The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in partnership with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), NABARD, and the Government of Goa, successfully hosted the Agri Startup Conclave 2025 at Panjim Gymkhana. The event brought together farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, incubation centres, policy influencers, and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities in agriculture and strengthen Goa’s growing agri-startup ecosystem.
The conclave opened with the inauguration of the Agri Startup Exhibition, featuring innovative products, agri-technologies, and solutions by startups, FPOs, and young entrepreneurs from Goa and neighbouring states. Dignitaries interacted with exhibitors, acknowledging their contribution to modernising agriculture.
The event was graced by esteemed guests including:
- Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Cooperation & Institute of Public Assistance (Chief Guest)
- Mr Sandeep Phaldesai, Director (Agriculture), Government of Goa
- Dr P. L. Patil, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UAS Dharwad
- Dr S. S. Dolli, PI & CEO, Krishik-Agri Business Incubation Centre
- Ms Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI
- Mr Mahesh Patil, Chairman, GCCI Agriculture & Food Processing Committee
- Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
A significant milestone of the conclave was the exchange of an MoU between Goa College of Agriculture and UAS Dharwad. The collaboration will deepen cooperation in research, capacity building, mentorship, incubation, and adoption of agri-technologies—empowering Goa’s farmers, students, and aspiring agripreneurs.
GCCI felicitated recipients of the State Agriculture Awards 2024:
- Krishi Ratna – Mr Mahesh Matarbhog
- Krishi Vibhushan – Mr Amar Patil
- Krishi Bhushan – Mr Yogesh Desai
Their remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship were widely appreciated.
GCCI President Ms Pratima Dhond reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to a future-ready agriculture sector driven by innovation and youth participation.
Chief Guest Mr Subhash Shirodkar highlighted the importance of modernization, digital integration, and cooperation in Goa’s agricultural progress.
The technical sessions featured presentations by experts, including:
- Dr S. S. Dolli on establishing agri-business incubation and funding avenues
- Insights on revenue models, social impact, and agripreneurship development
- Success stories from Goan agri-innovators such as Dr Kurade’s Mushroom, Frugurt, Team-24, and Raika Honey
A showcase of Krishik-Agri Business Startup ventures brought fresh energy to the conclave.
The panel brought insights from key institutions:
Startup Promotion Cell, ICAR, GIM, BITS Goa, FiiRE, DBCE, moderated by Dr Dolli and Mr Miguel Braganza.
Discussions focused on policy support, incubation networks, finance accessibility, market linkages, and strengthening the agri-startup value chain.
The Agri Startup Conclave 2025 concluded with a strong commitment from GCCI to continue building collaborations that support agri innovation, value-added processing, and export potential from Goa. The Chamber expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, exhibitors, and participants for making the event a grand success.
