India and Brazil have officially launched the second phase of their agricultural partnership, the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, dubbed Maitri 2.0. The program, launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi, aims to forge a stronger, more collaborative relationship in the agri-food sector. Maitri 2.0 is designed as a two-way platform for co-creation and innovation, leveraging the complementary strengths of two of the world’s agricultural powerhouses.
The initiative highlights the strategic partnership between both nations, who are key members of global platforms like BRICS and the G20. According to Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, the program seeks to drive innovation-led growth by fostering a collaborative ecosystem. The Brazilian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nobrega, praised the initiative as a strategic step towards creating synergies between the agritech ecosystems of both countries, reinforcing their shared vision for food security and sustainable development.
Maitri 2.0 will focus on several key areas, including strengthening linkages between incubators in both nations, promoting the exchange of best practices, and facilitating joint ventures and collaborative projects. A particular emphasis will be on exploring new opportunities in digital technologies and value-chain development. The program ultimately aims to deliver public-funded innovations to end-users, helping to address shared challenges such as climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural intensification. With ICAR’s impressive record of over 1,800 patents granted annually, the initiative promises to be a significant step in global agricultural innovation.
