HYDERABAD, JULY 13, 2026: a-IDEA, the TBI of ICAR-NAARM, hosted an international delegation of 46 participants from 24 countries on July 13th, 2026, under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) International Training Programme on “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Sustainable Development”, which is being organised by ICRISAT under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The delegation comprised 46 distinguished participants (agricultural professionals, researchers, policymakers and academicians) representing 24 countries viz., Algeria, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Dominica, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Zambia. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to gain first-hand insights into India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem and the role of business incubation in promoting agritech entrepreneurship.
Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NAARM and CEO, a-IDEA, provided a comprehensive overview of a-IDEA’s incubation ecosystem, highlighting its initiatives in nurturing agritech startups, facilitating technology commercialisation, promoting agripreneurship, and strengthening innovation-led agricultural development. Dr. Pooja S. Bhat, Project Manager, a-IDEA, showcased innovative products and technologies developed by a-IDEA-incubated startups that are transforming the agricultural sector.
Dr. Raman Meenakshi Sundaram, Director, ICAR-NAARM and President, a-IDEA, emphasised the importance of innovation, research, and international partnerships in building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. He highlighted India’s progress in agricultural research and entrepreneurship and encouraged greater collaboration among developing nations to address common challenges in agriculture through science, technology, and innovation.
The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session during which participants exchanged ideas with the leadership of ICAR-NAARM and a-IDEA. The visit reinforced a-IDEA’s commitment to fostering innovation-led agricultural transformation and strengthening global partnerships through knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship promotion, and capacity building.
About the Author
