Kovai: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), under its RKVY-RAFTAAR-R-ABI program, hosted a grant disbursement event at its ABIS - Technology Business Incubator, Coimbatore, on November 25, 2024.

Presiding over the function, TNAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. V. Geethalakshmi distributed Rs.1.05 crore to 19 agribusiness startups.

The funds included Rs.34.40 lakh for nine SAIP Cohort II grantees (third installment) and Rs.70 lakh for ten SAIP Cohort III grantees (second installment).

Since 2019, the initiative has supported 72 startups with grants totaling Rs.8.10 crore.

Dr. Geethalakshmi stressed the importance of retaining youth in agriculture and fostering innovation for sustainable and profitable agribusiness ventures.

The grant aims to help startups develop products and scale their operations in agriculture and allied sectors.

Dr. E. Somasundaram, Director of ABD, welcomed the gathering, and Mr. A. V. Gnansambandam, CEO of ABIS, delivered the vote of thanks.