RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme
Grants for agri-startups incubated at R-ABIs, up to ₹25L, under Ministry of Agriculture.
- Funding amount
- ₹25L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme is a grant-based funding initiative operated under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Its core objective is to fuel innovation and agripreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors by providing financial support to early-stage ventures. The scheme targets two categories of startups: idea-stage startups seeking initial grants to validate their concepts, and incubatees already associated with RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs) who need seed funding to scale. By nurturing the incubation ecosystem, the program aims to create a pipeline of viable agri-businesses that can contribute to the sector's growth.
Highlights
- Grant funding up to ₹25L for agri-startups at idea and seed stages.
- Open only to DPIIT-recognised startups incubated at an R-ABI for at least 2 months.
- No equity taken — grant is non-dilutive.
- Focus on agriculture and allied sectors only.
- Managed through a network of RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs).
Who can apply
To qualify for funding, a startup must be DPIIT-recognised and incubated at a recognised RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator (R-ABI). The startup must have been a resident incubatee at that R-ABI for a minimum of 2 months prior to application. The venture should not be a subsidiary of a foreign company, and its work must be focused on agriculture and allied sectors. Indian founders with a registered entity meeting these conditions can apply through their respective incubator.
RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme 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
RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Selected startups receive grant funding of up to ₹25 lakh. The exact amount depends on the stage and requirements of the venture: idea-stage startups may get smaller grants for proof-of-concept, while incubatees with more mature projects can access seed funding. The grant is non-dilutive, meaning no equity is taken in exchange. Additionally, being part of an R-ABI ecosystem gives startups access to mentoring, infrastructure, and networking support.
About the provider
RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme 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
Applications are managed entirely through the R-ABIs. Startups first apply for incubation at a recognised R-ABI. After being accepted and completing the mandatory 2-month incubation period, they can apply for seed funding through the incubator. The R-ABI evaluates the startup's viability, innovation, and alignment with the scheme's goals before recommending it for funding. The final approval rests with the scheme's governing body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme, 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
RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme 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?
The scheme provides grants of up to ₹25 lakh (₹25L). The actual amount depends on the startup's stage and needs, as assessed by the R-ABI.
What is the application deadline?
The scheme does not specify a fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through the R-ABIs, but interested startups should check with their chosen incubator for any intake cycles.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any DPIIT-recognised Indian startup that has been incubated at a recognised RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator (R-ABI) for at least 2 months is eligible. The startup must be working in agriculture or allied sectors and cannot be a subsidiary of a foreign company.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, the startup must be recognised by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) to apply.
Does the scheme take equity?
No, the funding is a grant, which means it does not require equity or repayment. It is non-dilutive.
What documents are typically needed?
The specific documents are determined by the R-ABI, but generally include DPIIT recognition certificate, proof of incubation, business plan, and financial projections. Contact your incubator for the exact list.
How do I apply?
You cannot apply directly. First, get incubated at a recognised R-ABI. After completing 2 months as an incubatee, apply for seed funding through that incubator. The R-ABI will guide you through the process.
Are startups from any state eligible?
The scheme does not specify state restrictions, so startups from any Indian state can apply, provided they are incubated at an R-ABI.
Can a foreign-owned startup apply?
No, the scheme explicitly states that startups must not be a subsidiary of a foreign company.
What sectors are covered?
The scheme covers agriculture and allied sectors, including but not limited to farming, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing, as long as the startup is working within the agricultural value chain.
Who offers RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme?
RKVY-RAFTAAR Startup Agri-Business Incubation Scheme is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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