Description

SIDBI invites applications from eligible organisations with innovative, field-tested solutions that improve makhana cultivation and associated primary post-harvest operations.

The programme aims to reduce labour-intensive activities, improve productivity, promote mechanisation, encourage climate-resilient practices and enhance the incomes of makhana cultivators and workers.

Who Can Apply?

The following organisations are eligible:

1. DPIIT-Recognised Agri-Startups: Working in agriculture with relevant, tested innovations.
2. Agricultural, Academic and Research Institutions: Registered institutions, including incubators, with demonstrated solutions in makhana cultivation.
3. Registered NGOs: Societies, trusts and Section 8 companies with strong agricultural technical competencies and proven makhana solutions.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Prior experience implementing similar interventions under actual field conditions.
• Demonstrated testing, validation or successful deployment of the proposed solution.
• Preference for organisations with relevant implementation experience in Bihar.
• Adequate technical, financial and operational capacity.
• A practical, affordable solution ready for implementation, adaptation or scale-up.

Note: Concept-stage proposals and solutions requiring development entirely from scratch are not eligible.

Priority Areas for Funding

• Mechanised Harvesting: Equipment for collecting makhana seeds from ponds and fields.
• Drudgery Reduction: Technologies reducing manual effort and occupational risks.
• Cultivation Innovation: Improved seed selection, sowing, pond management and cultivation practices.
• Productivity Enhancement: Washing, cleaning, drying, grading and reduction of post-harvest losses.
• Climate-Resilient Practices: Water-efficient and resource-efficient cultivation technologies.
• Roasting and Popping: Affordable, energy-efficient equipment improving safety and productivity.

Excluded Activities: Flavouring, packaging, branding, marketing and distribution after the popping stage.

Financial Support Available

SIDBI may provide funding support of up to ₹1 crore per project, depending on the approved project scope, beneficiary coverage, technical requirements and expected impact.

Where applicants contribute or mobilise at least 5% of the fund, SIDBI may consider additional support of up to 25% above ₹1 crore, subject to its discretion.

Funding is released in milestone-linked instalments following verification of agreed deliverables.

Eligible Expenditure

Project-specific machinery, equipment, fabrication, adaptation, field deployment, beneficiary mobilisation, training, coordination, travel and other approved implementation costs.

Land, buildings, vehicles, office equipment, debt repayment and routine office operating costs are generally excluded.

Apply Online

Official Application Portal:https://development.sidbi.in/microsites/en/sicfs/page/19

Applicants should verify the closing date and all current instructions on the official SIDBI portal before submission.

Need Proposal Development Support?

Development Chapter provides professional consultancy support to eligible NGOs, agri-startups, research institutions and other development organisations.

Our support services include:

• Eligibility assessment and project concept development.
• Technical proposal and DPR preparation.
• Project budgeting and implementation planning.
• Logical framework, outcome indicators and impact assessment planning.
• Partnership facilitation and application guidance.

Connect with Development Chapter

🌐 https://developmentchapter.com/need-consultancy-support/

📧 connect@developmentchapter.com

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Disclaimer: Development Chapter is an independent consultancy platform and is not affiliated with SIDBI. Funding decisions rest entirely with SIDBI. Consultancy assistance does not guarantee funding approval. Applicants should refer to the official guidelines for complete eligibility and funding conditions.