Ministry of Earth Sciences Hosts National Media Interaction on 'Mission Mausam' The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) held a national-level media interaction on the ambitious Mission Mausam at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The session was led by Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, alongside Dr. Mritunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and Dr. V.S. Prasad, Head of the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF). Approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, with a budget of ₹2,000 crores over two years, Mission Mausam aims to transform India into a "Weather-Ready" and "Climate-Smart" nation. The mission focuses on advancing the country's weather and climate observation, modeling, and forecasting capabilities, to provide more accurate and timely services. Key Objectives of Mission Mausam: Develop Cutting-Edge Technologies: Introduce next-generation radars, satellites with advanced instr...
Innovative Startups Honored for Transforming Indian Agriculture: AgriSURE Greenathon Celebrates Winners
Farming is the backbone of our nation, with farmers being the lifeblood: Shri Chouhan
Empowering Farmers Through Innovation: AgriSURE Fund Launched
In a pivotal move for Indian agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the AgriSURE Scheme in New Delhi today. This groundbreaking initiative, known as the AgriSURE Fund, represents a monumental leap forward in supporting and transforming the agricultural landscape in India. Designed to promote technology-driven, high-impact ventures, the AgriSURE Fund will play a key role in nurturing innovation within the rural start-up ecosystem.
With a robust financial backing of ₹750 crore, the AgriSURE Fund is set to fuel the growth of agricultural startups. The fund is structured as a blended capital model, with ₹250 crore contributions from the Government of India, ₹250 crore from NABARD, and the remaining ₹250 crore sourced from banks, insurance companies, and private investors. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through sustainable and innovative financial solutions.
A Vision for Empowerment
Shri Chouhan, in his keynote address, emphasized the transformative potential of the AgriSURE initiative, stating, "Our vision is to empower every farmer in India, and the launch of the AgriSURE Fund is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the agricultural sector." He highlighted that the prosperity of farmers directly correlates with the prosperity of the nation, as a thriving agricultural sector stimulates overall economic growth.
He further articulated the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the farming community, focusing on increasing production, reducing costs, ensuring fair prices, and protecting farmers through measures like crop insurance and diversification. "Farming is the backbone of our country, with farmers being the lifeblood," he added, reaffirming the government's commitment to the agricultural sector.
Celebrating Innovation: The AgriSURE Greenathon Awards
The event also celebrated the winners of the AgriSURE Greenathon, a competition designed to recognize and reward startups that are developing tech-centric solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers. Launched on July 12, 2024, in Mumbai, the Greenathon attracted over 2,000 budding Agri Start-ups, with 500 prototypes being screened. After rigorous evaluation, 10 finalists were selected to pitch their ideas at the Grand Finale, which took place just before the launch of the AgriSURE Fund.
The top three startups—Greensapio, Krushikanti, and Ambronics—were honored as the Winner, Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up, respectively. These innovative companies are at the forefront of developing solutions that span the entire agricultural value chain, from input selection to marketing and value addition. With a prize pool of ₹6 lakhs, the Greenathon not only rewarded these trailblazers but also provided them with a platform to connect with key stakeholders for future collaborations.
A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary and Shri Ram Nath Thakur, and Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi. Senior officials from various ministries, representatives from leading banks, state government officials, and key stakeholders from the agricultural community also participated.
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi highlighted the critical role of startups in addressing the challenges faced by farmers, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions that are both accessible and affordable.
The launch of the AgriSURE Fund marks a significant step forward in driving investments into the agriculture sector, with the goal of empowering farmers and boosting the rural economy. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the government aims to create a sustainable future for Indian agriculture, ensuring that farmers have the tools and support they need to thrive.
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