Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship in Agriculture

Agriculture is both the biggest challenge and opportunity that faces India. India ranks second worldwide in farm outputs. As per 2018, agriculture employed more than 50% of the Indian work force and contributed 17–18% to the country’s GDP. With the rapid onset of climate change, agriculture is facing a multiplicity of challenges namely deteriorating soil health, reducing productivity per acre, extreme floods and droughts etc.

This however means that all of the above listed challenges bring with them the opportunity to disrupt the current practices to bring about positive change. To actualize this opportunity the youth of this nation need to be able to grasp, shape and harness the rapidly evolving technological advances in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Youth need to be well acquainted with latest technologies in agriculture and allied sectors such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, controlled environment agriculture, genetic improvements in animals etc.

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Shri. Nilesh Nalawade
Shri. Nilesh NalawadeChief Coordinator

India is one of the youngest countries in the world, where the proportion of the rural youth forms the majority share in India's youth population. However, in recent years unemployment rates have been on the rise. Agriculture and allied activities constitute the bulk of the rural economy, however, its dominance has been dwindling over the years.

The Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship (SPIF) in Agriculture is a flagship initiative by the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre to address farmer distress in Maharashtra through technology-driven innovations.
This 12-month immersive program identifies and nurtures startups, innovators, and young entrepreneurs who have viable solutions to challenges such as low crop yields, post-harvest losses, climate change, and soil degradation.
By combining mentorship, capacity building, and financial support, SPIF empowers fellows to transform ideas into market-ready solutions that create sustainable impact for farmers.

Theme for 2026-27

  1. Precision Agriculture & Smart Farm Intelligence

    This sub-theme seeks affordable, scalable, and easy-to-use technologies that enable farmers to make data-driven decisions. Participants may develop AI-powered crop advisory platforms, IoT-based soil and water sensors, drone-enabled crop monitoring systems, satellite-based farm analytics, nutrient deficiency detection tools, disease diagnostics, precision spraying systems, or integrated farm intelligence platforms. Solutions should focus on improving productivity, reducing input costs, and supporting small and marginal farmers.

  2. Climate Resilient Agriculture

    This sub-theme seeks innovative technologies that help farmers adapt to increasing climate variability and extreme weather events. Participants may develop weather forecasting systems, climate risk advisory platforms, heat stress mitigation technologies, drought management tools, flood resilience solutions, crop loss prediction models, or climate-smart farming systems. Solutions should improve farm resilience while minimizing production risks.

  3. Smart Water Management

    This sub-theme seeks affordable technologies that improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. Participants may develop precision irrigation systems, AI-enabled irrigation scheduling, groundwater monitoring devices, rainwater harvesting technologies, farm water budgeting tools, soil moisture sensors, solar-powered irrigation automation, or water recycling systems. Solutions should help farmers conserve water while maintaining crop productivity.

  4. Smart Pest & Disease Management

    This sub-theme seeks rapid, accurate, and affordable technologies for early detection and management of crop pests and diseases. Participants may develop AI-based disease diagnosis, image recognition platforms, biosensors, drone surveillance systems, predictive pest forecasting models, smart pheromone traps, or biological disease monitoring solutions. Solutions should reduce crop losses and minimize excessive pesticide use.

  5. Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio-Inputs

    This sub-theme seeks environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional agricultural chemicals. Participants may develop microbial biofertilizers, biopesticides, biofungicides, plant growth promoters, nano-bio formulations, botanical extracts, or innovative biological crop protection technologies. Solutions should improve crop productivity while promoting sustainable and residue-free agriculture.

  6. Post-Harvest Management & Cold Chain

    This sub-theme seeks innovative technologies that reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality. Participants may develop affordable cold storage systems, smart packaging, crop drying technologies, quality monitoring devices, grading and sorting systems, decentralized storage solutions, temperature monitoring platforms, or farm-to-market logistics innovations. Solutions should extend shelf life and increase farmer income.

  7. Food Processing & Value Addition

    This sub-theme seeks technologies that create greater value from agricultural produce through processing and product innovation. Participants may develop small-scale food processing equipment, functional food products, millet-based foods, fruit and vegetable processing technologies, dehydration systems, fermentation technologies, or ready-to-cook product innovations. Solutions should enhance rural entrepreneurship and reduce food wastage.

  8. Smart Farm Mechanization

    This sub-theme seeks affordable and adaptable mechanization solutions designed specifically for small and fragmented farms. Participants may develop compact seeders, precision planters, weeding equipment, autonomous farm robots, harvesting machines, pruning tools, multipurpose implements, battery-operated machinery, or retrofit automation kits for existing equipment. Solutions should reduce labour dependency, improve operational efficiency, and remain affordable for smallholder farmers.

  9. Circular Agriculture & Agri-Waste Utilization

    This sub-theme seeks technologies that convert agricultural waste into commercially valuable products. Participants may develop biochar production systems, biomass-based energy technologies, biodegradable packaging, composting solutions, animal feed products, mushroom cultivation systems, natural fibres, or waste-to-resource innovations. Solutions should promote circular economy practices while generating additional farmer income.

  10. Digital Agriculture & AI Platforms

    This sub-theme seeks digital technologies that simplify farm management and agricultural decision-making. Participants may develop AI-powered advisory systems, multilingual virtual assistants, digital farm records, FPO management software, farm ERP systems, blockchain-based traceability, precision agriculture dashboards, or market intelligence platforms. Solutions should improve accessibility, usability, and decision-making for farmers.

  11. Smart Horticulture

    This sub-theme seeks innovative technologies for high-value horticultural crops such as grapes, pomegranate, mango, citrus, onion, banana, and vegetables. Participants may develop orchard monitoring systems, automated fertigation solutions, fruit quality assessment technologies, disease prediction tools, precision pruning equipment, protected cultivation technologies, or export quality monitoring systems. Solutions should improve productivity and international competitiveness.

  12. Dairy & Livestock Technologies

    This sub-theme seeks affordable technologies that improve livestock health, productivity, and farm profitability. Participants may develop wearable health monitoring devices, AI-based disease prediction systems, automated feeding systems, milk quality testing technologies, reproductive monitoring tools, livestock management software, or precision dairy solutions. Solutions should enhance animal welfare and improve dairy farm efficiency.

  13. Agri-FinTech & Market Linkages

    This sub-theme seeks digital solutions that improve financial inclusion and market access for farmers. Participants may develop AI-enabled price forecasting platforms, digital marketplaces, credit assessment systems, crop insurance technologies, traceability platforms, logistics aggregation solutions, or farm business management tools. Solutions should strengthen farmer profitability and improve access to domestic and export markets.

  14. Renewable Energy for Agriculture

    This sub-theme seeks clean energy technologies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels in agriculture. Participants may develop solar-powered irrigation systems, renewable energy-operated dryers, battery-powered farm equipment, biomass energy systems, portable solar cold storage units, electric agricultural machinery, or hybrid renewable energy solutions. Solutions should reduce operating costs and promote sustainable farming.

  15. Women-Centric Agricultural Innovations

    This sub-theme seeks technologies that reduce drudgery and create livelihood opportunities for women farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Participants may develop ergonomic farm tools, food processing equipment, digital business platforms, low-cost packaging technologies, household-scale value addition systems, or technologies supporting women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Solutions should improve productivity, income generation, and inclusive rural development.

  16. Protected Cultivation & Controlled Environment Agriculture

    This sub-theme seeks affordable technologies that enable year-round cultivation of high-value crops under controlled environments. Participants may develop low-cost polyhouse and greenhouse systems, automated climate control solutions, precision fertigation technologies, vertical farming systems, hydroponic and aeroponic solutions, protected cultivation monitoring platforms, or modular growing systems suitable for smallholder farmers. Solutions should improve productivity, resource efficiency, and resilience to climate variability.

  17. Seed & Planting Material Innovation

    This sub-theme seeks innovative solutions to improve the quality, availability, and performance of seeds and planting materials. Participants may develop rapid seed quality assessment technologies, disease-free planting material production systems, AI-based seed grading, smart seed treatment solutions, tissue culture innovations, seed traceability platforms, or technologies that improve germination and crop establishment. Solutions should enhance crop productivity and ensure quality planting material reaches farmers.

  18. Soil Regeneration & Carbon Farming

    This sub-theme seeks technologies that restore soil health while creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers. Participants may develop soil carbon monitoring systems, microbial soil restoration technologies, regenerative farming tools, carbon credit measurement platforms, digital soil health passports, biochar production systems, or AI-based nutrient management solutions. Solutions should improve long-term soil fertility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate-smart agriculture.

  19. Smart Rural Storage & Supply Chain Infrastructure

    This sub-theme seeks affordable infrastructure solutions that reduce losses between harvest and market. Participants may develop decentralized storage technologies, AI-enabled warehouse management systems, solar-powered storage units, smart inventory tracking, portable grain silos, onion and potato storage innovations, or farm-level logistics optimization platforms. Solutions should improve produce quality, reduce waste, and strengthen rural supply chains.

  20. Future Farming & Autonomous Agriculture

    This sub-theme seeks breakthrough technologies that transform conventional farming into intelligent, autonomous agricultural systems. Participants may develop AI-powered autonomous field robots, drone swarms for precision agriculture, digital twin platforms for farm management, autonomous irrigation systems, robotic harvesting technologies, integrated farm operating systems, or multi-sensor decision-support platforms. Solutions should improve productivity, optimize resource use, and prepare Indian agriculture for the next generation of farming.

  • Empower Maharashtra’s youth to lead agricultural innovation.
  • Foster technology-driven, scalable solutions for pressing farming challenges.
  • Provide hands-on learning through bootcamps, field trials, and expert mentoring.
  • Create a network of changemakers contributing to rural sustainability and farmer welfare.
  • Fellows receive comprehensive support to accelerate their innovations:

    1. Financial Assistance: ₹50,000 milestone-based fellowship; seed funding for top performers.
    2. Technical Support: Access to prototyping labs, testing facilities, and co-working spaces.
    3. Mentorship: Guidance from agri-scientists, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs.
    4. Capacity Building: Quarterly bootcamps, workshops, and business pitch training.
    5. Market Exposure: Networking opportunities with farmers, cooperatives, and investors.
    6. Pilot Testing: Field trials to validate and refine solutions before scaling.

We are looking for:

  • Startups & Innovators – Agri-tech entrepreneurs with prototypes or MVPs.
  • Developers & Tech Enthusiasts – Individuals building solutions for farming challenges.
  • Tech. Students & Engineers – Graduates with innovative agri-business ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Domicile: Must be a resident of Maharashtra.
  • Education: Minimum 4-year undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, or any other professional fields. (Completion of degree is mandatory)
  • Age: 22–30 years.
  • Commitment: Must work full-time on the innovation/startup during the fellowship.
  • Profile: Startups, innovators, developers, students, or engineers with a prototype, MVP, or early-stage business model following domains.

Key Focus Areas (Problem Statements)

We prioritize solutions addressing:

1. Precision Agriculture Solutions for Instant Soil, Water & Plant Health Diagnosis

Develop quick, accurate, and affordable methods using emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, or other advanced tools to assess soil quality, water parameters, and plant health in real time, enabling timely and data-driven farm management decisions.

2. Post-Harvest Loss Elimination

  • Extend shelf-life of perishables
  • Minimize post-harvest losses

3. Pomegranate Bacterial Blight Solution

  • Early detection of Bacterial Blight (oily spot)
  • Effective treatment protocols

4. Perishable Produce Preservation

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables

5. Eco-Friendly Agri-Packaging

Design sustainable, biodegradable packaging solutions for fresh farm produce.

6. Export-Quality Residue Testing using emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain

Develop rapid, affordable residue analysis methods for export-grade agricultural produce.

7. Food Adulteration Detection

Using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain, create portable solutions to test adulteration in:

  • Fresh produce
  • Milk/dairy products
  • Processed foods/flours
  • Ready-to-eat foods

8. Renewable Energy Farm Tools

Engineer novel agricultural implements that:

  • Require low fuel/maintenance
  • Operate on renewable energy

9. Chemical Pesticide Replacement

Discover novel biological substitutes for:

  • Chemical pesticides
  • Insecticides

10. Traditional Grain Revolution

Develop functional, healthy food products from traditional Indian grains to replace fast-food diets.

11. Low-Cost Mechanization for Small & Marginal Farmers

Compact, affordable, and multi-purpose farm machinery suited to small landholdings to reduce labor costs and drudgery.

12. Affordable On-Farm Water Management Solutions

Design low-cost, smart irrigation, water harvesting, and groundwater recharge systems to reduce dependency on erratic monsoons.

13. Any Other Relevant Solution for Farmers in Distress

Innovative technologies, business models, or interventions addressing unmet agricultural needs not covered in the above focus areas.

The fellowship is structured for maximum learning and real-world impact:

Key Learning Components

1. Inspirational Stories

  • Exposure to journeys of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers in the agriculture sector.
  • Focus on real-life examples of grassroots innovation and impactful agri-tech solutions.

2. Hands-on Project-Based Learning

  • Fellows work on their own flagship innovation or startup project throughout the program.
  • Practical application of concepts learned during bootcamps and workshops.

3. Expert Interaction

  • Guidance from leading industry experts, agri-scientists, startup mentors, and academia.
  • Regular Q&A sessions and one-on-one mentoring.

4. Field Visits

  • Visits to progressive farms, agri-processing units, and cooperatives to understand ground realities.
  • Interaction with farmers for direct feedback on prototypes and solutions.

5. Case Studies

  • Deep-dive into successful agricultural business models and disruptive technologies.
  • Comparative analysis of national and global innovations.

The SPIF selection process is designed to identify the most promising agri-innovators who can deliver real impact for Maharashtra’s farmers.

Stage 1 – Online Screening

  • Applications evaluated on innovation, feasibility, impact potential, and scalability.
  • Top 80 applicants shortlisted.

Stage 2 – Interview Round

  • Shortlisted candidates present their ideas before a panel from Agricultural Development Trust (ADT), Sahyadri Farms Nashik and Yashwantrao Chavan Centre (YCC).
  • Final 40 fellows selected for the cohort.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Innovation – Novelty and IP potential
  • Feasibility – Practical implementation
  • Impact – Farmer benefits and sustainability
  • Scalability – Expansion potential
  • Deployment Readiness – MVP/prototype stage

Timeline – Agriculture Fellowship (40 Fellows)

Dates Event
15 August 2026 - 15 October 2026 Acceptance Of Application Forms
16 October 2026 - 15 November 2026 Scrutiny Of Submitted Applications and Online Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates
19 November - 30 November 2025 Offline Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates
01 December 2026 Announcement of Selected Candidates
13 December 2026 Fellowship Award Ceremony
15 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 Bootcamp 1: Baramati
4 April – 10 April 2027 Bootcamp 2: Nashik

The fellowship runs for 12 months from December 2026 to November 2027, featuring quarterly milestones and review points.

Phase Timeline Key Activities
Orientation & Bootcamp Dec 2026 Introduction to agri-tech trends, Design Thinking, Market Research, Entrepreneurship Mindset, Legalities for startups, IPR for startups, business model validation
Prototype Development Feb – Apr 2027 Baseline survey (Market Survey/ research), Prototype building, Business mentoring, field visits, initial trials of Prototype
Second Bootcamp at Sahyadri Farms Nashik April 2027 Co-operative Agri-Business Model, Working of FPO’s and FPC’s, Startup Interaction at Digital Impact square and H square
Field Visits and Processing unit visits etc.
Field Trials & Feedback May – Jul 2027 Pilot testing of prototype at Field level, farmer/s feedback sessions, refining solutions, reiteration on Prototype to build Minimum Viable Products (MVP)
Third Bootcamp August 2027 Go to Market Strategies, Marketing and Branding, Digital Marketing, Business Pitch development, Business Storytelling
Scaling & Showcase Aug – Nov 2027 MVP to Market Ready Product transition, Business pitch development, investor readiness, final Product/ design showcase
Fourth Bootcamp Nov 2027 Demo Day, Pitch Day sessions to find out top performers
Top 3 startups selected for further acceleration program

The SPIF learning journey combines technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership modules:

Phase Timeline Modules
Phase 1: Orientation & Bootcamp Dec 2026
  • Agri-Tech Landscape – Emerging trends, innovations, and global best practices..
  • Design Thinking – Problem framing, ideation, prototyping approach.
  • Market Research & Analysis – Understanding target customers and industry needs.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset – Building resilience, leadership, and adaptability.
  • Legal & Compliance for Startups – Registrations, policies, and government schemes.
  • IPR for Startups – Patents, trademarks, and design protections.
  • Business Model Validation – Testing assumptions and value proposition mapping.
Phase 2: Prototype Development Feb – Apr 2027
  • Baseline Survey & Research – Market and farmer needs assessment.
  • Prototype Building – Tools, materials, and rapid prototyping methods.
  • Business Mentoring – Guidance from industry experts and agri-scientists.
  • Field Visits – Exposure to working farms, technology adopters, and rural markets.
  • Initial Trials – Early-stage testing of the prototype with real users.
Phase 3: Second Bootcamp – Sahyadri Farms, Nashik April 2027
  • Co-operative Agri-Business Models – Understanding structure and benefits.
  • Working of FPOs & FPCs – Governance, finance, and operational models.
  • Startup Interactions – Learning from peers at Digital Impact Square & H-Square.
  • Field & Processing Unit Visits – Exposure to agri-processing and value chains.
Phase 4: Field Trials & Feedback May – Jul 2027
  • Pilot Testing – Deploying the prototype at field level.
  • Farmer Engagement – Collecting structured feedback and user insights.
  • Iteration & Refinement – Improving the prototype based on feedback.
  • Building the MVP – Transition from prototype to minimum viable product.
Phase 5: Third Bootcamp Aug 2027
  • Go-to-Market Strategies – Planning market entry and sales channels.
  • Marketing & Branding – Positioning, storytelling, and packaging.
  • Digital Marketing – Leveraging social media, SEO, and online sales.
  • Business Pitch Development – Structuring and delivering compelling pitches.
  • Business Storytelling – Communicating the startup journey effectively.
Phase 6: Scaling & Showcase Aug – Nov 2027
  • MVP to Market-Ready Product – Scaling production, quality control.
  • Investor Readiness – Financial modelling, valuation, and pitching to investors.
  • Final Product/Design Showcase – Presenting innovations to stakeholders.
Phase 7: Fourth Bootcamp & Acceleration Nov 2027
  • Demo Day – Live presentation of products to industry experts, investors, and media.
  • Pitch Day Sessions – Selecting top performers based on innovation, market potential, and scalability.
  • Post-Fellowship Acceleration – Top 3 startups enter an advanced acceleration program for further growth and investment.

The fellowship has three streams – Agriculture, Literature, and Education. This FAQ refers specifically to the Agriculture Fellowship.

We are looking for startups, innovators, agriculture graduates, developers, and tech enthusiasts who are developing technology-based solutions to real farming challenges, especially those faced by smallholder farmers.

Yes. Each fellow receives a ₹50,000 milestone-based fellowship grant. Top-performing startups may receive additional equity-free seed funding up to ₹5 lakhs.

The program runs for 12 months (Dec 2025 – Nov 2026). Activities take place at AIC–ADT Baramati Foundation, Sahyadri Farms (Nashik), and selected field locations for trials.

You will receive guidance from agri-scientists, industry experts, business mentors, and experienced entrepreneurs from partner organizations such as ADT Baramati and Sahyadri Farms Nashik.

Only 40 fellows will be selected for the Agriculture stream from across Maharashtra.

You must have completed at least a 4-year undergraduate degree in Agriculture, Agri-Engineering, Engineering, Technology, or another professional field.

Yes. Applicants must be between 22 and 30 years old.

Applicants are evaluated on:
  • Innovation – Novelty and IP potential
  • Feasibility – Practical implementation
  • Impact – Farmer benefits and sustainability
  • Scalability – Expansion potential
  • Deployment Readiness – MVP/prototype stage

References should ideally be from academics, research supervisors, professional mentors, or industry leaders who can vouch for your innovation and commitment.

It is primarily offline with in-person bootcamps, field visits, and hands-on prototype development. Some mentoring sessions may be held online.

Applications for the Agriculture Fellowship close on 15 October 2026.

Yes. The fellowship encourages equal opportunity and diversity in selection.

The selection panel will include experts from Yashwantrao Chavan Centre (YCC), Agricultural Development Trust (ADT), Sahyadri Farms Nashik, and industry partners, along with invited domain specialists.

Board Members

      Shri. Sudhirkumar Goel Ex. Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Govt. of Maharashtra
      Shri. Vilas Shinde Managing Director, Sahyadri Farms, Nashik
      Shri. Girish Chitale Director, Chitale Milk and Milk Products
      Mr. M.A Tejani Managing Director, Gits Foods Product Pvt. Ltd
      Dr. Usha Barwale Director and CTO, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited (MAHYCO)
      Dr SS Magar Ex VC, Dr BSKKV Dapoli

Execution Team

      Mrs. Jaya Tiwari
      Mr.Sarang Nerkar
      Mr.Amit Kale
      Miss Sonali Saste
      Prof.Ashish Raskar
      Dr Dhananjay Bhoite
      Mr.Yashwant Jagdale

Team of Experts

Key Resource Persons
      Mr. Sunil Limaye
      Mr. Harshvardhan Deshmukh
      Dr. Prathamesh Nadkarni
      Mr. Madhukar Paranjape
      Dr. Milind Watve
      Ms. Aishwarya Patekar
      Mr. Prakash Holkar
      Mr. Sajal Kulkarni
Proposed Guest Speakers
      Prof. Steve Mann - Professor University of Toronto, also known as the “Father of Wearable Computing”
      Mr. Pete Scourboutakos Senior Scientist, Humanistic Intelligence Lab, University of Toronto, Canada
      Mr. Max Hao Lu Special Projects and Product Development Lead, Bloomberg New Economy Forum, New York, USA
      Prof. Steve Mann - Professor University of Toronto, also known as the “Father of Wearable Computing”
      Mr. Ambarish Gurjar Research Scientist, Indiana University, USA
      Mr. Amrit Prasad Director, CaminoSoft Technologies, Vancouver, Canada
      Mr. Deep Prasad CEO, ReactiveQ, Toronto, Canada
      Mr. Akshay Kharade CEO, Widespread Solutions, Mumbai
      Mr. Vaibhav Goradia CEO, VISER8 3D Printing, Mumbai