Introduction: NABARD AgriSURE Fund

Many agri founders raise early money. However, they struggle to scale after that. The NABARD AgriSURE Fund aims to close this gap. It is a ₹750 crore blended fund for agritech and rural startups. Moreover, the Government of India calls it a first-of-its-kind product in the agri startup ecosystem.

We will learn how the fund works and who can apply. Besides that, you will see the two schemes, the eligible sectors, and the ₹25 crore ticket size.

What Is the NABARD AgriSURE Fund?

AgriSURE stands for Agri Fund for Start-ups and Rural Enterprises. The idea first appeared in the Union Budget 2022-23. Later, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched it in New Delhi on 3 September 2024.

The total corpus is ₹750 crore. The Government of India contributes ₹250 crore. NABARD adds another ₹250 crore. In addition, ₹250 crore is being raised from banks, insurers, and private investors. As a result, the fund blends public and private capital.

NABVENTURES Limited manages the fund. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD. The fund runs for 10 years, and it can be extended by two years. Moreover, it plans to back about 85 startups over its life.

Two Schemes Under One Fund

The fund has two schemes. Each one serves a different type of applicant.

AgriSURE FoF Scheme

FoF means Fund of Funds. Under this scheme, the fund invests in SEBI-registered Category I and Category II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). These AIFs then invest in startups in the preferred sectors.

Here are the key facts:

• The scheme corpus is ₹450 crore.
• It supports sector-agnostic, sector-specific, and debt AIFs.
• It can invest up to 5% of an AIF’s corpus or ₹25 crore, whichever is lower.
• Sector-agnostic funds must invest in the preferred agri and rural sectors.

Thus, a startup uses an indirect route here. You pitch to an AIF, and that AIF makes the investment.

AgriSURE Direct Scheme

The Direct Scheme puts equity money straight into startups. Its corpus is ₹300 crore. In addition, it focuses on early-stage startups working on agriculture and rural opportunities in India.

The fund can invest up to ₹25 crore in a single startup, subject to AIF regulations. Consequently, this is the main route for founders who want direct equity support.

AgriSURE Fund of Funds vs Direct Scheme

Many founders ask which scheme fits them. The table below gives a quick answer.

In short, choose the Direct Scheme if you meet the early-stage test. Otherwise, approach AIFs that receive AgriSURE support.

AgriSURE Fund Eligibility

AgriSURE Fund eligibility depends on the scheme. For the Direct Scheme, the documents point to these conditions:

• DPIIT recognition: The startup must be registered with DPIIT before the investment.
• Indian incorporation: The company must be incorporated in India.
• Early-stage status: The venture must have moved beyond the ideation and prototype stage. It should also show steady revenue and a differentiated business model.
• Sector fit: The business must work in agriculture or rural development.
• Promoter equity rule: Total help from Central and State schemes should not exceed the promoters’ equity in the startup.

However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding. Each case is judged on merit. Therefore, a strong pitch and clean paperwork matter a great deal.

DPIIT Recognized Agritech Startup Funding

DPIIT recognition is the first gate. Without it, a startup cannot receive an investment. So, if you are not yet recognized, apply for it first. Meanwhile, keep your incorporation papers and financials ready.

AgriSURE Eligible Sectors

The fund backs a wide list of areas. These AgriSURE eligible sectors include, but are not limited to:

• Agritech
• Food processing
• Animal husbandry
• Fisheries
• Supply chain management
• Farm mechanisation
• Biotechnology
• Waste management
• Renewable energy
• Agri value chain, including Primary Cooperative Societies development
• Support for FPOs
• Technology support at farm level
• Climate change

Because the list is open-ended, related ideas may also qualify. Still, always confirm with the Investment Manager.

AgriSURE Funding for Agritech Startups

Agritech is the core target. Examples include AI-based crop advice, drones, and dairy tools, IoT devices, and online produce marketing. Moreover, the fund wants solutions that cut farm costs or raise income.

For AgriSURE funding for agritech startups, show clear proof of traction. For example, share active users, repeat revenue, and farmer impact. In addition, explain how your model differs from rivals.

AgriSURE Funding for Food Processing Startups

Food processing helps farmers earn more from their produce. It also reduces post-harvest loss. Therefore, it sits on the fund’s priority list.

For AgriSURE funding for food processing startups, highlight your sourcing model and your margins. Also, show how many farmers or groups supply you. Besides that, present your packaging, storage, and market linkages.

AgriSURE Funding for FPO and Agri Value Chain Startups

Strong value chains make farming more profitable. Hence, the fund supports startups that serve FPOs, FPCs, and Primary Cooperative Societies. It also backs forward and backward linkages in rural areas.

For AgriSURE funding for FPO and agri value chain startups, show how your product helps these groups. For instance, you may rent machinery, offer farm data, or built market access. As a result, investors can see both impact and returns.

AgriSURE Investment Up to ₹25 Crore

The phrase “up to ₹25 crore” is a ceiling. It is not a fixed amount. The actual ticket size depends on your needs, your ability to absorb capital, and market conditions.

Also, remember that this money is equity. The fund takes a stake in your company. It is not a grant or a subsidy. Nevertheless, equity can be a big advantage. You get patient capital, and you avoid fixed repayment pressure.

How an AgriSURE Funding Consultant Can Help

Many founders have strong ideas but weak funding files. As a result, they lose time and chances. A good AgriSURE funding consultant closes that gap.

At Finraja Consultancy Pvt Ltd, we help you in these ways:

• Eligibility check: We test your fit for the Direct or FoF route.
• DPIIT support: We guide you through recognition and records.
• Investor-ready files: We build your pitch deck, financial model, and impact note.
• Scheme mapping: We check other government support against the promoter-equity cap.
• Process guidance: We prepare you for due diligence and committee questions.

Please note that we cannot promise approval. The Investment Manager decides every case on merit. However, a well-prepared file improves your chances of a fair review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NABARD AgriSURE Fund a subsidy?
No. It is an equity-based investment fund. The fund takes a stake in eligible startups or contributes to AIFs.

What is the total corpus of the AgriSURE Fund?
The corpus is ₹750 crore. Of this, ₹450 crore is for the FoF Scheme and ₹300 crore is for the Direct Scheme.

Who can apply under the Direct Scheme?
Early-stage, DPIIT-recognized startups incorporated in India can apply. They should work in agriculture or rural development and show steady revenue.

What is the maximum investment in one startup?
The Direct Scheme can invest up to ₹25 crore in a single startup, subject to AIF regulations.

Conclusion

The NABARD AgriSURE Fund opens a rare door for agri founders. It offers ₹750 crore of blended capital, two clear schemes, and a wide sector list. However, success needs preparation. You must hold DPIIT recognition, show real revenue, and present a strong case.

Call us now: +91 9373114747 or visit finraja.com/contact for quick assistance.