NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme
By NABARD
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Quick Answer
NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme offers direct equity investments of up to ₹25 crore for DPIIT-recognized early-stage startups in India's agriculture and rural development sectors.
About this funding program
The AgriSURE – Direct Scheme is a dedicated equity investment fund established under the broader 'Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises' initiative. This fund emerged from the Hon'ble Finance Minister's Budget speech of 2022-23, which called for a blended capital fund facilitated through NABARD to finance startups in agriculture and rural enterprises, particularly those relevant to the farm produce value chain. Managed by NABVENTURES Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NABARD, AgriSURE is registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund with SEBI. The Direct Scheme specifically targets innovative, technology-driven, high-risk, and high-impact early-stage startups within the agriculture and rural development ecosystem in India. With a dedicated corpus of ₹300 crore, this scheme aims to address challenges and unlock opportunities across various segments of the Indian agri-rural sector, driving growth through strategic equity investments.
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.
Funding providers
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is India's apex development bank for agriculture and the rural economy, set up by Act 61 of 1981 and opened on 5 November 1982. It is wholly owned by the Government of India and works out of Bandra Kurla Complex in…
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 ₹25 Cr
What You Get
The AgriSURE – Direct Scheme provides substantial direct equity investments of up to ₹25 crore per startup. These investments are made through equity, compulsorily convertible preference shares, or other equity-related instruments, offering patient capital without a repayment obligation. Beyond the initial funding, successful portfolio companies may also receive follow-on investments in subsequent funding rounds, supporting their long-term growth and expansion. As part of a NABARD-backed initiative, startups benefit from strategic access to NABVENTURES' network, deep sector expertise, and robust institutional backing, enhancing their market reach, partnerships, and overall ecosystem integration within the agriculture and rural development sectors.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the AgriSURE – Direct Scheme is rigorous and merit-based, adhering to extant SEBI guidelines and the Private Placement Memorandum(s) of the Fund. Once a startup expresses interest and submits its proposal via email, the Investment Manager, NABVENTURES Limited, conducts an initial screening to assess alignment with the scheme's focus on DPIIT-recognized, early-stage, revenue-generating agriculture and rural enterprises. Promising ventures then proceed through comprehensive due diligence, which may include evaluating their technology, business model, market opportunity, financial projections, and team capabilities. Shortlisted startups are typically invited for presentations or interviews with the NABVENTURES investment committee. The final decision rests with the Investment Manager, based on a holistic assessment of the startup's potential for high-impact and significant returns within the agriculture and rural development sector.
Application Process
- 1
Send Proposal
Submit your investment proposal or company profile via email to agrisure@nabard.org.
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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AgriSURE – Direct Scheme?
The AgriSURE – Direct Scheme is an equity investment fund managed by NABVENTURES Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD. It provides direct equity funding to early-stage, DPIIT-recognized Indian startups focused on agriculture and rural development.
What is the maximum investment amount per startup?
The scheme can invest up to ₹25 crore (₹250,000,000) in a single startup, subject to AIF Regulations.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Eligible applicants are DPIIT-recognized startups incorporated in India, which have moved past ideation/prototype, established a steady revenue stream, and possess a differentiated business model in the agri-rural sector.
What types of industries does the scheme target?
The scheme targets a broad range of sectors within agriculture and rural development, including Agritech, Food Processing, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Farm Mechanisation, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, and solutions for Agri Value Chains and Climate Change.
How can startups apply for investment?
Startups interested in seeking investment should contact the Investment Manager directly by sending their proposal or company profile to agrisure@nabard.org.
Is there an application fee for the AgriSURE Fund?
No, there is no money charged for seeking assistance or applying for investment from the AgriSURE fund. Applicants should be wary of agents demanding fees.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
