“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26:
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY - Department of Commerce Demand 10
19. Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme for specified agriculture products:..The proposed scheme is for providing assistance for the international component of freight to mitigate the freight disadvantage for the export of agriculture products and assistance for the marketing of agricultural produces which is likely to result in higher exports of branded agriculture products in overseas markets.
Perfect prompt to keep the export-linked momentum going, Mukesh! The Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) Scheme is often overlooked, but it's a classic “hidden treasure” for agri-startups. It’s like the fuel subsidy no one’s tapping — especially when you’re trying to go global with niche, branded, or perishable agri-products.
Let’s decode it in our signature startup-ready format:
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🟢 Navigating the Government Connect
🔹 Budget 2025–26 | Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Scheme: Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) for Specified Agriculture Products
Focus: Offset high freight costs and support international marketing of agri-exports, especially for value-added/branded Indian products
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1️⃣ Budget Snapshot & Scheme Purpose
• Freight Reimbursement: Covers part of the international freight costs (both sea and air cargo) for eligible agri exports
• Marketing Aid: Offers support for branding, shelf presence, trade shows, and digital promotions in overseas markets
• Eligible Products: Covers a wide range — fruits, vegetables, dairy, poultry, organic items, millet-based goods, medicinal plants, etc.
• Export Markets Focus: Mostly non-EU and non-USA initially (but expanding gradually), esp. for emerging or freight-sensitive destinations
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2️⃣ Analytical Insights
1. Freight eats up 15–30% of final export price for perishables and small-volume branded goods — killing margins for startups.
2. Most Indian agri-exports are bulk/commodity-based, not branded or value-added — TMA can tip the economics in favor of niche players.
3. Only a fraction of eligible startups are registered exporters — this scheme quietly favors those who formalize and document their global ambitions.
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3️⃣ Target Beneficiaries & Assistance
Target Segment Support Provided
Exporting Startups & MSMEs 25–50% freight cost reimbursement for eligible agri-exports
Branded Product Exporters Support for trade fair participation, branding, shelf-placement abroad
Organic/Millet/Value-Added Brands Additional weightage in grant approvals
FPOs & Farmer Collectives Eligible if exporting under registered brand or aggregator model
📌 Conditions Apply: Exports must be through registered ports/airports, with proper documentation (shipping bill, invoice, freight proof).
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4️⃣ Startup Opportunities and Strategies
A. 🚢 Shared Export Logistics Platform
• Startup Idea: “AgriShip” – Freight pooling for small-volume agri-exporters to reduce shipping costs through aggregation
• Monetization: Subscription + per-shipment service fee; aligns directly with TMA scheme reimbursement model
• Leverage: Assist exporters in documentation and claim submission → become a backend ops engine
B. 🛒 Micro-Export D2C Platform
• Startup Idea: “BharatShelf” – Micro-batch export marketplace for millet bars, ghee-based snacks, herbal teas, etc.
• Edge: Focus on diaspora & gourmet buyers → price-insensitive, brand-loyal consumers
• Leverage: Use TMA for shipping refunds + marketing grants for shelf space abroad
C. 📦 White-Label Export Packs for FPOs
• Startup Idea: “DesiExports Hub” – Ready export kits (design, packaging, labeling, logistics) for FPOs with eligible products
• Revenue Model: Flat onboarding fee + logistics commission + shared brand revenue
• Leverage: Position FPOs to access TMA by handling all backend compliance
D. 🥗 Storytelling-Centric Agro-Brands
• Startup Idea: “Gram to Globe” – Geo-tagged and farmer-face-branded agri products (e.g., saffron, Lakadong turmeric, GI garlic)
• Edge: Strong positioning for premium stores in UAE, Singapore, Japan
• Leverage: TMA funds for marketing collaterals, country-specific storytelling assets
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5️⃣ FOMO Triggers for Startups
❌ Every day, bulk traders use TMA to pad margins — but founder-led brands are missing out because they aren’t aware or export-ready.
❌ Freight and branding costs are the biggest barriers to exporting millets, medicinal plants, and indigenous superfoods — TMA lowers both.
❌ This is a ready-made subsidy to grow cross-border without burning venture capital — but few startups know how to claim it right.
