International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) by Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. The three-day exhibition brings farmers, commercial growers, and FPOs into direct contact with technology providers, suppliers, buyers, and institutions across agriculture and horticulture.
Jointly organised by Messe Muenchen India and HortiConnect Global, AgriCon–HortiConnect India 2026 brings together the agriculture and horticulture value chains under one roof in Bengaluru. The event features more than 200 participating brands showcasing solutions across protected cultivation, irrigation, farm machinery, seeds, crop inputs, agritech, post-harvest technology, finance and exports. It also includes the Karnataka State Pavilion and a Dutch Pavilion. Over three days, the platform is expected to welcome 25,000+ participants from across the globe.
Addressing the inauguration of AgriCon–HortiConnect India 2026, Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka emphasised the role of technology, innovation and research in reducing cultivation costs and improving farmers’ incomes. He welcomed international participation and called for closer collaboration across agriculture, industry and government to strengthen market access and connect farmers with practical solutions.
For growers planning an investment, the key questions go beyond product specifications: how the solution performs in local conditions, what it costs to operate, and what support is available after purchase. FPOs and commercial growers are also using the exhibition to meet potential buyers, understand quality expectations and discuss routes to market, connecting farm-level decisions with demand across the value chain.
“Agriculture today needs platforms that connect production needs with market opportunities,” said Bhupinder Singh, President – IMEA, Messe München, and CEO, Messe Muenchen India. “Farmers, growers and buyers do not come only to observe products. They come to solve real business problems. By bringing technology providers, suppliers, buyers and institutions together, AgriCon–HortiConnect India creates a setting where practical questions can lead to better choices, stronger partnerships and more market-ready agriculture.”
The inauguration saw the presence of Silvio Erkens, Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture, Government of the Netherlands, who stated, “The Netherlands is seeking business partnerships with India in agriculture and horticulture.” Accompanied by 18 Dutch organisations participating in a trade mission, he highlighted the Dutch Pavilion as a platform to connect with Indian businesses. He described the two countries as natural partners, bringing together Dutch agricultural expertise and technology with India’s scale and innovation. His visit follows the India–Netherlands strategic partnership announced in May 2026, with agriculture among the priorities for cooperation.
The three-day conference brings research, policy and technology into focused discussions for growers and agri-horti businesses. Key themes include climate-ready farming, Viksit Krishi 2047, regenerative agriculture, AI, drones, robotics, electric tractors, protected cultivation, hydroponics, precision irrigation, livestock integration, floriculture, plant rights, benefit sharing and sustainable packaging. The programme concludes with the HortiConnect Awards and the Bengaluru AgriCon–HortiConnect Action Agenda 2030 roundtable.
“Solutions have the greatest value when growers can see how they work and speak openly about what they need,” said S. K. Gutgutia, Chairman, Florence Flora & Leadership role at HortiConnect Global. “By bringing cultivation, technology and market discussions together, AgriCon–HortiConnect India gives the industry a useful setting to move from introductions to practical cooperation”, he further added.
The agenda for AgriCon–HortiConnect India 2026 is supported by a National Advisory Committee chaired by Dr Tarun Shridhar, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The committee brings together senior voices from agriculture, horticulture, research, policy and allied sectors, including Dr A. K. Singh, Dr Harsh Bhanwala, Dr K. M. L. Pathak, Dr Kalyan Goswami, Dr Nutan Kaushik, Dr Poonam Malakondaiah, Dr S. K. Chaudhari, Dr S. K. Malhotra, Prof. Chandrashekhar M. Biradar, Dr S. B. Dandin and Dr T. Janakiram.
Beyond the exhibition and conference, the opening edition also introduces platforms that recognise and engage key contributors to Indian agriculture. The AGRI100 Awards, organised with Krishi Jagran, will honour 100 agripreneurs for their contribution to innovation and sustainable growth in the sector. The programme will also feature an International Coffee Day celebration, hosted by the Coffee Board of India, which is expected to bring together around 900 coffee growers and industry stakeholders for focused conversations across the coffee value chain.
AgriCon–HortiConnect India 2026 has drawn support from a wide network of government bodies, industry associations and sector institutions, reflecting the breadth of India’s agriculture and horticulture ecosystem. Supporting organisations include the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department, Coffee Board of India, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Growers’ Flower Council of India (GFCI), South India Floriculture Association (SIFA), International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB), National Seed Association of India (NSAI), Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), Protected Farming & Biofertilizer Association (PF&BA), Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA), Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI), Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI), PMFAI, APEDA, CASMB and other organisations.
The event’s outreach and knowledge ecosystem is further strengthened by media and knowledge partners including Krishi Jagran Private Limited, Agri-Search India Private Limited, Vadamalai Media Group and EAC. Their participation supports the platform’s aim of bringing technical insight, market understanding and sector-wide engagement together across agriculture and horticulture.
AgriCon–HortiConnect India 2026 continues at BIEC, Bengaluru, until 3 October 2026.
