India’s horticulture industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, thanks to a pioneering collaboration with the Dutch government. This ambitious project aims to introduce high-tech, AI-powered greenhouses for precision farming, enabling the production of fresh, pesticide-free food while prioritizing water conservation and energy efficiency.
At its core, this initiative champions climate-resilient food production methods. The Dutch horticulture sector has formalized this commitment through ‘HortiRoad2India,’ a public-private consortium now actively seeking partnerships with various Indian stakeholders to advance its goals.
Understanding India’s Needs
The Dutch team has dedicated five years to understanding India’s specific requirements, resulting in a meticulously crafted, comprehensive package. According to Tiffany Meijer, Project Manager for International Trade in the Dutch horticulture sector and co-lead for HortiRoad2India, this deep understanding of India’s unique agricultural landscape has allowed them to develop a pragmatic and holistic solution.
Desh Ramnath, Director and coordinator of HortiRoad2India, further elaborated that their approach extends beyond technology, encompassing crucial elements like educational programs, vocational training, and robust market connections. He also highlighted the successful development of financial models, in collaboration with Indian banks and the Dutch government, to support this venture.
The Dutch offering includes both mid-tech and high-tech greenhouse solutions, favoring advanced glass houses over traditional polyhouses for superior efficiency and climate resilience. The specific technology adopted will depend on the crops, with high-tech glass houses ideal for delicate produce like strawberries, colored capsicum, cherry tomatoes, microgreens, and lettuce, while mid-tech greenhouses are perfectly suited for tomato cultivation.
This technology boasts impressive environmental and financial sustainability. It drastically reduces water consumption by 96% compared to open-field farming and significantly boosts yields, offering up to 30 times more produce for crops like tomatoes. A key focus is on producing ‘clean food’ that requires no washing, achieved through strictly biological pest control methods, a complete avoidance of pesticides, and the exclusive use of disease-resistant hybrid crop varieties, steering clear of genetically modified organisms.
Proximity to Markets
Strategically developing these high-value crop greenhouses near urban centers is a core objective, aiming to minimize transportation losses and ensure fresher produce for consumers. This strategic placement minimizes transport-related waste. Currently, glasshouse projects are being established in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Punjab, with farmers actively investing in the necessary infrastructure.
I. M. (Ivo) Meijer, Senior Manager for International & Economic Affairs at the Policy/Economics Department of the Dutch government, highlighted the critical issue of significant post-harvest food waste in India. To combat this, the Dutch initiative will also prioritize developing a network of cold storage facilities.
Ewout de Wit, Dutch Consul General to South India, emphasized the multi-faceted benefits of this project: guaranteeing access to clean, pesticide-free food for consumers, and securing stable incomes for farmers. He envisions farming evolving into a more technical profession, generating greater rural employment. Furthermore, he noted the flexibility this technology offers, allowing production units to be strategically located near ports, markets, or consumption centers, optimizing for both local supply and export.
Success Story in Bengaluru
A compelling local example is Ramakrishna, a mechanical engineer who transitioned from an IT career to farming. Ramakrishna, a farmer in Bengaluru, is poised to construct a high-tech greenhouse with Dutch assistance for strawberry cultivation. Currently, his ‘Bengaluru Berry Company’ allows consumers to pick berries from his 12-acre farm in Malur.
He shared his success in growing high-quality, in-demand berries, but noted that his seasonal production struggles to meet consistent demand. To overcome this, he is adopting the Dutch method, aiming for a significant increase in output.
Dutch entrepreneur Pieter Jan Robbermont believes this initiative will usher in a new era of technological advancement and sustainability. He strongly advocates for Indian business leaders, especially those from the IT sector, to invest in these greenhouses, thereby fostering a more sustainable future for India’s horticulture.