NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program
Grant up to ₹25 Lakhs for agripreneurs & startups in millet innovation.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is launched by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, a Technology Business Incubator in Hyderabad. The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), under ICAR, focuses on millet R&D, and Nutrihub leverages this expertise to support millet-based ventures. The program operates under the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme, implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. RKVY-RAFTAAR aims to boost agricultural infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This initiative is tailored for established agripreneurs and growth-stage startups seeking to scale and penetrate markets with millet innovations.
Financial support is provided as a Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹25 Lakhs, which is non-repayable. The grant can be used for production capacity expansion, distribution network growth, R&D for product diversification, and other strategies for sustained growth. Non-monetary benefits include intensive training in business strategy, millet processing technical knowledge, and market access strategies. Participants also gain access to experienced technical and business mentors to navigate market challenges and accelerate venture growth.
Highlights
- Non-repayable grant of up to ₹25 Lakhs for millet-based agripreneurs and startups.
- Launched by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, a Technology Business Incubator focused on millets.
- Backed by the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Includes intensive training and mentorship from technical and business experts.
- Targets established agripreneurs and growth-stage startups seeking expansion.
- Supports production capacity enhancement, distribution network growth, and R&D for product diversification.
Who can apply
Applications are open to agripreneurs and startups whose initiatives are centered on millet-based innovations. The program targets established agripreneurs and growth-stage startups seeking expansion and market penetration. No specific stage, industry, state, entity type, DPIIT, or MSME requirements are mentioned. Founder requirements are not specified beyond being an agripreneur or startup founder.
NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program closed on 15 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Grant-in-Aid up to ₹25 Lakhs as non-repayable financial support.
- Funds can be used for expansion, market penetration, scaling, enhancing production capacities, expanding distribution networks, and conducting advanced R&D for product diversification.
- Intensive training modules covering business strategy, technical knowledge in millet processing, and market access strategies.
- Access to experienced technical and business mentors.
About the provider
NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process involves: an initial screening of applications, followed by shortlisted applicants being invited for a virtual or in-person pitch presentation to a selection committee comprising experts from Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, agricultural specialists, and industry mentors. Final selection includes thorough due diligence to verify information and assess long-term viability. Successful applicants enter into a grant agreement with Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR detailing grant disbursement and monitoring terms.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered under the NGRAIN program?
The program provides a Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹25 Lakhs as non-repayable financial support.
What is the application deadline for the program?
The deadline is 15 May 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
The program is open to agripreneurs and startups with millet-based innovations. It is specifically aimed at established agripreneurs and growth-stage startups seeking expansion and market penetration.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required to apply?
The program does not specify any requirement for DPIIT or MSME registration.
Does the program take equity in exchange for the grant?
No, the funding is a Grant-in-Aid and is non-repayable. The program does not take equity.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Funds can be used for expansion, market penetration, scaling, enhancing production capacities, expanding distribution networks, conducting advanced research and development for product diversification, and other growth-oriented activities.
What non-monetary benefits are provided?
Participants receive intensive training in business strategy, millet processing technical knowledge, and market access strategies, as well as access to experienced technical and business mentors.
How do I apply for the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?
Applications are submitted online via the provided application portal. The process involves initial registration, submission of a detailed business plan or proposal, and potentially a pitch presentation to a selection committee.
What is the selection process like?
After initial screening, shortlisted applicants may be invited for a virtual or in-person pitch presentation to a committee of experts. Final selection includes due diligence to verify information and assess viability. Successful applicants sign a grant agreement.
Which organization runs the NGRAIN program?
The program is run by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, a Technology Business Incubator under the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), which is part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Who offers NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?
NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare runs 5 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program
Not sure NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.