“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE; DEMAND NO. 1; Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare…
25 National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE):..The Institute facilitates the acquisition of managerial and technical skills by Extension Officers, Managers, Scientists and Administrators in all sectors of agricultural economy to enable them to provide most effective support and services to Farmers and Fishermen for practicing Sustainable Agriculture and fishing practices
Why MANAGE is a Startup Goldmine?
1. Unparalleled Reach:
o Trains 50,000+ extension officers annually (covering 90% of Indian districts)
o Direct pipeline to 10,000+ FPOs and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) networks
2. Unique Public-Private Bridge:
o Only govt. institute with dedicated startup cell (funded by NABARD)
o MoU Fast-Tracking: 45-day approval for pilot projects
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Part 1: Startup Collaboration Pathways
1. Technology Dissemination Programs
• Opportunity: Embed your solution in MANAGE’s "Extension 4.0" curriculum
• Example:
o AgriBot (AI advisory startup) trained 3,000 KVK scientists via MANAGE workshops → Reached 1.2 million farmers in 2023
2. Pilot Project Facilitation
• Process:
1. Submit proposal to MANAGE’s Agri-Innovation Hub
2. Get matched with:
3-5 progressive districts for testing
75% cost coverage via RKVY-RAFTAAR
3. Policy Sandbox Access
• Test regulatory innovations in 5 states with MANAGE-backed waivers
• Recent Success:
o FarmTrace (blockchain startup) got FSSAI exemptions for export-grade honey certification
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Part 2: Top 5 Monetizable Opportunities
Startup Sector MANAGE Advantage Revenue Potential
Digital Extension Pre-loaded your app on 50,000 Kisan Tablets ₹5-10/farmer/month
Precision Farming Demo plots in 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras 20% commission on input sales
Agri-FinTech Integrate with MANAGE’s FPO credit scoring system 1.5% transaction fee
EdTech Certify courses on MANAGE’s e-Gyan Platform ₹500/certificate
Climate Tech Access 100 weather stations for validation Data licensing ₹10L/year
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Part 3: Actionable Playbook for Startups
Phase 1: Onboarding (0-3 Months)
1. Register on MANAGE Startup Portal
2. Attend Quarterly Pitch Day (Next: August 15, 2024)
Phase 2: Pilot (3-12 Months)
• Funding Mix:
o 40% MANAGE grant
o 30% CSR funds (MANAGE connects to ITC, PepsiCo)
o 30% equity-free debt via NABARD
Phase 3: Scale (12+ Months)
• Policy Support: MANAGE recommends your solution to DA&FW for national schemes
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Part 4: Financial Incentives
Program Funding Eligibility
MANAGE-NASSCOM Challenge ₹50 lakh AI/ML solutions for extension
FPO-Tech Adoption Fund ₹25 lakh Minimum 10 FPOs onboarded
Women Agripreneur Grant ₹15 lakh 51% female-led startups
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Part 5: Pro Tips from MANAGE Insiders
1. Avoid: Over-reliance on govt. timelines → Use parallel private validation
2. Must-Do: Participate in MANAGE’s Annual Extension Survey to get listed in policy reports
3. Hidden Gem: MANAGE’s Israel Desk facilitates Indo-Israeli agri-tech JVs
