Dharwad: The KRISHIK Agri Business Incubator (KRISHIK-ABI) at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, is promoting women entrepreneurship in agriculture by encouraging women farmers to convert innovative ideas into startups with technical and financial support.As part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF)-2026, KRISHIK-ABI, in collaboration with the department of science and technology (DST) project on strengthening rural livelihoods through on-farm and off-farm interventions, organised a one-day entrepreneurship development programme for women at UAS Dharwad.The programme aimed to create awareness about agribusiness opportunities, startups and govt support systems among women farmers and rural women. Participants were informed that women with innovative solutions to agricultural challenges could access incubation, mentoring, technical guidance and financial assistance through KRISHIK-ABI, which has provisions for women-led enterprises.Prof SS Dolli, principal investigator and CEO of KRISHIK-ABI, said the incubator has supported 168 agri startups with technical and financial assistance, making it a key platform for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the farm sector.Dr Renuka Salunke, professor and principal investigator of the DST project, said the workshop focused on developing entrepreneurial skills, identifying business opportunities and familiarising participants with govt schemes, subsidies and financial assistance available to entrepreneurs.The programme also featured an interaction with a successful woman entrepreneur, offering practical insights into setting up and managing agribusiness ventures. Sessions covered entrepreneurial skills, financial assistance schemes and startup opportunities through KRISHIK-ABI.The initiative is expected to encourage more women farmers to establish value-added agricultural enterprises, boosting livelihoods and rural economic development.
