ADM and Bayer have announced a three-year extension of their partnership to support soybean farmers in Maharashtra, India, expanding their reach from 25,000 to 100,000 farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The program, launched in 2022, will also scale soybean cultivation from 35,000 hectares to 200,000 hectares and extend coverage to seven districts, adding Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, and Solapur to the original focus on Latur, Dharashiv, and Beed.
The partnership emphasizes sustainable farming practices based on the ProTerra Foundation’s framework, focusing on customized production management, tailored spray programs, program monitoring, detailed crop documentation, and collaborative post-harvest pest management.
Bayer has conducted extensive in-person and digital training programs, reaching thousands of growers with guidance on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), biodiversity, and integrated pest management. Over 58,000 farmers have participated in audio bridge calls, pre-sowing camps, and crop management workshops, with select farmers receiving rigorous BayGAP training.
ADM’s agronomist team also receives ongoing training to support farmers in nutrient and pesticide management and sustainable practices. ADM leverages its broad network in India, including more than 50 Krishi Vikas Kendras, to provide on-the-ground support.
Amrendra Mishra, ADM’s Managing Director of Ag Services & Oilseeds, said the partnership reflects a long-term vision to strengthen food systems and farmer resilience. Simon Wiebusch, Bayer’s Crop Science Division head for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighted the collaboration’s role in promoting climate-smart agriculture and building a resilient agri-ecosystem across Maharashtra.
