The Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) supported project continues to strengthen agri-entrepreneurship across Maharashtra by incubating Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs), creating access to quality inputs, introducing climate-smart practices, and building sustainable farmer linkages. 

In August, the ABF-supported program strengthened farmer entrepreneurship across Ahmednagar, Nashik, Wardha, and Nanded, incubating new AEs, inaugurating shops, and expanding climate-smart practices. Over 4,000 farmers were engaged through trainings, exposure visits, and demo plots, while innovations like BBF sowing, digital banking, and Fino partnerships boosted productivity, efficiency, and financial inclusion. The initiative continues to create entrepreneurial farmers driving resilient, tech-enabled rural growth across Maharashtra. 

Ahmednagar 

• 24 new AEs incubated across diverse businesses; 7 new shops inaugurated. 

• 100 AEs trained with 69 undergoing training. 

• 121 farmers’ meetings held, engaging 2,527 farmers on crop protection (soybean & cotton) and CSA practices. 

• 53 AEs trained in business plan preparation; Fino Camp conducted on digital banking. 

• Team-building workshops for AEs, AEMs, PLs, and PCs focused on time management and leadership. 

Outcome: 2,350 farmers reached | 737 acres serviced | Archetypes expanded to inputs, mechanization, nursery, and digital banking. 

Nashik 

• AE Shop Inauguration: AE Shamrao Rathod opened an agri-input shop in Padlde village, Dhule block, enhancing farmer access to genuine agri-products. 

• Night Farmers’ Meeting: Focused on pest/disease management, counterfeit inputs awareness, and safe spraying practices. 

• Management Team Field Visit: CEO Mr. Pankaj Shukla, Ms. Bhawna Nirmal (Project Manager), Mr. Amol Deshmukh (Zonal Head), and Mr. Bhushan Ahire (Project Lead) interacted with AEs, reviewed tomato demo plots, and engaged Phase-I AEs on business expansion.