From Left to Right- Mr Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India & South Asia, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, Ms Pavitra Singh VP and People Leader, PepsiCo India and South Asia and Mr Harish Chandra, Managing Editor, CSR Times.
PepsiCo India reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to India’s farming community with the second edition of the Voices of Harvest Awards 2025, held on 18 November 2025 in New Delhi. Celebrating innovation, sustainability, and community leadership, the event recognized farmers whose work reflects the future of Indian agriculture. Rooted in PepsiCo India’s Partnership of Progress philosophy, the initiative underscored how meaningful change emerges when farmers, corporations, NGOs, and policymakers collaborate to address real agricultural challenges.
This year’s awards highlighted 10 inspiring farmers and collectives, chosen from more than 200 nominations across India. Their stories illustrated advancements in digital agriculture, regenerative practices, water conservation, crop diversification, and livelihood enhancement
The ceremony was graced by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who lauded farmers as the nation’s “jeevandata”, the lifeblood of India’s progress. He emphasized the government’s focus on soil health, productivity, food security, and stable incomes, reaffirming India’s mission to become the world’s food basket while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
PepsiCo India and South Asia CEO, Jagrut Kotecha highlighted the company’s deep engagement with more than 27,000 farmers across the country. He expressed optimism about the growing adoption of technology and regenerative techniques, calling it a cultural shift that aligns with the national ambition of positioning India as a global hub for sustainable agriculture.
The external jury for the awards brought together prominent agri-experts, including, Dr. M.L. Jat – Director General, Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Secretary, Development of Agriculture Research and Education, Government of India, Mr. Debaranjan Pujahari – Partner and Head for Agriculture Practice Area, Sattva Consulting, Dr. Swati Nayak, South Asia Lead, Seed System & Product Management and India Country Manager (Interim), International Rice Research Institute, Mr. Aniket Doegar, Founder & CEO, Haqdarshak, Mr. Harish Chandra, Managing Editor, CSR TIMES, and Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agriculture University. Grant Thornton Bharat served as the independent validation partner, adding credibility and rigor to the selection process. Winners included champions of agri-entrepreneurship, digital excellence, regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, climate resilience, women’s leadership, and youth innovation.
Building on last year’s RevolutioNari Awards, Voices of Harvest 2025 deepened PepsiCo India’s mission to champion farming communities and inspire pride in India’s agri-sector. By expanding the platform, the company reaffirmed its belief in being an “Agri-at-Heart” organization committed to honoring the communities that nourish the nation from seed to harvest.
The event also featured enriching panel discussions on regenerative agriculture, women’s empowerment, agri-entrepreneurship, and climate adaptation. Sessions such as “Seeding Change: Creating the Ecosystem for Transformation” and “India’s Women Farmers: From Embracing Change to Leading It” provided valuable insights into building resilient, future-ready farming systems. With over 300 farmers, innovators, policymakers, and experts in attendance, Voices of Harvest 2025 became a powerful confluence of ideas, celebrating India’s agricultural spirit and charting a more inclusive, sustainable future.
