ADM expands soybean farmer programme in India through TechnoServe deal
The company plans to support 15,000 soybean farmers in Maharashtra through climate-smart farming practices and digital farm tools.
INDIA – Archer Daniels Midland has signed a partnership with TechnoServe to expand its Farm Forward programme in India, with plans to reach 15,000 soybean farmers in Maharashtra over the next 18 months.
ADM said the programme will receive funding worth US$500,000 through ADM Cares, the company’s social investment arm. The work will cover four districts in Maharashtra, including Latur, Dharashiv, Beed, and Nanded.
The programme will focus on soil health, climate resilience, digital farm support, and stronger Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs). ADM and TechnoServe signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2026, with ADM handling programme oversight while TechnoServe leads field work.
The companies said the project supports India’s wider push for sustainable farming by helping farmers improve water use, manage farm inputs better, and maintain stable crop yields. The programme will also connect farmers with government-backed digital farming systems and advisory services.
As part of the rollout, the partners will first carry out soil and water assessments using existing government-backed technology systems. The programme will then set up about 200 demonstration plots across participating villages during two crop seasons. Farmers will use the plots to test farming methods linked to soil care, water conservation, and long-term farm output.
ADM and TechnoServe also plan to establish eight FPO hubs that will continue supporting farmers after the programme ends.
The programme will connect with Maharashtra’s Maha-Agri Tech project, which uses satellite and drone tools to monitor crop health, pest activity, and field conditions. Farmers will also access digital advisory services through the Mahavistar app.
“At ADM, we believe that sustainable supply chains start with resilient farming communities,” said Amrendra Mishra, Managing Director of Ag Services and Oilseeds and Country Manager India at ADM.
“In partnership with TechnoServe, we are combining our expertise, partnerships, and on-the-ground experience to support farmers in strengthening climate resilience, improving soil health, enhancing livelihoods through targeted training and technology-enabled solutions, and expanded access to markets and resources.”
Joydeep Dutt, Country Director India at TechnoServe, said the partnership places smallholder farmers at the centre of agricultural systems.
“In partnership with ADM, we are bringing together our on-the-ground expertise, deep community relationships, and proven approaches to empower smallholder soybean farmers across Maharashtra to strengthen climate resilience, adopt regenerative practices, and build more sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The latest programme expansion comes days after ADM launched eight new plant-based protein ingredients across North America and Europe. The additions include soy protein isolates, concentrates, and pea-based ingredients for beverages, dairy alternatives, bakery products, meat products, and plant-based foods.
Among the new products are ProFam 883, a soy protein isolate for protein beverages, and ProFam 894, which ADM developed for plant-based yogurt and nutritional drinks.
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