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.

Shri. Nilesh NalawadeAgri Fellowship Chief Coordinator's

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. Moreover, drastic climatic changes such as extreme floods and droughts have brought in a plethora of challenges for Indian agriculture. Therefore, engaging youth in productive and sustainable agricultural activities will help India to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend and tackle climate change.

The recent rapid technological advancements have brought with them great opportunity for disruption in the food and agriculture sectors but at the same time pose a major challenge if appropriate skilling does not happen at the same pace. In order to make the most of opportunities and efficiently tackle challenges emerging due to technological advancements and climate change in agriculture we need to inspire and empower the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow in Indian youth.

The Sharad Pawar Fellowship has been designed as a journey from inspiration to excellence in agricultural leadership for Indian youth. It will strive to be a people’s platform and aim to evolve itself into a virtual university for agrarian prosperity. It will equip the youth to harness the recent technological advances in tackling the challenges that pose to Indian agriculture due to climate change, unemployment and growing population.

In the first year the fellowship will focus on climate resilient agriculture, effective monetization of produce to increase farmers income, chemical residue free fruits and vegetables and preventing the attack of wild animals on crops as the key priority areas. The 21 day bootcamp will give the fellows an opportunity to hands on learn new and diverse technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, animal genetic improvement, high tech poly house etc. The following year-long mentorship will help the fellows deep dive into specific problems along with the right resources to prepare and achieve SMART GOALS related to those problems. The fellowship will also provide soft skills that will help the fellows become leaders and changemakers of tomorrow in the food and agriculture sector.

We look forward to your participation in the Sharad Pawar Fellowship!

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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 2025-26

The Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship (SPIF) in Agriculture-2025 is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Maharashtra’s farmers through technology-driven innovations. Initiated by the Yashwantrao Chavhan Center, Mumbai, this fellowship seeks to identify, nurture, and scale innovative& disruptive  technology-based solutions that enhance farmer livelihoods, sustainability, and resilience. We support early-stage startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs with viable prototypes or business models that tackle real-world agricultural problems—from low crop yields and post-harvest losses to climate change and soil degradation.

  • 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 2025 - 12 October 2025 Acceptance Of Application Forms
13 October 2025 - 15 November 2025 Scrutiny Of Submitted Applications and Online Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates
20 November - 30 November 2025 Offline Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates
1 December 2025 Announcement of Selected Candidates
14 December 2025 Fellowship Award Ceremony
16 Dec – 20 Dec 2025 Bootcamp 1: Baramati
4 April – 10 April 2026 Bootcamp 2: Nashik

The fellowship runs for 12 months from December 2025 to November 2026, featuring quarterly milestones and review points.

Phase Timeline Key Activities
Orientation & Bootcamp Dec 2025 Introduction to agri-tech trends, Design Thinking, Market Research, Entrepreneurship Mindset, Legalities for startups, IPR for startups, business model validation
Prototype Development Feb – Apr 2026 Baseline survey (Market Survey/ research), Prototype building, Business mentoring, field visits, initial trials of Prototype
Second Bootcamp at Sahyadri Farms Nashik April 2026 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 2026 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 2026 Go to Market Strategies, Marketing and Branding, Digital Marketing, Business Pitch development, Business Storytelling
Scaling & Showcase Aug – Nov 2026 MVP to Market Ready Product transition, Business pitch development, investor readiness, final Product/ design showcase
Fourth Bootcamp Nov 2026 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 2025
  • 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 2026
  • 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 2026
  • 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 2026
  • 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 2026
  • 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 2026
  • 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 2026
  • 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 12 October 2025.

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