**India**: Pioneering Dutch greenhouse horticulture experts are set to embark on a mission to enhance sustainable food production in India by partnering with local entrepreneurs. Events in major cities will showcase innovative agricultural solutions, aiming to foster year-round availability of high-quality fresh produce across the country.
Pioneering experts in sustainable greenhouse horticulture from the Netherlands are poised to address the future of food production in India through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. The initiative, known as HortiRoad2India, aims to foster collaboration between Dutch agricultural technologies and India’s burgeoning agri-market, promoting year-round availability of high-quality and sustainable fresh produce across the subcontinent.
In April 2023, a delegation of Dutch greenhouse experts will embark on a trade mission to major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. The focus of this mission is to transform agricultural ventures from Indian entrepreneurs into sustainable business cases with market guarantees, thereby meeting the increasing demand for safe, residue-free food in the country.
The Netherlands is renowned for its advanced greenhouse horticulture systems, which are designed for high efficiency and output. With the backing of the Dutch government, HortiRoad2India is spearheaded by key organisations including Dutch Greenhouse Delta, Innovation Quarter, and Rotterdam Partners. Their concerted efforts aim to cultivate new food systems that cater specifically to the unique demands of India’s retail, food service, and export sectors.
During the mission, the delegation will engage directly with local agri-entrepreneurs, retailers, investors, and government officials. Their goal is to refine existing horticulture projects, enhance business models, and establish partnerships for offtake agreements. A significant aspect of their work will involve evaluating how regional infrastructure and financial mechanisms can facilitate scalable production of premium fresh produce throughout the year. The resulting business cases will be presented to pertinent banks and investors in hopes of securing necessary funding.
Two key events will take place during this mission. The first, titled “Fresh Produce 2025,” will be held on April 3 at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai. This exhibition will allow participants to engage with the Dutch experts and discuss Indo-Dutch high-value crop projects, exploring the sustainable cultivation of exotic produce such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, capsicum, and microgreens for India’s premium market.
The second event, the Nabard Finance Summit, will take place on April 9 at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai. Co-hosted with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), this session will provide a platform for presenting investor-ready horticulture projects to financial institutions. During the summit, Dutch and Indian partners will pitch collaborative business initiatives aimed at securing long-term financing for sustainable and profitable food production.
As the trade mission progresses through these pivotal cities, it is expected that the collaboration between Dutch horticultural expertise and Indian agricultural entrepreneurship will yield advancements in sustainable food production, addressing both local consumer demand and broader economic goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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