The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, diplomats, startups, and progressive farmers from across the country. The awards received an overwhelming response, recognizing outstanding contributions in four categories: Startup & Innovation Award, Women Agripreneur Award, Young Farmer Innovator Award, and Progressive Farming Excellence Award.

Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He emphasized that Indian farmers hold centuries of practical wisdom, and agricultural innovation must solve real challenges while delivering economic benefits. He stressed the need for location-specific farming tailored to agro-climatic conditions, resource availability, and market demand. Highlighting initiatives like the National Missions on Pulses, Oilseeds, and Cotton. He stated that demonstrations and field-level evidence are the most effective ways to encourage technology adoption. Finally, he underlined that market demand drives agricultural success, making quality improvement, value addition, and efficient marketing systems essential for long-term sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Roberto Carlos Papa, Agriculture Attaché, Embassy of Brazil in India, highlighted the strong and growing agricultural partnership between India and Brazil. Referring to farmers as the “real champions,” he applauded their resilience, commitment to food security, sustainability, and rural development. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing innovation, agricultural trade, research, and sustainable farming practices.

Dr. Sharmila Oswal, Millet woman of India and sustainability expert and entrepreneur, spoke about the need for stable policies, stronger implementation of government schemes, better coordination among ministries, simplified organic certification, improved processing infrastructure, and greater support for millet growers, women entrepreneurs, and agri-startups. She emphasized that policy consistency and market access are essential for building a thriving agricultural startup ecosystem.

Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chair, Agribusiness Committee, PHDCCI, emphasized that India’s agricultural future depends on strengthening technology, improving extension services, reforming agricultural marketing, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and creating policies that make farming a profitable and respected profession. He urged greater collaboration between the government, industry, scientists, and farmers to achieve these goals.

Dr Jatinder Singh, DSG, PHDCCI, in his welcome speech emphasized that the awards were created to honor innovators, researchers, startups, and farmers whose work can be replicated nationwide. The initiative aims to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration between farmers and businesses, and sustainable models that strengthen India’s agricultural growth and rural economy. He further emphasized that farmers and field workers are the true heroes of Indian agriculture, as their continuous innovations in seeds, technologies, and practices play a vital role in ensuring food security and driving economic development.

The PHDCCI Agri-Business Awards 2026 reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and farmer-centric development. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from government, industry, researchers, and farmers to work together towards building a resilient, technology-driven, and globally competitive agricultural ecosystem that contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat.