The second graduation ceremony of agri-startups, hosted by a-IDEA, took place at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) Rajendra Nagar on Tuesday. A total of 43 agri-startups that were incubated at NAARM graduated today. These startups participated in a-IDEA’s programmes – KRISHIBOOT 1 (b), KRISHIBOOT 2.0, and KRISHIBOOT 3.0. Certificates and mementos were presented to these startups for their dedication to revolutionizing the agricultural and allied sectors.
The former chairman of the National for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Govinda Rajulu Chintala, addressed the event as the chief guest. He emphasized the need for agri-startups to independently identify practical and affordable ideas that benefit farmers and the general population. Chintala also advised startups to focus on sugarcane and papaya cultivation, as well as strategies for achieving high production and profitability, while considering the present and future needs of the world.
The chief general manager of OFDD, NABARD, Raymond B D’Souza, also attended the event as the guest of honor. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that startups’ products are market-ready. Dr Ravi Shankar, co-founder of Gram Paathshala, advised agri-students to become job providers instead of job seekers. He stressed the importance of solving real-life problems faced by farmers and the general public through affordable and accessible solutions.
Dr Ch Srinivasa Rao, president of a-IDEA and director of ICAR-NAARM, delivered the presidential address at the ceremony. Dr G Venkateshwarlu, vice president of a-IDEA and joint director ICAR-NAARM, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Dr Senthil Vinayagam, CEO of a-IDEA, briefed about the successful journey of the 43 startups that completed a year-long incubation period. These startups come from 13 different states and cover 12 domains in the agri- and allied sectors, including Ag-Tech and precision farming.
The ceremony was attended by around 200 individuals, including startups, students, farmers, outreach partners, ecosystem partners, mentors, banking officials, incubation center managers, investors, scientists, faculty, and officials from SAUs, ABIs, and TBIs. The successful completion of these startup incubations at NAARM was made possible by Dr Senthil Vinayagam and Dr Vijay Avinashlingam.
