Government to Set Up Center of Excellence for Broccoli to Boost Cultivation and Nutrition

Key Highlights

• Government to set up a Center of Excellence for broccoli.

• Focus on cultivation, cold storage, and the value chain.

• Strong support for farmers and market linkages.

• Global insights from Japan and Spain.

• Broccoli is promoted as a national superfood.

The Central Government has announced plans to establish a Center of Excellence for Broccoli to promote its cultivation, improve infrastructure, and develop specialised cold storage facilities. The initiative aims to position broccoli as a nutritious superfood and strengthen its value chain across India.

The announcement was made by Dr P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, during the Broccoli Consumption Conference India 2026, held at JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai. The conference was organised by Sakata Seed India and brought together farmers, industry experts, policymakers, retailers, and health professionals from across the broccoli ecosystem.

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Government Support for Broccoli Cultivation and Infrastructure

Dr P.K. Singh said the proposed Center of Excellence will support quality cultivation, propagation, processing, cold storage, and market linkages for farmers. He highlighted that broccoli has strong potential in food security, public health, and farmer income, especially through cluster-based development.

He added that existing potato cold storage facilities can be modified for broccoli, and the government will also support organic broccoli cultivation. Technical training, quality production guidance, and assured market connections will be key focus areas. Support from the Japanese government may also be explored for the initiative.

First-Ever Broccoli-Focused Conference in India

The conference marked the first dedicated broccoli event in India’s vegetable sector. It was inaugurated by several dignitaries, including:

• Dr P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner

• Mr Yagi Koji, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai

• Dr Mehraj A.S., Deputy Commissioner

• Mr Kenji Takikawa, Managing Director, Sakata Seed India

• Mr Isao Iuchi, Executive Officer

• Mr Javier Barnabu, known as the father of Spain’s broccoli revolution

Focus on Health, Awareness, and Sustainable Ecosystem

In his welcome address, Mr Ramesh Shirguppi, Director, Sakata Seed India, described the conference as a milestone for the vegetable industry. The theme, “Health and Happiness for Everyone,” aimed to build a sustainable broccoli ecosystem by connecting farmers, marketers, consumers, and culinary experts.

He also announced an awareness drive under the Swasth Bharat Abhiyan, with messages promoting daily broccoli consumption for better health. He noted that per capita broccoli consumption in India is steadily rising, showing growing awareness of its nutritional value.

Sakata Seed India and Global Perspective

Mr Kenji Takikawa, Managing Director of Sakata Seed India, spoke about the company’s 17-year journey in India since 2008. He stressed the importance of linking cultivation, processing, and consumption to create long-term sustainability.

He also shared that the Government of Japan has included broccoli in its ‘designated vegetables’ list from fiscal year 2026, highlighting its global importance as a nutrition-rich crop.

Japan’s Role in Promoting Broccoli

Mr Yagi Koji, Consulate General of Japan, said that although broccoli is not native to Japan, coordinated government and industry efforts have helped spread it to 170 countries worldwide. He added that climate-suited broccoli seeds developed by Japan are well-matched for Indian conditions and can support national nutrition goals.

Health, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Insights

Former Indian cricketer Mr Krishnamachari Srikkanth delivered a motivational address, sharing how broccoli is part of his regular diet, including broccoli soup several times a week. He reinforced the message that good health is the foundation of success.

International lifestyle coach Ms Claudia Ciesla spoke about broccoli’s role in addressing malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases, highlighting its importance in daily diets.

Expert Discussions on Food, Health, and Value Addition

The conference featured a presentation by Mr Shinaya Kimura on global broccoli promotion and future opportunities.

A panel discussion brought together experts, including Dr Nazneen Hussain, Dr Rajashree Taishete, Dr Shalini Arya, Mr Sachin Walunj, Mr Maruti Chapke, and Mr Vivek Nayak. Discussions covered broccoli’s health benefits, Indian recipes, frozen products for value addition, and the role of public-private partnerships in research and development.

Lessons from Spain’s Broccoli Success Story

Mr Javier Barnabu shared insights from Spain’s successful broccoli movement, where promotion through schools, supermarkets, and a dedicated Broccoli Association helped increase consumption. The association includes growers, seed companies, retailers, processors, exporters, government bodies, and influencers working together.

Building a Strong Cold Chain and Retail Demand

The second session focused on creating a sustainable value chain, with discussions on precooling units, cold van transport, and customised cold storage.

Mr Avinash Joshi from Reliance Retail emphasised the need for small awareness campaigns at retail outlets to educate consumers and increase demand for broccoli.

Broccoli Cooking Competition Adds Practical Touch

A special highlight was a broccoli-based cooking competition for homemakers, guided by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Participants prepared Indian dishes using only broccoli, showcasing its versatility. All participants received certificates, and the best dishes were awarded prizes.

A Step Towards a Healthier India

Sakata Seed Corporation and Sakata Seed India thanked all dignitaries and participants for making the event a success. The conference marked a historic step for India’s vegetable sector, reinforcing broccoli’s potential as a superfood and strengthening collective efforts toward better nutrition, farmer growth, and a healthier nation.

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CMV360 Says

The announcement of a Center of Excellence for broccoli marks a major step toward improving nutrition, farmer income, and sustainable agriculture in India. With strong government backing, global collaboration, and industry participation, broccoli is set to gain wider acceptance as a daily health food. The conference successfully connected cultivation, health, retail, and awareness, laying a solid foundation for broccoli’s future growth in the country.