Current Affairs-Topics

NABARD Launches AgriSURE Fund to Boost Agri-Innovation

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched the AgriSURE Fund, a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with an initial corpus of Rs 750 crore. The fund aims to support agricultural startups and rural enterprises.

Introduction of AgriSURE Fund

  • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) creates "Agri-SURE" fund
  • Initial corpus of Rs 750 crore
  • Managed by NABVENTURES, a subsidiary of NABARD
  • Aims to support agricultural startups and rural enterprises
  • Focus on technology-driven solutions for agricultural challenges

Financial Structure and Objectives

  • Rs 750 crore fund breakdown:
    a) Rs 250 crore from NABARD
    b) Rs 250 crore from Ministry of Agriculture
    c) Rs 250 crore from other institutions
  • Designed as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
  • Provides both equity and debt support
  • Targets high-risk, high-impact activities in agriculture value chain
  • Aims to support approximately 85 agribusiness startups
  • Investment cap of up to Rs 25 crore per project
  • 10-year operational period, extendable by two or more years

Focus Areas and Strategic Approach

  • Enhancing farm produce value chain
  • Creating rural infrastructure
  • Generating employment opportunities
  • Supporting Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • Promoting IT-based solutions and machinery rental services
  • Encouraging digital and fintech innovations for improved productivity
  • Focusing on last-mile connectivity
  • Transforming traditional agriculture into a sustainable and productive sector

AgriSURE Greenathon 2024

  • AgriSURE Greenathon 2024 launched alongside the AgriSURE fund
  • Calls for participation from young innovators to contribute to 'Viksit Bharat'
  • Aims to address three key problem statements:
    a) "Smart Agriculture on a Budget" - making advanced technologies accessible to small farmers
    b) "Turning Agri-Waste into Profitable Business Opportunities"
    c) "Tech Solutions Making Regenerative Agriculture Remunerative"

About NABARD and Its Role

  • Established in 1982 by an act of Indian Parliament
  • Apex financing agency for agriculture and rural development
  • Headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Subsidiaries include NABVENTURES and NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS)
  • Promotes green initiatives like Watershed Development Program and Climate Change Adaptation Fund

Key functions:

a) Providing and regulating credit for agriculture and rural development

b) Promoting integrated and sustainable rural development

c) Supporting rural infrastructure development

Notable initiatives:

a) SHG Bank Linkage Programme

b) Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

c) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)

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