The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) delegates were in New Delhi in March 2025 and participated in an interactive session focused on US - India trade and knowledge exchange at Hotel Shangri La, New Delhi. The session kicked off with a warm welcome to the delegates by Mr. SN Gupta, Chairman of Bharat Group and Mr. RP Gupta, Director & CEO, Bharat Group followed by the introductory presentation by Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, President & COO, Bharat Rasayan Limited.
Dr. PK Singh, India’s Agriculture Commissioner, expressed optimism about the future of agricultural cooperation. He pointed out that despite challenges like genetically modified (GM) crop trading restrictions, both India and the U.S. are working toward innovation in crop science. He emphasized that technologies like genome editing and sustainable farming practices could open new avenues for cooperation.
Mr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, Indian Farmer Association Leader, shared his views on the importance of natural farming and the need to reduce chemical use in agriculture. He highlighted the success of chemical-free farming initiatives in India, particularly along the banks of the Ganges River, and stressed that the goal should be to provide consumers with the best quality products.
The session aimed to highlight the potential for further collaboration between the two countries, which are increasingly engaged in agricultural exchange. Mr. Leland (Lee) Strom, President and CEO of IALF and Ms. Melissa McMillan - Program Director noted that the U.S. and India have enjoyed a strong relationship, particularly in trade, with a mutual goal of growing the trade volume from the current $200 billion to $500 billion in the coming years. Strom highlighted that Indian agricultural products are of great interest to U.S. markets, and he sees opportunities for both nations to support each other through the exchange of technology, expertise, and agricultural products.
Mr. SN Gupta, Chairman of Bharat Group, shared the company’s achievements, noting that Bharat Rasayan Ltd. exports to over 60 countries, including the United States. He highlighted their collaboration with USA companies and emphasizing the quality of Indian-made products. Mr. SN Gupta expressed his belief that agricultural cooperation between India and the U.S. is mutually beneficial, with both countries gaining access to valuable resources and innovations.
Mr. RP Gupta, Director & CEO of Bharat Group, discussed the expanding research and development scope in India, particularly in areas like crop protection and agrochemical manufacturing. He also pointed out that Bharat Rasayan Ltd. manufacturing capacity in India allows it to offer competitive prices while maintaining high product standards.
Additionally, Mr. Abhishek Agrawal, President & COO of Bharat Rasayan Ltd. provided insights into the company’s innovative efforts, including their collaborations with Japanese companies. He emphasized Bharat’s commitment to bringing new, affordable technologies to farmers while striving to reduce costs for both manufacturers and consumers.
A key topic discussed during the session was the role of technology in improving agricultural sustainability. Dr. PK Singh outlined India’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies like genome editing to improve crop yields and enhance resilience to climate change. He also discussed initiatives such as the National Pest Surveillance System, the PM Kisan scheme, and the Agri Stack Traceability System, which aim to modernize India’s agricultural infrastructure.
The discussion also touched on the growing focus on carbon credits and how agriculture is being integrated into the voluntary carbon system. Dr. PK Singh highlighted efforts to reduce methane emissions through practices like direct-seeded rice and cultivating pulses through drip irrigation in drought-prone areas. These innovative practices, which contribute to India’s sustainable farming goals, represent the type of knowledge exchange that is vital for advancing agricultural practices across borders.
Policy Development and Future Collaboration
The session also addressed the policy frameworks shaping agricultural trade between the U.S. and India. Dr. PK Singh mentioned that while GM crops continue to face legal hurdles in India, there is growing interest in alternative technologies like genome editing, which could offer similar benefits to GM crops while sidestepping regulatory challenges. This shift toward new technologies has created an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two countries.
The discussions also revolved around the future of agricultural trade, with both countries pledging to continue expanding their cooperation. Mr. Lee Strom emphasized that one of the primary goals of the session was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and foster the development of mutually beneficial trade policies. The delegation's discussions also touched upon post-harvest technology, particularly in the construction of silos and warehouses to address storage and demand issues.
Furthermore, the delegation were guests of the Deputy Chief of Mission for the grand opening of the new U.S. Pavilion at the AAHAR Food Trade Show, where they have been invited to provide a statement on US- India bilateral trade.
Meeting at Shangri La was hosted by Bharat Rasayan Ltd., an Indian agrochemical company with a strong presence in the U.S. market. The company is known for its commitment to providing high-quality agrochemicals to global markets and has established a successful trade relationship with US companies.
