Agri-startups to Spark a Revolution in the Agriculture Sector; ‘AgriNext Summit 2026’ on Feb 20

KOCHI:
In a major initiative aimed at transforming Kerala’s agriculture sector through advanced technology and significantly enhancing farmers’ incomes, the State Government under the Kera Project is organising ‘AgriNext Summit 2026’ on February 20, 2026 (Friday). The summit to be held at the Integrated Startup Complex in Kalamassery, is jointly organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), Kerala Agriculture Department and the World Bank.

Held under the theme “Technology to the Fields, Transformation to the Harvest,” the summit seeks to take innovative technologies that are currently confined to laboratories and startups directly to the farms of ordinary farmers.

Although advanced solutions ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modern cold-chain technologies that ensure products reach markets without spoilage are available today, they are not being effectively utilised at the farm level. AgriNext aims to bridge this gap. The summit will create opportunities for startups to directly deploy their tools and services in the field, gain government recognition, and expand their businesses.

Around 1,000 participants are expected to attend. More than 150 selected agri-startups will present technological solutions to address challenges faced by farmers. Direct interactions between Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and startups will help identify emerging agricultural challenges and develop suitable solutions and pilot models.

According to KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika, one of the key highlights of the summit will be live technology zones that demonstrate how technologies function directly in agricultural settings, going beyond mere exhibitions. He added that agri-startups have a significant role in simplifying complex technologies and making them accessible to farmers.

The initiative is also expected to modernise traditional farming practices with the support of startups and position Kerala as a model for the rest of the country. Over 100 pilot programmes across various districts will be launched soon. More than 50 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between agri-startups and FPOs are expected to be signed at the summit.

The presence of agriculture department officials, policymakers, and investors will further strengthen agri-tech startups in scaling their services. By promoting the effective use of technology to enhance productivity and profitability, the initiative is expected to trigger transformative changes in Kerala’s agri-technology ecosystem.