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First National Agripreneurs’ Convention, Agri-Startups Exhibition and Award Ceremony
7th to 9th March, 2017, HMDA Ground, Adjacent to IMAX Theatre, Necklace Road,
Hyderabad
Prepared By
Dr. Ravi Nandi
Dr. Lakshmi Murthy
Ms. Jyoti Sahare
Organized by
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) (An autonomous organization under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India)
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
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ABOUT THE CONVENTION
India has to support 17 per cent of the world’s population on just 2.4 per cent of its
geographical area. Agriculture continues to be a vital component of India’s economy
contributing over 14.2 per cent of India’s GDP and providing employment to the majority
(55%) of its population. Indian agriculture has achieved self-sufficiency and today takes
pride in not only meeting the needs of our population but also playing a major role in
agricultural trade. Ensuring farmer’s security is far more vital for the nation to ensure food
security to the country. In this context, it is important to explore all possibilities to ensure
prosperity of farmers and agriculture. Transformation of Agriculture to Agri-business is
one of the important strategies where enterprising farmers practice profitable agriculture.
This transformation is a challenging task as changing the mind-set is more
important here than changing the practices. To address this issue at farmer’s level
requires huge manpower of extension workers. Inadequate manpower in public
extension is one of the major bottlenecks in transfer of technologies to the door step of
farmers. On the other hand, 74 Agricultural Universities are producing more than 40,000
Agriculture graduates and diploma holders. Only small percentage gets the job and rest
go unemployed or further their education or diversify the field. In order to make use of
public money invested on education of thousands of unemployed Agriculture graduates
and diploma holders and also to bridge the gap between research and farmers, an
innovative programme i.e. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme
was launched during 2002.
The scheme has provision for free training, handholding, loans and subsidies and
Refresher Programmes for unemployed Agriculture graduates and diploma holders so
that, they can start their own Agri-ventures in rural areas providing value added extension
services to the door step of farmers round the clock. The responsibility was given to
MANAGE to promote Agripreneurs and Agri Start-ups under AC&ABC scheme. Today,
MANAGE has successfully trained more than 50,000 Agricultural graduates and diploma
holders, established more than 21,000 Agri-ventures mostly in rural areas in coordination
with 82 Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) across the country. There are interesting
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developments out of Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres Scheme. The scheme
started teaching Agri-business to the students besides agriculture. It is not only changing
their knowledge but also their attitude towards Agriculture. Trainees are convinced that,
they can make good profit in Agri-business too. This trend is encouraging more and more
students to opt Agri Start-ups rather than unending search for jobs.
Majority of the successful Agripreneurs are sons and daughters of farmers hailing
from villages. In spite of family resistance, they were able to make profit and make their
parents happy. This has impacted the majority mind-set which favours job. These
Agripreneurs remained in villages earning respect of farmers and decent income from
Agriculture. The scheme has successfully reduced the migration of rural youth from rural
to urban areas. A huge network of Agriculture related institutions which focus more on
teaching and research are involved now in shaping Agripreneurs. This has brought
tremendous change in the way institutions traditionally think and work. Agripreneurship
development programmes are figuring in teaching, research and training.
Agripreneur is an entrepreneur in the field of agriculture, ready to take risk, try
innovation to make profit. He has the added advantage of professional qualification in
agriculture. Agripreneurs are playing an important role in professionalizing Agricultural
extension. Successful Agripreneurs are not only self-employed, but, have also created
jobs for others in their work place. As they grow in business, they create more jobs while
reaching more farmers. Today, we have Agripreneurs earning few thousands to many
crores and created jobs for few people around to few hundreds. This impact continues
as they grow in business. Today’s individual Agripreneurs are tomorrows Agri-business
companies. Several Agripreneurs have received recognition in the Convention. It is
important to note that, they are in almost all allied sectors like Agriculture, Horticulture,
Sericulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Agri-tourism, Agri-media and hundreds of
innovative activities. Several women Agripreneurs have received awards. All these
Agripreneurs are not from one State but, from 25 States. The scheme has reached the
entire country. Only, the linkages need to be strengthened to make Agri Start-ups
sustainable.
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Bankers play an important role in the success of AC&ABC Scheme and
Agripreneurs. However, the response is not adequate. Nearly 4 per cent of the trained
getting loans and 3 per cent getting subsidy is not an encouraging situation where
Agripreneurs are braving the rural reality. It is important to have accountability for
developmental bankers. Government has promoted One Branch One Agri-Clinic Concept
to involve bankers more, for supporting Agripreneurs. Bankers should make all possible
efforts to support Agripreneurs. How public extension is benefitted is another question to
be answered. Provision is already made in ATMA to support Agripreneurs. However, we
are yet to see a proactive approach of ATMA to have partnership with Agripreneurs. Fund
provision is also made for supporting Agripreneurs under ATMA. With ATMAs having
manpower problem, involvement of Agripreneur becomes a viable solution.
At this juncture, there is need for another stream of AC&ABC for strengthening
Sons and daughters of farmers who are not qualified in agriculture to promote
Agripreneurship. There is need to evolve government support at different levels of growth
of Agripreneurs. There is need for creating confidence among bankers to support
Agripreneurs through credit guarantee support and enrich ATMA in association of
Agripreneurs. There is need to work towards a concept “One Village One Agri-Clinic” to
transform Agriculture in to Agripreneurship. 72 per cent of the farmers assisted by
Agripreneurs admitted that, their productivity is enhanced. An Event like Agripreneurs
Convention, Agri-Startups Exhibition and Awards energizes Agripreneurs and all the
stakeholders working in this mission. There is need for organizing this event every year
in different parts of the country.
The First National Agripreneurs’ Convention, Agri-Startups Exhibition and Award
Ceremony organized by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management
(MANAGE) at Hyderabad during 7-9th March, 2017 at HMDA Ground, adjacent to
Prasad’s IMAX Theatre, Necklace Road, Hyderabad is the first of its kind event in which
125 Stalls showcased Agri-Startups and Institutional support to Agri-Startups. More than
1000 Agripreneurs participated in the 3 days Agripreneurs Convention focusing on
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Business expansion partnerships and 53 outstanding Agripreneurs representing 25
States were honoured.
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Welcome Address Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director (Agril. Extn), MANAGE
Welcoming all distinguished guests, Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, during his Address,
mentioned the aim and the Journey of AC&ABC scheme, since its inception way back in
2002. Further, he mentioned that, under the
scheme, more than 50,000 Agricultural graduates
and diploma holders were trained, over 21,000
have established 32 categories of Agri-ventures.
Besides, they also provided jobs to more than 1.25
lakh rural youth. In addition, Dr. P. Chandra
Shekara, reiterated the aim of organizing the first
national level Agripreneurs convention of “bringing all those Agripreneurs together, linking
them to business partners and other stakeholders and recognizing their services to
farmers”.
Address
Smt. V. Usha Rani, IAS, Director General, MANAGE
Smt. V. Usha Rani, inspiration and leadership
behind organizing First National Agripreneurs
Convention at Hyderabad. During her address,
she mentioned that today is ‘Golden Letter Day’ for
MANAGE, emphasising the need for
Agripreneurship in the country and MANAGE
achievement in implementing AC&ABC scheme
over the last one decade. Addressing the
Agripreneurs and awardees she mentioned that, Entrepreneurs have to think positively
to start business so that he/she can employ others. Further, she extended her hearty
congratulations and salute to successful Agripreneurs for contributing to agriculture and
creating jobs for the rural youth. Further, highlighted that, there are ample opportunities
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for rural youth as Agripreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors and it will continue to grow
in future.
Address by Guest of Honour
Shri C. Parthasarathi, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt. of Telangana
Shri C. Parthasarathi mentioned in his address, that he is wordless after seeing 125 start-
ups. He congratulated MANAGE for
organizing a successful convention,
inviting all stakeholders under one roof,
sharing their experiences, innovative
models and their product/services. He
appreciated the initiative of Agri-
Journalism & Agri-films by one of the
AC&ABC trained Agripreuners in
reaching the farmers with new technology. Shri C. Parthasarathi urged rural youth to
change their perception towards Agriculture. He stated that there is wrong perception
about farming, among youth in our country and this has to be removed to succeed in
agriculture. He emphasised that there are plenty of opportunities in Agriculture for
entrepreneurship such as processing, value addition, warehousing packaging, producing
consumer friendly products etc. Agripreneurship is in sunrise situation; to encash it rural
youth have to think towards Agriculture instead of going for small jobs in Malls and
supermarkets just for Rs.10-15 thousand. On this occasion, he mentioned various
initiatives of Government of Telangana for promotion of Agriculture and Agribusiness in
the state.
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Address by Chief Guest
Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad
Dr. David Bergvinson mentioned in his address that,
the convention is a fantastic testimony to MANAGE.
He mentioned various activities of ICRISAT towards
the cause of doubling farmer’s income by 2022,
promoted by Prime Minister Modi, highlighted
ICRISAT innovation in dryland farming,
Entrepreneurship, IT integration in agriculture. He
mentioned that, along the value chain we mainly focus on production, however there are
lot of opportunities on marketing side to link smallholders to markets. Further, he
mentioned that Farmers Producers Organizations needs to be strengthened and used to
full economic potential.
Address
Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak, IAS, Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI
Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak congratulated
MANAGE and all the Agripreneurs for
making the convention successful. He
pointed out that, India is a super power in
Agriculture now and today the whole world is
coming to India and want to invest in India.
Therefore, it is the right time for
entrepreneurs to look towards agriculture. If
entrepreneurs want to be successful, they have to be in rural and in agriculture. Again,
Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak reiterated ample opportunities in India for Agripreneurs that
need to be harnessed.
During the convention Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak, by Secretary (A&C), MoA & FW,
Govt. of India released a Book on Good Governance in Agricultural Extension,
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Agricultural Films made by Mr. Jagadish Dhanani, Agripreneur, Gujarat, Book and Videos
on Certified Farm Advisor and released Millet Calendar - 2017.
I. Agri start-ups Exhibition
To promote the Agripreneurs and
Agripreneurship with better networking and
business expansion ideas, MANAGE
organized Agri Start-ups Exhibition at
Hyderabad. The purpose of the Exhibition
is to attract Agriculture professionals
towards Agripreneurship and
Agribusiness activities and also, to create a
forum for Agripreneurs to build linkage between the Agripreneurs to develop their
businesses through networking. During the
exhibition 125 Stalls showcased Agri-Startups
by displaying their products/ services. The
different activities represented by the Agri-
Start-ups are Agri-clinics and Agri-
consultancies, Mass Agri-Training school,
Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Mobile - Clinic
services, Agri-Input manufacturers and
Marketers, Organic farming promoters and
producers, Farmer Producer Companies Promoters, Hybrid varieties and Seed
Producers, Ayurvedic Animal Medicare, Nursery and Green shade net services, Bee
Keepers, Farm Machineries and Innovative implements, Aquaculture and integrated
Aqua activities, Agri-Incubates, Fruit and Food processors, Mushroom cultivators and
consultancies, ICT Applications for Agriculture, Horticulture Crop Cultivation
consultancies, Livestock Food Manufacturers and Suppliers. Along with the Agri-Startup
many esteemed institutes represented themselves and shared their technologies and
services available for application at field level in different activities, such as ICRISAT -
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millet group, IIMR and their Millet stakeholders, IIRR, DPR, NABARD, NCMR, NIRD &
PR, CSA, Rythu Nestham Publications and Punjab National Bank. Many have ventured
into various kind of challenging activities in Agriculture. Women Agripreneurs have shown
outstanding performance with their Agripreneural Activities. During the three days
exhibition thousands of visitors from public domain visited the exhibition. The exhibition
platform during three days created lot of business for all the exhibitors starting from 2.5
Lakh to more than a Crore.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak, IAS, Hon’ble
Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI, in presence of Shri C. Parthasarathi, IAS, Agriculture
Production Commissioner, Govt. of Telangana and Smt. V. Usha Rani, IAS, Director
General, MANAGE and Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad.
After the inauguration of exhibition Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak,
Shri C. Parthasarathi, Smt. V. Usha Rani, and Dr. David Bergvinson visited all the Agri
start-ups stalls and interacted with the Agripreneurs. A directory of Exhibitors is enclosed
as Annexure II.
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II. National & State level Best Agripreneurs Appreciation and
Certificate issuing Ceremony
As per the guidelines of AC&ABC Central Govt. Scheme, MANAGE called for the
applications of 5 Best Agripreneurs from each working 82 Nodal Training Institutes (NTI’s)
across India, so as to select the Best 5 applications with supporting documents which
were forwarded to MANAGE as nominations from the respective states. It was also open
to Agripreneurs across India to apply for the Awards individually. The eligibility criteria
to apply for the Awards was that all the Agripreneurs should have been trained and
established before 31st March, 2016 under AC&ABC Scheme.
A total of 202 Agripreneurs applications were received from 25 states of India
through NTI’s and individual Agripreneurs. A common criteria for the selection of the Best
Agripreneurs from each state was formed broadly under these headings, viz., a) Gender
b) Extension coverage c) Intensity of benefits to Farmers d) Employment creation e)
Strength of Agribusiness Model. State level Best Agripreneurs Award was presented to
53 Agripreneurs from 25 states and the number of Awards to each state was decided as
per the AC&ABC guidelines following the number of Agri-ventures established under each
state under AC&ABC scheme. 53 outstanding Agripreneurs including three National
Level agripreneurs representing 25 States were awarded and honoured by Shri
Shobhana K Pattanayak, by Secretary (A&C), MoA & FW, GoI. Of 53 awardees, 6 were
women Agripreneurs. During the award ceremony successful awardees shared their
experiences and success stories. The List of successful Agripreneurs is enclosed as
Annexure III.
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Experience Sharing by Successful Agripreneurs
1. Mr. Samir Ranjan Bordoloi - Trained under
AC&ABC during 2003, Mr Samir is a founder
of Farm2Food Foundation at Jorhat Assam.
He is promoting and practicing low cost
organic farming with sustainable use of natural
resources. He has established 15 Farm
Learning Centres in Assam and is promoting
Agro-tourism. He is imparting training to
children in 150 Rural Government Schools of Assam under “Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan”
about ‘Farm preneur’. During this training children learn about safe food production,
vermicomposting etc. and childrens’ Bank accounts are opened with zero balance
account. He is presently serving more than 15000 farmers from 100 villages in low cost
organic farming. In addition, he is involved in Agri-publication, linking farmers to market
and organizing agri-fairs. He has provided jobs for 40 people and his business turnover
is Rs.3 Crores. He was grateful for the support from MANAGE and his positive attitude
has helped him in serving the farmers. He promised to contribute to impro\ve farmers’
livelihood.
2. Dr. Gajendrakumar Kantilal Bamania - “Courage should not be in muscles, it should
be in your will”– says Dr. Gajendrakumar
Kantilal Bamania, a 33-year old Veterinary
Doctor with MBA in International
Agribusiness Management and ten years of
working experience. He was inspired by the
AC&ABC scheme and driven by passion to
work in Dairy and for the betterment of Dairy
farmers. He left his job and joined AC&ABC
training program. He stated that milk productivity in India is very low as compared to
developed countries, thus he started contemplating on how to increase milk production
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at farmers level through genetic breeding and food alteration. He mentioned that there
are ample opportunities in dairy which could be harnessed with Public Private
Partnership. Thus there is need to encourage PPP in dairy. He thanked MANAGE for best
Agripreneur award and encouragement to do much more for the farming community.
3. Mr. M. Nagaraju – Mr Nagaraju,
Agripreneur from Telangana has a long
record of 14 years of service to the
farming community. Since 2004,
Mr.Nagaraju a trainee under the
AC&ABC scheme, has been striving to
bring cutting edge technologies and
innovations to improve productivity.
Smart farming is the concept he has
adopted for improving profits from Agriculture. With his concept, several farmers have
benefited by interventions such as growing exotic crops, use of hi-tech farm machinery,
mulching and micro-irrigation, preservation of seasonal fruits and vegetables, seed
processing, floriculture in addition to crop farming etc. Presently he is serving more than
15000 farmers in 4 states. Receiving the best Agripreneur award he mentioned that, he
is successful because he is giving information about marketing to the farmers which is
helping farmers to gain more income. In addition, he is providing need based extension.
He was the first person to avail loan under AC&ABC scheme in the country and he
thanked Bank of Baroda for the financial assistance.
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4. Mrs. M. Sarita Reddy. Ms Sarita is an
Agripreneur in sustainable organic farming
and the best Agripreneur awardee from
Hyderabad. She completed BSc. Agriculture
in 2004 and worked for 3 years for a private
company and then got trained under
AC&ABC scheme. With MANAGE support
and continued encouragement she is able to
serve farmers in the State, she says. With
inspiration from AC&ABC scheme she started her enterprise Navaratna Cropscience
Private Limited (NCS), a research based Agri Biotech Company based at Hyderabad,
India. NCS has 21 products approved for use in Organic agriculture. She remembered
her starting days as an Agripreneur with her parents asking her why she wanted to
become an Agripreneur and mentioned her intention to become a job giver not a job
seeker. Her determination, continued effort and support from MANAGE helped her in
serving farmers in and outside the country. Her main focus is on soil health management
and bio pesticides used for organic farming. She has reached more than 50000 farmers.
Mrs. M. Sarita Reddy expressed that, she wants to see more and more number of women
Agripreneurs in the country, because the opportunities are huge; at the same time
government is supporting women Agripreneurs.
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III. Convention
Three days of First National Agripreneurs’ Convention was divided into various sessions
as follows
Session I Interface of Agri-business Companies with Agripreneurs
Session II Innovative Extension Agri-startups and Agripreneural Opportunities
Session III Initiatives of Women Agripreneurs
Session IV Agricultural Finance for Agri Startups
Session V Innovative Extension Agri-startups and Agripreneural Opportunities
Session VI Agri start-up opportunities in different sectors
Session VII Innovative Extension Agri-startups and Agripreneural Opportunities
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Technical Session I: Interface of Agri-business Companies with Agripreneurs -
Presentations by Agri Business Companies
There were seven presentations in this session and it was convened by Dr. Saravanan
Raj Director (Agril.Extn.), MANAGE
1. Shri Jagdish Dhanani, Agripreneur-Agri-Media- Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Shri Jagadish
Dhanani, briefed on his journey of Agri-entrepreneurship. Being a master in Agri-
Journalism he joined Ramoji Film City,
Hyderabad to learn post-production techniques
in film making. During 2012, he joined Agri-
Clinics and Agri-Business Centres scheme at
International School for Public Leadership
(ISPL), Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Shri Dhanani
established a firm, Digital Agri Media in Gandhi
Nagar, Gujarat which is involved in production of Agri related Films (in Gujarati and
Hindi ), Mass Media Communication through Radio, Television, Newspaper and Agri-
Advertising and Awareness generation about latest technologies in Agriculture through
Audio Visual Media to farming community. Some of the achievements of Digital Agri
Media are:
Produced 100 Agri Media Film/VCD in Gujarati, 25 in Hindi language.
Produced 100 e-Technology Packages i.e. Technical Films for ATMA, Gujarat.
Received National Award from Fertilizer Association of India for Film
Production on Drip Irrigation for Gujarat Green Revolution Company (GGRC).
More than 250 organizations are clients of Digital Agri Media.
Sponsored Agriculture Programme “Samruddhi Tapke Tipe” on Doordarshan,
Girnar at 6:30 – 7:00 pm on every Sunday and Monday.
More than Rs.2 Crores annual turnover of the firm and more than 10 skilled
workers on pay roll.
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2. Dr. V. N. Kulkarni, Vice, President, J.K Seeds Genetics Ltd. Hyderabad, informed
that the seed industry in the country has witnessed
a sea change since last few decades. It has
transformed, from closed and subsistence level
wherein the main aim of production was to meet
local consumption needs, to that of reaching
integrated markets at both national and
international levels. He emphasized that the
volume of seed industry in India is comprising of 18 % units of Multi-National
Companies (MNC) for hybrid seeds and 45% seed units go to Local Indian companies
and rest 35% belong to small seed companies. Shri Kulkarni emphasized on the
importance of R&D (Research and Development) unit in each seed industry to cater
to the demand for quality seeds. Indian seed industry is becoming globalized and
creating opportunity to bring much needed commerce into it and such paradigm shift
is visible on the ground. He briefed that there are two major cropping seasons in India
i.e. Kharif and Rabi season, and keeping this in view and emerging dietary
consciousness in India, demand driven vegetable seed production system assumes
prime importance. Giving importance to vegetable seed production he says, the
business is on high risk but ensures good returns. He specially mentioned and called
upon Agripreneurs to join seed industry which is a dynamic industry. One needs to
invest and grow. Hard work gets rewarded, said Shri Kulkarni.
3. Smt. Vijaya Krishna Amrutha, VARI, Kuchipudi, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
Shri Sai indicated that the purpose of VARI is to provide tools and network so that
anyone can start selling fruits, vegetables,
livestock and other agricultural produce
online & offline. Alongside, VARI provides
Real Time Price Data & Price Transparency
across all links of the agricultural supply chain
(from farmer to the end consumer). The
business volume of VARI is that, it has 68,350
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farmers, 22, 577 Agents, 8,498 Wholesalers & 38,340 Individuals &177 different items.
VARI provides more choice to consumers in buying fruits, vegetables & other
agricultural produce and provides farmers with access to more types of buyers than
traditional mandi resulting in better pricing power. Shri Sai emphasized that, VARI is
awarded with International patent (PCT) titled “System and Methods for Matching the
Agricultural Products and Produce Requisites”.
4. Shri. Emmanuel Murray, Caspian Impact Investment Advisor, Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad,
Since 2005, Caspian have invested debt and equity capital into high quality
enterprises in India, with the intent to generate
social and/or environmental impact alongside a
competitive financial return. The major focus
areas include financial inclusion, food &
agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare and
clean energy. A brief narration was given by Shri
Emmanuel. The company invests in enterprises
that address the problems of access and efficiency in business ecosystems that have
positive social or environmental impact. Shri Emmanuel called upon Agripreneurs to
utilize financial support in early stage enterprises that operate in this sphere and bring
their capital and expertise to improving the outreach and viability of their agri-
businesses.
5. Mr. Sunil G. Awari, General Manager, Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore:
Shri Awari gave a detailed account of the
requirement of quality seeds and planting material
for increasing the productivity of field and
horticulture crops. Namdhari team commits to be
a leader in fruits and exotic vegetable production
and post-harvest practices to help India achieve
the status of being the largest exporter of fruits
and vegetables, in the world while redefining the quality standards of horticultural
produce in its domestic market. Shri Awari emphasized that Namdhari Seeds is
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leading in Export, Retailing and Food Services with national and international reach.
Namdhari is providing quality seeds which plays a major role not only in increasing
productivity but also in generation of more income, employment and livelihood
opportunities in rural areas. Shri Awari explained in detail various business
opportunities for Agripreneurs in Growing (captive and contract farming), Processing
(value addition and product manufacturing) and marketing (domestic and export). Shri
Awari highlighted that value addition with supply chain of fresh crop produce brings
high profit.
6. Shri Shrikanth Voleti, Business Analyst, Vasudhaika Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Hyderabad. Shri Voleti highlighted that, in
today's digital world, businesses are models
made of information, social, leads, collaboration,
workflows and financial accounting. KALGUDI
provides these building blocks on the go across
borders. He stressed that, Kalgudi empowers
every person and every business to achieve
more by receiving customized information by marketing brand profile online. Shri
Voleti mentioned that, opportunities transform on the fly into meaningful interactions
for the targeted businesses with the help of product standardization. Kalgudi improves
opportunity and visibility erasing geographical and cultural boundaries across the
globe. He wrapped his session by stressing that, running a business is impossible
without correct, relevant, precise and timely information. But, it needs someone to turn
the overflowing information around us to something consumable and useful. Kalgudi
does the magic of crawling, curing, classifying, categorizing, moderating, summarizing
and delivering it to you. Surf Kalgudi and Serve community, says Shri Voleti.
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7. Mr. Saravanan Kumar, GM, Netafim Irrigation India, Pvt Ltd. Hyderabad, highlighted
the achievements of Netafim since last 50 years. He briefed that, Netafim is the global
leader in smart irrigation solutions for a
sustainable future. With 28 subsidiaries, 17
manufacturing plants and 4,300 employees
worldwide, Netafim delivers innovative solutions
to growers of all sizes, from smallholders to
large-scale agricultural producers, in over 110
countries. Founded in 1965, Netafim pioneered
the drip revolution, creating a paradigm shift toward low-flow agricultural irrigation.
Today, Netafim provides diverse solutions – from state-of-the-art drippers to advanced
automated systems – for agriculture, greenhouses, landscaping and mining,
accompanied by expert agronomic, technical and operational support. Specializing in
end-to-end solutions from the water source to the root zone, Netafim delivers turnkey
irrigation and greenhouse projects, supported by engineering, project management
and financing services. Shri Saravanan expresses the way forward; Netafim is playing
a key role for nurturing the budding Agripreneurs by associating them with NGO and
Government bodies to extend Agri-entrepreneurship in Micro-Irrigation.
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Technical Session II - Interface of Agri-business Companies with
Agripreneurs
Business Networking & Enterprise Sharing by Successful Agripreneurs
This session had five successful Agripreneurs sharing experiences on their Initiatives and
Opportunities. The session was convened by Dr. G. Jaya, Dy. Director (HRD) and
Dr. N. Balasubramani, Dy.Director (OSPM), MANAGE.
1. Mr. Sameer Ranjan Bordolai from Jorhat, Assam shared his experiences with
Organic farming, Farm Connect etc. Mr. Sameer
started with Plant Clinics in 2004. Now his
Foundation Farm2Food is trying to build North East
Brand of Organic Products. His focus is on Organic
Farming and using on-farm resources. He informed
about the Farmpreneur program which he
introduced, where school children were taught about farm activities, plant nutrients,
and soil nutrients and how to produce vermicomposting in Thermocol boxes. Mothers
were also trained on bio intensive organic farming along with children. Through his
Farm2Food Foundation Mr. Sameer is working with 3000 school children in 150
schools in Assam to promote organic farming, trying to create a model in Assam and
influence policy making. He is on the Board of Education, Assam to spread this
organic concept. He is on the Board of Management of the Agricultural University.
Farm Connect is another initiative focused on making farmer a friend and connecting
farmers. Since marketing is a major problem he feels Farm Connect can help connect
farmers with markets and make farming profitable. He established Centre for
Sustainable Agriculture. He is working with corporate sector under CSR. He says
“Starting takes time but once you go - it becomes a passion”. “If farmers grow, we
grow” says Sameer Ranjan Bordolai who is reaching 15,000 farmers.
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2. Mr. M. Nagaraju, Hyderabad, Telangana is reaching 15000 farmers and his target
is to reach 1 lakh farmers. He feels there is need
to conduct need based training programs and
advise farmers on what to grow, how to grow,
where to sell, how to sell. He says some of his
farmers have started companies and are
exporting to other countries. He is providing
Agricultural Extension Services to the farmers in the villages viz., providing marketing
linkages; Advisory on organic farming, Consultancy services. He is providing services
to 15000 farmers. He is importing seeds from Taiwan. He focused on the need to
network and formed Telangana State Agripreneurs Association; plan is to have a
national body.
3. Ms. M. Sarita Reddy, Hyderabad, Telangana. Ms. Sarita started her company,
“Navaratna Crop Science Pvt. Ltd.” in Hyderabad which deals with Bio-fertilizers and
micro nutrients. She attributed her success to her
focus on R&D. She has her own R&D unit and
employs 40 people who include PhDs, marketing
and field employees. Focus is on products
needed by the farmer. She said that there is need
to focus on soil health management. She used to
go to farmers and do field demonstration, educate farmers about plant protection, bio-
fertilizers and bio pesticide usage. Though farmers were initially hesitant to go for new
practices, educated farmers slowly started adopting these. Her services are reaching
farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana States. Her
technology/services have also reached a North African country and have shown good
results in olives. There are many untapped areas; we need to see where we can come
up with new innovations and network with each other she says. If quality of the product
is good, no branding is needed says Sarita Reddy.
26
4. Dr. Gajendra Bamania, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Dr. Bamania registered his firm as
“Xcell Breeding and Livestock Services Pvt. Ltd.”
He is providing Animal breeding services in
Gujarat at the doorstep of farmers. He has
introduced an innovative idea of updating AI
services on daily basis through mobile, for
monitoring purpose. He is providing AI services,
providing semen, kits for breeding purpose; and Offers consultancy on establishment
of Dairy farm.
5. Dr. Sudhir Tulsiram Dhote, Maharashtra is a veterinary consultant whose focus is
on making livestock farming sustainable. He
started breed improvement program in 2012.
He said there was good scope in dairy, poultry
and goatery industry. There is need to increase
productivity in milk in India and need to
increase soil fertility. He has been imparting
training at KVKs.
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Technical Session III - Initiatives of Women Agripreneurs
The session was convened by Dr. K. Uma Rani, Director (Extension), MANAGE
The second day’s program started with a celebration of International women’s day. Ten
successful women Agripreneurs from different states of India shared their Initiatives and
success stories. Successful women Agripreneurs revealed their journey in
Agripreneurship mentioning the initial problems they faced and how they overcame those
problems with their positive attitude. All the Agripreneurs acknowledged the support
MANAGE provided through the two months training that ignited their minds to take the
initiative by starting their Agri-enterprises. On this occasion, the Director General,
MANAGE Smt. V. Usha Rani, IAS, opined that, role of women in agriculture is huge and
there are opportunities for women in Agripreneurship in the country. Further, Director
General highlighted that, the present environment is encouraging for Agri-startups and
women Agripreneurs in the country. “Strong Woman Helps herself and Powerful Woman
Helps Everyone in the Society” DG, MANAGE said.
During the session nine women Agripreneurs shared their initiatives and experiences.
1. Ms. M. Sarita Reddy – Best Women Agripreneur awardee from Telangana
Ms. M. Sarita Reddy remembered her earlier days stating that she is from the farming
family, and struggled a lot even for a one day
meal. Her parents gave her good education
and she opted for BSc. Agriculture with the
intention to serve the farming community. After
her graduation she worked for a private
company and gained field level experience.
Later she decided to start her enterprise, and
at this point she came to know about the AC&ABC scheme, she got trained in it and
started her venture. She mentioned with pride that, her company is now global, having
developed a network with international partners in Africa and Asia. She mentioned that
she was happy to see the smile on the farmers face.
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2. Dr. Farheen Mushtaq, Best Women Agripreneur awardee from J&K
Dr Farheen is a veterinary Gynecologist. After her studies when she expressed her
interest to become an entrepreneur, there
were doubts in her community about how she
could serve as veterinary Doctor in J & K,
being a women. She said that she started her
Clinic with confidence and got trained under
AC&ABC scheme, and her dreams started
from here. She is involved in extension in various camps to create awareness about cattle
management (feed, health etc.).
3. Ms. S. Sellaponnu, Shivaganga - Best Women Agripreneur awardee from Tamil
Nadu
Ms S. Sellaponnu mentioned that, she is an agricultural graduate and was trained under
AC&ABC scheme. She is serving farmers with
Soil and water testing laboratory, seed
technology and Solar water pumps in rural
areas. She is serving more than 2800
registered farmers in 40 villages in Tamil Nadu
and has provided jobs for 6 people.
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4. Ms. Akhila Mole, Women Agripreneur from Kerala
Ms. Akhila is providing Aqua clinic consultancy, helping farmers in bankable project
proposal preparation, Hatchery service,
integrated farming system, low cost
production techniques and providing training
to farmers. Ms. Akhila mentioned that, she is
very happy with the service she is providing
to farmers and it is bringing livelihood
improvement in the farming community.
5. Ms. Preethi – Women Agripreneur from Maharashtra
Ms. Preethi is a Postgraduate in Agriculture (M.Sc. Agri.) and providing services to
farmers through Bio-fertilizer production. She
highlighted that, now a days people are not eating
good food as it is poisoned due to high use of
synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, she
decided to serve farmers by providing good Bio-
pesticides and Bio-fertilizers. She is promoting
cluster organic farming along with promoting bio-
fertilizers.
6. Ms. Sumatra Narayan –Women Agripreneur from Maharashtra
She hails from a farming family and she is
promoting Vermicomposting, vermi-wash in the
farming community. She expressed that she is self-
reliant now and is providing jobs to rural youth
through her venture.
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7. Ms. Rakhsha Deshmukh – Women Agripreneur from Maharashtra
During her experience sharing she mentioned
that, Women education is very important.
Behind her success her husband, father in law
and brother are involved. She got trained
under the AC&ABC scheme and it helped her
to develop as an entrepreneur with the
intention to help other women. During any
startup venture family support is very important. She urged to support women in the
society especially in agriculture and educate and encourage women in the work place.
She wished that, there would be r many women Agripreneurs next year.
8. Mrs. Lalitha Shanka – Women Agripreneur
She mentioned her concern about the increased
fertilizer usage in the country but at the same,
food production is not at the same pace. She is
working with Japan on microorganisms to promote
good soil for organic farming. She mentioned that
behind every man there is a woman but behind her
success there are four men involved - her son,
husband and brothers. She thanked MANAGE for providing her the opportunity which
helped her as an Agripreneur.
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9. Dr. K. Uma Rani, Director (Extension), MANAGE
Dr. K. Uma Rani made a presentation on a Critical Analysis of Women Entrepreneurs in
the Farming Sector and their success stories and
analysis of factors contributing to success of the
enterprise in farming sector among women. Dr
Uma further, revealed the economic and social
impact of entrepreneurship on women and
gender based barriers in starting and sustaining
the enterprises in the farming sector among
women. In addition strategies for promoting entrepreneurship among women in farming
sector were presented. Detailed analysis on several successful women Agripreneurs
were presented to the audience.
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Technical Session – IV Agricultural finance for Agri Start-ups
There were five presentations in this session and the session was convened by Dr. K. Anand Reddy, Director (HRD) and Dr. A. Amarender Reddy, Director (Monitoring & Evaluation), MANAGE
1. Shri Manas Mohanty, General Manager, Human Resource Management
Department; (HRMD), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Hyderabad.
While giving on overview of agricultural development in India, Shri Mohanty explained
that two words found more critical were Risk and
Problem in agricultural development. Agriculture is
not only a farming system but is an income
generating engine. However there is crisis due to the
lack of finance support in agricultural development.
National and foreign banks need to be sensitized to
lending finance to agriculture to develop credit
linkages. The total credit linkage system in agriculture should be improved by the
Government. Credit linkages to Agripreneurs and farmers need to be improved. Banks
are reluctant to lend to farmers and Agripreneurs. Hence, there is need for identification
of enabling factors that promote scaling up of finance system at state and national level.
Shri Mohanty broadly explained about land regulation and urged that, the issue of land
has to be resolved for agribusiness development and regulation should be systematized
so that Agri-entrepreneurs can start their agri-business peacefully. Shri Mohanty also
responded to some queries regarding delay in loan sanction under Agri-Clinics and Agri-
Business Centres scheme. Indian agriculture is now more globalized and creates
opportunity to bring much needed commerce into it and such paradigm shift is visible on
the ground. Hence the need of the hour for all stakeholders is to come together and re-
solve the issue of the weak credit system in agricultural development, Shri Mohanty
concluded.
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2. Dr. Subhash Chandra, DGM, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Hyderabad.
Dr Chandra spoke on the organizational approaches in Agri-finance for agricultural
projects as implemented and supported by NABARD
in India. He broadly explained NABARD’s mission,
initiative and major functions in development of credit
linkages. The major function of NABARD is GLC, Re-
finance and Direct finance. NABARD extends long-
term (LT) refinance support for asset creation and
capital formation. The purposes for loans extended under LT refinance include farm
investments, allied activities, micro, small, and medium enterprises, agro-processing,
organic farming, non-conventional energy, self-help groups, JLGs and rural housing. Shri
Chandra provided an insight on NABARD subsidized schemes. He explained in detail on
a few Capital Investment Subsidy Schemes viz. Schemes for promoting Solar
Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems for irrigation purpose & solar lighting, National
Project on Organic farming, National Livestock Mission (NLM), Dairy Entrepreneurship
Development scheme (DEDS), Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Scheme (AC&ABC),
Climate change, Farmer Producers Organization (FPO’s), Tribal Development
Fund(TDF), Watershed Development, Umbrella Programme for Natural Resources
Management, (UMNRM), Research and Development Fund (R&D) and allied areas.
3. Shri A.S. Ramayya, AGM, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI),
Hyderabad.
Shri Ramayya presented a brief outline on SIDBI activities and its reach across India. He
explained in detail about the credit oriented products and
services of SIDBI. SIDBI helps Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) spearhead the Make In India
Program. Shri Ramayya highlighted the various schemes
implemented through SIDBI viz. SMILE for small and
medium enterprises, Micro Units Development & Refinance
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Agency Ltd. (MUDRA), Stand-Up India etc. He also elaborated the handholding facilities
provided through SIDBI, various financial products available in the formal financial sector
for empowering the micro, small, and medium enterprises. Shri Ramayya also pointed
out, that to access the benefit of Stand-up India scheme one can visit the Home Page at
www.standupmitra.in
4. Shri P.S. Parthsarathi, State Bank Institute of Rural Development (SBIRD),
Hyderabad.
She Parthasarathi briefed on the Agricultural Finance Opportunities for Agripreneurs &
Farmers implemented through State Bank of India.
He explained the difference between production
loan and investment credit loan. Shri Parthsarathi
explained that, farm mechanization, micro-
irrigation, horticulture, value addition, rural godown
are promising enterprises and many financial
institutes are ready to lend financial support. Dairy
and Poultry are categorized under the investment credit loan, some units viz. layer farms,
broiler farms, breeder farms, chicken processing centre, chicken stall, poultry feed
manufacturing unit, poultry feed shop, poultry waste converting units can be started by
Agripreneurs by receiving financial support from banks, Shri Parthsarathi said.
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5. Shri. Bharavi Mishra, Advisor, NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NeML)
Shri Mishra briefed about the products and services of NCDEX. Fresh is a unique initiative
established on NCDEX e-Markets Limited
(NeML). It integrates the e-spot markets with the
nationwide buyers, sellers & logistics and cold
storage networks. It helps any farmer/ FPO or
farm consolidator to integrate through e-spot
markets to the buyer in region/ state or across
India. A farmer can also sell his produce to
processors & exporters. It is a delivery based e-spot market, transparent, online, real-time
market mainly in Agri-commodities. It provides complete solution in its e-market-place
such as trade-facilitation, collateral management, logistics & supply chain management
and clearing & settlement. NeML is a 100% owned subsidiary of NCDEX – India’s largest
commodity exchange. Mishra also briefed about the other initiatives of NCDEX viz.,
Electronic Markets for E-Trading, E-Mandi, E-auction market, E-Pledge, COMLIVE,
NCFDI etc.
Dr. A. Amarender Reddy, Director (M&E), MANAGE, summarized the session by
extending vote of thanks to each resource person.
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Technical session V - Innovative Extension Agri-startups and
Agripreneural Opportunities
Business Networking & Experience sharing by successful Agripreneurs and Farmers
Session convened by Dr. M.A. Kareem, Deputy Director, MANAGE
1. Mr. Sheikh Akbar Ali
After completing graduation in fisheries Mr Akbar Ali initially worked as a Fisheries
Development Officer in Department of
Fisheries. Subsequently he started an
Aquaculture consultancy firm ‘Information
and Inputs for Sustainable Aquaculture’
(IIFSA) in West Godavari district, Andhra
Pradesh. He collects information on soil and
water quality changes, does water and soil
quality analysis and gives a report to
farmers. He shares with farmers how soil and water management is to be done. His
recommendations have benefited over 2000 farmers within a Water Spread Area of
30,000 acres. He provides consultancy services also in Orissa and Karnataka.
2. Mr. Gowthaman Ramasamy
Mr Ramasamy is Offering Consultancy Services via mobile apps through Auxin Crop
Consultants. The idea was to make a personalized application which could suit a specific
farmer. The Mobile App helps the farmers to seek advice from experts for their field
problems. Using the application a farmer can take field photographs of symptoms, which
are sent to an advisory centre. The advisory team then contacts the farmer to provide
advisory.
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3. Mr. Vijay Bharat
Is providing services to farmers at their
door step through a Mobile School. This is
being done through a Bus – which is a
training centre on wheels. The Bus is
equipped with audio visual aids and has
CDs on packages and practices of local
crops, and this moves from village to
village. Around 50 farmers can sit in the
bus at one time and learn about best practices through films. Mr Vijay also goes to the
farms and gives input to farmers, provides on-farm services such as soil testing, and
solutions to field problems faced by the farmers.
4. Mr. Amarsinh Narayan Patil
Mr Patil started a barefoot school for training farmers. He works on pheromones,
attractants which are provided to urban areas for control of pests. He has developed an
interactive e-commerce web portal. He expressed that through an Agripreneur hub
connecting states with IT support, online marketing can be done for Agripreneurs’
products.
5. Shri Jaya Prakash
Shri Prakash started a Fishery clinic and provides consultancy. He goes to farmers,
checks water quality and gives recommendations.
6. Shri Gopal Ram from Rajasthan after B.Sc., M.Sc. initially joined ITC. In 2014 he
started a venture – Agri Seeds. Provides breeder seed for mustard, barley, sorghum.
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7. Shri Mahadev Shivashankar Ambali
Is promoting Organic farming. He started with
Vermicomposting production business, and later
extended to neem cake industry, organic
manure. He started a small unit – Indian Organic
Fertilizers. He supports 10000 farmers in North
Karnataka.
8. Dr. Vasant Kumar
A PhD in Entomology, Dr Vasant
Kumar underwent AC&ABC Training in
Bangalore. Since he could not get loan
he started his business using his
savings. He is providing Agri
consultancy, Research and extension
services to farmers. He provides free
advice to farmers and students and
charges Corporates.
He has expertise in disease diagnosis and management. He is training students to
become plant doctors.
39
Technical session VI - Agri start-ups Opportunities in Different Sectors
Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Rural Entrepreneurship
There were twelve presentations in this session. Heads of various Institutions presented
Agri Start-up opportunities in respective allied sectors. The session was convened by Dr.
V.P. Sharma, Director (IT), Dr. B.K. Paty, Director (OSPM), Dr. A.
Amarender Reddy, Director (M&E) and Dr. K. Uma Rani, Director (Extn.) from MANAGE.
1. Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director, Indian Institute of Rice Research (IRRI), Hyderabad
Dr. Ravindra Babu briefly explained the
importance of Rice crop and opportunities in rice
related activities for Agripreneurs. He mentioned
that, Rice is a staple food crop that holds the key
for food security (43%), occupies 44 M. ha (22%
of cropped area), annual production > 100 M t
(108 mt), a source of livelihood for millions and
earns foreign exchange of > Rs. 45,000 crores (1st in World). He mentioned that IRRI,
developed high yielding and disease resistant varieties. Further, several value added
products from rice such as rice moisturiser, cream for cracked heel and dry skin, Pain
relieving gel and Face scrub etc. are the emerging products and there are many
opportunities for Agripreneurs in this area, Dr. Ravindra Babu mentioned.
40
2. Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General, International Crops Research Institute
for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Dr Bergvison spoke about ICRISAT’s significant
progress in Innovations and Entrepreneurship
for holistic Growth of the Agri-Sector. Dr. David
presented an overview of the Indian agriculture
sector and stated that 80% of the population
lives in rural areas and depends on agricultural
production. Dr. David continued that, Innovation
and Entrepreneurship are the key drivers of prosperity. An Innovation is the process of
creating new goods and services that provide unique value for demanding customers who
are willing to pay for that value. Alongside, Entrepreneurship is the creation and growth
of new businesses (start-ups per adult population). Innovation and entrepreneurship
create prosperity by increasing wages by competing on human capital and knowledge,
reducing unemployment, connecting local economies to the global economy, facilitating
clusters and knowledge transfer. Dr Bergvinson further elaborated the opportunities for
Agri Start-ups, viz. Ag-bio: primary and secondary agriculture avenues (bio-fortified
foods, bio-products such as enzymes, probiotics etc.); Food processing: value-added
food products; digital agriculture: IoT, sensors, drones, robotics, block-chain, precision
agriculture; seed business ventures: promote farmer-led entrepreneurship initiatives in
rural communities to address demand-supply issues in quality seed availability; Ag-
innovations: identify grassroots innovators and support for proof-of-concept; Ag-inputs:
B2B delivery models, custom-hiring models, soil-improvement products, IPM. Dr.
Bergvinson briefed on the Agri-Business Incubator (ABI), which helps with business start-
up and support, provides infrastructure on cost-basis, business plan development, and
assists in obtaining financial assistance from Development Banks and Institutions. Dr.
Bergvinson concluded the presentation by presenting some success stories, awards and
recognition of clients of ABI.
41
3. Dr. Devi Prasad, J, Director, CGG, (T), Hyderabad
Dr Devi Prasad briefed about the challenges and
issues for development of agri-business in India.
He reiterated that, developing agriculture,
generating employment, improving participation
and addressing entrenched caste and class
hierarchies of the rural society remain key
concerns for policy makers despite the creation of
Panchyati Raj Institutions and provisions for safeguarding the rights of women and the
scheduled castes and tribes. CGG’s work on this domain spans across support to policy
formulation, capacity building of local self-governance representatives and officials on a
range of subjects, and piloting of social accountability tools to evaluate the efficacy of
large public expenditure in the country side. Agripreneurship plays various roles in the
growth and development of national economy through entrepreneurship development
which increases the income level and employment opportunities in rural as well as urban
areas. Hence, a separate policy designed to boost agri-business is the need of the hour,
he said.
4. Dr. Kalpana Shastry, Director, National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad
Dr. Kalpana Shastry briefly explained the role of NAARM at the national level and recent
advancement in distance education. Further, she
highlighted the incubator at NAARM which is nurturing
entrepreneur’s ideas. She introduced successful
Agripreneurs who emerged from NAARM incubator.
42
5. Dr. Vilas Tonapi, Director, Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Hyderabad.
Dr. Vilas Tonapi talked about the importance of millets
and scope for millet based processed food in the
country, considering the consumption pattern of urban
consumers. Millets are gaining huge importance in the
daily diet as they have high nutritional value and crops
have sustainability. Presently, there are huge export
opportunities for Millet based products. To further strengthen millet growers supply chain
management it can be linked Farmers Producers Organization (FPO). IIMR has
developed a range of products and technologies for processing of Millets. Startups may
take this opportunity. IIMR is ready to give licenses to entrepreneurs at minimum fee. The
way forward is organic processed foods which are in huge demand, Roti making
machines, Millet restaurants etc.
6. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Head – DRM & OIC, HRF, CRIDA, Hyderabad
Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture
(CRIDA) has taken up several initiatives to reach
the un-reached farmers through various
participatory approaches and technological
interventions viz. Agro climatic characterization
and delineation of areas suitable for different
crops/cropping systems in rain fed regions and
assessment of drought probabilities, Value added agro meteorological advisory services
(www.cropweatheroutlook.in) and district-wise crop contingency strategies for monsoon
aberrations, Development, testing and commercialization of implements for timely
agricultural operations such as planters, intercultural implements, herbicide applicators,
low-lift portable pump sets for lifting water from farm ponds etc. CRIDA coordinates the
national programme on climate change across the Country with the two key objectives
i.e. Enhancing the resilience of rain fed agriculture to climate change by developing
adaptation and mitigation strategies in crop and livestock systems and Developing climate
smart villages in India by promoting practices that efficiently use weather, soil, and water
43
and energy resources. MITRA is a climate vigilant technology developed by CRIDA to
enable farmers to cope with climate variability through land, water, crop and livestock
management in vulnerable districts of India, Dr Reddy informed.
7. Dr. S. V. Rama Rao, ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad
Dr Rama Rao gave a brief account of poultry in the country, Poultry is one of the fastest
growing segments of the agricultural sector in
India. While the production of agricultural crops
has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent per
annum that of eggs and broilers has been rising
at a rate of 8 to 10 percent per annum. As a
result, India is now the world's fifth largest egg
producer and the eighteenth largest producer of
broilers. Dr. Rao, elaborated the potentiality of poultry sector in case of Poultry meat which
is the fastest growing component of global meat demand, and India, the world's second
largest developing country, is experiencing rapid growth in its poultry sector. In India, 5
million people are engaged in poultry sector. There are a number of small poultry dressing
plants in the country. These plants are producing dressed chickens. In addition to these
plants, there are five modern integrated poultry processing plants producing dressed
chicken, chicken cut parts and other chicken products. The ongoing research
programmes at DPR is focused on research relevant to societal needs, and application-
oriented research towards commercialization. These include the areas of poultry
breeding, molecular genetics, applied nutrition, immunomodulation, disease diagnosis
and health management etc. DPR has taken lead in the promotion of rural poultry farming
through propagation of chicken varieties, Vanaraja and Gramapriya. DPR scientists have
received many prestigious awards including the ICAR team research award for
outstanding achievements. Organic chicken is the new initiative taken by Directorate of
Poultry Research, Dr. Rao concluded.
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8. Dr. M. Muthukumar, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat,
Hyderabad.
Dr. Muthukumar emphasized on the average meat source availability i.e. world’s average
is 39.8 kg, developed countries is 80.3 kg and
developing countries average is 28.9 kg. Further
he gave an overview of technologies available at
NRC Meat viz. Augmenting meat production,
Wholesome meat production, Value added meat
products, Healthy meat products, Extending shelf
life of meat and meat products, Meat food safety,
Value addition to by products, Waste disposal and pollution control. Dr. Muthukumar,
emphasized the importance of meat processing and value addition with key objective of
NRCM to provide increased convenience to consumers through decreasing preparation
time, minimizing preparation steps and taking risks out of the kitchen. NRCM also brings
out various publications about the value addition of meat and its perspectives. Recently,
the centre has fabricated a mobile exhibition cum sale unit with facilities for audio-visual
aids for popularization of value added meat products among various institutions and
residential complex at Hyderabad through demonstration on preparation of value added
meat products and sale during the periodic visits. NRCM is also providing an innovative
hands-on training program to provide complete information covering various ingredients
used for preparing meat products to processing and preservation technologies, Dr.
Mutthukumar concluded.
45
9. Dr. O. P. Sharma, Joint Director, National Institute of Plant Health Management
(NIPHM), Hyderabad.
Dr Sharma made a detailed presentation on -framework of agri-business unit and delivery
system in continuum- focusing on the opportunities
and scope to start Agri-business units. . To enhance
production, productivity and quality of the produce
and also to gain high returns, low cost Agri input units
can an provide an opportunity to the Agri-
entrepreneurs, said Dr Sharma. NIPHM is promoting
the establishment of following units by Agri-
entrepreneurs viz. Bio-fertilizer Unit, Azolla Production Unit, Entomo Pathogenic
Nematodes (EPN) Production Unit , Reduvid Bug Production Unit, Trichocard Production
Unit , NPV production Unit Trichoderma and Pseudomonas Units, Vermicomposting Unit
& Vermiwash Unit, Fruit fly lure production unit etc.
10. Dr. R. Suresh, Senior Consultant, National Fisheries Development Board
(NFDB), Hyderabad.
Focusing on NFDB initiatives for promotion of Aquapreneurs, Dr. Suresh mentioned that,
Fishery is a sunrise sector with varied resources
and potential. The sector is engaging over 14.50
million people at the primary level and many more
along the value chain. Dr. Suresh pointed that, to
increase fish production to meet demand one
should start Aquaculture - Freshwater aquaculture,
brackish water aquaculture and Mericulture. Dr.
Suresh also emphasized on composite fish culture and explained that, it aims at fuller
utilization of pond productivity at different ecological niches by culturing together fast
growing compatible species of complementary feeding habits in enemy free ponds. In
this, 3 fast growing Indian carps- C. catla, L. rohita & C. mrigala & 3 exotic carps - silver
carp, grass carp & common carp are reared together. Dr. Suresh concluded the
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presentation by giving an overview on central funding scheme with implementing
agencies across India.
Technical session VII - Innovative Extension Agri start-ups and
Agripreneural Opportunities Business Networking & Experience sharing by successful Agripreneurs
During the session several Successful Agripreneurs shared their networking strategies
and ideas for the way forward. The session was convened by Dr. K.C. Gummagolmath
Dy.Director (M&E) and Dr. Shahaji Sambhaji Phand, Asst. Director (Allied. Extn.) from
MANAGE.
1. Shri Debashish Dutta from Assam is in the area of Animal health care and
Pharmaceuticals. He started from Rs. 6000/- and now
his annual turnover is Rs.25 crores. He has employed
100 people who include MBAs, doctors. He has a
Poultry division and an Aqua division. He exports to 7
countries. His poultry unit supplies antibiotic free eggs
to supermarkets in Hyderabad.
2. Dr. Pradeep, started his career as an Assistant Professor in a veterinary college. He
started Goat farming with margin money. He is
working in the rural areas and is providing consultancy
on goatery. He selects farmers who are marginal,
below poverty line and gives ideas on how to start goat
business successfully and make profit out of it.
3. Mr. Bablu Sundi comes from a backward area in Jharkhand. After completing his
education in veterinary science and MBA he is now offering Veterinary Consultancy
services. He visited veterinary colleges in metro cities and thought of new initiatives. Then
he learnt about the ACABC scheme and underwent training in 2010. He prepared DPR
and Rs.5 lakh loan was sanctioned by Bank of India. He started a Mobile Agro vet clinic
and selected an area where veterinary doctors are not able to work due to Naxals. He
47
has Internet connectivity in the mobile van, along with a microscope and other necessary
equipment. Services include blood test, milk test etc. He is Training SHG groups, farmers
and their children. He offers his services at a nominal charge for farmers.
4. Mr. Shyam Mohan Rao, comes from an agriculture family. After completing his
education he started his career in TATA plastics but was not interested in the job. He
joined Glaxo Pharma as a Veterinary representative; then joined an American company
- Johnson in the poultry division. Subsequently he started his own enterprise. His advice
to future aspirants is to take up a job for some time and then think of business. Don’t jump
into business immediately and don’t do partnership business he says.
In addition to the above, several other Agripreneurs shared their experiences during the convention. At the end of all technical sessions, on the last day of the convention, Dr. P. Chandra
Shekara, Director (Agril.Extn.), MANAGE presented a report on the program over the 3
days. Dr Saravanan Raj, Director, MANAGE shared about some of the future plans
including certified Agri Consultancy Clinic, plans to add new NTIs, and the Agribusiness
incubation Centre at MANAGE.
Several Agripreneurs gave Feedback on the three day Convention as may be seen below. Mr. V. Naik, exhibitor expressed that this Convention gave an opportunity to develop a
network with other Agripreneurs and reach other institutions.
Mr. Sujeet, exhibitor appreciated MANAGE for bringing together all Agripreneurs on the
forum, and expressed that there is need to improve awareness on the scheme.
Ms. Krishnaveni expressed that this was a good effort to expose millets to the world.
Further, MANAGE team conducted a Feedback survey among all the exhibitors:
1. About 81 per cent of the exhibitors expressed that this convention helped in
promotion of their services.
2. 66 per cent of the exhibitors said that they promoted their products during the
convention.
3. 69 per cent of the exhibitors said their services and products were promoted during
the convention.
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4. 45 per cent of the exhibitors mentioned that they marketed their services and 50
per cent of the exhibitors sold their product s during the convention.
5. 78 per cent of the exhibitors said that this convention helped them in Business
networking.
6. Finally, 72 per cent of the exhibitors agreed that their knowledge improved about
new innovations and technologies in agriculture.
During the convention, Indian Agripreneurs Association (IAA) was formed exclusively by
AC&ABC trained Agripreneurs. The Association is planning to come up with its own online
platform for all its members to provide their Products and Services with PAN India
coverage. It is an opportunity for all the member Agripreneurs to provide virtual Services
to a larger number of farmers from different parts of the country. This Association would
give an opportunity to extend their operational market and realize a profit through
consultancies, activities, Agribusiness.
During the valedictory, the Chief Guest Shri C. Parthasarathi, IAS, Principal Secretary
(Agriculture), Government of Telangana in his address expressed that Agriculture as
Agribusiness can be successful provided the Government, Departments, NGOS, Agri
entrepreneurs and students, get involved. Entrepreneurship is a tough proposition and
requires good management skills and good public relations he said. If quality produce is
assured at the right price and on time there will be a huge demand. Farming is no longer
traditional, it is in a phase of transition and people are looking at farming as a business.
He called upon the Agripreneurs to develop a mechanism to reach the doorstep of
consumers with quality products, at a reasonable price and ensure timely delivery as this
kind of service will find a good market. Recognize suitable opportunities and venture into
them; to be successful, it is important to have passion, sincerity, self-confidence, self-
respect, employable skills and a mind-set he added.
During the three days of the Convention, more than 5,000 Agripreneurs, exhibitors, other
stakeholders participated. The convention was a grand success and it served the
purpose.
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The following documents are enclosed as Annexures.
Annexure I – Program Schedule
Annexure II - The Exhibitors Directory
Annexure III – Agripreneurs Success stories
Annexure I First National Agripreneurs’ Convention, Agri-Startups Exhibition and Award Ceremony
Organized by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
(An autonomous organization under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India)
7th to 9th March, 2017, HMDA Ground, Adjacent to IMAX Theatre, Necklace Road, Hyderabad
7th March 2017 (Tuesday)
10:00 am 45 Minutes
Inauguration of First National Agri-startups Exhibition
Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak, IAS, Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI
11:00 am 2 Hour 10 Minutes
Inauguration Lighting the Lamp by the Dignitaries (5 Min.) Welcome address: Dr. P. Chandra Shekara, Director (AE), MANAGE (3 Min.) Address by: Mrs. V. Usha Rani, IAS, Director General, MANAGE (10 Min.) Agri-Extension Services by Agri-Startups – Mr. Sameer Ranjan Bordoloi,
Jorhat, Assam (3 Min.) Release of Book “Good Governance in Agricultural Extension” by Secretary
(A&C), MoA&FW, GoI (3 Min.) Agri-Extension Services by Agri-Startups – Dr. Gajendra Bamania, Gujarat
(3 Min.) Release of Agricultural Films made by Mr. Jagadish Dhanani, Agripreneur,
Gujarat by Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI (3 Min.) Agri-Extension Services by Agri-Startups – Mr. M. Nagaraju, Agripreneur,
Hyderabad, Telangana (3 Min.) Release of Book and Videos on Certified Farm Advisor by Secretary (A&C),
MoA&FW, GoI (3 Min.) Agri-Extension Services by Agri-Startups – Ms. M. Sarita Reddy, Agripreneur,
Hyderabad, Telangana (3 Min.) Release of Millet Calendar -2017 by Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI (3 Min.) Address by Head of Institutions – Institutional support for Agripreneurs and
Agri-Startups - (15 Min.) Address by Guest of Honour Shri C. Parthasarathi, IAS, Agriculture Production
Commissioner, Govt. of Telangana (10 Min.) Address by Chief Guest Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General, ICRISAT,
Hyderabad (10 Min.) Distribution of Certificate of Special Appreciation to Best Agripreneurs by
Secretary (A&C), MoA&FW, GoI (30 Min.) Address by Shri Shobhana K Pattanayak, IAS, Hon’ble Secretary (A&C),
MoA&FW, GoI (15 Min.) Vote of Thanks: Dr. V.P. Sharma, Director (IT), MANAGE, Hyderabad (3 Min.)
National Anthem
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1:10 pm Photo Session & Lunch
2:00 pm 2 Hours
Interface of Agri-business Companies with Agripreneurs
Presentations by Agri Business Companies
1. Mr. Jagdish Dhanani, Digital AgriMedia, Gandhinagar Gujarat 2. Ms. Vijaya Krishna Amrutha, VARI, Kuchipudi, Krishna District,
Andhra Pradesh 3. Mr. Emmanuel Murray, Caspian Impact Investment Adviser P. Ltd.
Hyderabad 4. Mr. Sunil G. Awari, General Manager, Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd.,
Bangalore 5. Mr. Shrikanth Voleti, Business Analyst, Vasudhaika Software Solutions
Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad 6. Mr. M. Saravana Kumar, GM, Netafim Irrigación India Pvt. Ltd.,
Hyderabad 7. Dr. V.N. Kulkarni, VP (R&D), JK Seeds Genetics Ltd., Hyderabad.
Session Convener: Dr. Saravanan Raj, MANAGE
4:00 pm 1 Hour
Innovative Extension Agri-startups and Agripreneural Opportunities
Business Networking & Experience sharing by successful Agripreneurs
1. Mr. Sameer Ranjan Bordoloi, Jorhat, Assam 2. Mr. Gajendrasinh Bamania, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 3. Mr. M. Nagaraju, Hyderabad, Telangana 4. Ms. M. Sarita Reddy, Hyderabad, Telangana
Session Conveners: Dr. G. Jaya and Dr. N. Balasubramani, MANAGE
8th March 2017 (Wednesday)
10:00 am 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Initiatives of Women Agripreneurs
Initiatives of Women Agripreneurs 1. Ms. M. Sarita Reddy 2. Dr. Farheen Mushtaq 3. Ms. S. Sellaponnu 4. Ms. Akhila Mole 5. Ms. Preethi 6. Ms. Sumatra Narayan 7. Ms. Rakhsha Deshmukh 8. Mrs. Lalitha Shanka
Session Convener: Dr. K. Uma Rani, MANAGE
11:45 am 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Agriculture Finance for Agri Startups
Presentations by RBI, NABARD, SBIRD, MUDRA and SFAC
1. Mr. Manas Mohanty, General Manager, HRMD, RBI, Hyderabad 2. Dr. Subhash Chandra, DGM, NABARD, Hyderabad 3. Mr. A.S. Ramayya, AGM, SIDBI, Hyderabad 4. Mr. P.S. Parthsarathi, AGM, SBIRD, Hyderabad 5. Mr. Bharavi Mishra, Advisor, NCDEX e-Markets Limited (NeML)
Session Conveners: Dr. K. Anand Reddy and Dr. Amarender Reddy, MANAGE
1:00 pm 1 Hour
Lunch Break
2:00 pm 2 Hours
Innovative Extension Agri-startups and
Business Networking & Experience sharing by successfull Agripreneurs and Farmers
1. Mr. Sheikh Akbar Ali 2. Mr. Gowthaman Ramasamy
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Agripreneural Opportunities
3. Mr. Vijay Bharat 4. Mr. Amarsinh Narayan Patil 5. Mr. Jaya Prakash 6. Mr. Gopal Ram 7. Shri Mahadev Shivashankar Ambali 8. Dr. Vasant Kumar
Session Convener: Dr. M.A. Kareem, , MANAGE
9th March 2017 (Thursday)
10:00 am 3 Hours
Agri startup opportunities in different sectors
Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Rural Entrepreneurship
1. Director, IIRR, Hyderabad 2. Head (DRM&OIC), CRIDA, Hyderabad 3. Director, NAARM, Hyderabad 4. Faculty, DPR, Hyderabad 5. Director, NRCM, Hyderabad 6. Director, IIMR, Hyderabad 7. Director, CGG (T), Hyderabad 8. Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad 9. Joint Director, NIPHM, Hyderabad 10. Senior Consultant, NFDB, Hyderabad
Session Conveners: Dr. V.P. Sharma, Dr. B.K. Paty, Dr. Amarender Reddy and Dr. K. Uma Rani, MANAGE
1:00 pm 1 Hour
Lunch Break
2.00 pm 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Innovative Extension Agri-startups and Agripreneural Opportunities
Business Networking & Experience sharing by successfull Agripreneurs 1. Mr. Debashish Dutta 2. Dr. Pradeep 3. Mr. Bablu Sundi 4. Mr. Shyam Mohan Rao
Session Conveners: Dr. K.C. Gummagolmath and Dr. Shahaji Sambhaji Phand, MANAGE
3.30 pm
Valedictory Program
Shri C. Parthasarathi, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt. of Telangana Session Conveners: Dr. P. Chandra Shekara and Dr. K. Uma Rani, MANAGE
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Media Report
TV News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwWIrMYG3yQ&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr_1A4QFWek&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjPs87TLSQU&feature=youtu.be
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News Papers
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TV Interviews
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