ENA State 2026-01-14 16:19:04 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Mumbai, Jan 14 (KNN) </strong>Farmer-led institutions from Maharashtra showcased rural agribusiness capabilities at IndusFood 2026, Asias largest export-focused food and beverage exhibition, held in Greater Noida from January 8 to 11, with buyers from over 80 countries in attendance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Ten community-based organisations (CBOs) participated under the states SMART (Hon. Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation) Project and the Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The participation reflected a shift in agribusiness development towards market access, value addition and global integration of farmer producer companies and rural enterprises. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">IndusFood 2026 provided direct engagement with international buyers, importers and trade facilitators. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Senior officials from the SMART Project, VSTF and the Maharashtra Department of Agriculture oversaw the participation, underlining the states focus on market-driven farmer development. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Palladium Consulting India, the project management consultant for SMART, coordinated the initiative and will support post-event buyer follow-ups.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 44775 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/maharashtra-farmer-led-institutions-showcase-rural-agribusiness-at-indusfood-2026 2026-01-14 16:19:04 knnindia.co.in