Kasaragod: The nationwide startup 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 support across the network.
The SHITIJ 2.0 is a nationwide startup incubation program intended for entrepreneurs, innovators, students and farmers with product prototypes, innovative ideas, early-stage business development and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in 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. Selected participants will also have access to incubation facilities and technical expertise available at ICAR institutes, including ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, and ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, among other collaborating institutions. The last date for submission of applications is 10 August 2026. For further details, interested candidates may contact +91 9466963690 or write to abicpcri@gmail.com or directorcpcri@gmail.com
