The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Monday launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech (Maitri 2.0) in New Delhi, aimed at fostering innovation-driven growth and collaboration between Indian and Brazilian agritech ecosystems.
The event was graced by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), and Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, along with senior officials and representatives from leading Brazilian research and innovation institutions.
Highlighting the 77-year-long agricultural partnership between India and Brazil, Dr. Jat emphasized the nations’ shared role on global platforms such as BRICS and the G20, while noting the recent ICAR–EMBRAPA MoU as a milestone in bilateral collaboration across the agri-food value chain. He highlighted ICAR’s transformation from producing 74 patents in 1996 to over 1,800 annually, supported by incubation centers and more than 5,000 licensing agreements, underscoring the importance of delivering publicly funded innovations to end-users.
Describing Maitri 2.0 as a “two-way learning platform” for co-creation, Dr. Jat reaffirmed ICAR’s commitment to building an innovative and inclusive agri-food ecosystem for global food security.
Ambassador Nobrega welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its strategic importance in creating synergies between India’s and Brazil’s agritech ecosystems. He said the programme reflects the broader India–Brazil strategic partnership and aligns with both nations’ shared vision for agriculture, emerging technologies, and food and nutritional security.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR–IARI, noted that over 400 agri-startups have been supported to convert ideas into innovations and sustainable business models, emphasizing that “agriculture must be seen as both a livelihood and a business.” Dr. Neeru Bhushan, ADG (IPTM), highlighted the shared challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable intensification.
The programme aims to strengthen incubator linkages, exchange best practices, promote co-incubation, and open new opportunities in digital technologies, value-chain development, and sustainable agriculture. By bringing together innovators, startups, and institutions from both countries, Maitri 2.0 is expected to build resilient food systems and empower farmers, further cementing the India–Brazil strategic agricultural partnership.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vishwanathan Srinivasan, JD, ICAR-IARI, acknowledging the efforts of ICAR and the Embassy of Brazil in deepening bilateral cooperation.
