To promote entrepreneurship in the agri-business sector, ICRISAT’s Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Program showcased agro-technologies that were ready for commercialization at the farmer platform, KISAN 2013, held on 12-18 December at Pune, India.

KISAN 2013 is a platform for farmers to come face-to-face with advanced technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector. This year saw over 100,000 visitors and 303 agro-companies from India and abroad showcasing their technologies on farm mechanization, pre- and post-harvest management of food crops, food processing, marketing and retailing.

The National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) is set up for handholding and mentoring of Business Planning & Development BPD Units of national agricultural research organizations. ICRISAT’s Agri-Business Incubation Program represented the Network of Indian Agri-Business Incubators (NIABI) highlighting the roles played by business incubators. From NIABI, the Business Planning & Development (BPD) Units of Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) and Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) also utilized this platform for promoting their incubation activities and technologies.

ICRISAT’s ABI client Spectrum Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd (on bio-fertilizer from sugarcane waste/bi-products) was able to create awareness, generate sales and prospects for new dealers.

About 500 people visited the ABI stall. About 50 potential leads were generated for technology commercialization support from NIABI. Some of the key leads were on food processing, farm ventures, agri-biotech ventures, seed production, institutional collaboration, apart from availing of incubation services from NIABI. Mr Suneel Vemu and Mr Harshvardhan Mane from the Agribusiness and Innovation Platform (AIP) took part in the event.