The ICAR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave–2026 was successfully held at the ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET), Kolkata, bringing together government institutions, corporate leaders, startups, entrepreneurs, NGOs and researchers to accelerate technology commercialization and strengthen CSR-driven partnerships for sustainable agricultural development.
Organised in collaboration with Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn), the conclave focused on creating stronger public-private collaborations that can help scale innovative agricultural technologies across the eastern region of India. Around 150 participants attended the event, representing ICAR institutes, industry, startups, corporate organizations and the media.
One of the major highlights of the conclave was the Technology Exhibition-cum-Poster Pavilion, where ICAR institutes showcased a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural innovations. The exhibition featured technologies related to climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, sustainable agri-food systems, natural resource conservation, farm mechanization, value addition, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, livelihood generation, women and youth empowerment, aquaculture and the One Health approach.
Addressing the gathering, Gyanendra D. Tripathi, Additional Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR, urged corporate organizations to collaborate with ICAR in promoting innovation, transparency and sustainable agricultural growth through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He emphasized that stronger industry participation would help accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies at the grassroots level.
Welcoming the delegates, Dr. D.B. Shakyawar, Director of ICAR-NINFET, highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships between research institutions and the corporate sector to scale innovative agricultural solutions that directly benefit farmers and rural communities.
During the conclave, Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO of Agrinnovate India Limited, explained various technology commercialization strategies and CSR funding mechanisms that can support innovation-led agricultural development. Directors from several ICAR institutions also delivered technical presentations highlighting opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, enterprise development, natural fibre technologies and sustainable resource management.
The event also featured an interactive brainstorming session where scientists, entrepreneurs, startups and corporate representatives discussed technology transfer, startup incubation, market linkages and institutional collaborations aimed at promoting innovation in Indian agriculture.
A key outcome of the conclave was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with M/s Chlorohemp Agro-Tech Private Limited and M/s Tamna Crafts for the development of diversified value-added natural fibre products. The visiting delegates also toured ICAR-NINFET’s research laboratories and pilot production facilities to gain first-hand insights into the institute’s ongoing research and technological advancements.
Several leading organizations, including UCO Bank, Jute Corporation of India, Gloster Ltd., Jayashree Textiles, and Agrestal Organic Living Pvt. Ltd., expressed interest in collaborating with ICAR through future CSR initiatives, highlighting growing industry confidence in research-driven agricultural innovation.
The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships that promote sustainable farming, technology adoption and rural development, reinforcing ICAR’s vision of innovation-led agricultural transformation across the country.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, unintentional errors or omissions may occur. Readers are encouraged to verify important information through official sources.
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