World Bank-supported initiative aims to accelerate climate-resilient agriculture through technology, innovation and farmer-centric entrepreneurship

In a major push to strengthen India’s agri-tech innovation ecosystem, the Government of Kerala has launched AgriNext, a startup acceleration initiative under the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernization Project (KERA), to support 150 technology-driven startups developing solutions for the agriculture sector. Backed by the World Bank, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and on-ground adoption by enabling startups to pilot and scale technologies directly with farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and agricultural value-chain stakeholders.

Selected startups will be eligible for grant support of up to Rs 25 lakh, along with opportunities to validate their technologies under real farming conditions, refine products based on field feedback and accelerate commercialisation. The initiative forms part of Kerala’s broader strategy to build a climate-resilient, technology-enabled agricultural ecosystem capable of addressing challenges related to productivity, sustainability, market access and rural livelihoods. Unlike conventional startup support programmes, AgriNext focuses on solving practical agricultural problems by connecting innovators with farming communities and producer collectives. The programme is expected to facilitate technology adoption across areas such as climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, digital advisory services, post-harvest management, mechanisation and value-chain optimisation.

The Kerala Climate Resilient Agri Value Chain Modernization Project is designed to modernise the state’s agricultural systems while strengthening resilience against climate-related risks. It aims to improve farm productivity, enhance value addition, promote sustainable production practices and create stronger market linkages for farmers.

A key objective of the initiative is to foster entrepreneurship in rural areas by encouraging startups, farmer collectives and cooperatives to co-create scalable agricultural solutions. The programme also places significant emphasis on empowering women and young entrepreneurs to emerge as drivers of innovation in the state’s agriculture sector.

By providing financial support, field-testing opportunities and direct engagement with farmers and FPOs, AgriNext seeks to create a pipeline of commercially viable agri-tech innovations capable of delivering measurable impact on farm incomes, sustainability and agricultural competitiveness. With support for 150 startups and grants of up to Rs 25 lakh each, the initiative is expected to position Kerala as a leading hub for climate-resilient agricultural innovation while accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies across the state’s farming ecosystem.