Agri-Tech Start-ups in India: Present Status and Future Scope in Reference to COVID-19

Start-ups play a key role in promoting innovation in a society. Agri- technology start-ups are offering sustainable solutions across the agricultural value chain. These start-ups, with their innovations, have come to the aid of stressed farmers and have given a significant impetus to the COVID-19-hit agricultural sector. A new wave of entrepreneurs and start-ups is leading the way in disrupting the agriculture sector in India for a better future. The time has come to enunciate agricultural strategies with innovations. In this regard, this chapter is a descriptive analysis and review of the status of agri-tech start-ups in India. The chapter aims to highlight the push agri-tech start-ups have rendered towards the agricultural ecosystem. Despite COVID-19, the agriculture sector of India has perseveringly marked growth in its GDP. This chapter deliberates the technological intervention brought about by agri-tech start-ups. It outlines the present status of agri-tech start-ups, focusing on their growth and sectorial presence. It also elaborates on the role of agri-tech start-ups in the survival of the agricultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The opportunities brought about by these start-ups backed by government schemes and the challenges faced by them during and after the COVID-19 crisis are also outlined. The inferences from this study will be helpful in designing policy interventions for ensuring the sustainability of agri-tech start-ups during and after the pandemic.