The Agriculture and Food Processing Committee of AMCHAM organized an interactive session with USAID – South Asia AgTech Hub for Innovation (SAATHI) on June 18th. Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM welcomed panellists and participants and spoke about the importance of technology in agriculture especially in the post COVID era where technology is becoming the most essential ingredient for survival. Mr. Simon George, Chairman – Agriculture & Food Processing Committee, AMCHAM and President, Cargill India, spoke about the performance of agriculture as a sector and also how the food processing sector was proving to be the necessary catalyst in its better performance. He pointed out the need of greater agricultural reforms required especially post the pandemic. He also said that science and technology would play a bigger role in the future and would help in elevating farmers’ lives.

Mr. Nehal Sanghavi, Senior Advisor for Innovation and Partnership, USAID/India, expressed his gratitude towards AMCHAM and enumerated various successful engagements with AMCHAM members like the Corporate TB Pledge, water and sanitation work, etc. Mr. Nirat Bhatnagar, Partner, Dalberg and Director – SAATHI, mentioned how innovation in agriculture was quickly catching up and SAATHI could help in escalating these innovations. He also spoke about how India could be used as a spring board for entering into other South Asian countries. Mr. Girish Aivalli, Chief Executive Officer, SAATHI gave a comprehensive presentation on the working of SAATHI. SAATHI’s core service offerings include South Asian partnerships, investment facilitations and business and agri projects advisories. They engage across the entire agribusiness ecosystem from pre harvesting to post harvesting as well as innovations and ancillary activities. The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Ranjana Khanna, Director General CEO, AMCHAM.