UAS-R, ICRISAT sign deal to aid agro startups

Karnataka’s University of Agricultural Sciences-Raichur signed a memorandum of agreement with the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to set up an agribusiness incubator on the varsity campus.

ICRISAT will help identify and promote agribusiness startups, besides facilitating the agro-technology transfer in the North Karnataka region, which is expected to enhance the impact of outreach activities for the university.

Under the programme, entrepreneurs will get technical and business development support in seed production, farm machinery and food-processing domains.

“This partnership with ICRISAT opens a new chapter for the university in promoting technology and agri-based entrepreneurship in the region,” said UAS-R vice chancellor Dr P M Salimath.

Handholding and mentoring support for UAS-R will be provided through the co-business incubation initiative of the Agri-Business Incubation Program, which is part of the ICRISAT Agribusiness and Innovation Platform that focuses on promoting agribusiness ventures and public-private partnership initiatives.