"The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has launched a unique programme to tap the expertise available in the large pool of agriculture graduates. Irrespective of them being fresh out of colleges or not, or whether currently employed or not, can setup Agriclinic or Agribusiness Centre to offer paid professional services for enhancement of agricultural production and income of farmers."



"Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium, New Delhi, the implementing agency is providing free start-up training to graduates in Agriculture, or any subject allied to Agriculture like Horticulture, Sericulture, Veterinary Sciences, Forestry, Dairy, Poultry Farming, Fisheries, etc. Once Agri-entrepreneurs setup their agriclinics and agribusiness centres, SFAC will also support in establishing linkages for sustainability."



"National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad, is coordinating two months training programme for agri-entrepreneurs through selected institutes across the country. The course comprises of entrepreneurship and business management, as well as skill improvement modules in the chosen areas of activity by the agri-entrepreneurs."



"National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), vide circular dated 23/07/2001, loans will be provided by banks for setting up agribusiness centres. An individual can avail load for the outer ceiling project cost of Rs. 10.00 lakhs and for joint/group projects, the ceiling is Rs. 50.00 lakhs, pro-rata."



Hand Holding Support

Graduates in agriculture and allied subject have been offered a lifetime opportunity for setting up agriclinics and agribusiness centres. In response to newspaper ads by SFAC, 10131 applications have been received by MANAGE. Out of a select list of 20 activities, maximum number of agricultural graduates opted for "Rural Marketing Dealerships of farm inputs and outputs" followed by "Facilitation and Agency of Agricultural Insurance Service" and the third priority was given to "Setting up of Vermiculture Units, Production of Bio-fertilizers, Bio-pesticides, etc."

M.R. Morarka-GDC Rural Research Foundation, having over seven years of experience in Agripreneurship has been recognized as a Training cum Resource Centre and to be a member of the "Network of Agri-clinics and Agribusiness Centres by Agriculture Graduates Scheme" of the Government of the India. Over 300 Agripreneurs have already been supported by the Foundation to establish Agribusiness Centres to produce Agri-biotechnology based inputs. At an average investment of Rs. 5.00 lakhs, they have earned an average of Rs. 2.5 lakhs net income in first year itself.

The Foundation has now evolved a comprehensive Agri-entrepreneurial Training design. The hand holding support by the Foundation shall provide an opportunity to conduct detailed feasibility study and approval of business plans. The entrepreneurs would also establish linkages for technical know-how, marketing and term loans during the training itself.

All 25 Agricultural Graduates in First Batch are also being given an offer for joint collaboration with Morarka Foundation to setup an integrated Organic Agriculture-Vermicasting Enterprise.

About Training Program

The training program is designed to achieve tangible results. In first phase, trainees will be given inputs in core areas of agribusiness management. Trainees will undertake fieldwork to prepare their own agribusiness plans. During the second phase, specialized areas will be covered besides establishing linkages in relation to their chosen area of activity. In third phase, necessary formalities will be completed for setting up the enterprise, and trainees will be given specific inputs for successful establishment of their agri-enterprise. The Training cum Resource Centre will also provide expert guidance and continuous support for one full year to the trainees.

About Trainers

The core team, all working full time with the Foundation is led by Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Executive Director have more than 25 years experience in agriculture development. He has also been appointed as a Consultant (Organic Farming) to the Ministry of Agriculture. The Nodal Officer has very vast experience in human resource development including entrepreneurship. The course will be supported by an expert team of ten Project Coordinators and above 30 Field Officers with grassroot experience in agriculture development.

The two months residential training program is absolutely free for the Agri-Entrepreneurs, all expenses including their lodging & boarding are being borne by Government of India.