In a significant step toward transforming Indian agriculture, NLHortiRoad2India has unveiled an actionable blueprint to drive sustainable, technology-led growth through Indo-Dutch collaboration. The announcement was made at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.
HortiRoad2India is a public–private partnership between the Government of the Netherlands and global leaders in Dutch greenhouse horticulture technology. Over the past three years, the HortiRoad2India team has engaged with stakeholders across India to understand ground-level challenges such as post-harvest losses, food safety issues, poor grading systems, labour challenges, and lack of accessible finance.
These insights shaped strategic solutions that led to the blueprint, which adopts a holistic ecosystem approach. This includes cutting-edge greenhouse technology, market linkages, training, education, and long-term financing. To translate this vision into action, the partnership has identified several agri-entrepreneurs who will pilot high-tech greenhouse projects across India. These pilots—expected to be operational by the end of 2026—will demonstrate scalable, region-specific models adaptable to local climate, crop types, and market proximity.
Speaking on the occasion, Desh Ramnath, India Director at Dutch Greenhouse Delta and Coordinator of NLHortiRoad2India, said, “We are expanding our scope to include mid- and low-tech solutions for crops of varying market values. The partnership is also encouraging collaborations between Indian and Dutch start-ups to develop technologies, set up local production units, create jobs, and strengthen the regional agri-tech ecosystem across India and Africa.”
The initiative not only seeks to enhance farmer income but also aims to reduce food waste, improve transparency in the supply chain, and promote safer and more sustainable food choices for consumers.
Tiffany Meijer, Project Manager for International Trade at InnovationQuarter & Rotterdam Partners and Co-coordinator of HortiRoad2India, emphasized the global value of the collaboration, “We are building bridges between Dutch innovation and Indian ambition to promote inclusive growth, food safety, and climate-smart agriculture. By aligning technology with local needs, we are unlocking new opportunities for healthier produce and resilient food systems that benefit both nations.”
The conference concluded with a unified message that the future of food must be clean, green, and collaborative, powered by innovation, inclusivity, and international cooperation.