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)

China EV Export Market Share

In recent years, China's EV export market share has grown exponentially, positioning the country as the global leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to the Global EV Outlook

Reliance and Nifty50

It is crucial to have knowledge of economic subjects like Nifty50 in order to do well on SSC exams. Nifty50 is an indicator that tracks the stock market performance of the top 50 companies listed

Kallapu-Sajipa Riverfront Road Project

When it comes to building new infrastructure, Karnataka is in the forefront. There are a lot of big initiatives in the state that are boosting the economy and making things more accessible.

India's Manufacturing Vision 2025

India's manufacturing policies have recently gained significant attention as the government seeks to strengthen the country's industrial sector and achieve long-term economic growth. Th

What Drives the Gold Price Rs 1 Lakh?

Gold prices in India have surged to an all-time high, surpassing the Rs 1 Lakh mark per 10 grams for the first time. This significant rise in the Gold Price of Rs 1 Lakh is linked to various g

India’s GDP Growth Rate Falls to 6.4%

Fitch has revised its 2025 GDP forecast for India from 6.6% to 6.4%, a decrease of 10 basis points. This is the most recent global economic news. While this may not seem like a major drop, it’

Boosting Opportunities in the Gig Economy

India is witnessing a quiet revolution in how employment is created. The announcement of 12 lakh jobs in India by 2025 is a huge step toward redefining the gig and logistics economy. With

Nirmala Sitharaman Presents the 2024-25 Economic Survey – An In-Depth Analysis

The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasizes India's consistent economic growth, forecasting a 6.4% GDP increase in FY25. Key highlights include controlled inflation, robust trade performanc

MoMSME Unveils TEAM Initiative to Enhance Digital Presence of MSMEs in India

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) has introduced the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen the d

Union Budget 2025: Understanding the Concept of 'Bahi Khata'

The ‘bahi khata’ is a traditional Indian ledger employed for accounting and maintaining records. It is typically a bound book, often covered in cloth, used to track financial t