Selected agri innovations to get over Rs 1-cr funding

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and IKP Knowledge Park today launched a call for proposals under which shortlisted innovations in the agri-food sector will get funding up to Rs 1.2 crore.
The 'Agriculture for Nutrition Grand Challege' is part of the USAID-supported 'Feed the Future India Innovations for Improved Nutrition' programme, implemented by IKP.
IKP is a premier not-for-profit organisation and incubator in the country with about 16 years of experience in technology innovation and entrepreneurship development.
Under the programme, IKP will identify innovations in the agri-food sector that show measurable impact in improving nutritional status of the poor, IKP Chairman and CEO Deepanwita Chattopadhyay said.

The shortlisted innovations will then be funded, developed and adapted in select countries in Africa and South Asia, she said, adding the challenge is open to all until August 31.
Each finalist will receive a funding of up to Rs 1.2 crore as well as mentorship support for a period of two years, she said. The total amount available is Rs 9.5 crore.

Ambassador Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India, said: "India is a laboratory for innovations. Sharing and transfer of these innovations globally in partnership with the public and private sector for sustained food security gains has been the focus of USAID's food security and climate resilience programmes."

"We are delighted to partner with IKP to identify and nurture the smartest and brightest innovations and hope to once again capitalise them to promote healthy and productive societies globally," Addleton was quoted as saying in a release.
"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in early in June, both the US and India announced their commitment to jointly support global food and nutrition security.
"As stated in the US-India joint statement, both India and the US welcome triagular cooperation with African partners, including in areas such as agriculture, and look forward to opportunities to deepen the US-India global development cooperation in Africa, as well as in Asia and beyond," the release added.