DBT-Biotech-KISAN Programme — Call for Proposals 2025–26

Open to public and private research institutions, ICAR institutes, and State Agricultural Universities, in collaboration with KVKs, NGOs, FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives, and agri-biotech startups/enterprises. Proposals must demonstrate direct engagement with small/marginal farmers, women, youth, and communities from Aspirational Blocks. One proposal per applicant.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, invites proposals under the Biotech Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) Programme for the year 2025–26. The programme aims to connect science to society by translating biotechnology innovations into farmer-ready solutions.

Aim: To empower farmers through biotechnology-based interventions, build inclusive and replication-ready models, and institutionalise resilient agricultural practices aligned with the national vision of Beej Se Bazaar Tak.

Who Can Apply:

• Public and private research institutions
• ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities

In collaboration with:

• KVKs, NGOs, FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives
• Startups and enterprises working in agri-biotech

Farmer Participation: Proposals must demonstrate direct engagement with small and marginal farmers, women, youth, and communities from Aspirational Blocks.

Thematic Priority Areas (select any one or at least two):

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture
2. Smart Farming Technologies
3. Allied Sector Diversification

Compulsory Components:

• Women & Youth Empowerment
• Digital Market Access
• Special Focus on Aspirational Blocks
• Incentivization of Progressive Farmers (Financial Assistance, Technology Credits, Recognition Awards)
• Seed-to-Market Innovations
• Post-Harvest Infrastructure

Tenure & Funding Support:

• Project Duration: minimum 2 years, maximum 3 years
• Total estimated budget for support under this call: ₹10–15 Crore (based on availability of fund)
• Funding Categories:
  • Pilot Projects: up to ₹1 Crore
  • Multi-Hub Replication: ₹2–3 Crore
  • National Scaling: case-by-case approval

Important Dates (Tentative):

• Start Date for Submission: Last week of February 2026
• Closing Date for Submission: First week of April 2026 (up to 05:00 PM)

General Guidelines:

• Proposals must be submitted online via DBT ePromis portal.
• Each applicant may submit only one proposal.
• Proposals must include problem statement, biotech solution, implementation plan, expected impact, replication strategy, budget, and monitoring framework.
• Preference will be given to proposals demonstrating convergence with national schemes such as PM-Kisan, PMFBY, PKVY, e-NAM, ODOP, PMFME, NBHM, Silk Samagra, Sweet Mission, etc.

How to Apply: Visit https://dbtepromis.nic.in, register, complete the online form, upload institutional profile, letters of support, and budget details.

Contact: Biotech-KISAN Division, DBT, Ministry of Science & Technology. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]. Phone: 011-24362885, 011-24365136.