India showcased its small farmer-led agricultural revolution at SIAL Paris 2026, highlighting sustainable farming, women’s empowerment, agricultural drones, AI technology and traceable food products. The exhibition also spotlighted opportunities for Indian farmers and food businesses in European markets.
India showcased its small farmer-led agricultural transformation at SIAL Paris 2026, highlighting sustainable farming, climate resilience, technological innovation and women’s empowerment in agriculture. According to a report published by Euronews, India’s participation as the exhibition’s Partner Country demonstrated how agricultural diversity and improved farming practices could strengthen food security and create new opportunities for Indian producers in international markets.
Held at Paris Nord Villepinte from October 17 to 21, 2026, SIAL Paris featured India’s pavilion under the theme “Feeding Our Tomorrow”. Jawed Ashraf, chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and former Indian ambassador to France and Monaco from 2020 to 2024, led India’s presence at the international food exhibition.
The pavilion highlighted India’s agricultural development, which is supported by millions of small farmers and a diverse range of food products. According to the report, India produces grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and seafood to meet the needs of approximately one-sixth of the global population.
Ashraf emphasised the importance of making agriculture more sustainable and resilient to climate change. He described a shift towards farming methods that reduce chemical use and improve traceability, while enabling farmers to manage resources more efficiently.
Emerging technologies, including drones, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), are increasingly helping farmers monitor crops, manage water supplies, apply fertilisers and improve crop protection. These innovations are becoming particularly important as extreme weather conditions place growing pressure on agricultural production.
The exhibition also highlighted the contribution of women to India’s agricultural transformation. With the United Nations designating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Ashraf drew attention to women-led farmer-producer organisations that help improve household incomes and strengthen women’s economic independence and influence in their communities.
One example featured in the report was Priyanka Rhushikesh Mohite, a certified agricultural drone pilot from Nashik, Maharashtra, who travelled to Paris for the exhibition. She uses drones to spray nano fertilisers and distribute seeds, demonstrating how technology can reduce the time and resources required for agricultural work.
Mohite explained that watering one acre of farmland previously took an entire day and approximately 200 litres of water. With drone technology, the task can be completed in seven to eight minutes using around 10 litres of water, according to the report. Her experience illustrates the potential of modern agricultural equipment to improve efficiency and conserve water.
India’s pavilion also promoted packaged foods, ready-to-eat products and premium agricultural goods aimed at international consumers. Traceability systems and geographical indication (GI) tags were highlighted as important tools for establishing product authenticity and connecting food products with their places of origin.
Products such as Naga chilli and Mithila makhana, the edible seeds of the fox nut plant, were among the examples illustrating India’s regional food diversity. Such products can help Indian producers differentiate their offerings and strengthen their position in overseas markets.
The report also noted that ITPO was considering establishing offices in several European cities, including Frankfurt, Paris, Milan and Rotterdam, to strengthen trade connections and support Indian businesses seeking international opportunities.
India’s efforts to expand food exports could receive additional support from trade agreements. The India-European Union free trade agreement (FTA), concluded in January 2026, is expected to be signed by the end of the year, according to the report. The agreement is intended to improve trade opportunities between the two markets, although the benefits available to individual products will depend on the final terms and applicable requirements.
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Ashraf expressed confidence that expanded trade opportunities could benefit farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), provided they meet European market standards and establish connections with buyers.
India’s participation at SIAL Paris 2026 therefore highlighted not only its agricultural production capacity but also the importance of sustainable farming, digital technology, women-led enterprises and value-added food products. The broader challenge remains to extend these gains to more small farmers while helping Indian food producers build a stronger and more competitive presence in European markets.
