TNAU hosts grant disbursement function for Agripreneurs

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, held a grant disbursement function for the RKVY-RAFTAAR-R-ABI and NIDHI-PRAYAS schemes on March 13, 2025. The event, organized by the Agribusiness Incubation Society (ABIS), a DST-supported Technology Business Incubator (TBI), aimed to support agripreneurs, farmers, and student entrepreneurs.
TNAU Vice-Chancellor and ABIS President, Prof. Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, presided over the function and distributed grants to selected startups. A total of Rs. 81.60 lakh was disbursed from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, RKVY Division, New Delhi, as the second installment for 10 SAIP Cohort IV grantees. Additionally, five startups were selected for the Government of India’s DST-supported NIDHI-PRAYAS grant, with each receiving ₹10 lakh. The first installment of ₹6 lakh was disbursed to these startups.
During her address, Dr. Geethalakshmi stressed the importance of retaining youth in agriculture and fostering innovation in agri-based startups. She emphasized the role of technology in ensuring sustainable and profitable agribusiness ventures.
The event was attended by Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar, TNAU and Vice President (ABIS), Dr. E. Somasundaram, Director, ABD, AV Gnansambandam, Executive Director & CEO of ABIS-TBI, along with ABIS Executive Committee members.
The disbursed grants will aid the selected startups in developing their products and scaling their businesses in agriculture and allied sectors.