siliconindia | | JANUARY 20229EducationFOR A LARGELY AGRARIAN COUNTRY SUCH AS INDIA - WITH 86 PERCENT FARMERS BEING SMALL LAND HOLDING FARMERS, IT HAS BEEN IMPERATIVE TO DEPEND ON SIDE INCOMES FROM LIVESTOCKFor instance, development of `Pregnancy Diagnosis Kits' for dairy animals or, `Development of low-cost cooling and milk preservation system and data logger'. Low-cost cooling is necessary, especially in the remote areas or hilly areas where the farmer, in absence of a cold chain, faces difficulty in reaching the milk collection centre leading to deterioration of milk quality.But coming up with products and/or their services is one thing, but themes that are dealing with animals/livestock's health are serious ones. For instance, one of the problem statements is `Cost-effective, long-term, and user-friendly alternatives for storage and supply of semen doses'.The 2019 edition received 152 entries, of which 12 were selected for awards. This time round they are expecting more. Once the deadline, extended to mid-January from December 31 is over, the start ups would need to make a presentation in front of a panel of experts that will select the winners."The 12 awardees would get incubation for up to three months, mentor matchmaking, lab facility and even testing facilities, conducting business and investor workshops, and tracking the activities of the start-ups for up to nine months after the completion of programme," the official from Start Up India said.There would be virtual masterclasses too. The Ministry is offering support too. "We intend to have a showcasing mechanism going forward. Meanwhile, all the startups of the first round have been steadily growing and reaching the farmers," Joshi added.There would be a `Demo Day - virtual in view of the restrictions now - where the start ups would get opportunities to pitch in front of an audience constituting officials from ministries, other government departments, cooperatives, corporate bodies, and investors.
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