An interview on India’s agricultural ambitions, with Michiel van Erkel, Agricultural Counsellor in New Delhi
Dutch Greenhouse Delta collaborates closely with the Agricultural Counsellor Network to strengthen international partnerships in horticulture. In this interview, Michiel van Erkel – Agricultural Counsellor at the Ebmassy in New Delhi – reflects on more than four years of collaboration with India. A country often underestimated, but rapidly transforming into a global agricultural power with serious ambitions and strong potential for partnership.
This article was originally published by AgroBerichtenBuitenland on July 3rd, 2025.
After more than four years as Agricultural Counsellor for India and Sri Lanka at the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi, Michiel van Erkel reflects on a remarkable period. What began during the COVID-19 pandemic evolved into an intensive collaboration with a country full of ambition. “India is often underestimated. It’s not a country of hunger and chaos, but an emerging food power with enormous potential—one where the Netherlands truly has something to offer.”
Before moving to New Delhi in 2021, Michiel had served as manager of international agribusiness at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), and previously as department head at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). “I knew the Agricultural Counsellor’s network from the inside, but I wanted to experience it myself. So once the kids had moved out, my wife and I made the move.” Their destination: India—right in the middle of the pandemic. “A surreal experience: empty streets, face masks, and no social bubble like back in the Netherlands. But I already knew India from earlier work visits and was aware that behind the chaos lies immense potential.”
India as a self-sufficient food power
With 1.4 billion people and a rapidly growing economy, India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy. In terms of agriculture, the country is largely self-sufficient—hunger is no longer a widespread issue—but there are serious challenges when it comes to food quality, sustainability, and safety. India is the world’s largest producer of milk and a major player in grains, rice, and seafood, including shrimp.
At the same time, India is working to strengthen its export position. This opens up opportunities for the Netherlands, particularly in areas such as food safety, pesticide residues, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A concrete example is shrimp exports to Europe: the Netherlands acts as a gateway, but many shipments are rejected due to high levels of antibiotics. Michiel explains, “In India, antibiotics are still often used preventively in livestock. That’s why the Netherlands is working with local partners to raise awareness and promote more sustainable practices.”
Focus on horticulture under cover and dairy
Given the size of India, efforts are concentrated on two sectors: protected horticulture and dairy. Both sectors show strong demand for Dutch expertise, ranging from starting material and greenhouse construction to precision farming and climate control. “That interest is growing noticeably, for instance at international trade fairs like GreenTech, where more and more Indian delegations are eager to participate—though visa processes still pose a challenge. In the dairy sector too, ties have strengthened: where there was hardly any cooperation before, the two countries are now building a Center of Excellence for Dairy in the state of Karnataka.”
Through the ‘Horticulture Combitrack’ initiative, efforts are underway to realize the first high-tech commercial greenhouse. And following a study on India’s dairy sector, the embassy is now working with Indian authorities and Dutch companies to establish an Indo-Dutch Dairy Training Centre in Karnataka.
Centers of Excellence: investing in knowledge exchange
A key focus of India’s international cooperation is the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoEs). India funds them, while the Netherlands provides knowledge and technology. “It’s a huge compliment that we’ve been invited to co-develop these centres. It’s a model that’s rarely used internationally.”
The CoEs are developed in cooperation with Indian states and focus on topics like protected cultivation, water management, crop protection, and dairy. Dutch technology is tailored to local conditions and needs—both climatic and practical. “Think of plastic tunnels, climate computers, drip irrigation, and biological crop protection. For many small-scale farmers, this is their first exposure to modern techniques.”
Initial progress was slow—it took seven years to get the first three CoEs fully operational. But momentum grew after the Indian Prime Minister announced in 2021 that 25 CoEs should be established by 2025. “By the end of this year, we expect 18 centres to be operational or nearing completion. The goal of 25 is ambitious, but we’re getting close. Quality over quantity.”
Although Dutch companies don’t always benefit directly—India chooses which technologies to implement—the CoEs deliver diplomatic and strategic value. “They reinforce the Netherlands’ reputation as an innovative agricultural partner, while also helping raise awareness of sustainability, water use, and soil management at the national level.”
Michiel stresses that the power lies in setting an example. “We demonstrate what’s possible using relatively simple but smart innovations. This starts a movement that eventually also opens commercial opportunities for Dutch companies.”
Biodiversity and soil restoration
Biodiversity is “an issue India is taking more and more seriously,” says Michiel. In May 2024, he signed a biodiversity project on behalf of the Netherlands with IDH. “We’re supporting coffee farmers by advising on native tree species. Simple measures can have a big impact on soil, water, and biodiversity.”
He also recalls similar projects in Sri Lanka, where initiatives led to reduced erosion, improved water management, and greater biodiversity. “India has the ambition—we can support that, as long as we do it without preaching and remain open to learning from India too.”
A team across India and Sri Lanka
Michiel emphasizes the importance of his team. “I’ve been fortunate to be involved in selecting and onboarding nearly all our team members. They’re young, energetic professionals with strong regional and thematic expertise.”
The India team includes four members: two at the Dutch embassy in Delhi, one at the Consulate-General in Mumbai, and one in Bangalore. In Delhi, Michiel works closely with senior agricultural advisor Sritanu Chatterjee and indispensable office manager Rima Rai. In Mumbai, agricultural advisor Prasad Parte represents the LAN team, and in Bangalore, it’s Surya Vaddadi. “We’re geographically spread out because India is so vast. Delhi is the administrative centre, Mumbai is the business hub, and Bangalore is key for tech, horticulture, and dairy.” In Sri Lanka, Michiel is supported by agricultural advisor Nishan Dissanayake, though the LVVN presence there will end on 1 September 2025.
The team collaborates closely, both online and in person. “We meet regularly, align strategies, and brainstorm how to best position Dutch businesses. I’m proud of the team’s development and the impact they’re having.”
Patience and relationship-building
A key lesson: success in India takes time. “Market access for a product like Echinacea can easily take seven years. You have to stay in touch, be patient, and remain friendly.” That’s why Michiel stresses the importance of relationship-building. “It all comes down to trust. Invest in personal contact—both in person and online. For example, use WhatsApp, which is widely used in India, and be active on social media. But above all, show your face and visit the regions. India is much more than just Delhi.”
A strategic partnership
India and the Netherlands are now developing a broader strategic partnership. “It goes beyond agriculture—defence, space, and green hydrogen are also on the agenda. But agriculture is one of the oldest pillars of our cooperation, dating back to a 1994 Memorandum of Understanding.”
The CoEs and new initiatives in seed breeding and clean planting materials (disease- and pest-free crops) fit well within this broader framework. “They show that we’re a reliable partner committed to sustainable development.” Michiel is especially proud of the recently launched Indo-Dutch Seed Secretariat, created in collaboration with SeedNL. “It brings together government and the private sector to strengthen the industry.”
Personal impressions
Michiel travels a lot for work, but India has also left a personal impression. “Meghalaya in the northeast was unforgettable—a mix of mountain landscapes and natural wonders like living root bridges. Talk about nature-based solutions…” He also vividly remembers spotting a tiger in a national park. “That moment made me feel like my India experience was truly complete.”
Final advice
Michiel will soon leave India and pass the baton to his successor, Marion van Schaik. His advice for anyone working with India: “Be visible and build trust—invest both professionally and personally in your relationships. India isn’t the easiest market, but it’s one of the most meaningful places I’ve ever worked.”
Upcoming trade mission to India
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planning a trade mission to India in the week of 27 October 2025, led by State Secretary Hanneke Boerma. This mission will focus on sustainable food systems in agriculture and horticulture (Delhi and Mumbai) and maritime and port infrastructure.
For the agriculture and horticulture component, companies and knowledge institutions are invited to join if they want to strengthen existing networks or explore the Indian market.
