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AB InBev India marked the 5th Annual Barley Growers Day, reinforcing its focus on strengthening agricultural supply chains and farmer engagement through its SmartBarley Program. With over 2,000 farmers participating, the initiative has contributed to improving barley cultivation in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh—regions that account for more than 50 percent of India’s barley production.
The event featured demonstrations of crop management techniques, agricultural technologies, and success stories from over 350 farmers. Since its launch in Sirsa in 2016, the SmartBarley Program has expanded from an upskilling and digital connectivity initiative for 1,000 farmers to a broader effort aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
SmartBarley is part of AB InBev’s global Smart Agriculture strategy, which has been in place since 2009. The program has led to consistent yield improvements of 5-15 percent while maintaining a 99 percent compliance rate with industry quality standards.
Kartikeya Sharma, President, AB InBev India said, “The beer industry stands as a powerful catalyst for economic growth in India, uniquely positioned at the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality. Our sector’s strength lies in its inherently local and natural character, creating value from farm to glass. The impact extends far beyond direct employment – from empowering thousands of farmers through sustainable agriculture to energizing an extensive network of suppliers, retailers, and hospitality partners. Through our SmartBarley Program, we’re leveraging this multiplier effect at scale, transforming barley cultivation into a cornerstone of rural prosperity while building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for India.”
The initiative integrates technology, research, and financial resources to modernize barley cultivation while maintaining environmental sustainability. “The success of our SmartBarley Program lies in its holistic integration of technology, sustainability, and community empowerment. By achieving 100 percent performance across all metrics for three consecutive years, we’ve proven that when farmers are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they become catalysts for transformative change. We are on our journey to creating a sustainable ecosystem where agricultural innovation drives both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity,” said Abhinav Bodas, Director – Procurement and Sustainability, AB InBev India.
As part of its ongoing farmer welfare initiatives, AB InBev India is introducing a vision care program for barley farmers in Farrukhnagar, Haryana. The initiative will provide vision screenings for 400 farmers, along with eyeglasses and referrals for specialized care where necessary. Studies indicate that improved vision can enhance productivity by up to 32 percent, making it a critical aspect of agricultural efficiency.
With domestic barley demand projected to rise by 15 percent compared to 2015 levels, AB InBev India plans to expand the SmartBarley Program further while continuing to focus on sustainable practices and farmer development.
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