ICAR showcases CSR-ready technologies as industry leaders commit to supporting climate-smart agriculture, farmer livelihoods and agri-tech innovation

Key Highlights

• ICAR and Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn) organised the ICAR Technology Portfolio for CSR Conclave 2026 in New Delhi.
• Around 150 representatives from more than 75 industries participated in the conclave.
• 570 participants joined virtually, while over 1,600 viewers watched the live webcast.
• Five priority themes included climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, agricultural skilling, women in agriculture and nutrition-focused farming.
• Four regional CSR roadshows connected over 500 stakeholders before the national conclave.
• Leading corporates, banks and industry bodies committed to partnering with ICAR through CSR and R&D initiatives.

ICAR Strengthens Industry Partnerships to Scale Agricultural Innovation

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in collaboration with Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn), organised the ICAR Technology Portfolio for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026 at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, bringing together corporate leaders, policymakers, scientists and development organisations to promote sustainable agriculture through strategic CSR investments.

The conclave served as a national platform to connect ICAR’s research and technology ecosystem with the corporate sector, enabling faster adoption and commercialization of agricultural innovations that can improve farmer incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Industry Shows Strong Interest in Agriculture-Focused CSR

The event witnessed significant participation from India’s corporate sector, with nearly 150 representatives from over 75 industries attending the conclave.

In addition:

• 570 participants joined the programme online.
• More than 1,600 viewers followed the event through a live YouTube webcast.
• The strong response reflected growing corporate interest in supporting agriculture through CSR-led investments and research partnerships.

CSR-Ready Technologies Presented Across Five Priority Areas

ICAR showcased a portfolio of technologies and scalable solutions designed for corporate CSR initiatives across five strategic themes:

• Climate-proofing Indian agriculture
• Soil health improvement through nature-based solutions and crop diversification
• Agriculture for better nutrition and health
• Agricultural skill development
• Women in agriculture and agricultural extension

The technologies are aimed at improving productivity, strengthening climate resilience, enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Regional Roadshows Build Momentum

Ahead of the national conclave, ICAR organised four regional CSR & Technology Portfolio Roadshows in:

• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• Mumbai
• Kolkata

Held between 20 June and 7 July 2026, the roadshows attracted more than 500 stakeholders, including corporates, startups, NGOs, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and research institutions.

The regional events helped identify potential CSR collaborations and encouraged technology commercialization at the grassroots level.

Leading Corporates Commit to Agricultural Partnerships

Several leading organisations expressed their commitment to collaborate with ICAR and Agrinnovate India Limited through CSR and Research & Development initiatives.

The organisations include:

• Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AICL)
• SBI Foundation
• UCO Bank
• ICICI Foundation
• Biovet Pvt. Ltd.
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
• INFAH
• Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt. Ltd.
• Pidilite Industries Ltd.
• Yes Bank

The proposed collaborations are expected to support technology adoption, agricultural innovation, farmer capacity building and sustainable rural development.

Science and CSR to Drive Inclusive Agricultural Growth

ICAR said the conclave reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging scientific research, innovation and strategic partnerships to accelerate agricultural transformation.

By connecting researchers, industry leaders, financial institutions, policymakers and CSR stakeholders, the initiative aims to mobilise private-sector resources for scaling proven agricultural technologies, improving farm productivity and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods across India.

Hospitality, Food Processing and Agri-Business Impact

The partnerships emerging from the CSR Conclave have the potential to strengthen the entire agri-food value chain. Greater corporate investment in climate-smart farming, soil health, crop diversification and agricultural skilling can improve the quality and consistency of raw materials used by the food processing industry, hospitality businesses and food service operators.

Enhanced technology adoption, better farmer training and stronger rural entrepreneurship are also expected to boost supplies of high-quality agricultural produce for hotels, restaurants and food manufacturers while supporting sustainable sourcing, nutrition-focused food production and long-term resilience of India’s agri-food ecosystem.