AGRI UDAAN 6.0 for Startups at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai
22 March 2024, Mumbai: a-IDEA, TBI of ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai organised Demo Day of Agri Udaan 6.0 today at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai in association with NABARD and State Bank of India. The programme aimed to stimulate food and agribusiness start-ups by offering a unique platform for pitching ideas to investors, enabling them to raise funds and network with other businesses and investors.
The Chief Guest Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, Mumbai, underscored the crucial significance of start-ups working in convergence rather than in isolation. He also acknowledged the efforts of a-IDEA in spearheading FPO immersion programmes nationwide.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM, highlighted the critical role of agri-startups in managing productivity challenges in agriculture such as water shortage, climate change, input supply, monsoon and market issues, and overall sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods.
The Guest of Honour Shri. Shantanu Pendsey, Chief General Manager (ABI&GSS), SBI & emphasised the necessity for startups to coordinate and collaborate cohesively with concerted efforts in providing solutions to the issues confronting farmers, particularly through the facilitation of institutional interventions.
Dr. Ravi Shankar C.N, Director & Vice-Chancellor, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai highlighted the imminent opportunities present within the fisheries sector for startups to explore.
Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM, commended a-IDEA’s efforts in providing mentorship to start-ups, assisting them in becoming market-ready and investment-ready.
A pre-demo day was organised for 10 selected start-ups from 156 applicants under Agri Udaan 6.0, preparing them to effectively present their ideas and products to investors.
About 120 delegates/stakeholders representing the incubation and agri-startup ecosystem attended the event along with 30 Investors from different parts of the country.
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