

• Supporting innovation in Indian agri-food startups.

• Preparing startups for international export markets.

• Encouraging collaboration between tech providers, innovators, and exporters.

• Promoting sustainable and scalable solutions for agriculture and food processing.

The pilot phase, launched in September 2025, selected 100 startups to undergo a three-month acceleration program.

Focus Areas and Technologies Promoted

BHARATI Initiative 2025 focuses on high-value products and advanced technologies to boost agritech India globally.

Key focus areas include:

• High-value agri-food products: GI-tagged items, organic foods, superfoods, AYUSH products, and livestock products.

• Advanced technologies: AI-based quality control, blockchain traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, and digital agriculture solutions.

• Agri-fintech solutions: Tools for funding, insurance, and financial management of agriculture startups.

• Packaging and logistics innovation: Sustainable packaging and sea transport protocols to reduce wastage.

These technologies ensure that smart farming startups in India and food tech India innovators can deliver high-quality products efficiently to international markets.

Export Challenges and Solutions

Many agritech export-focused startups supported by APEDA face challenges such as perishability, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and logistics hurdles.

BHARATI Initiative 2025 provides solutions through:

• Expert guidance on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance.

• Support for navigating Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).

• Collaborations with tech providers to implement IoT and AI applications in Indian farming startups.

• Streamlined processes for the best funding opportunities for agriculture startups in India.

Through these measures, agritech startups in India can scale effectively while improving export competitiveness.

Government Support and Alignment with National Policies

BHARATI Initiative 2025 aligns closely with India’s national strategies:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promoting self-reliance in agricultural innovation.

• Vocal for Local: Encouraging domestic startups and local products.

• Digital India: Implementing farm management software in India and digital solutions.

• Start-Up India: Supporting entrepreneurship and incubation.

This initiative demonstrates strong government support for agri innovation in India, ensuring that startups are globally competitive and market-ready.

Implementation, Collaboration, and Startup Acceleration

The BHARATI Initiative 2025 includes:

• A nationwide awareness campaign to attract applicants.

• A three-month acceleration program focusing on export readiness, regulatory compliance, and market access.

• Partnerships with state agricultural boards, IITs, NITs, industry bodies, and accelerators.

Selected startups benefit from mentorship, funding support, and access to cutting-edge technologies, making the best agritech startups in India better positioned for international success.

Future Prospects and Opportunities for Agritech Startups in India

The pilot phase of the BHARATI Initiative 2025 serves as a model for an annual, scalable incubation program.

Prospects include:

• Continuous innovation in smart farming startups in India.

• Expanding global demand for Indian processed foods and organic products.

• Strengthening India’s position in the global agritech India markets.

• Encouraging young entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture startups.

This initiative not only enhances exports but also positively impacts farmers’ income and rural development through technology-driven agriculture.

Final Thoughts

The BHARATI Initiative 2025 marks a significant milestone in promoting agritech startups in India and enhancing the country’s global presence in agri-food exports.

By integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and digital agriculture solutions, the initiative ensures that innovative startups can overcome challenges related to quality, perishability, and logistics. With strong government support, export-focused mentorship, and access to cutting-edge technologies, Indian agri-food startups are poised for sustainable growth.

The program also emphasizes sustainability, packaging innovation, and market readiness, strengthening India’s competitiveness internationally. By fostering collaboration among innovators, universities, and industry bodies, the BHARATI Initiative 2025 not only boosts exports but also drives technology-driven transformation in agriculture.