HortiRoad2India together with the Netherlands Agriculture Network team in India, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and Larive International has developed a Horticulture Entrepreneurship Training Program tailored to the Indian horticulture sector. The program is part of the Partners for International Business (PIB) initiative and was commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
K2K Horti-Entrepreneurship pilot training
The training curriculum was developed by Dutch experts from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and Larive International, in coordination with the Netherlands Embassy in India, and input from coordinators, Dutch Greenhouse Delta, InnovationQuarter, Rotterdam Partners and cluster companies of the HortiRoad2India. It is a ready-to-use program that combines practical and theoretical learning. The goal is to help India’s next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs build sustainable horticultural businesses.
What skills do the participants learn?
The Horticulture Entrepreneurship Training program covers a wide range of topics aimed at developing future leaders in horticulture entrepreneurship:
- Environmental analysis and market research to identify risks and opportunities in high-tech horticulture
- Business strategy and value chain mapping for data-driven decision-making
- Sustainability practices and certifications such as India GAP and Global G.A.P.
- Operational planning, including efficient production, logistics, and post-harvest management
- Financial management and risk mitigation strategies for sustainable growth
A highlight is the emphasis on collaboration. Participants work in cross-disciplinary teams, creating an environment where farmers, government officials, students, and entrepreneurs can exchange experiences and perspectives. This diversity sparks creativity and fosters innovative solutions for challenges in the horticulture sector.
The final pitch session allows participants to present their business ideas to a jury of industry experts, receiving valuable feedback to refine their strategies.
Pilot training
The first pilot training was hosted at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) – a center where Dutch entrepreneurs can share their knowledge and expertise with the local horticulture sector – and KVK Baramati’s facilities, allowing for both theoretical learning and hands-on application.
India now has access to a first-of-its-kind Horticulture Entrepreneurship Training curriculum
A thorough evaluation of the pilot training by the participants, trainers and other stakeholders in the program led to improvements and refinements in the curriculum (such as: organizing follow-up modules or alumni sessions). With this strong first test, India now has access to a first-of-its-kind Horticulture Entrepreneurship Training curriculum that education centres and universities across the country can adopt or request to strengthen their own courses. Over five intensive days, participants complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in horticulture entrepreneurship.
Testimonial participant
“The training was all about how a new, young company like ours in horticulture should look at building a business, assess whether the industry or idea has scope, and understand how to go about execution. It also helped us look at quality parameters, financial parameters, and build a complete business case that can be implemented over the next five years. A lot of information was condensed into five days. Even though I had done my MBA in the past, I found these sessions highly insightful, as I am able to apply them to my current business.”
-Mr. Ramakrishna, Bangalore Berry Company
K2K Horti-Entrepreneurship pilot training
Scaling impact: the road ahead
While this training is an impactful experience, its true value lies in its potential for scalable impact. Equipped with new skills and insights, participants are better positioned to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and contribute to India’s broader goals of sustainability and food security.
This program is not an isolated effort, it is part of a strategic blueprint developed by the PIB program to support sustainable horticulture projects in India. The blueprint focuses on both crop production (yield, diversity) and business performance (profitability, impact, income), ensuring a holistic approach to sector transformation. The long-term strategy ensures that these efforts are embedded in a larger framework for sustainable horticulture development.
The ready-to-use curriculum will continue to drive change. The knowledge shared and partnerships formed will lead to lasting improvements, with participants ready to implement new strategies in their businesses and communities.
Trade mission to Bangalore
From 28 September to 3 October 2026, RVO and Netherlands Embassy in India are organizing a trade mission to Bangalore with the Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture Silvio Erkens.
The mission will visit the HortiConnect India Exhibition (October 1 to 3 in Bangalore). There is a Dutch Pavilion at the HortiConnect India trade fair, where interested parties can meet the Dutch participants and experience the strength and innovation of Dutch horticulture. Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences will be present at the pavilion and will be able to tell more about the Horti-Entrepreneurship Curriculum.
Participants are better positioned to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and contribute to India’s goals of sustainability and food security.
Interested in the curriculum and follow-up?
In collaboration with the Dutch Horticulture Sector and the educational institutions involved, it is possible to take (parts of) the training in the future. The curriculum is available for replication in India by educational and training institutions, in partnership with Dutch Knowledge institutions.
To learn more about this training or exploring the possibilities for (partially) implementing it, please reach out to NDE-LVVN@minbuza.nl.