The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in collaboration with Agrinnovate India Ltd. (AgIn), organised the first-ever ICAR Technology Portfolio for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026 at the NASC Complex, New Delhi, bringing together more than 150 representatives from over 75 corporates, industry leaders and philanthropic organisations to explore CSR-led partnerships for agricultural transformation.
Held under the theme “Partnering for Agricultural Transformation: Mobilizing CSR for a Sustainable Agri-Future,” the conclave focused on connecting ICAR’s research, technologies and innovations with corporate CSR resources to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Indian agriculture. The initiative seeks to move beyond conventional CSR funding by creating partnerships around technology adoption, climate resilience, farmer livelihoods, rural entrepreneurship and scalable agricultural solutions.
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the conclave as Chief Guest, while Ministers of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary and Shri Ram Nath Thakur joined as Guests of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan stressed that CSR should be viewed not merely as a statutory obligation but as a powerful instrument for nation-building. Drawing on Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of trusteeship, he emphasised that those with greater resources have a responsibility to contribute towards wider social welfare.
The Minister called for stronger private-sector participation in the commercialisation of ICAR technologies, enabling innovations developed through agricultural research to reach farmers more quickly. He highlighted the potential of mechanisation, technology adoption and innovation to improve productivity, product quality and farmer incomes, citing developments in the jute sector as an example.
A key focus of the conclave was the identification of five priority areas for high-impact CSR interventions in 2026:
- Climate-proofing Indian agriculture
- Soil health improvement through nature-based solutions and crop diversification
- Agriculture for health
- Agriculture skilling
- Women in agriculture and extension
Shri Chouhan also called for increased CSR investments in climate-resilient agriculture, agri-startups, youth skill development, food processing and women farmers’ empowerment. With nearly 46% of India’s population dependent on agriculture, he noted that targeted investments could help accelerate innovation, create rural employment and strengthen sustainable development.
Emphasising the importance of soil health, Shri Chouhan said, “If we save the soil, we save the future,” underlining the connection between healthy agricultural ecosystems, food security, farmer prosperity and human well-being.
Minister of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation between government, scientific institutions and the corporate sector. He said CSR partnerships could accelerate innovation, technology adoption and impactful interventions for farmers, while Minister of State Shri Ram Nath Thakur stressed the potential of CSR to support water conservation, soil health, climate-resilient agriculture, innovation and farmer empowerment.
Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted the need to strengthen the “Discovery-to-Delivery Continuum”, calling for closer convergence between research institutions, industry and other stakeholders. He emphasised that agricultural transformation must address the entire agri-food value chain, extending beyond production to pre- and post-production activities.
The conclave featured keynote sessions, thematic panel discussions, roundtables and B2B and B2G meetings focused on co-funding models, technology commercialisation, programme implementation and long-term partnerships. An exhibition showcased more than 75 ICAR technologies, innovations, startups and flagship programmes, giving corporates and CSR stakeholders an opportunity to explore technologies ready for commercialisation and large-scale adoption.
The event builds on four regional CSR roadshows conducted in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata, which collectively engaged more than 500 stakeholders from industry, research institutions, startups, philanthropic organisations and civil society.
A major outcome of the conclave was the announcement of CSR funding commitments by 10 industry partners towards ICAR technologies and initiatives. Other participating companies also reaffirmed their interest in future CSR collaborations, signalling growing corporate interest in agricultural technology, climate resilience and rural development.
As ICAR’s commercial arm, Agrinnovate India Ltd. (AgIn) will serve as the nodal agency for CSR partnerships. It will facilitate CSR-ready projects, build strategic collaborations, support implementation and strengthen transparency and impact assessment. Through this mechanism, ICAR aims to mobilise corporate resources towards scalable, farmer-centric technologies and sustainable livelihood programmes.
The conclave represents a significant step towards creating a stronger government–industry–research ecosystem for agricultural development, with CSR positioned as a potential catalyst for climate resilience, technology adoption, rural employment, women’s empowerment and improved farmer incomes. By connecting corporate funding with technologies that are already being developed within India’s agricultural research ecosystem, the initiative aims to accelerate the transition from research and innovation to measurable impact on the ground.
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