According to data gathered by Venture Intelligence, India’s agriculture sector saw a 75% increase in private equity and venture capital placements during the first six months of 2013. Nine agribusiness companies raised $126 million in the first half compared to six companies raising $72 million in the same period a year earlier. The largest PE investment was Multiples Private Equity’s $43.24 million investment in Bangalore-based Milltec Group which develops technology in rice, corn, and flour milling and agro-processing plants. The India Value Fund has also committed $40 million to buy a majority stake in spice firm VKL Seasoning which provides seasoning to restaurants in India, the Middle East and Africa. Arun Nataranjan, CEO of Venture Intelligence states that higher prices for agri-commodities and stronger interest in such Indian companies from overseas investors could continue to sustain PE interest in the sector. To read more about specific private equity and venture capital deals that have occurred in India in the past six months:
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