Bengaluru : The 2026 edition of HortiConnect India Expo, scheduled from
October 1 to 3 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), will
see an expanded focus as it begins to engage more directly with India’s wider
agriculture sector. The trade fair will be co-hosted by Messe Muenchen India in
partnership with Bengaluru-based HortiConnect Global Pvt. Ltd.

 

Originally positioned as an
international-standard trade fair centred on horticulture, the organisers said
the broader scope reflects increasing convergence across crop segments. Technologies
first adopted in horticulture, such as protected cultivation systems, precision
irrigation, climate-resilient inputs, and post-harvest infrastructure, are now
being deployed across field crops and mixed farming systems.

 

Horticulture will continue to anchor the
exhibition, with coverage across greenhouse technologies, seed and planting
material, irrigation solutions, bio-inputs, and post-harvest management. The
additional agriculture lens is intended to draw participation from players
whose products and services serve multiple crop categories, particularly in
water management, mechanisation for high-value crops, and supply chain
integration.

 

India’s horticulture sector has gained policy
prominence in recent years, driven by rising domestic demand, export growth,
and the need to improve farm incomes. At the same time, pressure on land and
water resources has pushed farmers towards intensive production models, many of
which originated in horticulture but are now influencing broader agricultural
practices.

 

“This platform was created to respond to how the
sector is evolving,” said S.K. Gutgutia, Chairman, Florance Flora, and a
member of HortiConnect Global. “Advanced technologies first adopted in
horticulture are now influencing broader agricultural practices, and the
exhibition reflects that shift.”

 

Bhupinder Singh, President – IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa), Messe München and CEO,
Messe Muenchen India, said the partnership aligns global exhibition standards
with regional sector strengths. “Karnataka and larger South India have
developed into key centres for horticulture-driven enterprise, particularly in
floriculture, precision farming, and export-oriented production. HortiConnect
provides a focused business platform anchored in these strengths.”

 

The 2026 edition will focus on key growth areas
such as protected cultivation, smart irrigation, climate-resilient crop
inputs, and post-harvest management—areas that are critical for both
domestic supply chains and agri-export ambitions.

 

What to Expect at HortiConnect India
2026

Unlike broader agri expos, HortiConnect India
maintains a sharp focus on the horticulture segment—covering the entire value
chain from input to market. The 2026 edition will feature:

●     
Live technology
zones with working demos and product launches

●     
A dedicated
visitor connect app to enable
seamless B2B meetings and lead generation

●     
International
brand participation across
irrigation systems, seed tech, substrates, greenhouse automation, and
sustainable solutions

●     
Curated
networking zones, digital badges, and
premium amenities for exhibitors and business visitors

 

Organisers say the event also aims to foster stronger
policy-industry collaboration, especially in the context of India’s push
for FPO-led market development, horticulture exports, and climate-smart
agriculture.

 

In addition to technology showcases and product
demonstrations, the organisers expect participation from grower clusters,
farmer-producer companies, exporters, and agri-input firms across the country.
Policy and market-linked discussions around FPO-led supply chains and
climate-smart agriculture are also likely to feature.

 

The 2026 edition will also see the co-location
of the first edition of AgriCon India, a new platform positioned to address
cross-cutting challenges in the agriculture sector. AgriCon India is intended
to bring together stakeholders from technology, policy, finance, academia, and
farmer networks, with a focus on bridging gaps between innovation and on-ground
adoption.

 

With agriculture facing structural pressures
related to productivity, resource efficiency, and market access, platforms that
integrate technology, capital, and policy dialogue are increasingly seen as
part of the sector’s transition. The co-location of AgriCon India alongside
HortiConnect India reflects an attempt to address these broader agricultural
challenges while retaining horticulture as the exhibition’s specialist anchor.