A Comparative Analysis of Agri-startups in Himalayan and Non-Himalayan States of India

The article examines how challenges encountered by agri-startups operating in the Himalayas differ from those of non-Himalayan states in India. The study employs a mixed-method approach with purposive sampling to collect primary data from 44 Himalayan startups and 107 non-Himalayan startups using questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. The questionnaire comprises 27 questions subdivided into six distinct constraint categories: financial, policy, labour, technology, market and branding. It uses behavioural statistics tools like a 5-point Likert scale and a three-stage analytical framework for analysing intra- and cross-regional differences. Correlation analysis examines the bivariate relationship among the constraint classes to identify their challenges and causes, followed by standardisation of the output analyses and variables and variance to ensure irregularities in the scale ranges do not occur. Finally, principal component analysis using the correlation matrix components and retention of components based on the Kaiser criterion is conducted for the equal-weighted composite constraint index. The study establishes an empirical base for curating evidence-based reforms for agri-startups, accounting for geographies.