ADM and Bayer Extend Partnership to Scale Sustainable Farming Support to 100,000 Farmers in India

Global nutrition leader ADM and life sciences giant Bayer have announced a three-year extension of their strategic partnership in India, aimed at promoting sustainable soybean farming practices in the state of Maharashtra.

Building on a pilot programme launched in 2022, the expanded initiative aims to scale impact fourfold. The project targets reaching 100,000 farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and expanding coverage from 35,000 hectares to 200,000 hectares.

Geographic Expansion and Scope

The collaboration originally focused on the districts of Latur, Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), and Beed. Under the new agreement, the footprint will expand to cover seven districts in total, adding Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, and Solapur.

The initial phase successfully reached 25,000 farmers by May 2025, meeting its primary targets and establishing the operational groundwork for this significant scaling effort.

The ProTerra Framework: The '5 Ps'

The partnership operationalises sustainability through a framework aligned with the ProTerra Foundation, focusing on five critical pillars of supply chain integrity:

Production: Customised production management.
Protection: Tailored spray programmes emphasising biodiversity and pre-harvest intervals.
Programme Monitoring: Professional implementation guidance.
Passport: Detailed crop-management documentation.
Post-harvest Management: Collaborative pest management expertise.

Operational Roles and Training

Both companies leverage their specific core competencies to drive the initiative:

Bayer: Leads extensive capacity building in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The company has connected with over 58,000 farmers via digital audio bridge calls and conducted hundreds of crop-management camps. A select cohort of farmers also undergoes rigorous "BayGAP" training.
ADM: Utilises its extensive procurement network, including over 50 Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs), to provide on-the-ground support. ADM’s cluster agronomists receive specialised training in nutrient and pesticide scheduling to guide farmers towards economic and environmental viability.

Amrendra Mishra, Managing Director of Ag Services & Oilseeds and Country Manager India at ADM, commented on the long-term vision:

"Our extended partnership with Bayer reflects a long-term vision to safeguard food systems and foster a resilient future. By leveraging ADM’s market linkages and global resources, we aim to equip 100,000 farmers with the tools to strengthen economic resilience, enhance sustainable livelihoods, and lead the future of Indian agriculture."

Simon Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head – Crop Science Division at Bayer (India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka), emphasised the necessity of collaboration: "Sustainable development in agriculture cannot be achieved in isolation, it demands deep, purpose-driven partnerships... By scaling proven solutions across Maharashtra, we aim to help farmers improve yields sustainably while building a more resilient, future-ready agri-ecosystem."