NEW DELHI: (September 22, 2025) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) inaugurated the second phase of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, dubbed Maitri 2.0, in the capital today. The launch event was attended by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, alongside H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nobrega, Brazil’s Ambassador to India, accompanied by prominent officials and delegates from top Brazilian research and innovation bodies.
Dr. Jat celebrated the enduring 77-year collaboration between India and Brazil, noting their joint influence in global forums like BRICS and G20. He pointed to the recent ICAR–EMBRAPA Memorandum of Understanding as a pivotal step forward in enhancing cooperation across the agri-food sector. Reflecting on historical agricultural ties, Dr. Jat underscored the strength of mutual synergies and the urgency for innovation-led progress. He highlighted ICAR’s remarkable journey from securing 74 patents in 1996 to over 1,800 yearly, bolstered by incubation hubs and more than 5,000 licensing deals. Emphasizing that commercialization should prioritize delivering public-funded innovations to users over mere profits, Dr. Jat described Maitri 2.0 as a mutual learning platform for Indian and Brazilian innovators, pledging to foster a robust, inclusive, and innovative agri-food framework to ensure global food stability.
H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nobrega commended ICAR’s efforts, stressing the critical need to align the agritech ecosystems of both nations. He viewed Maitri 2.0 as a reflection of the broader strategic alliance between Brazil and India, echoing the leaders’ mutual goals in agriculture, cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring food and nutritional security. He hailed the programme as a forward-thinking move to deepen bilateral ties.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR–IARI, revealed that the institute has nurtured over 400 agri-startups, transforming concepts into viable business models. “Agriculture should be both a source of livelihood and an enterprise,” he remarked. Dr. Neeru Bhushan, ADG (IPTM), welcomed attendees, framing the discussion around shared challenges like climate change and the demand for sustainable intensification.
The event wrapped up with Dr. Vishwanathan Srinivasan, JD, ICAR-IARI, delivering a vote of thanks, recognizing the collaborative efforts of ICAR and the Brazilian Embassy in strengthening ties. Maitri 2.0 will connect innovators, startups, and institutions from both countries, aiming to fortify resilient food systems and support farmers. The initiative seeks to enhance incubator networks, share best practices, encourage joint incubation, and unlock new avenues in sustainable farming, digital advancements, and value-chain enhancement, fostering deeper bilateral collaboration.
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