Since 2018, HollandDoor, the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables (CoE) in Baramati and various Dutch knowledge partners have worked together to provide extensive training for a diverse group of participants in greenhouse hydroponic production and horticultural value chain management.
Identifying themselves as the “Maharashtra Greenhouse Experts (MGE), powered by CoE Baramati”, this group represents a diverse range of Indian companies and organisations, including seed companies, suppliers and knowledge centres. MGE and CoE aim to work together to further develop and professionalize the greenhouse vegetable sector in Maharashtra – a task no party can accomplish alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the project, affecting the daily lives and careers of MGE members. To keep the MGE active and engaged, the group reunited from 16-19 February 2026 for a study tour to various leading greenhouse horticulture areas in India. The aim was to foster dialogue with farmers and other stakeholders about the latest developments, their main challenges and what has helped them to succeed, as well as what support they need to achieve their ambitions and succeed in their businesses. Their views on the future development of greenhouse cultivation in India yielded valuable insights.
The study tour started in Pune, Maharashtra, on the Monday and concluded with a joint meeting on the Thursday. On the Tuesday and Wednesday, four individual groups travelled to various destinations in Jaipur, Bangalore, West-Maharashtra and Hyderabad, where they visited a variety of companies and institutes, including Nutrifresh, Nourishing Farms, Simply Fresh, Eeki Farms, Agriglow, Fragaria Farms and AgroTie.
When the groups reconvened in Pune on the Thursday, they shared their findings from the visits. The tour was greatly appreciated by the MGE members and provided them with the latest in-depth insights into the key success factors and challenges facing Indian greenhouse horticulture and opportunities for further collaboration between India and the Netherlands. The conclusion was that the strategy should be to do as much as possible for India from India, with Dutch horticultural technology and expertise adding value where relevant. We refer to this as the Indo-Dutch hybrid greenhouse model, which is currently undergoing further development for new joint activities.
For more information, please contact Niek Botden and Engelie Beenen.
Joomla Extensions