Maharashtra Farmer-Led Institutions Showcase Rural Agribusiness At IndusFood 2026

Mumbai, Jan 14 (KNN) Farmer-led institutions from Maharashtra showcased rural agribusiness capabilities at IndusFood 2026, Asia’s largest export-focused food and beverage exhibition, held in Greater Noida from January 8 to 11, with buyers from over 80 countries in attendance.

Ten community-based organisations (CBOs) participated under the state’s SMART (Hon. Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation) Project and the Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF).

The participation reflected a shift in agribusiness development towards market access, value addition and global integration of farmer producer companies and rural enterprises. 

The Maharashtra pavilion showcased processed agricultural commodities, value-added food products and organic produce, indicating the commercial readiness of farmer collectives supported through institutional programmes.

IndusFood 2026 provided direct engagement with international buyers, importers and trade facilitators. 

Participating organisations held business-to-business discussions on export compliance, quality standards, packaging and logistics, aimed at building sustainable market linkages and reducing reliance on intermediaries.

Senior officials from the SMART Project, VSTF and the Maharashtra Department of Agriculture oversaw the participation, underlining the state’s focus on market-driven farmer development. 

Palladium Consulting India, the project management consultant for SMART, coordinated the initiative and will support post-event buyer follow-ups.

(KNN Bureau)