44 Agri-Startups Take Centre Stage at Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026
Innovation, enterprise and farmer-centric solutions highlight India’s growing agri-startup ecosystem at ICAR-IARI.
A Grand Showcase of Agricultural Innovation
Innovation, enterprise and farmer-centric solutions were at the forefront as 44 agri-startups incubated at Pusa Krishi, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) showcased their products and technologies during the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026.
The event provided a dynamic platform for emerging agri-entrepreneurs to present practical solutions aimed at strengthening productivity, sustainability and income generation in Indian agriculture.
Inauguration by Union Agriculture Minister
The mela was inaugurated on 25 February 2026 by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He toured the exhibition stalls along with senior officials and scientists.
Distinguished Dignitaries Present
- Dr. M. L. Jat – Director General, ICAR & Secretary, DARE
- Shri Devesh Chaturvedi – Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
- Dr. D. K. Yadava – Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR
- Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao – Director, ICAR-IARI
The delegation reviewed a wide spectrum of exhibits ranging from improved crop varieties and precision tools to post-harvest and value-addition technologies designed for field-level application.
Startup Pavilion: Bridging Lab to Land
At the startup pavilion, the Minister interacted directly with founders to understand how their innovations are being adopted by farmers and agribusinesses.
Key Focus Areas of Participating Startups
- Farm Mechanization
- Smart Input Delivery Systems
- Protected Cultivation Technologies
- Post-Harvest Management
- Food Processing & Value Addition
- Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives
- Biotechnology Applications
Many showcased technologies emphasized cost-effectiveness, ease of use and adaptability for small and marginal farmers. Entrepreneurs shared field experiences, pilot deployments and partnerships with farmer groups.
Scaling Innovation for Wider Impact
The Minister underscored the importance of scaling proven technologies across diverse agro-climatic zones. He highlighted the need for strengthening last-mile delivery, ensuring affordability and increasing farmer awareness for wider adoption.
The presence of policymakers, scientists and extension experts created an enabling ecosystem for dialogue, feedback and refinement of startup solutions.
Technical Sessions: FPO Linkages & Market Expansion
FPO–Startup Linkage Session
The first technical session explored collaborative models between startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Discussions focused on aggregation, collective procurement, improved marketing systems and scaling technology adoption through organized farmer groups.
Agricultural Marketing & Export Opportunities
The second session examined domestic and global market opportunities, emphasizing quality standards, branding strategies, value chain integration and export readiness. Startups were encouraged to align product development with market demand and regulatory norms.
Policy Dialogue & Institutional Support
Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare visited individual startup stalls, discussing product performance, operational challenges and expansion strategies. Founders sought guidance on policy support, funding mechanisms and institutional linkages.
Networking & Future Prospects
Beyond exhibition, the mela served as a powerful networking hub. Startups connected with research institutions, agribusiness firms, FPO representatives and potential investors. Feedback from farmers helped validate product relevance and identify areas for further refinement.
Innovation-Led Growth Driving Indian Agriculture Forward
As Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026 concluded, the strong presence of agri-startups reflected the increasing momentum of innovation-driven agricultural development. By bringing research, enterprise and farmers under one roof, the mela reinforced startups as key partners in building resilient, sustainable and market-oriented agriculture across India.
