Nurturing Agri-Startups to Transform Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Agriculture

Neethu B Nair, Saravanan Raj

2024

Abstract

This paper commences with a critical analysis of the inherent significance of agriculture in meeting the sustenance needs of a growing global populace. In this context, the importance of agricultural extension takes center stage. As the world witnesses paradigm shifts in technology, advisory and innovation services, the paper highlights evolving agricultural extension, transitioning into a holistic approach encompassing the sharing of information, knowledge, skills, risk management practices, and cultivating the ethos of farming as an entrepreneurial enterprise. Agriculture characterised by the inefficient supply chains, post-harvest losses, soil health issues,issues of climate change, and the delicate balance between farm size, productivity, and farmers income. Within these challenges, a fertile ground for agri-startups emerges. Driven by the imperative to innovate and address these challenges, these startups find unprecedented opportunities in transforming the agricultural sector. This paper highlights on the role of cutting-edge technologies such as digital media, AI, IoT, and Big Data in redefining agricultural extension services. These tools, with their capacity to facilitate advisory services, usher in a new era of transforming agri-food systems. The heightened reliance on extension services underscores the potential for agri-startups not only to address existing issues but also to advance the agenda of profitable and sustainable agriculture. This paper also elucidates the concept of value chain extension and its intricate linkages with agri-startups. Beyond addressing challenges, these startups play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture into agribusiness. This paper defines the value chain extension as the lifeline connecting every element of agricultural production and consumption, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between agri-startups and the evolving agricultural value chain.Additionally, the paper explores the support systems propelling agri-startups, highlighting incubation facilities and schemes. Notably, the MANAGE- Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA), hosted at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), takes center stage. This center provides a comprehensive solution, fostering successful ventures in agriculture and allied sectors. With a unique methodology guiding innovation from ideation to commercialization, MANAGE-CIA focuses on developing products that address disruptive problems in the agricultural sector. It not only aims to create employment opportunities but also contributes to the inclusive socio-economic development. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of agricultural extension, positioning agri-startups as catalysts for change in fostering sustainable growth within the agricultural value chain.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Nair N. and Raj S. (2024). Nurturing Agri-Startups to Transform Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Agriculture. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Emerging Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture - Volume 1: ICEISA; ISBN 978-989-758-714-6, SciTePress, pages 209-217. DOI: 10.5220/0012973000004519

in Bibtex Style

@conference{iceisa24,
author={Neethu Nair and Saravanan Raj},
title={Nurturing Agri-Startups to Transform Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Agriculture},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Emerging Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture - Volume 1: ICEISA},
year={2024},
pages={209-217},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0012973000004519},
isbn={978-989-758-714-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Emerging Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture - Volume 1: ICEISA
TI - Nurturing Agri-Startups to Transform Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Agriculture
SN - 978-989-758-714-6
AU - Nair N.
AU - Raj S.
PY - 2024
SP - 209
EP - 217
DO - 10.5220/0012973000004519
PB - SciTePress