Maitri 2.0 Agritech Programme

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, popularly known as Maitri 2.0 Agritech, in New Delhi. This initiative aims to strengthen agritech collaboration between India and Brazil, reflecting over 77 years of shared agricultural history.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this programme is crucial as it represents an important international effort in sustainable agriculture, India Brazil and innovation in farming techniques.

Historical Agricultural Partnership

India and Brazil have maintained a long-standing partnership in agriculture, marked by collaboration on global platforms such as BRICS and the G20. The recent ICAR EMBRAPA MoU strengthens this bilateral cooperation further.

EMBRAPA, Brazil’s leading agricultural research institution, and ICAR now cover the entire agri-food value chain, promoting joint research, knowledge exchange, and co-development of innovative farming solutions.

The Maitri 2.0 Agritech program, a joint initiative between India and Brazil, marks a significant milestone in this partnership. It not only reinforces traditional agricultural ties but also introduces modern technologies and innovations to address challenges like climate change, food security, and nutritional sustainability.

ICAR’s Innovation Growth

Over the years, ICAR has significantly increased its innovation output. In 1996, ICAR produced only 74 patents annually; today, it generates over 1,800 patents every year. This remarkable growth is supported by multiple incubation centers and over 5,000 licensing agreements.

The ICAR Agritech framework ensures that these innovations are directly delivered to farmers, enhancing productivity and sustainability. By promoting agritech innovation, ICAR empowers stakeholders across the agri-food sector and helps bridge the gap between research and practical application. Maitri 2.0 Agritech further strengthens these efforts by facilitating international knowledge exchange.

Objectives of Maitri 2.0 Agritech

The Maitri 2.0 Agritech initiative serves as a two-way learning platform for both Indian and Brazilian agritech ecosystems.

Its objectives include:

• Strengthening incubator linkages and promoting co-incubation.

• Sharing best practices in digital agriculture initiatives and farm management.

• Addressing climate resilience, food, and nutritional security challenges.

• Encouraging sustainable agriculture through Maitri 2.0 Agritech efforts.

Through these objectives, the programme fosters joint innovation, knowledge sharing, and technological advancement, benefiting farmers and agritech startups in both countries.

Role of Startups and Innovation

Startups play a pivotal role in the success of Maitri 2.0 Agritech. Over 400 agri-startups in India have been supported to convert ideas into viable business models. The programme emphasizes viewing agriculture as both a livelihood and a business, fostering an environment of entrepreneurship.

Opportunities for agritech startups collaboration under Maitri 2.0 Agritech encourage innovators from both India and Brazil to co-develop solutions for modern farming challenges. These efforts include smart irrigation, precision farming, digital platforms for farmers, and climate-resilient crops. By facilitating such agritech collaboration, the programme strengthens the overall resilience and productivity of the agricultural sector.

Strategic Importance and Future Prospects

The strategic importance of the Maitri 2.0 Agritech programme India Brazil cannot be overstated. By combining the strengths of ICAR and EMBRAPA, the initiative aims to address global challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable agriculture.

Long-term benefits include increased agricultural productivity, enhanced technological advancement, and improved nutritional security for millions. Additionally, the focus on digital agriculture innovations in India Brazil positions both countries as leaders in modern agritech solutions on a global scale.

For SSC aspirants, keeping track of such international collaborations is essential, as they often form part of current affairs and government initiatives questions in exams. Maitri 2.0 Agritech also reflects India’s commitment to innovation, global cooperation, and sustainable development goals.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the second edition of the Maitri 2.0 Agritech programme to strengthen India-Brazil agriculture collaboration.
This initiative marks a significant step in the 77-year agricultural partnership between the two nations, promoting knowledge exchange and sustainable farming.
The programme builds on the ICAR EMBRAPA MoU, covering the entire agri-food value chain and encouraging joint research and innovation.

ICAR’s innovation growth is remarkable, with over 1,800 patents produced annually, supported by incubation centres and licensing agreements. Maitri 2.0 Agritech serves as a two-way learning platform, focusing on digital agriculture initiatives, co-incubation, and climate-resilient farming techniques. By combining innovation and international cooperation, Maitri 2.0 Agritech strengthens sustainable agriculture and empowers farmers across both countries.