India, Brazil Deepen Agri‑Innovation Ties with Launch of “Maitri 2.0”

India and Brazil reaffirmed their long-standing partnership in agriculture with the launch of Maitri 2.0, a cross-incubation programme for agritech innovation. Spearheaded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Maitri 2.0 aims to foster a dynamic platform for bilateral learning, co-creation, and startup collaboration in the agricultural sector. The initiative reflects both countries’ strategic intent to address global food security challenges through joint innovation, technology exchange, and sustainable development.

Strengthening India–Brazil Agricultural Ties

• India and Brazil share a 77-year-old diplomatic and developmental partnership, with a common vision on agricultural modernization, innovation, and climate resilience. The recent MoU between ICAR and EMBRAPA, Brazil’s leading agri-research body, further boosts this cooperation by enabling structured collaboration across the agri-food value chain.
• Their partnership extends beyond bilateral ties and includes joint roles in platforms like BRICS and the G20, aligning them on global food and nutritional security goals.

Maitri 2.0: A Platform for Co-Innovation

A Two-Way Learning Initiative

• Described as a “two-way learning platform for co-creation”, Maitri 2.0 allows startups, research institutions, and agripreneurs from both countries to jointly develop and adapt technologies for shared agricultural challenges.

Key Focus Areas

• Cross-incubation of startups to promote joint innovation
• Exchange of best practices in agritech, sustainability, and digital agriculture
• Linkages between innovation incubators in both countries
• Exploration of joint ventures in agri-value chain development
• Integration of climate-smart technologies for resilient farming

Static Facts

• Programme Name: Maitri 2.0 (India–Brazil Agritech Cross-Incubation)
• Launch Date: 22 September 2025
• Launched By: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Partner Country: Brazil
• India–Brazil Partnership Age: 77 years