AgriSURE Fund 2026: Equity and Debt Funding up to ₹25 Crore for Agri Startups
The AgriSURE Fund—short for Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises—is a ₹750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) promoted by the Government of India and NABARD. It is designed to support innovative, technology-driven, high-risk and high-impact startups working in agriculture and rural development [1] [2].
AgriSURE is an investment fund, not a standard grant or subsidy programme. Its published structure has two routes: a ₹300 crore Direct Scheme for direct investment in eligible startups and a ₹450 crore Fund of Funds (FoF) Scheme that invests in eligible AIFs, which can then invest in startups [1]. The official pages state a variable investment ticket size of up to ₹25 crore under the two schemes, subject to the fund structure, AIF regulations, the startup’s case and the investment manager’s decision [2].
Direct answer: AgriSURE can provide equity, equity-related, convertible-preference-share or debt-linked investment support to eligible agriculture and rural startups, but it is not a guaranteed ₹25 crore grant. Its ₹750 crore corpus is split between a ₹300 crore Direct Scheme and a ₹450 crore FoF Scheme. For the Direct Scheme, the published criteria say the startup must be incorporated in India and recognised by DPIIT; investment decisions are merit-based [1].
AgriSURE Fund details at a glance
| Field | Verified information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity name | AgriSURE — Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises |
| Promoters/sponsors | Government of India through Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and NABARD [1] [2] |
| Investment manager | NABVENTURES Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD [2] |
| Legal structure | SEBI-registered Category-II Alternative Investment Fund [1] |
| Total corpus | ₹750 crore [1] [2] |
| Direct Scheme corpus | ₹300 crore [1] |
| FoF Scheme corpus | ₹450 crore [1] |
| Direct route | Equity, compulsorily convertible preference shares or other equity-related instruments [1] |
| FoF route | Investment in SEBI-registered Category I/II AIFs incorporated in India [1] |
| Direct startup condition | India-incorporated startup recognised by DPIIT, according to the published Direct Scheme terms [1] |
| Target sectors | Agritech, food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries, supply chain, farm mechanisation, biotechnology, waste management, renewable energy, FPO support, farm-level technology and climate change [1] [2] |
| Published investment language | Up to ₹25 crore in one startup under the Direct Scheme, subject to AIF Regulations; variable ticket size under the fund [1] [2] |
| Deadline | No universal public application deadline verified on the official fund pages reviewed |
| Official contact | `agrisure@nabard.org` [1] [2] |
What is AgriSURE?
AgriSURE was created against the policy goal of improving capital access for agriculture and rural enterprises. The official NABARD page refers to a blended-capital fund announced in the Union Budget context to finance startups relevant to farm-produce value chains, including FPO support, farm-level machinery rental and technology or IT-based support [2].
The fund is intended for businesses that can create measurable value in agriculture, allied activities or rural enterprise. It can support startups serving farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), primary cooperatives, food processors, supply-chain participants, climate enterprises and technology providers [1] [2].
AgriSURE is therefore different from a grant such as RKVY-RAFTAAR. A grant is generally non-dilutive subject to its own rules, while AgriSURE’s published routes use equity, equity-related instruments, debt AIFs or direct investments. Founders should understand valuation, dilution, repayment, security, covenants, fund life and exit terms before accepting investment.
How is the ₹750 crore fund structured?
| Route | Corpus | What it invests in | Who receives the first investment decision? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgriSURE Direct Scheme | ₹300 crore | DPIIT-recognised, India-incorporated startups through equity or equity-related instruments [1] | NABVENTURES/investment process, subject to fund documents and regulations |
| AgriSURE FoF Scheme | ₹450 crore | SEBI-registered Category I/II AIFs incorporated in India that invest in equity, equity-related instruments or debt securities [1] | AgriSURE selects/backs qualifying AIFs; AIFs select portfolio startups |
The official NABVENTURES page says the Direct Scheme can invest up to a maximum of ₹25 crore in one startup, subject to AIF Regulations. The FoF Scheme can invest up to 5% of the AIF corpus or ₹25 crore in one AIF, whichever is lower [1]. These are scheme-level limits, not promises that every applicant will receive the maximum amount.
The fund’s total composition is described as ₹250 crore from the Government of India, ₹250 crore from NABARD and ₹250 crore to be mobilised from other institutions including private investors [1] [2]. The fund is described as having a 10-year duration from inception, extendable by two years [1].
Which startups can AgriSURE support?
AgriSURE’s target-beneficiary language covers startups working in agriculture and rural development. The official pages list the following areas [1] [2]:
| Sector or problem area | Examples of potentially relevant models |
|---|---|
| Agritech | Farm software, precision agriculture, farmer services and decision tools |
| Food processing | Technology-enabled processing, quality, storage and value addition |
| Animal husbandry | Livestock technology, services, inputs and productivity solutions |
| Fisheries | Aquaculture, fisheries supply chain and technology |
| Supply chain | Traceability, logistics, aggregation, cold chain and market access |
| Farm mechanisation | Equipment, rental models, automation and farm-level services |
| Biotechnology | Agriculture and rural applications with commercial potential |
| Waste management | Farm waste, circular economy and rural waste-to-value systems |
| Renewable energy | Rural and farm-linked energy or climate solutions |
| FPO/FPC support | Tools, services, finance, aggregation and market linkage for producer organisations |
| Climate change | Adaptation, resilience, resource efficiency and emissions-related solutions |
Sector fit alone does not establish eligibility. The fund also considers incorporation, DPIIT recognition for the Direct Scheme, investment instrument, business model, market opportunity, team, technology, unit economics, governance, risk and fund documents.
Direct Scheme: who should consider it?
The Direct Scheme is the more relevant route for a startup seeking investment directly from the AgriSURE fund. The official NABVENTURES page says the Direct Scheme invests only in startups recognised by DPIIT and incorporated in India [1]. It lists equity, compulsorily convertible preference shares and other equity-related instruments as possible investment instruments.
A founder should prepare a concise investment case rather than a subsidy application. The case should show the agriculture or rural problem, customer and farmer value, market size, product evidence, technology, traction, margins, team, use of funds, capital history, governance and the reason AgriSURE is a suitable investor. A startup should also be ready to explain how its solution benefits farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, processors or rural enterprises.
The published maximum of up to ₹25 crore in one startup is subject to AIF regulations and does not mean that the fund will invest the full amount, invest at the first contact or invest without dilution [1]. The investment manager evaluates each case on merit [1].
FoF Scheme: how does it reach startups?
The FoF Scheme is indirect. It invests in SEBI-registered Category I or Category II AIFs incorporated in India. Those AIFs then invest in startups according to their own mandate, fund documents, investment committee process and sector strategy [1].
This route matters if a founder’s target investor is an AIF that receives AgriSURE backing. A startup does not apply to the FoF route in the same way it applies to a founder grant. It normally approaches a suitable AIF, while the AIF’s relationship with AgriSURE is a separate institutional investment decision.
A founder should therefore map two routes: direct approach to AgriSURE/NABVENTURES where the published Direct Scheme criteria fit, and outreach to relevant India-incorporated AIFs that invest in agritech, food systems, rural technology, climate or allied sectors. FundRight does not claim that any particular AIF is backed by AgriSURE unless the official fund or AIF confirms it.
Is AgriSURE a grant, loan or equity investment?
AgriSURE is a fund that can use investment instruments rather than a single grant product. The Direct Scheme page lists equity, compulsorily convertible preference shares and other equity-related instruments. The fund also invests in debt AIFs through its wider structure [1].
| Instrument or route | What it may mean for a startup |
|---|---|
| Equity | Investor receives ownership stake; dilution and shareholder rights apply |
| Compulsorily convertible preference shares | Instrument converts according to agreed terms; legal and financial advice is important |
| Equity-related instrument | Terms depend on the fund documents and negotiated investment |
| Debt through an AIF route | Repayment, interest, security or covenants may apply through the relevant vehicle |
| FoF investment | AgriSURE invests in an AIF; the AIF later makes its own startup investments |
The official pages do not promise one standard valuation, interest rate, repayment schedule, dilution percentage or security package. Founders must review the term sheet, private placement memorandum, shareholder agreements and applicable legal documents.
How can an eligible startup approach AgriSURE?
Step 1: Confirm the startup profile
For the Direct Scheme, confirm India incorporation and DPIIT recognition as stated on the official NABVENTURES page [1]. Prepare the certificate and corporate documents.
Step 2: Check sector fit
Explain how the company addresses an agriculture or rural-development problem. Connect the product to farmers, FPOs, food processors, rural enterprises, value chains, climate outcomes or allied sectors listed by the fund [1] [2].
Step 3: Prepare an investment memorandum
Create a concise deck and data room with the problem, product, market, traction, competition, business model, financials, team, cap table, previous funding, use of funds, milestones and risks.
Step 4: Contact the official fund route
The official AgriSURE pages direct interested startups or AIFs to the investment manager at `agrisure@nabard.org` [1] [2]. Use the official NABVENTURES site and official email, and verify any changed contact instructions before sharing confidential information.
Step 5: Ask which route applies
Ask whether the opportunity is being evaluated under the Direct Scheme or whether a relevant AIF route is more appropriate. Do not assume that sending an email is an application or that a response means approval.
Step 6: Complete diligence and negotiate terms
If the fund expresses interest, expect commercial, technical, financial, legal and governance diligence. Review valuation, dilution, conversion rights, liquidation preference, board rights, information rights, use-of-funds restrictions, reporting, repayment and exit terms with qualified advisers.
Is there an AgriSURE application deadline in 2026?
No universal public application deadline was verified on the official AgriSURE pages reviewed. AgriSURE is an investment fund rather than a single open grant call with one nationwide closing date. Startups should use the current NABVENTURES/AgriSURE contact route and verify whether a relevant intake, fund window, AIF mandate or investment process is active.
The absence of a published deadline does not mean that capital is always available or that every proposal will be reviewed immediately. The official fund page says that investment is merit-based and does not guarantee support merely because the criteria appear to fit [1].
Beware of AgriSURE funding scams
The official NABVENTURES page contains a public notice warning that people or institutions may falsely claim to be agents and collect money in return for applying for AgriSURE funding. The notice says that no money is charged for seeking assistance from the AgriSURE fund and advises the public to contact NABVENTURES directly at `agrisure@nabard.org` [1].
Do not pay an intermediary merely for a promised AgriSURE sanction. Verify domains, email addresses, fund documents and the identity of any investor or adviser. Never share passwords, OTPs, bank credentials or confidential company data with an unverified agent.
AgriSURE compared with other FundRight opportunities
| Funding need | FundRight route | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Direct or indirect investment for agri/rural startups | AgriSURE | Equity, equity-related and AIF/debt routes; not a standard grant |
| Agri idea/pre-seed or seed grant | RKVY-RAFTAAR | Incubator-led grant route with stage-based support |
| Prototype development | NIDHI-PRAYAS | Prototype support through PRAYAS Centres and Advance PRAYAS Centres |
| Incubator-led seed support | NIDHI-SSP | Support through incubators/TBIs with possible loan/equity instruments |
| Food-processing enterprise subsidy | PMFME | Credit-linked subsidy for eligible micro food-processing units |
| Compare funding opportunities | FundRight directory | Search grants, loans, subsidies and investment opportunities by fit |
Use FundRight’s eligibility checker to organise sector, incorporation, stage and location, and use the funds tracker to record DPIIT documentation, investor outreach, diligence and term-sheet milestones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AgriSURE Fund?
AgriSURE is a ₹750 crore SEBI-registered Category-II AIF promoted by the Government of India and NABARD to support agriculture and rural startups through direct and indirect investment routes [1] [2].
Is AgriSURE a government grant?
No. AgriSURE is an investment fund. Its published structure includes direct equity-related investment, investments in AIFs and debt-AIF exposure. It should not be described as an unconditional grant or subsidy [1].
What is the AgriSURE corpus?
The total corpus is ₹750 crore, consisting of a ₹300 crore Direct Scheme and a ₹450 crore FoF Scheme [1].
Can AgriSURE invest ₹25 crore in one startup?
The published Direct Scheme terms state investment of up to ₹25 crore in one startup, subject to AIF Regulations [1]. This is a maximum stated limit, not a guaranteed ticket or approval.
Who can apply to the Direct Scheme?
The published terms say the Direct Scheme invests only in startups recognised by DPIIT and incorporated in India [1]. Sector fit, merits, diligence, fund capacity and investment terms also matter.
What sectors does AgriSURE support?
Official pages list agritech, food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries, supply chain, farm mechanisation, biotechnology, waste management, renewable energy, agri value chain, FPO support, farm technology and climate change [1] [2].
What is the AgriSURE FoF Scheme?
The FoF Scheme invests in SEBI-registered Category I and Category II AIFs incorporated in India. Those AIFs make onward investments according to their own mandates [1].
Is there a fixed AgriSURE interest rate or equity percentage?
No universal rate, valuation, dilution percentage or repayment schedule was stated on the official pages reviewed. Terms depend on the route, instrument, investment decision and transaction documents.
Where should a startup contact AgriSURE?
The official pages list `agrisure@nabard.org` for startups and AIFs seeking investment or contribution [1] [2]. Verify the contact on the live NABVENTURES page before sending confidential information.
Is there an AgriSURE last date in 2026?
No universal public deadline was verified. The fund is not presented as one standard open grant call. Contact the official investment manager and verify current process status.
Does AgriSURE charge an application fee?
The official NABVENTURES public notice says no money is charged for seeking assistance from the AgriSURE fund and warns against agents collecting money [1].
Conclusion
AgriSURE is one of the more relevant institutional investment routes for Indian agriculture and rural startups, but founders must approach it as an investment-fund process, not a grant form. The ₹750 crore structure combines a ₹300 crore Direct Scheme and a ₹450 crore FoF Scheme. The published Direct Scheme terms refer to India-incorporated, DPIIT-recognised startups and possible investment up to ₹25 crore in one startup, subject to AIF regulations and merit-based selection [1].
A strong application begins with sector fit, DPIIT documentation, a defensible business model, evidence of farmer or rural value, credible financials and a clear use of funds. Start with the official NABVENTURES AgriSURE page, use `agrisure@nabard.org` only after verifying the live contact details, and never pay an unverified intermediary.
Use the FundRight directory to compare AgriSURE with RKVY-RAFTAAR, NIDHI, PMFME and other verified funding routes. FundRight does not guarantee investment, funding approval, rankings, traffic or AI citations.
References
[1] NABVENTURES — AgriSURE Fund
[3] Press Information Bureau — Union Agriculture Minister Launches AgriSURE Fund
[4] Vikaspedia — AgriSURE Fund
Image plan and alt text
Featured image: A FundRight-style flowchart showing AgriSURE’s ₹750 crore corpus splitting into the ₹300 crore Direct Scheme and ₹450 crore FoF Scheme, with agriculture and rural startup sectors on the right.
Alt text: “AgriSURE Fund structure showing Direct Scheme and Fund of Funds routes for Indian agri startups.”
Supporting image: A sector map showing agritech, food processing, fisheries, animal husbandry, supply chain, farm mechanisation, biotechnology, climate and rural technology.
Alt text: “AgriSURE target sectors for agriculture and rural startups.”
Keyword research and editorial assessment
No verified numeric search-volume, CPC, keyword-difficulty, competition or trend data from Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, Semrush, Ubersuggest or another licensed platform was available for this run. No third-party numeric metrics are claimed. The following are qualitative editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
| Keyword/topic | Demand | Competition | Intent clarity | FundRight relevance | Content gap | Commercial value | AI-search opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgriSURE Fund 2026 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| AgriSURE scheme eligibility | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| AgriSURE equity funding | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| AgriSURE debt funding | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| NABARD agri startup fund | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| agriculture startup investment India | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| AgriSURE apply | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Topic selection: This article adds an investment-fund cluster that is distinct from FundRight’s grant, loan and subsidy guides. It connects AgriSURE to RKVY-RAFTAAR, NIDHI, PMFME and the FundRight directory while clearly explaining that fund investment is not a guaranteed grant.
Uncertainties: No universal deadline, standard ticket size, interest rate, valuation, dilution percentage, repayment schedule or guaranteed investment amount was verified. Direct Scheme criteria and instruments are based on the official published page; current availability, fund documents, AIF regulations, due diligence and investment-manager decisions control any actual transaction. The official page warns that no fee is charged for seeking assistance; applicants should verify contacts and beware of agents.