Start-ups engage with farmers and FPOs at immersion programme held in Bidar

An immersion programme for start-ups and farmers and farmer producer organisations (FPOs) was organised at Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar, in collaboration with ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR–NAARM), Hyderabad’s a-IDEA Business Incubation Centre, NABARD, Bengaluru, and Bidar Horticulture Producers Company Limited.

Inaugurating the event, K.C. Veeranna, Vice-Chancellor of KVAFSU, highlighted the university’s contributions in teaching, research, and extension. He said the university has been training farmers in innovative technologies, animal husbandry, milk production, fisheries, and agro-entrepreneurship to promote self-reliance.

“Start-ups are driving innovation in agriculture with the support of the Union government and NABARD. Today’s programme provides a vital platform for start-ups and farmers to exchange ideas and experiences through live demonstrations,” he said, urging participants to “become job creators rather than job seekers.”

Mr. Basavaraj Bhatamurge, member of the board of management, KVAFSU, informed that 18 start-ups from across India were participating to demonstrate solutions addressing key challenges faced by farmers.

Mr. Senthil Vinayagam, principal scientist and CEO, ICAR–NAARM, said that a-IDEA has supported over 500 start-ups across the country, fostering agri-innovation and entrepreneurship.

About 150 farmers and FPO members from various districts of Karnataka participated in the event.

Director of extension Basavaraj Awati, Veterinary College dean M.K. Tandle, DDM of NABARD Vishnuvardhan Rampur, Bidar Horticulture Producers Company Limited representative Chetan Dabke, associate professor Prakashkumar Rathod, assistant professor Akash, and other faculty members and students of KVAFSU present in the event.