Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) - PM-RKVY, IEF CCS NIAM
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Quick Answer
This pre-seed Agripreneurship Orientation Program by IEF CCS NIAM offers incubation support, expert mentoring, and a grant-in-aid of up to ₹5 lakh to aspiring agripreneurs.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- IEF of CCSNIAM
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 30 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by IEF of CCSNIAM. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) is a flagship initiative designed and offered by the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Federation (IEF) of CCS NIAM, Jaipur. Operating under the umbrella of the PM-RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) Scheme, an integral program of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, AOP aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector. This pre-seed program is specifically targeted at aspiring agripreneurs, including individuals and teams, who are passionate about developing and launching agricultural ventures.
The core objective of AOP is to transform promising agricultural business ideas into viable, scalable enterprises. It addresses the critical need for structured support in the nascent stages of agri-startups, providing a robust platform for ideation, validation, and early-stage development. By leveraging the vast resources and expertise of CCS NIAM and the Ministry of Agriculture, the program seeks to catalyze sustainable growth and innovation across India's diverse agricultural landscape.
Participants in the AOP benefit from comprehensive incubation support, a crucial component for any early-stage venture. This includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, knowledge resources, and a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. The program is meticulously structured to guide agripreneurs through the complexities of agricultural business development, from market analysis and business plan refinement to product/service development and initial market entry strategies.
Furthermore, a significant highlight of the AOP is the provision of expert mentoring. Participants gain invaluable insights from seasoned industry professionals, academicians, and successful agri-entrepreneurs who provide personalized guidance, strategic advice, and practical solutions. This mentorship is designed to equip agripreneurs with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and accelerate their venture's progress. The program also offers grant-in-aid up to ₹5 Lakh, providing essential seed capital to help launch and stabilize these innovative agricultural enterprises.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Federation (IEF) of CCS NIAM is the agri-business incubator attached to the CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing in Jaipur, Rajasthan. CCS NIAM is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare,…
Learn moreMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, India The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, is the apex central government body responsible for policy formulation and scheme implementation across agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors.…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5L
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Grant-in-Aid up to ₹5 lakh: Non-repayable pre-seed capital for initial operational costs, product development, and market research.
- Incubation support from IEF CCS NIAM: Access to co-working spaces, laboratory facilities, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Expert mentoring: Connections with seasoned professionals providing strategic guidance, technical advice, and industry insights.
- PM-RKVY ecosystem access: Networking opportunities, collaborations, and market linkages within the agricultural sector.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) is multi-faceted, designed to identify the most innovative and promising agricultural business ideas and dedicated agripreneurs. Applications are primarily evaluated based on the originality of the idea, its potential for impact within the agricultural sector, market viability, and the strength and commitment of the founding team. A dedicated selection committee, comprising experts from IEF CCS NIAM, agricultural specialists, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, reviews all submissions. Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview or pitch presentation round where they present their venture to the panel, addressing questions on their business plan, financial projections, and operational strategy. The final selection prioritizes ideas that demonstrate scalability, clear problem-solving, and a strong alignment with national agricultural development goals.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed application form through the official CCS NIAM portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP)?
The AOP aims to nurture aspiring agripreneurs by transforming their innovative agricultural business ideas into viable enterprises through incubation support, expert mentoring, and pre-seed grant funding.
What is the maximum grant amount provided through the AOP?
Selected agripreneurs can receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹5 lakh as pre-seed capital to support the launch and early development of their agricultural ventures.
Who is eligible to apply for the AOP?
The program is open to aspiring agripreneurs, including individuals and teams, who have innovative agricultural business ideas and commit to applying through the official CCS NIAM portal.
What kind of support is offered besides financial assistance?
Beyond the grant, the AOP provides comprehensive incubation support from IEF CCS NIAM, including access to infrastructure and resources, expert mentoring from industry specialists, and networking opportunities within the PM-RKVY ecosystem.
Is there an equity component or repayment required for the grant?
No, the funding provided is a grant-in-aid, meaning it is equity-free and does not require repayment. The program focuses purely on supporting the growth of agricultural startups.
What types of agricultural ventures are sought?
The program seeks innovative business ideas across the agricultural value chain, including but not limited to sustainable farming, food processing, agri-tech solutions, supply chain management, and rural development initiatives.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
