HortiRoad2India has concluded a successful trade mission across India, marking a significant step forward in the development of high-tech horticulture projects. The mission, which visited Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, brought together Dutch horticultural experts, agri-investors, and local stakeholders to explore the feasibility of implementing sustainable, year-round greenhouse technology in India.
The mission’s main goal was to validate business cases for the production of high-quality, pesticide-free fresh produce in India – connecting seven agri-investors and a retailer with potential customers, and partners. By combining Dutch expertise with Indian agri-entrepreneurs, the initiative aimed to address the growing demand for premium crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, and leafy greens in the Indian market.
Key Highlights of the Mission
Market Validation and Commitment from Retailers
In Bengaluru, a roundtable with local government officials, retailers, and farmer producer organisations (FPOs), confirmed a strong belief in the potential of high-tech greenhouses, despite the initial hesitation over the higher cost of production. The region’s most successful strawberry grower pledged his support, agreeing to collaborate with agri-investors. Retailers, particularly in niche markets, showed interest in the potential of high-tech greenhouses for premium crops.
Strong Retailer Engagement
At the Fresh Produce 2025 event in Mumbai, the NL Pavilion showcased high-quality greenhouse-grown produce. Retailers were impressed with the consistency and sustainability of the products, expressing interest in working with the project’s agri-investors. The focus on high-quality, consistent, and sustainable crops resonated with the needs of the Indian market, particularly in the premium segment.
Building Financial Partnerships
Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for agri-entrepreneurs in India. To address this, HortiRoad2India co-hosted the Funding the Future of Food event in collaboration with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). The event brought together key financial institutions, including major banks and provided a platform for Dutch-Indian partnerships to present investment-ready business cases. Several banks expressed interest in financing these projects, marking a crucial step toward securing long-term funding.
Strategic Partnerships Formed
Throughout the mission, HortiRoad2India established strong relationships with Indian partners. Sandhu Greens and Fresh2Day have signed Letters of Intent to move forward with their projects, aiming for the first greenhouse to be operational later this year. HortiRoad2India also gained the backing of Reliance Retail for a large-scale plan to implement high-tech horticulture systems across India, marking a major step towards scaling the projects nationwide.
Milestone Achieved
Two Letters of Intent were signed, and key stakeholders have committed to financing – a major leap forward. If all goes well, the first groundbreaking could already take place by the end of this year – turning vision into action!
Looking Ahead
This trade mission marks a turning point in the adoption of sustainable greenhouse horticulture in India. By combining Dutch technological expertise with local knowledge, the HortiRoad2India initiative is set to meet India’s growing demand for clean, high-quality fresh produce, while also contributing to the country’s agricultural and economic growth.
With funding and retail partnerships in place, the next phase will focus on refining business models and preparing for the implementation of the first greenhouse projects later this year.
