BHARATI Initiatives

Objectives

BHARATI aims to:

Empower startups in the agri-food & agri-tech sectors — provide them incubation / acceleration so they can become export-ready. Promote innovation in high-value product categories — such as GI-tagged agri-products, organics, “superfoods”, livestock and AYUSH related food products.

Adopt advanced technologies in the value chain — e.g. AI-based quality control, blockchain for traceability, IoT-enabled cold chain, agri-fintech, etc. Address export bottlenecks/challenges — things like perishability, wastage during transport, quality compliance, packaging, logistics, sea protocols, regulatory / SPS-TBT (Sanitary & Phytosanitary / Technical Barriers to Trade) issues. Strengthen ecosystem partnerships — between startups, academia (IITs, NITs, agriculture universities), state agricultural boards, accelerators, industry bodies.

Key Features / Modus Operandi Pilot cohort of 100 startups:

The first batch under BHARATI will select 100 agri-food / agri-tech startups.

Three-month acceleration programme: Once selected, startups will undergo a structured accelerator programme covering: product development, export readiness, regulatory compliance, market access etc.

Focus areas: Product categories like GI-tagged, organic, superfoods, livestock, AYUSH etc.
Technology adoption: AI, blockchain traceability, IoT cold chain, agri-fintech etc.
Scalability: The pilot cohort is intended as a model, to be followed by regular annual cycles. lignment with broader policies: Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Start-Up India, Digital India. Expected Benefits / Impacts Helps India become more competitive in global agrifood/export markets. Adds value to agriculture & processed food sectors (not just raw exports).

Encourages use of modern tech & better infrastructure (cold chains, traceability etc.) which reduces losses and increases reliability. Provides jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities especially in rural / semi-urban areas. Helps meet international standards (quality, safety), opening up more export destinations.

Challenges / Things to Watch Out For Ensuring that startups chosen have real potential; avoid duplication with other programmes. Infrastructure constraints (cold storage, transport, ports etc.) could limit benefits. Regulatory / export compliance is complex; helping startups navigate can be resource intensive. Sustainability, ensuring environmental impact (packaging waste, energy use etc.) is managed. Ensuring that benefits reach smaller producers / innovators, not only those already relatively resourced.