India’s Berry Industry to Benefit from Dutch Expertise: HortiRoad2India Signs MoU with 8 Berries & Mahaberry

Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the public-private partnership HortiRoad2India with 8 Berries & Mahaberry. These Indian berry producers have the ambition to expand using Dutch knowledge and solutions. This MoU marks the beginning of a focused effort to strengthen mid-tech horticultural operations in India, with an eye on exploring high-tech innovations for future growth.

HortiRoad2India, a public-private partnership from the Netherlands, seeks to enhance mid-tech greenhouse production in India, particularly at the higher end of the technological spectrum. 8 Berries Farm & Nursery Private Limited and Mahaberry Private Limited are producers of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries and golden berries. They have a fast-growing network of over 300 contracted farmers and are on a mission to improve India’s berry farming to achieve better yields with efficient practices.

The MoU between the Netherlands and the Indian berry producers is aimed at scaling current operations using Dutch expertise and solutions, and further research for an initial high-tech demo greenhouse, to be constructed in 2025. Srinivasan Pillai, founder and director of 8 Berries & Mahaberry, made multiple visits to Netherlands where he engaged with many Dutch greenhouse experts to explore modern techniques to enhance efficient and sustainable production. The partnership was formalized during his recent visit to the Netherlands.

With India’s vast potential in horticulture and the growing demand for high-quality, sustainably grown produce, the collaboration offers a unique opportunity. 8 Berries & Mahaberry, already established names in India’s berries cultivation, are eager to expand its capabilities and market reach by integrating Dutch horticultural innovations.

Srinivasan Pillai explains: “Together, we’re committed to growing sustainable, high-quality fresh food. Dutch solutions not only reduce the use of water, pesticides, food waste and space, but also significantly boost yields, ultimately promoting berry farming in India.” 

This MoU signifies the first step towards a larger vision for India’s future food system. The shared goal is clear: to combine the best of both worlds and build a more sustainable and productive future for Indian agriculture.