If you’re building an agritech or allied-sector startup in India, RKVY-RAFTAAR is a strong, government-backed option for equity-free funding. It supports two clear stages: pre-seed (idea/prototype) and seed (MVP to market readiness).

This matters now because DA&FW’s latest operational guidelines (2023–24 to 2025–26) clarify the process, funding structure, and implementation network.

StartupMandi helps founders apply with confidence—by tightening the story, improving fit, and preparing reviewer-ready documents. Start here.

Quick Grant Snapshot

• Grant Name: RKVY-RAFTAAR Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Programme (Grant-in-Aid)
• Grant Provider: Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), Govt. of India
• Focus Area: Agriculture + allied sectors (innovation across the value chain)
• Geography: Pan-India (via Knowledge Partners and RKVY Agri-Business Incubators)
• Funding Type: Non-dilutive grant-in-aid (milestone and documentation driven)
• Maximum Funding: Up to ₹5 lakh (pre-seed) and up to ₹25 lakh (seed)
• Application Mode: Centralised call + portal process, routed to selected R-ABIs/KPs
• Deadline: Call-based (StartupMandi listing highlights 20 March 2026 for its featured cohort)
• Result Timeline: Not uniform; selection is incubator-led and stage-based

About the Grant Provider

RKVY-RAFTAAR is a centrally supported programme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. DA&FW runs the innovation component to promote agripreneurship through incubation and grant support.

Delivery happens through a national network of Knowledge Partners (KPs) and RKVY Agri-Business Incubators (R-ABIs) hosted at reputed institutions.

About the Scheme / Grant Program

This programme helps founders move from idea to prototype and from MVP to market through structured incubation and grant-in-aid.

Key tracks:

1. Pre-seed: Idea/PoC/prototype stage support to build a working prototype.
2. Seed: MVP-stage support to test, refine, pilot, and prepare for commercial rollout.

Who Can Apply & Target Group

• Entities: Indian innovators, agripreneurs, and startups in agriculture and allied sectors (exact formats vary by R-ABI call).
• Stage: Pre-seed (idea/prototype) or Seed (MVP stage).
• Sector focus: Precision farming, irrigation, mechanisation, post-harvest/value-add, supply chain, agri-inputs, livestock, fisheries, food processing, traceability, ICT/agri-fintech.
• Geography: Pan-India, but some R-ABIs run state/region-specific cohorts.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

1. Must align with the DPIIT startup definition referenced in the guidelines.
2. Pre-seed: must have a credible idea and clear path to PoC/prototype and market fit.
3. Seed: must be an R-ABI/KP incubatee with consistent performance evaluated by the committee.
4. Seed-stage: must be a registered legal entity in India with minimum two months residency at the R-ABI/KP.
5. Seed support is not meant for Indian subsidiaries of foreign/MNC companies.
6. Funding conflict matters: overlapping government support for the same project/activity can disqualify you (check call terms).
7. Applicants can typically select up to two R-ABIs on the prescribed portal/process.
8. Apply to only one component at a time (pre-seed or seed), based on your stage.

Funding Support & Benefits

1. Pre-seed: Up to ₹5 lakh, typically within a 6-month utilisation window after selection.
2. Seed: Up to ₹25 lakh, typically within a 12-month utilisation window after selection.
3. Disbursement: Usually milestone-linked; seed is commonly released in instalments (50:50).
4. Contribution: Guidelines indicate incubatee contribution (seed commonly 15%; participation requirements may apply to pre-seed).
5. Typical eligible uses: Testing/trials, product refinement, data generation, test marketing, IP/licensing (one-time), essential manpower, and committee-approved items.

Documents Required While Applying

Core documents to keep ready:

• Founder IDs + profiles/CVs
• Pitch deck (problem, solution, impact, traction, roadmap)
• Project plan with milestones (6–12 months)
• Budget with justification mapped to cost heads
• Incorporation proof (mandatory for seed; may be required before release for pre-seed)
• Declaration on other government funding for the same project/activity

Post-selection (often needed):

• Agreement/MoU with incubator
• Utilisation certificate + expenditure statement (CA-certified) and milestone reports

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Pick the correct track: Pre-seed or Seed.
2. Shortlist 1–2 suitable R-ABIs/KPs based on your domain.
3. Track the active call and follow the exact submission format.
4. Prepare the pack: deck + milestones + budget + declarations.
5. Apply through the prescribed portal/process (select up to two R-ABIs where allowed).
6. Clear screening and committee evaluation (pitching may be required).
7. If selected, sign the agreement and deliver milestones for disbursement.

Important Dates & Timeline

• Application start: Not fixed nationally; depends on the cohort/call.
• Deadline: Call-based (StartupMandi’s featured listing shows 20 March 2026 for its cohort).
• Evaluation: Varies by incubator; includes screening + committee review.
• After selection: Milestone-based utilisation windows (typically 6 months pre-seed, 12 months seed).

Key Things to Keep in Mind While Applying

1. Match your stage to the right component (prototype vs MVP).
2. Lead with farmer impact and measurable outcomes.
3. Keep milestones sharp and realistic.
4. Make budgets clean, simple, and aligned to allowed heads.
5. Disclose other government support honestly.
6. Apply early to avoid last-day rush.

How StartupMandi Can Help You

RKVY-RAFTAAR applications win when they’re clear, compliant, and milestone-led. StartupMandi Experts can help with:

1. Stage + eligibility check
2. Incubator selection strategy (best-fit 1–2 R-ABIs/KPs)
3. Proposal + milestone plan (6/12 months)
4. Budget alignment and documentation QA
5. Pitch deck polish and final review

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

RKVY-RAFTAAR is a strong path to equity-free funding for agritech—₹5 lakh for early proof and ₹25 lakh to push an MVP toward market. The best applications are impact-led, milestone-first, and fully compliant. Use StartupMandi to find the right call and apply like a pro.