New Delhi: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched the second edition of the Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, Maitri 2.0, in New Delhi.
The initiative was inaugurated by Dr M L Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), in the presence of H.E. Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, along with senior officials and representatives from leading innovation and research institutions of both nations.
Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme: A Two-Way Platform for Agri-Innovation
Dr. Jat highlighted the 77-year-old agricultural partnership between India and Brazil, recalling their cooperation in BRICS, G20, and the recently signed ICAR–EMBRAPA MoU. He described Maitri 2.0 as a two-way learning platform designed to foster co-creation between Indian and Brazilian innovators in the agri-food sector.
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He also emphasized ICAR’s transformation in agricultural innovation, growing from 74 patents in 1996 to over 1,800 annually, supported by incubation centers and more than 5,000 licensing agreements.
Underscoring the need for innovation-driven growth, Dr. Jat stated that commercialization of public-funded research must focus on delivering value to farmers and end-users rather than revenue alone. He reaffirmed ICAR’s commitment to building a stronger, inclusive, and innovation-led agri-food ecosystem for global food security.
Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme: Strategic Cooperation in Agritech
Ambassador Kenneth Nobrega expressed appreciation for ICAR’s leadership in agritech collaboration. He underlined that the Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme initiative reflects the broader strategic partnership between India and Brazil, aligning with the vision of both countries’ leadership for cooperation in agriculture, emerging technologies, and food and nutritional security.
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Agri-Startups and Innovation at the Core
ICAR–IARI Director Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao noted that ICAR–IARI has already supported over 400 agri-startups, transforming innovative ideas into viable business models. He stressed that agriculture must be seen not only as a livelihood but also as a business opportunity.
Welcoming the Brazilian delegation, Dr Neeru Bhushan, ADG (IPTM), highlighted shared challenges such as climate change, food security, and the urgent need for sustainable intensification in agriculture.
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 advancing bilateral cooperation.
Future Opportunities Under Maitri 2.0
By connecting innovators, startups, and institutions from both nations, Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme Maitri 2.0 aims to strengthen incubator linkages, promote co-incubation, exchange best practices, and unlock opportunities in sustainable agriculture, digital technologies, and value-chain development.
The programme seeks to empower farmers and build resilient food systems while deepening India–Brazil cooperation in agri-innovation.
