Delegates of 21 countries visits a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM

24 November 2025, Hyderabad

As part of the ongoing ICRISAT international training program entitled “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Sustainable Development,” funded by the Ministry of External Affairs under the ITEC framework, participants from 21 countries across Africa other Global South countries visited ICAR- National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad and its Technology Business Incubator, a-IDEA, today.

The exposure visit was aimed at familiarizing delegates with the incubation ecosystem, capacity-building initiatives, and innovation-led entrepreneurship models practiced at the institute. Delegates from countries including Peru, Mauritius, Indonesia, Nepal, Turkey, Uganda, Panama, Algeria, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and others appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), particularly ICAR-NAARM, in promoting innovation and supporting agritech and agribusiness startups through structured incubation, mentorship, and capacity development programs.

The program began with remarks by Dr. Gopal Lal, Director, ICAR-NAARM & President, a-IDEA, who highlighted ICAR-NAARM’s role in strengthening the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES) and its contribution to building an enabling environment for agricultural startups.

In his address, Dr. Ranjit Kumar, CEO, a-IDEA, emphasized the vital role of farmer collectives, especially Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), in accelerating agribusiness and entrepreneurial development.

Dr. N. A. Vijay Avinashilingam, Addt’l CEO & Coordinator of the programme, formally welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of a-IDEA’s initiatives, showcasing examples of incubated startups working across diverse agricultural domains in agriculture and allied sectors.

During the visit, the participants interacted with startup representatives, explored the incubation facilities, and reviewed prototypes and technology demonstrations.

(Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management)