04 July 2026, New Delhi: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the PHDCCI Agri-Business Awards 2026, bringing together policymakers, scientists, agribusiness leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, startups, and progressive farmers to recognise outstanding contributions to India’s agricultural sector.
Held under the theme “Recognising the Soil, Honouring the Farmer”, the awards highlighted innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agricultural practices. Honours were presented across four categories: Startup & Innovation Award, Women Agripreneur Award, Young Farmer Innovator Award, and Progressive Farming Excellence Award.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, underscored the importance of developing practical innovations that address farmers’ real challenges while improving economic returns. He advocated for location-specific farming systems based on agro-climatic conditions, available resources, and market demand. Referring to national initiatives on pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, he said field demonstrations remain the most effective approach to accelerating technology adoption. He also highlighted the growing importance of quality improvement, value addition, and efficient marketing systems in enhancing agricultural competitiveness.
Roberto Carlos Papa, Agriculture Attaché at the Embassy of Brazil in India, highlighted the expanding agricultural partnership between India and Brazil. Calling farmers the “real champions” of agriculture, he commended their contribution to food security, sustainability, and rural development while emphasising the role of international collaboration in advancing agricultural innovation, research, and trade.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sharmila Oswal, sustainability expert, entrepreneur, and widely known as the “Millet Woman of India,” called for greater policy consistency, stronger implementation of government schemes, simplified organic certification, enhanced processing infrastructure, and increased support for millet producers, women entrepreneurs, and agritech startups. She stressed that predictable policies and improved market access are essential for nurturing a robust agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Speaking on the future of Indian agriculture, Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chair of the Agribusiness Committee at PHDCCI, said strengthening agricultural technology, extension services, market reforms, and farmer remuneration would be critical to making agriculture a profitable and respected profession. He urged closer collaboration among government, industry, researchers, and farmers to achieve sustainable sectoral growth.
In his welcome address, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, said the awards were established to recognise innovators, researchers, startups, and farmers whose successful models could be replicated across the country. He noted that promoting knowledge sharing and stronger linkages between farmers and agribusinesses would play an important role in strengthening India’s rural economy and agricultural productivity.
The programme was moderated by Gayatri Sharma, Director, PHDCCI, who facilitated discussions on innovation, policy, entrepreneurship, and public-private collaboration aimed at building a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector. Concluding the event, Ms. Sharma reiterated PHDCCI’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and farmer-centric development. The awards reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and the farming community in advancing a technology-driven and globally competitive agricultural ecosystem aligned with India’s vision of developed India.
Global Agriculture was the Official Media Partner for the PHDCCI Agri-Business Awards 2026.
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