Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Government
Closed

NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program

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Quick answer

The NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program offers grants up to ₹25 Lakhs for agripreneurs and startups focused on 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 an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare designed to foster innovation and growth within India's agricultural sector. This program specifically targets agripreneurs and startups dedicated to developing and implementing millet-based solutions.

It aims to support groundbreaking ideas and ventures that contribute to the advancement of millet cultivation, processing, and market penetration, recognizing the critical role of millets in food security and sustainable agriculture. The program is a key effort to bolster the ecosystem for millet-focused businesses.

Highlights

  • Grant funding up to ₹25 Lakhs for eligible ventures.
  • Focus on millet-based innovations and startups.
  • Open to revenue-stage agripreneurs seeking growth support.
  • Non-repayable financial assistance, meaning no equity is taken.
  • Includes intensive training in business strategy and millet processing.
  • Provides access to experienced technical and business mentors.

Who can apply

The NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is open to agripreneurs and startups operating within India. Applicants must demonstrate a clear focus on millet-based innovations and related startup initiatives. This includes ventures involved in developing new products, processes, or technologies centered around millets. The program specifically seeks revenue-stage agripreneurs who are looking for support to further their growth.

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

Recipients of the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program receive substantial financial assistance in the form of grants up to ₹25 Lakhs. This non-repayable funding is intended to facilitate crucial business activities such as expansion, market penetration, and overall scaling of operations.

Beyond financial aid, the program provides comprehensive non-monetary support. This includes intensive training modules that cover essential areas like business strategy development, technical knowledge specific to millet processing, and effective market access strategies. Participants also gain invaluable access to experienced technical and business mentors who can guide them through their entrepreneurial journey.

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.

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

What is the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?

The NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare designed to support agripreneurs and startups focused on millet-based innovations and related ventures.

How much funding can I receive through this program?

Eligible participants in the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program can receive financial support in the form of grants up to ₹25 Lakhs.

Is the funding provided as a loan or a grant?

The program offers grants, which are non-repayable financial support. This means that the program does not take any equity in your startup.

What is the application deadline for the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?

The current application deadline for the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is May 15, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this agripreneurship program?

The program is open to agripreneurs and startups that are centered on millet-based innovations. It specifically targets revenue-stage ventures seeking growth support.

What kind of innovations are sought by the program?

The program seeks initiatives focused on developing and implementing solutions related to millet cultivation, processing, market penetration, and other innovative applications of millets.

What non-monetary benefits does the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program offer?

Beyond financial grants, recipients gain access to intensive training modules covering business strategy, technical knowledge in millet processing, and market access strategies. They also receive guidance from experienced technical and business mentors.

How can I apply for the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?

Prospective applicants for the NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program are required to submit their applications online.

Does NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program take equity?

No. NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.

Is DPIIT recognition required for NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program?

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for NGRAIN: Agripreneurship Program, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

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 3 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.

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