A delegation from India – including representatives from some of the country’s biggest agribusinesses – have visited the Agtech and Logistics Hub to experience the latest innovation in Australia’s agrifood sector.
Leading Aussie agtech providers got the opportunity to present their products to the delegation, who are looking to invest in agtech and strike up new partnerships in Australia, potentially worth millions.
The visit on Thursday 2 June was a timely one, with a stronger trading relationship emerging between Australia and India and the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries in April.
Major Indian agribusinesses with representatives in the delegation included Captain Agri Machinery, Tractor and Farm Equipment Limited, DCM Shriram, Samunnati, and Sangha Group. Government officials from India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare were also part of the delegation.
As part of their week-long trip to Australia, the delegation visited Toowoomba to hear from Australia agtech experts in areas such as satellite imagery, traceability, and get to see infield tech, tractor tech and AI technology for growers.
They enjoyed their visit to the Agtech and Logistics Hub, Australia’s premier agribusiness innovation hub and home of digital agriculture which aims to grow the agriculture industry through the development and adoption of innovation and technology.
Agtech and Logistics Hub Director Thomas Hall said it was an honour to host the delegation and introduce them to some cutting-edge Australian agtech.
“The delegation included representatives from major agribusinesses in India that are looking for solutions in areas such as food quality, traceability, provenance, sustainable agriculture, digital farming and automation,” Mr Hall said.
“The Hub has been working very closely with Australian innovators to solve these types of challenges with a view to grow and diversify the agricultural value chain through the development and adoption of innovation and technology.
“It was great to introduce the delegation to a host of agtech experts and innovators, so they can work together to solve challenges and commercialise ideas.”
Among the delegates to visit the Hub was Mr T.R. Kesavan, Group President, Corporate Relations & Alliances for TAFE Limited, the world’s third largest tractor manufacturer and India’s largest exporter of tractors and agricultural equipment, including to Australia.
Mr Kesavan was interested to look at the advances Australia is making in water management and robotic weeding technology.
“It all adds up to potentially huge savings for both the farmer and the wider environment.
“At the same time, there’s much that India is doing, for instance in the area of traceability, that is equally applicable to Australia. There is much that we can and should collaborate on. The strengthening ties between our two countries opens up so many opportunities for our agtech companies.”
John Southwell, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Mumbai – Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) said Australia was famed for quality, green, safe produce and cutting-edge agricultural technology.
“Austrade has brought Indian agribusiness leaders to experience Australia’s innovation up close in Toowoomba, one of the world’s leading agtech hubs,” Mr Southwell said.
“The strong relationship between farmers, industry and research institutions drives innovation and collaboration. It enables improved domestic food production efficiency and supports the export growth potential of the sector.
“The signing of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will fuel mutually beneficial ag-tech collaboration. Austrade encourages Indian and Australian agribusinesses to forge partnerships from manufacturing products using Australian intellectual property to food processing to bring benefits to both nations.”