Agri Business Incubation at NRCB
Agri Business Incubation at NRCB
For online payment submission for ABI enrollment, the fees are to be paid via net banking (RTGS/NEFT) to the specified SBI account. Upon completion of the transaction, details including the transaction ID and other particulars should be communicated to the designated email address (director.nrcb@icar,gov.in). Contact details of the Director can be used for transaction confirmation and any necessary queries about the payment process .
The National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF) influences the operations of the ABI at ICAR - NRCB as its establishment is supported under NAIF - Component II. The Fund provides financial backing and a governance framework that enables the incubation centre to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurial ventures, and support agribusiness development through resource provision such as funding, infrastructure, and expert consultancy .
The ABI Center at ICAR - NRCB offers a variety of amenities to facilitate entrepreneurship including provision of technical assistance, consultancy, and infrastructure facilities. This includes guidance and training aimed at nurturing and developing agribusiness ideas into commercial ventures. Such facilities are intended to support aspiring entrepreneurs in their endeavors to build sustainable businesses .
ICAR - NRCB's ABI ensures ongoing support by engaging in regular progress evaluations and offering technical consultancy to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges during the incubation period. Their structured monitoring process includes periodic assessments to gauge progress and provide necessary guidance, thus ensuring development towards a successful venture .
The financial processes for applying to the ABI Centre involve remitting fees, which can be done through a demand draft drawn in favor of 'ICAR Unit, NRCB, payable at Tiruchirappalli' or through online payment using SBI A/c details. Upon transaction, applicants must communicate the remittance details to the designated email. The transaction is verified, and if feasible, further application processes such as advisory committee evaluation and signing of an MoU are conducted .
The ABI uses a set of assessment criteria to evaluate submitted business proposals based on technical feasibility and economic viability. Proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee, and shortlisted applicants are then asked to present their business ideas. The criteria focus on the practicality of the business model, the potential for commercialization, and the sustainability of the idea in the long run .
The ABI at ICAR - NRCB supports technocrats and entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance, consultancy, infrastructure facilities, guidance, and training to help establish successful businesses. For enrolling as an incubatee, there are different categories. Category I includes applicants who have already taken Transfer of Technology (ToT) from ICAR - NRCB and can directly enroll with an annual membership fee and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Category II is for startups or entrepreneurs with new innovative ideas who follow steps like remitting fees via demand draft, application submission, evaluation by an advisory committee, and presenting their business proposal for final approval before signing an MoU .
An entrepreneur wishing to join the ABI under Category I must have already taken Transfer of Technology (ToT) from ICAR - NRCB. Such applicants can enroll directly as an incubate member by paying an annual membership fee of Rs. 2,000/- and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as outlined in the application form which is part of the enrollment procedure .
The primary objectives of the ICAR - National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) include increasing the production and productivity of banana and plantains through basic and strategic research approaches. They aim to achieve these objectives by focusing on areas such as crop improvement, crop production, post-harvest management, and crop protection. Additionally, the NRCB has developed approximately 75 technologies in these areas, reflecting their commitment to supporting the farming community and stakeholders .
The ABI at ICAR - NRCB encourages innovative ideas related to banana processing such as producing banana flour-based snacks, desserts, and bakery products, banana-based beverages, and banana fiber-based products. In addition, ideas for pickles using the flower, stem, and peel of the banana are also promoted .