PRAGATI Initiative to create 20,000 agri entrepreneurs

Key facts

• The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development launched the 'PRAGATI' initiative to create a nationwide ecosystem of 20,000 agri entrepreneurs.
• The initiative focuses on advancing regenerative agriculture through inclusive agri entrepreneurship to drive sustainable rural transformation across India.
• The programme will be implemented across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• It aims to positively impact over 2 million smallholder farmers by providing agronomy advisory, soil health services, mechanisation solutions, credit linkages, market access, and livelihood opportunities.
• The initiative will facilitate financial and digital inclusion through the establishment of 20,000 agri entrepreneur-led kiosks for access to credit, insurance, savings, and government entitlements.
• Partner organisations include PepsiCo Foundation, State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation, Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defence Fund, Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, Sustainable Agriculture Foundations International Association, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, and Transform Rural India Foundation.