Dutch Minister Silvio Erkens to Visit India to Boost Agrifood Ties
Netherlands Minister Silvio Erkens visits India to boost agrifood innovation, trade, and sustainable food processing through a high-level mission.
In a significant move to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Netherlands Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture, Silvio Erkens, is embarking on an official visit to India from September 27 to October 2. This high-level mission aims to advance ties across agriculture, horticulture, sustainable food processing, and innovative value chains.
This visit holds immense diplomatic weight, marking the first time a Dutch government minister has visited India since the announcement of the Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in May. Furthermore, it is the first visit by a minister from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature since 2018.
A Strategic Push for Agrifood Innovation
The timing of this engagement follows the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-India trade agreement in January 2026. The Dutch government views this agreement as vital from both economic and geopolitical perspectives for the Netherlands, the EU, and India.
Minister Erkens has highlighted India's rising global influence in the agricultural landscape. "India is a rapidly growing country, and the agriculture sector is very important from an economic perspective," the Minister stated. He added that as India becomes a major player in agrifood innovation, it presents massive economic opportunities for the Netherlands. The Dutch aim to share expertise in critical areas such as seed improvement and greenhouse technology to open new doors for Dutch businesses in the Indian market.
Expanding the Dutch Footprint in India
The Netherlands already maintains a strong presence in India, with over 350 Dutch businesses operating across sectors like poultry, dairy, horticulture, and the potato and seed industries. The current mission, which includes a delegation of 18 Dutch businesses and organizations, seeks to tap into further opportunities in:
- Sustainable crop protection
- Advanced logistics and technology
- Seed technology and knowledge sharing
- Innovative value chains
The High-Stakes Itinerary: From Delhi to Bengaluru
The Minister's week-long itinerary is designed to engage with India's most vital economic and agricultural hubs:
- Delhi (September 28): The visit kicks off with substantive meetings at the Dutch ambassador's residence, including discussions with India's Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Mumbai (September 29): The delegation moves to Mumbai for a round-table breakfast with business leaders, the opening of the Anuga FoodTec expo, and talks with the Maharashtra state government and the seed sector.
- Bengaluru (September 30): The mission heads to Karnataka for trade visits and an informal meeting with the state's Minister of Horticulture.
- Final Leg (October 1): The Minister will open the Agricon HortiConnect Expo and the Dutch pavilion. A key highlight includes a visit to the Breda-based cold chain logistics firm, NewCold, which is working to professionalize cold chain transport in India. The mission will conclude with an event focused on agrifood innovation alongside local start-ups and scale-ups.