What is IRDCRP?
The Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP) is a development initiative that supports climate-resilient agriculture, agribusiness development, value addition, and rural enterprise growth through grant assistance and technical support.
Does IRDCRP provide loans or grants?
IRDCRP provides partial financial assistance for eligible investments. It is not a loan scheme and beneficiaries are required to contribute the balance investment amount.
Who can apply for support under Component 1.2?
The following entities may apply under Component 1.2:
• Farmer Organizations
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Farmer Associations
• Cooperatives
• Public Unlisted Companies
• Agribusiness entities and similar organizations
What are the financial support windows under Component 1.2?
Component 1.2 consists of two grant windows:
Window 1 – Emerging or Less Mature Organizations
• Grant support up to 35% of the total eligible investment
• Maximum grant amount limited to Rs. 93 million
Window 2 – Mature Organizations
• Grant support up to 25% of the total eligible investment
• Maximum grant amount limited to Rs. 150 million
How is the maturity level of an organization determined?
IRDCRP uses a maturity assessment framework based on:
• Background and performance of the existing business
• Financial strength and management capacity
• Proposed business concept and investment readiness
• Market potential and sustainability
• Expected economic and social outcomes
Can private individuals apply for IRDCRP support?
Yes. Private individuals can apply under Component 1.3, which focuses on Youth and Women Entrepreneur Development.
What financial assistance is available under Component 1.3?
The grant structure for individual entrepreneurs is as follows:
• Up to 50% grant support for investments up to Rs. 4 million
• Maximum grant support of Rs. 2 million for investments up to Rs. 6 million
• Up to 35% grant support for investments above Rs. 6 million and up to Rs. 10 million
Is there an age preference under the Youth and Women Entrepreneur Programme?
Yes. Preference will be given to:
• Youth applicants below 40 years of age
• Women applicants below 50 years of age
Can past expenses be included in the investment cost?
No. Expenses incurred before the application or approval period are not considered eligible for grant calculation.
Is land purchase eligible for IRDCRP support?
No. The purchase of land is not considered an eligible expenditure under the project.
Can raw material costs be included in the investment?
Yes. A limited portion of raw material costs may be considered eligible. Normally, the project may allow support for up to one production cycle of inputs, subject to project evaluation and approval.
What types of investments are generally supported?
Eligible investments may include:
• Machinery and equipment
• Processing and value addition facilities
• Storage and cold chain facilities
• Climate-smart agriculture technologies
• Packaging and quality improvement
• Renewable energy applications related to agribusiness
• Business expansion and modernization
Does IRDCRP support start-up businesses?
Yes. Both new and existing agribusiness ventures may apply, provided the proposed investment is technically feasible and financially viable.
Does IRDCRP operate across Sri Lanka?
Yes. IRDCRP covers all 24 districts of Sri Lanka.
Can applications be submitted at any time?
No. Applications can only be submitted during officially announced calling periods.
What happens if an application is submitted after the deadline?
Late applications may not be considered for the current round and can be considered during a future call, subject to project decisions.
How can applicants know when applications are called?
EOI (Expression of Interest) notices and application announcements are published through:
• Government newspapers
• Official project communication channels
• Relevant government institutions and partner agencies
Is matching contribution from the applicant mandatory?
Yes. Applicants are required to provide their own contribution to cover the balance investment amount not financed by the grant.
Are applicants required to submit business plans?
Yes. Applicants are generally required to submit a business proposal or business plan with financial and technical details of the proposed investment after getting approval for the EOI.
Will IRDCRP provide technical guidance in addition to financial support?
Yes. Depending on the component and investment category, additional technical guidance, capacity building, and business development support may also be provided. However, the applicant must have the capability to run the business.
Are environmentally harmful investments eligible?
No. Investments that may cause significant environmental damage or violate national environmental regulations will not be supported.
Can more than one organization apply jointly?
Yes. Partnerships or consortium-based applications may be considered depending on the nature of the investment and project guidelines.
Is grant approval automatic after application submission?
No. All applications are subject to screening, technical evaluation, financial assessment, and approval procedures.
How long does the evaluation process take?
The duration may vary depending on the number of applications and the complexity of the proposed investment. Applicants will be informed through the official communication process.
Where can applicants obtain further information?
Applicants may contact the IRDCRP Project Management Unit or refer to official project publications and announcements for further guidance.
