Status and performance of agri startup ecosystem: Insights for plantation crops

Abstract

The spurt in startup activities is witnessed due to India’s robust entrepreneurial growth driven by expanding economic opportunities, venture capital availability, incubator development, and a skilled talent pool. Agriculture substantially attracted startups to drive entrepreneurship. This study examines the performance of startup entrepreneurs by interviewing 100 entrepreneurs during 2025-2026 during their visits to ICAR-CPCRI and exhibitions at different locations across the country. Most of the startups (42 %) were less than 3 years old, operating in semi-urban areas (70%) and belonged to private limited ownership (48%). Most of them belonged to agritech sector (47%) followed by food processing (18%). Majority of the startup companies (58%) employed upto 5 employees. In service portfolio, most of the startups provide training (43%) and advisory services (58%) and in product portfolio, value added products (47%) were dominated followed by organic agriculture products (38%). More than half of the respondents (54%) used an advanced technology for better efficiency followed a superior user experience (47%). Majority of the challenges lie in acquiring early customers (61%) followed by securing funding (58%). The adoption of digital platforms and advancements in supply chain technology can further enable startups to reach urban and rural markets alike. Startup entrepreneurs have the potential to significantly impact the plantation sector and the economy at large by utilizing technology, embracing sustainable practices, and capitalizing on market demand.