Collaborating on the
About us
Namaste! We are HortiRoad2India, a public-private partnership that combines knowledge and expertise from the entire horticulture sector in the Netherlands. Together with you, we want to collaborate on transforming India’s emerging food markets. We are keen to create long-term connections with Indian retailers, investors, AgTech firms and greenhouse builders to develop new mid and high-tech greenhouses and upgrade existing greenhouse facilities. Why? Food safety is one of the spearheads of the Indian government and with our knowledge and solutions India can grow safer and healthier fruits and vegetables locally with less use of resources.
HortiRoad2India
The Dutch horticulture sector feeds millions of people around the world. We grow a wide variety of fruit and vegetables using state-of-the-art technology and sustainable techniques. By working together and adapting innovative Dutch solutions to local circumstances, Dutch consortium HortiRoad2India can support India’s horticulture sector to produce better quality products. And in their turn, food producers can provide hotels, restaurants and supermarkets with products that not only last longer, but are also fresher, healthier, cleaner and produced using less resources.
We can, for example, use our innovative technology to equip your greenhouses with irrigation systems, lighting and climate computers or link existing agri software to new hardware, such as sensors. This not only makes your greenhouses smarter, but also more sustainable. Using IoT, AI and other new technologies in horticulture allows you to decrease your emissions, water usage and use of pesticides. The result? Safer, healthier food with a longer shelf-life that can be sold for premium prices.
Towards a long-term partnership
In the Netherlands, the government, companies, knowledge institutes and R&D centers develop the tools required to farm the future. HortiRoad2India closely corporates with the Netherlands Embassy and the Agricultural office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to support in sustainable transforming India’s emerging food markets. The majority of our members already have experience working in India with local partners, and some even have opened local offices or facilities. Together, we cover all aspects of sustainable horticulture, offering an integrated solution for sustainably grown, healthy, clean, and pesticide-free food in India.
Contributing to the following SDG’s
SDG 02 | Zero hunger
The cluster provides integrated solutions for sustainable agriculture that help India to achieve food security.
SDG 03 | Good health and well-being
The aim of the cluster is to increase the availability of fresh, healthy and locally produced food.
SDG 08 | Decent work and economic growth
The cluster stimulates local and sustainable production through Dutch technology and knowledge transfer, such as reducing CO² emissions and water.
SDG 09 | Industry, innovation and infrastructure
The cluster consists of pioneers in the field of water management, climate control, labour & energy management to ensure that crops can be grown year-round.
SDG 11 | Sustainable cities and communities
The cluster stimulates local and sustainable production through Dutch technology and knowledge transfer, such as reducing CO² emissions and water.
SDG 12 | Responsible consumption and production
The current Dutch horticultural technology can serve as an example for the transition towards climate-neutral production systems and already has many circular features.
Trade missions and activities
Showcases
Simply Fresh
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Crop: Vines, Turmeric, Strawberry, and Blueberry Type: Gutter System Surface: 2.2 ha
Simply Fresh
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Crop: Lettuce and cabbage, radishes, carrots, and herbs
Type: Climate and Water solutions
Surface: 8 ha
Nature’s Miracle
Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh Crop: Cucumber, Tomato, Strawberry, Capsicum
Type: Hydroponic glass greenhouse
Surface: 2 ha
Armela Farms
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Crop: Lettuce and Kale
Type: ModulAIR, Turn-key
Surface: 20.000 m²
DS Group
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka Type: Water units & Climate Computers Purpose: Tackle water shortage in India
NPP & UPL India
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Type: Biofertilizers
Purpose: Improve soil health & Promote sustainable agricultural
Future Group
Location: Tumkur, Karnataka
Type: Isii Compact Computer Purpose: Reducing food waste & Improving food production
Sundrop Farms
Location: Port Augusta, Australia
Crop: Vine tomatoes
Type: A seawater-cooled, solar-powered semi-enclosed greenhouse
Surface: 200.000 m²
Coordinators
Dutch Greenhouse Delta
Dutch Greenhouse Delta is a foundation that promote the Dutch horticultural sector worldwide. Together with Dutch state-of-the-art partners in horticulture, we bring an integrated Fork2Farm solution that offers a complete ecosystem consisting of science, enterprise, education, and the government.
InnovationQuarter
As a regional development association, InnovationQuarter helps innovative companies bring their business idea to the market and develop it further. With a combination of funding, broad knowledge of multiple sectors, a very extensive network and great commitment we create strong innovative ecosystems. We support innovators, entrepreneurs and business ventures. Together we make ideas grow. InnovationQuarter is an initiative of several government agencies and leading knowledge institutes.
Rotterdam Partners
Rotterdam Partners is creating sustainable growth of the Rotterdam economy and aims to promote the Rotterdam region at home and abroad. We open the door of Rotterdam for future international companies and help companies from the region to expand their business abroad.
Partners
Breeding and plant propagation
De Ruiter
De Ruiter, part of the Bayer Crop Science division, specialises in the breeding, production and sale of hybrid seeds for greenhouse production. Together with its growers, the company is dedicated to bringing high-quality, nutritious produce to ensure a balanced plate for its global community.
Climate control and Energy
Hoogendoorn Growth Management
Together with global partners, Hoogendoorn delivers sustainable automation solutions that seamlessly coordinate all processes and systems in your horticultural organization. The modular software ensures that the available resources such as natural gas, fertilizers and water are used as efficiently as possible. With this, Hoogendoorn helps its clients to minimize (energy) costs and CO2 emissions and to maximize crop profitability.
Priva
Priva is a high-tech company that develops hardware, software and services in the field of climate control, energy saving and optimal reuse of water. Priva does that for horticulture, indoor and city farming, and utility buildings such as offices, retail, hotels and hospitals. With 450 colleagues, 15 local offices in 12 countries and over 400 international installation partners, we deliver our sustainable solutions and services in more than 100 countries.
Greenhouse Construction
Van der Hoeven
At Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects we design, build and operate tailor-made horticultural solutions for our customers, with a reduced footprint in natural resources, water, CO2 and pesticides. We continuously invest in R&D to strengthen our propositions towards our customers. This vision allows us to operate our business successfully for a better future and sets us on the path of our mission: to provide sustainable taste anywhere.
KUBO
At KUBO we can now look back at almost 80 years in horticulture. A stable family company with the third generation now at the helm. KUBO manages complete greenhouse projects. Contracting, engineering, manufacturing, construction and service. All under our own management. This enables us to monitor the entire process, deliver on time and be certain that we are using the latest technologies and concepts.
Automation and logistics
Broekman Logistics
Broekman Logistics India is a full supply chain logistics service provider with air, ocean, road, and rail services, warehousing, and distribution. We operate as a gateway and take full advantage of our strategic locations that are connected to South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Oceania, the USA, and Europe. We offer tailor-made solutions based on customer requirements in line with the developing market, some of our customers go back as long as Broekman Logistics is operating.
Meteor Systems
Meteor Systems is an innovative company in the production of complete growing systems for the (inter)national horticultural industry (indoor, outdoor & semi outdoor). Among other steel gutters, (movable) growing systems, drip irrigation, suspension and support systems, wire products, fastening materials, hydroponic floaters, vertical farming grow racks and fruit covers.
Substrate and sensors
Grodan
Grodan supplies innovative and sustainable stone wool growing media solutions for the professional horticultural sector, based on Precision Growing principles. These solutions are, amongst others, applied for the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, egg plants, roses and gerberas. Sustainability plays a prominent role within Grodan, from the manufacture of stone wool substrates to end-of-life solutions. Grodan is founded in 1969 and active in more than seventy countries worldwide.
Cultilene
Cultilene is an expert that inspires greenhouse growers to grow crops sustainably with smart water and root zone management. They offer innovative solutions to maximise production of top quality food using as little water and energy as possible. Cultilene does this by supplying circular substrate and substrate systems with a matching irrigation strategy. They also supply sensors for collecting big data that delivers real-time insights into the root environment via a wireless platform.
Knowledge Providers, Consultants & Services
Municipality of Westland
Westland: Leading the way in sustainable horticulture and local food production. As Westland, the capitol of the Greenport in West- Holland, we advocate for local sustainable food production all around the world. In our municipal role, we emphasize our joint contribution to several of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, such as ‘Zero Hunger’, ‘Sustainable Cities’, ‘Good Health and Well-being’ and ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’
HortiRoad2India Experts Sessions: Dutch solutions for sustainable farming in India
News
Aftermovie visit to Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad & Chennai
In November 2024, HortiRoad2India travelled to India with a clear goal: driving innovation and building partnerships to transform the food system!
The visit revealed a sector on the move. Indian industry and government are pushing for sustainable solutions, creating opportunities for collaboration in high-tech greenhouses, resource efficiency, and food security. Agreements like the MoU’s with SANDHU GREENS and Fragaria showed the potential is massive. India isn’t waiting—it’s happening now!
Greenhouse Experts from the Netherlands Return to India
From November 13 to 22, the Dutch greenhouse experts from HortiRoad2India will be back in India to boost collaboration in sustainable food systems using innovative solutions. The delegation will be present at Krishi Bharat Conference in Lucknow, and will visit Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad to meet with potential partners and stakeholders to enhance India’s future food system. We invite investors, forward-thinking growers, retailers, and food service businesses to meet us in India during key events and one-on-one business case sessions.
HortiRoad2India, 8 Berries and Mahaberry Sign MoU
We are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HortiRoad2India with 8 Berries & Mahaberry. These Indian berry producers have the ambition to expand using Dutch knowledge and solutions. This MoU marks the beginning of a focused effort to strengthen mid-tech horticultural operations in India, with an eye on exploring high-tech innovations for future growth.
8 Berries Farm & Nursery Private Limited and Mahaberry Private Limited are producers of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries and golden berries. They have a fast-growing network of over 300 contracted farmers and are on a mission to improve India’s berry farming to achieve better yields with efficient practices.
Watch our expert sessions: Dutch solutions for sustainable farming in India
In preparation for the upcoming trade mission to Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Delhi, in November 2024, the Dutch public-private partnership HortiRoad2India organized two online sessions designed to introduce and explore the potential of Indo-Dutch collaboration in high-tech greenhouse solutions.
These sessions are now available for on-demand viewing, providing valuable insights into how Dutch technology can contribute to India’s agricultural landscape. Click here to view session 1: Food & Technology and click here to view session 2: Food & Economics.
Meet horticulture experts from the Netherlands during Fresh Produce India
What does the future of food look like for India? Dutch experts, pioneers in sustainable greenhouse horticulture, can be the key to an efficient chain, supplying high-quality fruits and vegetables for both domestic and foreign consumption. The business case is promising, offering high returns both financially and in terms of sustainability. Therefore, the Dutch are eager to engage with those willing to invest in the future of food in India. Meet them during their trade mission from March 20 to 29, 2024 to Mumbai, Kochi, and Bengaluru.
HortiRoad2India visits World Food India 2023
We proudly look back on our successful trade mission around The World Food India in Delhi, 3-5 November 2023. During the trade mission Dutch Greenhouse Delta’s partners worked tirelessly to explore and strengthen new horizons in horticultural collaboration between India and The Netherlands. The trade mission marks a milestone in our commitment to promoting Dutch food safety systems globally.
PIB India cluster and Lemon Chilli Farms Sign MoU
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Endorses New Dutch-Indian Collaboration
In the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Dutch Greenhouse Delta, on behalf of the horticultural cluster ‘NLHortiRoad2India’, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian grower Lemon Chilli Farms. This took place in September during the outgoing trade mission with government and business in Bengaluru, India. In this MoU, both parties express their intention to implement Dutch innovative systems for sustainable food production with the Indian grower.
Successful Trade Mission Strengthens Relations and Explores Collaborations in Indian Horticulture
We look back on a successful HortiRoad2India trade mission to Hyderabad and Delhi, which took place in April 2023. During this mission, the public-private partnership seized valuable opportunities to promote the Dutch horticulture sector and establish collaborations with Indian partners. The results of the trade mission have contributed to strengthening the bilateral trade relations between the Netherlands and India, showcasing how Dutch expertise in greenhouse construction and horticultural technology can contribute to the further development of the Indian horticulture sector.
PIB India cluster heads off to Hyderabad and Delhi this April
The upcoming visit, which takes place from the 23rd until the 30th of April 2023, is the second trade mission to India, after the start of the multi-year public-private partnership PIB HortiRoad2India, in October last year. Shortly thereafter, the cluster of Dutch turnkey suppliers and specialized companies headed to the Indian states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Here they saw that food production in India is changing and that Dutch knowledge and integrated solutions can support India in growing safe and healthy fruits and vegetables sustainably. The visit in November already led to the development of proposals for projects in India.
Dutch mission to India leads to first collaborations with Indian partners
The Dutch horticultural trade mission to Karnataka and Maharashtra in India, from November 15 to 20, 2022, has provided a very good start to position the Dutch horticultural sector as a partner for India. Food safety is one of the spearheads of the Indian government and the demand for safe, fresh, and quality fruit and vegetables is rising in India. This results in great interest in how Dutch technologies and knowledge can support India’s horticulture sector to produce better-quality products in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Dutch horticultural trade mission to India
From November 15 to 20 a promising Dutch horticultural trade mission to India takes place. The mission is the first joint activity of the multi-year public-private partnership PIB NLHortiRoad2India, for which the covenant was signed in October in Ahoy, Rotterdam. The delegation visits the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra and participates in the Bangalore Tech Summit, Asia’s largest Technology Event from November 16 – 18, 2022. The trade mission is initiated and organized by Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD), Innovation Quarter, Rotterdam Partners, and the Dutch Embassy in New Delhi, India. No fewer than nine companies participate.
Dutch business cluster and government launch multi-year program to contribute to solutions for food challenges in India
On October 6, 2022, the covenant for the PIB NLHortiRoad2India was signed at the Netherlands India Business Meet in Ahoy, Rotterdam. This festive ceremony marks the kick-off of a multi-year public-private partnership, which aims to position the Dutch horticultural sector as a partner for India to meet India’s increasing demand for fresh, safe, and nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Desh Ramnath, Cluster Coordinator
Tiffany Meijer, Cluster Coordinator
