PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups

PRASFUTAN is a seed-stage funding program under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, run through a network of Regional Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs). It is designed for agriculture and allied-sector startups that have a minimum viable product but need capital and support to reach the market. The program provides a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹25 lakh, capped at 85% of the total project cost, to help ventures refine their product, improve market access, and scale operations.

Funding is released in three milestone-based tranches (40%, 40%, and 20%) only after the startup completes a mandatory 2-month residency at an R-ABI. During residency, startups receive lab testing, certifications, training, and intensive mentoring. Once they show consistent progress, they can access seed funding and later participate in an R-ABI Demo Day to pitch to investors. The program also facilitates connections to angel investors, venture capitalists, and commercial lenders. Only 20 startups are supported per R-ABI at any time to ensure personalized guidance.

This particular offer is administered through the R-ABI at IIT BHU Varanasi, so startups must be registered in Uttar Pradesh to be eligible. The funds originate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

• Non-dilutive seed grant – up to ₹25 lakh, capped at 85% of project cost.
• Mandatory 2-month residency at R-ABI with incubation, mentorship, lab testing, and certifications.
• Milestone-linked disbursement in three tranches (40%-40%-20%).
• Only DPIIT-recognized agritech startups registered in Uttar Pradesh are eligible.
• Startups must be under 5 years old, have an MVP, and turnover ≤ ₹25 crore.
• Limited to 20 startups per R-ABI for focused support.

Startups must have a minimum viable product (MVP) in agriculture or allied sectors. They must be registered as a private limited company, LLP, or partnership in India, and satisfy the DIPP (now DPIIT) definition of a startup — meaning no foreign subsidiaries or restructured businesses. The startup’s annual turnover must not exceed ₹25 crore in any financial year since incorporation, and it must have been incorporated within the past 5 years.

Applicants must be incubatees at an R-ABI and have completed at least 2 months of residency. Startups that have previously received support under this program or are receiving duplicate grants from other Government of India ministries for the same activity are not eligible. Only startups registered in the state of Uttar Pradesh can apply through the R-ABI at IIT BHU Varanasi.

PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups is open to startups at the product and revenue stage working in agri food rural. The programme is targeted at startups registered in Uttar Pradesh. Applicants should be registered as private limited, llp and partnership. Applicants must hold DPIIT (Startup India) recognition.

The most recent application window for PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups closed on 15 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

• Up to ₹25 lakh in non-dilutive grant funding, covering 85% of the total project cost.
• Grant disbursed in three tranches: 40% initially, 40% at the second milestone, and 20% after project completion.
• Mentorship, incubation facilities, lab testing, certifications, and training during a mandatory 2-month R-ABI residency.
• Access to an R-ABI Demo Day for investor pitches.
• Post-funding support for market access and connections to angel investors, venture capitalists, and commercial lenders.

PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups is offered by R-ABI (RKVY-RAFTAAR), 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.

The selection process begins with an online application via Google Form, which requires a project proposal, business plan, and financial projections. The RKVY-RAFTAAR Incubation Centre (RIC) screens applications for eligibility and assesses the startup’s performance during the residency period. After the mandatory 2-month residency, the RIC evaluates the startup’s business against predefined selection parameters. Startups that meet the criteria are recommended to a Regional Committee (RC), which reviews the application and sends its recommendations to the Nodal Division at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Nodal Division grants final approval. Once approved, a legal agreement is signed, and the first tranche (40%) is released. The remaining tranches are released upon achieving milestones, with a performance review by the RIC and utilization of at least 80% of the previous tranche’s funds. A Demo Day is organized after final selection for further investor exposure.

Before you apply to PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• DPIIT (Startup India) recognition certificate — mandatory for this program
• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups is best suited for product and revenue-stage agri food rural startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25L. Because DPIIT recognition is mandatory, it is aimed at startups already registered under Startup India. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.