Indian horticulture gears up for growth with two key events in September

INDIA – India’s horticulture sector will get a major boost this September through two major industry events: Technology Vision 2030 and HortiConnect India 2025.

The events, set for Bangalore, are designed to give Indian growers access to tools and knowledge that are often out of reach.

“The Indian industry can grow, so we want to help it do so,” says Rajeeb Kumar Roy, one of the organizers and the Managing Director of Agriplast Tech India. He has over three decades of experience in high-tech farming. “We’ve seen the industry needs to grow, but growers can’t travel everywhere to find the latest technologies.”

Rajeeb and four other veterans in the field, Mr. Shrikant Bolapally, Mr. S.K. Gutgutia of Florence Flora, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, and Mr. Rafi, came together to plan these events.

“Usually, shows are done for business purposes. Our idea came from five individuals with successful businesses, each with more than 30 years in the industry,” Rajeeb says.

“We travel around to find the latest technologies and we believe the industry can benefit from these offerings. But for many Indian growers, visiting international trade shows is not an option. That’s why we’re bringing the technologies to India.”

Two events, one goal: Industry support

The one-day Technology Vision 2030 conference will take place on 24 September 2025 at the Sheraton Grand, Bangalore. Topics will include protected cultivation, automation, plant nutrition, AI, and IoT.

From 25 to 27 September 2025, HortiConnect India 2025 will run at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. This three-day event will host more than 250 exhibitors, including a Dutch Pavilion with international participants.

Crops like cucumber, capsicum, cherry tomato, and lettuce are rising in popularity, while roses, gerberas, carnations, lilies, and anthuriums still dominate flower production. Orchids are also gaining ground. “Cucumber farmers are making good money, and it’s also a good crop for summer,” Rajeeb adds.

However, he notes that consumer preferences matter. “People are used to eating local vegetables—not salads or leafy greens. Lettuce is still not part of the culture, but it is slowly catching on.”

Adoption of technology remains low

“Currently, the adoption of growing media and hydroponic systems is limited, though present. Some farms have started growing on coco peat… only 2 percent might be doing it,” he explains.

“But all the pot plant nurseries and seedling nurseries are emerging, and even rockwool suppliers have found the Indian market.”

He also notes that simple tools like sensors can change how growers work. “India will not be a market for grow lights yet, but there are so many other modern-day technologies that are applicable here, if only growers knew about their potential. Nobody was measuring DLI until last year. I introduced Apogee sensors to monitor DLI, which helps growers adjust their climate strategies.”

Tools like fertigation systems and automated controls are slowly gaining interest. “People are starting to use automation as they become aware of IoT and data. The industry might lag behind on some fronts but is ready to adopt high-tech products on others.”

Neutral, industry-led approach

Rajeeb stresses that both events are meant to help the industry, not promote individual companies. “We want to support the industry broadly, not benefit ourselves. We will have a booth there, but Agriplast has paid the same price as other exhibitors. We’re not taking advantage of being founders or speakers.”

“This is for the industry, and we want to stay objective. Over the last three years, we haven’t promoted our own products, we only talk about what’s good for the industry. If the industry grows, we grow as well.”

Technology Vision 2030 and HortiConnect India 2025 mark a turning point for local growers, offering them real tools and ideas they can apply without needing to leave the country.

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