TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

ICAR Launches Maitri 2.0 Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech to Strengthen Bilateral Innovation and Food Security.

International | Dated: 24 Sep 2025

In September 2025, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, named Maitri 2.0, in New Delhi. The initiative aims to foster innovation-driven growth, agritech collaboration, and strengthen India–Brazil agricultural partnerships.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Maitri 2.0 is designed as a two-way learning and co-creation platform to strengthen incubator linkages, exchange best practices, and promote co-incubation in agritech. It focuses on digital technologies, sustainable agriculture, and value-chain development to address global food and nutritional security challenges.
  • - The launch event was graced by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, senior ICAR officials, and representatives from leading Brazilian research and innovation institutions, reflecting high-level bilateral cooperation.
  • - Dr. Jat highlighted the 77-year-long India–Brazil agricultural partnership and their shared roles in BRICS and G20. He also termed the recent ICAR–EMBRAPA MoU a milestone in advancing bilateral collaboration across the agri-food value chain, further cementing their strategic partnership.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) ICAR has transformed from producing just 74 patents in 1996 to over 1,800 annually today, supported by incubation centers and over 5,000 licensing agreements.
  • (ii) This reflects ICAR’s strong role in delivering publicly funded innovations to end-users and supporting over 400 agri-startups.
  • (iii) Ambassador Nobrega emphasized Maitri 2.0 as strategically important for creating synergies in agritech and food security, while ICAR officials underscored the need to view agriculture as both livelihood and business.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently launched the second edition of which India–Brazil agritech initiative in September 2025?

Correct Answer: Maitri 2.0

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Brazil

  • Capital: Brasília
  • President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva