KOCHI, 7 July 2025: Six agricultural startups incubated under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) at Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) are set to receive national honours in New Delhi on Monday.
The ventures, nurtured through the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator at KAU, will be recognised for their innovation and contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and value-added products.
The programme, which will be chaired by the RKVY Advisor, is designed to highlight outstanding incubators and startups under the national initiative. Kerala’s delegation, led by K.P. Sudheer — mentor to Kerala’s agri-startup ecosystem and head of the KAU Agri-Business Incubator — will showcase the selected ventures on the national stage.
“This is a proud moment for Kerala and a significant opportunity to present the innovation and impact emerging from our state’s agricultural sector,” Sudheer remarked ahead of the event.
Among the recognised startups is Dr Jackfruit India, founded by Manas Madhu, which has created a globally marketed, flavour-rich snack brand called Beyond Snacks that uses traditional Kerala banana chips with a modern twist.
Zaphon Repurpose, under the leadership of Saji Varghese, is another standout, having developed eco-friendly straws from coconut leaves, marketed under the Sunbird Straws brand, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic.
TMJ Foods India, led by T.J. Thankachan, produces a vitamin D2-rich health drink from mushrooms, promoting better nutrition and functional beverages in the market.
Other honourees include Eatery Malabarikus, known for its traditional Malabar food innovations; Swojas Farms, which focuses on pesticide-free farming models; and Bio-Arya Vedic Naturals, which champions Ayurvedic and natural product formulations for the agri-health segment.
Officials said the RKVY-RAFTAAR incubator has helped these ventures scale up with mentorship, market connections, and funding support, creating pathways for farmer entrepreneurship and rural economic growth.
As agri-startups play an increasingly vital role in India’s agricultural transformation, Kerala’s performance under RKVY-RAFTAAR is being seen as a model for other states to replicate, with its focus on sustainable, locally rooted, and technology-driven solutions.
The award ceremony in New Delhi is expected to witness participation from agri-entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and recognition.
