An Indian farmer dressed in white crouches in a field and holds a vine from crops next to him

HortiRoad2India

Collaborating on the
sustainable transformation
of India’s emerging food markets

About us

Namaste! We are HortiRoad2India, a public-private partnership that combines knowledge and expertise from the entire horticulture sector in the Netherlands. Together with you, we want to collaborate on transforming India’s emerging food markets. We are keen to create long-term connections with Indian retailers, investors, AgTech firms and greenhouse builders to develop new mid and high-tech greenhouses and upgrade existing greenhouse facilities. Why? Food safety is one of the spearheads of the Indian government and with our knowledge and solutions India can grow safer and healthier fruits and vegetables locally with less use of resources.

HortiRoad2India


 

The Dutch horticulture sector feeds millions of people around the world. We grow a wide variety of fruit and vegetables using state-of-the-art technology and sustainable techniques. By working together and adapting innovative Dutch solutions to local circumstances, Dutch consortium HortiRoad2India can support India’s horticulture sector to produce better quality products. And in their turn, food producers can provide hotels, restaurants and supermarkets with products that not only last longer, but are also fresher, healthier, cleaner and produced using less resources. 

We can, for example, use our innovative technology to equip your greenhouses with irrigation systems, lighting and climate computers or link existing agri software to new hardware, such as sensors. This not only makes your greenhouses smarter, but also more sustainable. Using IoT, AI and other new technologies in horticulture allows you to decrease your emissions, water usage and use of pesticides. The result? Safer, healthier food with a longer shelf-life that can be sold for premium prices.

Towards a long-term partnership

In the Netherlands, the government, companies, knowledge institutes and R&D centers develop the tools required to farm the future. HortiRoad2India closely corporates with the Netherlands Embassy and the Agricultural office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to support in sustainable transforming India’s emerging food markets. The majority of our members already have experience working in India with local partners, and some even have opened local offices or facilities. Together, we cover all aspects of sustainable horticulture, offering an integrated solution for sustainably grown, healthy, clean, and pesticide-free food in India.

Contributing to the following SDG’s

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SDG 2 zero hunger

SDG 02 | Zero hunger

The cluster provides integrated solutions for sustainable agriculture that help India to achieve food security. 

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SDG 8 decent work and economic growth

SDG 08 | Decent work and economic growth

The cluster stimulates local and sustainable production through Dutch technology and knowledge transfer, such as reducing CO² emissions and water.

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sdg 11 sustainable cities and communities

SDG 11 | Sustainable cities and communities

The cluster stimulates local and sustainable production through Dutch technology and knowledge transfer, such as reducing CO² emissions and water. 

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SDG 3 good health and well-being

SDG 03 | Good health and well-being

The aim of the cluster is to increase the availability of fresh, healthy and locally produced food.

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SDG 9 industry, innovation, and infrastructure

SDG 09 | Industry, innovation and infrastructure

The cluster consists of pioneers in the field of water management, climate control, labour & energy management to ensure that crops can be grown year-round.

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SDG 12 responsible consumption and production

SDG 12 | Responsible consumption and production

The current Dutch horticultural technology can serve as an example for the transition towards climate-neutral production systems and already has many circular features. 

Trade missions and activities

No events found.

Showcases

a greenhouse with a view on the open blue sky and rows of potted plants on either side of a pathway

Simply Fresh | Location: Hyderabad, Telangana | Crop: Vines, Turmeric, Strawberry, and Blueberry | Type: Gutter System | Surface: 2.2 ha

visit Simply Fresh
a greenhouse with rows of potted tiny plants in large black pots

DS Group | Location: Bangalore, Karnataka | Type: Water units & Climate Computers | Purpose: Tackle water shortage in India

visit DS Group
rows of leafy vegetables grow in a hydroponic set up at a greenhouse

Simply Fresh | Location: Hyderabad, Telangana | Crop: Lettuce and cabbage, radishes, carrots, and herbs | Type: Climate and Water solutions | Surface: 8 ha

visit Simply Fresh
A group of PIB members stand around two men seated at a table. documents lie on the table and the seated men shake hands.

NPP & UPL India | Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra | Type: Biofertilizers | Purpose: Improve soil health & Promote sustainable agricultural

visit NPP and UPL India
rows of medium sized leafy potted plants in a greenhouse

Nature’s Miracle | Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Crop: Cucumber, Tomato, Strawberry, Capsicum | Type: Hydroponic glass greenhouse | Surface: 2 ha

visit Nature's Miracle
a man in India stands looking over crates of red tomatoes in a market in India

Future Group | Location: Tumkur, Karnataka | Type: Isii Compact Computer | Purpose: Reducing food waste & Improving food production

visit Future Group
a large tract of desert land with greenery and crops growing between it

Armela Farms | Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Crop: Lettuce and Kale | Type: ModulAIR, Turn-key | Surface: 20.000 m²

visit Armela Farms
solar panels, silos, and greenhouses line the surface of an outback scenery in Australia

Sundrop Farms | Location: Port Augusta, Australia | Crop: Vine tomatoes | Type: A seawater-cooled, solar-powered semi-enclosed greenhouse | Surface:  200.000 m²

visit Sundrop Farms

Coordinators

Partners

Breeding and plant propogation 

Climate control and Energy

Greenhouse Construction

Automation and logistics

Substrate and sensors

Knowledge Providers, Consultants & Services

Let's partner up! 

portrait of Desh Ramnath

Desh Ramnath | Cluster Coordinator 

desh.ramnath@dutchgreenhousedelta.com

HortiRoad2India experts sessions: Dutch solutions for sustainable farming in India

News 

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PIB members gathered around NL orange letters at a trade show

Aftermovie visit to Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad & Chennai

In November 2024, HortiRoad2India travelled to India with a clear goal: driving innovation and building partnerships to transform the food system!

The visit revealed a sector on the move. Indian industry and government are pushing for sustainable solutions, creating opportunities for collaboration in high-tech greenhouses, resource efficiency, and food security. Agreements like the MoU’s with SANDHU GREENS and Fragaria showed the potential is massive. India isn’t waiting—it’s happening now!

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three PIB members in business clothing pose with fruit in a box which they show the camera

 HortiRoad2India, 8 Berries and Mahaberry Sign MoU

We are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HortiRoad2India with 8 Berries & Mahaberry. These Indian berry producers have the ambition to expand using Dutch knowledge and solutions. This MoU marks the beginning of a focused effort to strengthen mid-tech horticultural operations in India, with an eye on exploring high-tech innovations for future growth. 

8 Berries Farm & Nursery Private Limited and Mahaberry Private Limited are producers of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries and golden berries. They have a fast-growing network of over 300 contracted farmers and are on a mission to improve India’s berry farming to achieve better yields with efficient practices.

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An Indian farmer dressed in white crouches in a field and holds a vine from crops next to him

Meet horticulture experts from the Netherlands during Fresh Produce India

What does the future of food look like for India? Dutch experts, pioneers in sustainable greenhouse horticulture, can be the key to an efficient chain, supplying high-quality fruits and vegetables for both domestic and foreign consumption. The business case is promising, offering high returns both financially and in terms of sustainability. Therefore, the Dutch are eager to engage with those willing to invest in the future of food in India. Meet them during their trade mission from March 20 to 29, 2024 to Mumbai, Kochi, and Bengaluru.

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two PIB members shake hands at a table whilst ex Prime Minister Mark Rutte and two others applaud them from behind

PIB India cluster and Lemon Chilli Farms Sign MoU

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Endorses New Dutch-Indian Collaboration

In the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Dutch Greenhouse Delta, on behalf of the horticultural cluster ‘NLHortiRoad2India’, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian grower Lemon Chilli Farms. This took place in September during the outgoing trade mission with government and business in Bengaluru, India. In this MoU, both parties express their intention to implement Dutch innovative systems for sustainable food production with the Indian grower.

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pib members gathered around a boardroom table for a group picture

PIB India cluster heads off to Hyderabad and Delhi this April 

The upcoming visit, which takes place from the 23rd until the 30th of April 2023, is the second trade mission to India, after the start of the multi-year public-private partnership PIB HortiRoad2India, in October last year. Shortly thereafter, the cluster of Dutch turnkey suppliers and specialized companies headed to the Indian states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Here they saw that food production in India is changing and that Dutch knowledge and integrated solutions can support India in growing safe and healthy fruits and vegetables sustainably. The visit in November already led to the development of proposals for projects in India. 

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an indian farmer in red crouches in a field of leafy crops and inspects them

Dutch horticultural trade mission to India

From November 15 to 20 a promising Dutch horticultural trade mission to India takes place. The mission is the first joint activity of the multi-year public-private partnership PIB NLHortiRoad2India, for which the covenant was signed in October in Ahoy, Rotterdam. The delegation visits the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra and participates in the Bangalore Tech Summit, Asia’s largest Technology Event from November 16 – 18, 2022. The trade mission is initiated and organized by Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD), Innovation Quarter, Rotterdam Partners, and the Dutch Embassy in New Delhi, India. No fewer than nine companies participate.

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PIB members inspect strawberries growing on a vine at a greenhouse

Greenhouse Experts from the Netherlands Return to India

From November 13 to 22, the Dutch greenhouse experts from HortiRoad2India will be back in India to boost collaboration in sustainable food systems using innovative solutions. The delegation will be present at Krishi Bharat Conference in Lucknow, and will visit Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad to meet with potential partners and stakeholders to enhance India’s future food system. We invite investors, forward-thinking growers, retailers, and food service businesses to meet us in India during key events and one-on-one business case sessions.

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an indian farmer in red crouches in a field of leafy crops and inspects them

Watch our expert sessions: Dutch solutions for sustainable farming in India

In preparation for the upcoming trade mission to Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Delhi, in November 2024, the Dutch public-private partnership HortiRoad2India organized two online sessions designed to introduce and explore the potential of Indo-Dutch collaboration in high-tech greenhouse solutions. 

These sessions are now available for on-demand viewing, providing valuable insights into how Dutch technology can contribute to India’s agricultural landscape.

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PIB members take a group picture with a greenhouse in the background

HortiRoad2India visits World Food India 2023

We proudly look back on our successful trade mission around The World Food India in Delhi, 3-5 November 2023. During the trade mission Dutch Greenhouse Delta’s partners worked tirelessly to explore and strengthen new horizons in horticultural collaboration between India and The Netherlands. The trade mission marks a milestone in our commitment to promoting Dutch food safety systems globally. 

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people in white lab coats proudly display crops by holding them up for the camera. Behind them is a large greenhouse.

Successful Trade Mission Strengthens Relations and Explores Collaborations in Indian Horticulture

We look back on a successful HortiRoad2India trade mission to Hyderabad and Delhi, which took place in April 2023. During this mission, the public-private partnership seized valuable opportunities to promote the Dutch horticulture sector and establish collaborations with Indian partners. The results of the trade mission have contributed to strengthening the bilateral trade relations between the Netherlands and India, showcasing how Dutch expertise in greenhouse construction and horticultural technology can contribute to the further development of the Indian horticulture sector.

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pib memebers in India pose for a group picture in a doorway as the Indian sun shines on them

Dutch mission to India leads to first collaborations with Indian partners

The Dutch horticultural trade mission to Karnataka and Maharashtra in India, from November 15 to 20, 2022, has provided a very good start to position the Dutch horticultural sector as a partner for India. Food safety is one of the spearheads of the Indian government and the demand for safe, fresh, and quality fruit and vegetables is rising in India. This results in great interest in how Dutch technologies and knowledge can support India’s horticulture sector to produce better-quality products in a sustainable and efficient manner. 

 

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pib members gathered around a board with all their logos and signatures

Dutch business cluster and government launch multi-year program to contribute to solutions for food challenges in India

On October 6, 2022, the covenant for the PIB NLHortiRoad2India was signed at the Netherlands India Business Meet in Ahoy, Rotterdam. This festive ceremony marks the kick-off of a multi-year public-private partnership, which aims to position the Dutch horticultural sector as a partner for India to meet India’s increasing demand for fresh, safe, and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Contact us!

portrait of Tiffany Meijer

Tiffany Meijer | Cluster Coordinator 

tiffany.meijer@innovationquarter.nl