SHITIJ 2.0 was virtually inaugurated at ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research
Institute, Kasaragod, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The nationwide startup incubation programme SHITIJ 2.0, sponsored by the ICAR–National Agricultural Innovation Fund (ICAR–NAIF), was virtually inaugurated at the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, on Wednesday.It was inaugurated by 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, vegetables and sugarcane production, providing incubation, mentoring and entrepreneurship support across the network, a CPCRI release said.SHITIJ 2.0 is intended for entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and farmers with product prototypes, innovative ideas, early-stage business plans and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in developing business enterprises across the value chains of plantation crops, fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane, it said.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–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, among other collaborating institutions.The last date for submission of applications is August 10, 2026. Interested candidates may contact +91 9466963690 or write to abicpcri@gmail.com or directorcpcri@gmail.com, the release added. Published - July 22, 2026 06:50 pm IST
