09-07-2025
Kerala agricultural start-ups among top performers at national RKVY-RAFTAAR review meet
Six agricultural start-ups incubated at the Agri-Business Incubator of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have been recognised among the top-performing ventures under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubation programme.
The recognition came during a high-level national review meeting chaired by the RKVY advisor to evaluate the progress and impact of agri-business incubators and their associated start-ups.
The meeting brought together representatives from RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubators across India, as well as emerging entrepreneurs who showcased innovations supported under the scheme. The Kerala-based start-ups presented unique agri-based solutions that have made significant strides in sustainability, product innovation, and rural livelihood development.
K.P. Sudheer, Head of the Agri-Business Incubator at KAU, highlighted the significance of the event, stating it provided a rare national platform for start-ups to gain visibility and recognition. 'Such initiatives inspire a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs and help drive the growth of rural economies,' he said.
Entrepreneurs from Kerala, including Vineetha A.K., Manas Madhu, Brijith Krishna, Saji Varghese, T. J. Thankachan, and Vidya K.S., shared their innovative products and business models. These start-ups have benefited from training and financial support through the Raftaar Agri Business Incubator program at KAU.
Ms. Vineetha developed a cassava starch-based fabric care spray, winning the 'Woman in Change Award' from Startup India. Her eco-friendly innovation supports cassava farmers and promotes women-led agricultural enterprises.
Mr. Madhu, founder of Doctor Jackfruit India Pvt. Ltd., created Beyond Snacks, a jackfruit snack brand that gained national attention through Shark Tank India, securing ₹5 million in funding and equity investment.
Mr. Krishna of Eatery Malabarikus transformed the use of sprouted cashews into a line of healthy food products. His innovation, born during a market slowdown, won him national recognition, including the Best Cashew Entrepreneur award.
Mr. Varghese, founder of Zaphon Repurpose, created Sunbird Straws — eco-friendly drinking straws made from coconut leaves. The venture now exports to 25 countries and has won global acclaim, including the Switzerland Mass Challenge Award.
Mr. Thankachan of TMJ Foods India Pvt Ltd developed a mushroom-based health drink rich in Vitamin D2, helping mushroom farmers boost their income while offering a nutritious health product.
Ms. Vidya, co-founder of Swojas Farms, promotes millet-based organic products such as dosa mixes, nutri bars, and flakes, now available in supermarkets and bakeries. Her venture supports sustainable farming and healthy eating.
Growth of exports
The main goal of the event was to chart a clear path for the growth of exports from local agricultural start-ups, in connection with the recently unveiled Central government scheme of ₹300 crore, aimed at supporting 100 promising export-ready agri-food start-ups in the country.
Experts and policymakers from diverse sectors participated.
