EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)



NAWO-DHAN (New Agriculture Wealth Opportunities Driving Horticulture and Agribusiness Network Project): Vegetables, fruits and commercial crop farming has emerged as one of India's fastest growing and most profitable sectors, driven by rising demand for fresh and frozen produce both domestically and internationally. In Kerala, a unique initiative called “NAWO-DHAN,” implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Kerala Agro Business Company “KABCO”, aims to harness the potential of vacant, fallow, and underutilized land for hi-tech commercial farming. This program would promote advanced agricultural production practices including horticulture, protected cultivation, precision farming, hi-tech intercropping, hydroponics, apiculture, etc. By capitalizing on these unutilized land resources, NAWO-DHAN will aim to boost production levels, add value, generate employment, foster self-reliance, create valuable export opportunities and drive focused sector growth resulting in a major boost to the Kerala’s economy. Primary objective of NAWO-DHAN project is to identify and cultivate high-value fruits, vegetables and commercial crops suitable for international markets; develop a sustainable and profitable farming model; enhance the income of farmers and Agripreneurs through export-oriented agriculture; promote modern and scientific farming techniques and to establish Kerala as a key exporter of high-value agricultural produce.


1. KABCO: KERALA AGRO BUSINESS COMPANY LIMITED (KABCO) is a Public Limited Company, incorporated under the Companies Act as a Company limited by Shares. It is classified as State Govt company and is registered at RoC-Ernakulam and vide GO(Ms) 74/2024/Agri dated 08.07.2024 KABCO has been nominated by the Government of Kerala as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to implement NAWODHAN.


2. Role of KABCO in NAWO-DHAN

  1. KABCO will serve as the central coordinator for all parties involved under NAWO-DHAN, overseeing the planning and implementation of projects.
  2. KABCO, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala, will facilitate the identification of vacant or underutilized land for commercial farming. This includes land available with PSUs, Government Departments/institutions, NGOs, trusts, and private lands in Kerala.
  3. Through Department of Agriculture, KABCO will also advise and provide guidance to the interested parties involved in NAWO-DHAN project in terms of providing information on project preparation, technical guidance on land and crop selection, costings, market related insights and other related information required for successful planning and implementation of the projects under NAWO-DHAN. 
  4. KABCO will also organize matchmaking process and activities to connect interested parties with the projects, focusing on exports and international markets. This process will be governed by a service level agreement between the parties involved.
  5. KABCO will inform the applicants/interested parties if they wanted to visit the proposed land for NAWO-DHAN.


3. Benefit to the Farmers/FPOs/Agripreneurs under NAWO-DHAN

  1. Increased Income: Access to vacant land for commercial farming can lead to higher returns through the sale of produce to exports.
  2. Improved Livelihoods: Commercial farming can provide a stable source of income, enhancing farmers' livelihoods and well-being.
  3. Enhanced Food Security: By cultivating vacant land, farmers can increase food production, contributing to local food security.
  4. Access to Markets: through NAWO-DHAN can connect farmers with markets, enabling them to sell their produce at competitive prices.
  5. Training and Support: Farmers may receive training, guidance, and support in best farming practices, technology, marketing and management.
  6. Technology support: Farmers will be given technological support such as crop selection, precision farming, irrigation systems, pest and disease management, soil testing and fertigation, digital farming tools, data driven IoT based supports, Mobile Apps, E-market place access etc.
  7. Credit and Finance: Access to credit and financial services can help farmers invest in their farms, improving productivity and efficiency.
  8. Risk Management: NAWO-DHAN can provide insurance and other risk management tools to protect farmers from crop failures, natural disasters, and market fluctuations.
  9. Social Benefits: Commercial farming can create employment opportunities, contributing to community development and social stability.
  10. Environmental Benefits: Sustainable farming practices promoted by NAWO-DHAN can enhance soil health, conserve water, and promote biodiversity.
  11. Export oriented: Through NAWO-DHAN can facilitate access to International Markets, Export Training and Support, Export Certification, Export Finance, Export Logistics and Transportation, Compliance with International Standards, etc.

4.Scope of Requirements

NAWO-DHAN would like to explore the vacant lands, fallow lands, and underutilized land for hi-tech commercial farming primarily those owned by/available with PSUs, Government Departments/institutions, NGOs, trusts, private lands, etc. in Kerala.


5.   The following criteria will be considered while matchmaking an EOI:

For Individuals/Individual Partnership

  1. Prior experience in high value cropping or hi-tech farming or agricultural activities
  2. Workshops or hands on training related to Hitech farming or commercial farming
  3. Part of the FPO or Krishikkoottams or any registered famer groups (Kudumbashree)
  4. Commercial value of crops to be cultivated and feasibility of technology used
  5. Farmers who would associate more number of years under NAWO-DHAN.

For Groups/Institutions/Groups partnership

  1. Prior experience in high value cropping or hi-tech farming or agricultural activities
  2. Financial Stability: Audited financial statements for the last two years
  3. Business Plan: A viable business plan for commercial farming or agribusiness activities
  4. There should not be any pending litigation on the farmer/FPO/Agripreneur being proposed for the project.
  5. Registration Documents, TAN, PAN for the companies will be verified and considered while matchmaking

After shortlisting parties/ organizations through the EOI, following which Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued inviting technical and financial bids for completion of procurement. Only those who get shortlisted in the EOI will be eligible to participate in the tender process. After the selection of farmers through the EOI process, a match making exercise will be facilitated through KABCO.


6.Submission of EOIs and Shortlisting

An online web portal associated with KABCO website has been developed for the submission of EOI. Interested applicants shall submit the EOI through the designated digital form, filling required fields and uploading necessary documents.

KABCO will review the responses and may seek further clarifications and information from certain respondents. These requests for clarifications or information may take the form of communication by telephone, in writing or e-mails. KABCO will not bear any costs relating to the preparation and submission of the EOI responses.


7. Documents to be submitted by the Applicants

1. Individuals – Aadhar card, Bank details

2. FPO, Startups, Krishikkoottams, Kudumbashree groups, Youth groups, SHGs- Bank details

3. FPC – All Registration documents, TAN, PAN, Audited Financial Statements, Bank details


8. Important Notice

 No Brokers please!

The KERALA AGRO BUSINESS COMPANY LIMITED reserves the right to have negotiations with any or all, accept or reject any or all of the EOIs received or annul this process at any time without assigning any reason whatsoever.

The EOI does not constitute a solicitation. KABCO reserves the right to change or cancel the requirements at any time during the EOI and / or solicitation process. Thus, submitting a response to this EOI does not automatically guarantee that your company will be considered for receipt of the solicitation If / when issued.

The expression of interest must be communicated directly by the farmer or FPO or Agripreneur who is a holder of a valid power of attorney. Kindly be informed that the KABCO does not subscribe to agent fees under any circumstances, and this is to be stipulated in the contract.