Pusa Krishi, ICAR–IARI successfully organized SAMARTH 2026 – Empowering the Incubators from March 19–20 at the NASC Complex, New Delhi. The two-day national workshop brought together 31 incubators and seven Knowledge Partners (KPs) from across India, creating an engaging platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and discourse on strengthening the country’s fast-growing agri-startup ecosystem.
Day 1: Strong Focus on Incubators and Agri-Entrepreneurship
The workshop opened with an inaugural address by Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, who highlighted the expanding role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as sustainable agri-enterprises. He emphasized NABARD’s continued support to rural entrepreneurship through capacity building, credit facilitation, market linkages and value-chain development. He also outlined NABARD’s key initiatives—including NABVENTURES and the AgriSURE Fund—that are catalysing agricultural innovation and supporting promising agri-startups.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, underlined the essential role of agribusiness incubators in connecting research institutions with real-world farm challenges. He noted that in the era of climate variability and shifting market dynamics, incubators are crucial in translating scientific advancements into scalable, farmer-focused solutions.
Following the inaugural session, KPs under the RKVY-RAFTAAR project shared experiences and best practices from their ongoing incubation initiatives. Post-lunch sessions featured insightful presentations, including a discussion on startup equity and valuation by Mr. Manveen Chadha (ASSOCHAM). Ms. Srivalli Krishnan (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) elaborated on support mechanisms for agri-innovation, while Mr. Suresh Rajagopalan (Samunnati Agri Innovation Labs) explained how paid pilot projects help de-risk early-stage technologies.
Day 1 concluded with an open interactive discussion among KPs and RABIs, fostering an encouraging and collaborative environment for the sessions ahead.
Day 2: Leadership, Culture and Incubation Excellence
The second day began with an engaging session by Ms. Bhakti Dhanak of IIMA Ventures on “The Human Side of Innovation: Team, Leadership and Culture in Advanced Incubation Ecosystems.” She highlighted how strong leadership, organizational culture and cohesive teams form the backbone of successful incubation programs.
This was followed by Ms. Gladis Nair, Head of Operations, ISBA, who spoke on “Fostering the Essence of Incubation in Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” She emphasized the need for structured mentorship, stronger ecosystem linkages and strategic support systems that help startups scale effectively.
A key highlight was the experience-sharing forum by RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators (RABIs). Participants presented their incubation models, challenges and field learnings—leading to constructive peer learning and cross-institutional collaboration.
A Step Forward for India’s Agri-Innovation Landscape
SAMARTH 2026 concluded with renewed momentum and inspiration, reflecting its core vision of Empowering the Incubators. The workshop strengthened networks, enabled meaningful dialogue, and equipped incubators with valuable insights to nurture the next generation of agri-innovators and rural enterprises.
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