Farm scheme to open wider for agritech cos

Agritech startups, farmer producer organisations, and other private companies looking to tap the government's marquee agriculture incentive scheme will likely benefit as a key eligibility is set to be relaxed.

- Vijay C Roy [e-mail]

The Union government plans to lower the minimum number of farmers required per project so more companies can qualify for subsidies and incentives under the government's Public-Private Partnership for Integrated Agricultural Value Chain Development (PPPAVCD) scheme, two officials said.

A lower entry barrier will encourage more startups, agritech companies, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and small agribusinesses to leverage the scheme, ultimately benefitting farmers, they said, declining to be identified.

The programme brings together 27 central government schemes and is aimed at improving collaboration between FPOs, private companies, and government agencies.