The nationwide start-up incubation programme, SHITIJ 2.0, sponsored by the ICAR-National Agricultural Innovation Fund (ICAR-NAIF), was inaugurated at ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, through virtual mode by Dr. V.B. Patel, Additional Director General (Fruits and Plantation Crops), ICAR.

The second edition of SHITIJ is being implemented through a nationwide network of seven hub institutes and their associated spoke institutes. ICAR-CPCRI has been designated as one of the seven hub institutes and will coordinate the programme through six spoke institutes in the thematic area of value chains in plantation crops, fruits, vegetable and sugarcane production, providing incubation, mentoring, and entrepreneurship across the network.

SHITIJ 2.0 is a nationwide start-up incubation programme for entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and farmers for developing business enterprises across the value chains of plantation crops, fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane.

Selected participants will undergo two months of free online entrepreneurship training and receive technical mentoring, market linkage support, and guidance in accessing financial assistance. They will also have access to incubation facilities and technical expertise available at ICAR institutes, including ICAR-CPCRI and ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, among other collaborating institutions.

The last date for submission of applications is August 10, 2026. Contact +91 9466963690 or write to abicpcri@gmail.com or directorcpcri@gmail.com for details.

Published - July 23, 2026 12:49 am IST