Funding woes threaten farm water tech startups, say experts
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: About a fourth of the 70-100 active startups focused on agricultural water management and treatment are at risk of shutting down due to a lack of funding, according to experts.
The potential closure of these so-called AgWaterTech startups could slow down innovation in irrigation, delaying the adoption of smart water management technologies crucial for addressing India’s agricultural water crisis, they said. A report titled ‘Investment Mismatch in AgWater’, prepared by the DCM Shriram Foundation along with The/Nudge Institute,a non-profit organisation working poverty, said almost 20-25% of active AgWaterTech startups are at immediate risk of shutting down.
The report warned startup activity in the sector is slowing, with the number of new ventures declining significantly over the past five years. Also Read | Government renews push for organic farming in Ganga basin However, when asked to name the startups facing the threat of closure, a researcher from The/Nudge Institute refused to do so and requested that his identity be kept confidential.
"Despite India's booming startup ecosystem and the government's ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds scheme, these funds are unfortunately not reaching AgriWaterTech startups. Venture capitalists remain focused on valuations over value, directing funds primarily to agri supply chain firms, leaving water-tech startups struggling," said Anurag Shrivastava, founder, Kisaan Mitra, an agri startup.
Also Read | PM asks farmers to eye global markets via natural farming "With many AgriWaterTech startups shutting down, it’s crucial to support them as they drive real impact by improving farm productivity and profitability. The government must create a
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