What the field taught us: MIF in May

At Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), May was shaped by what we learnt from the ground and what we are preparing for next. Across field visits, conversations, and reflections from leaders and innovators, the focus was on a vital question — what does it take to build solutions that last?  May at MIF was about continuity, learning, and institutional thinking.

On the ground: Learning from implementation

The MIF x Samunnati Foundation agri-pilot continues to progress across Uttar Pradesh this month, with the team visiting Mirzapur and Varanasi. Innovative post-harvest management technologies by Saptkrishi (Sabjikothi), Temperate Technologies (ColdEasy), Godaam Innovations, and Agrograde are being piloted with nearly 1,000 smallholder farmers through awareness sessions, on-ground demonstrations, and trials.

As implementation deepens, three questions are guiding the pilot: 

• How do technologies fit within existing farming realities? 
• What helps farmers adopt them? 
• And what happens after pilots meet everyday constraints on the ground?

Recent updates from the field highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with farmers, local coordination, and feedback loops during implementation.

“What stayed with me were the conversations and learning from our on-ground implementation partner, Samunnati Foundation, and from the men and women farmers. Their insights were precise, practical, and deeply rooted in lived experience, leaving us with important questions.”

-Suranjana Ghosh, Head of Marico Innovation Foundation

The lesson is  clear. Innovation in agriculture cannot rely only on technological readiness alone. It also depends on trust, usability, and the ability to work within real-world farming systems. 

Looking ahead: Preparing for Indian Innovation Icons 2027

Preparations are beginning internally for the next edition of Indian Innovation Icons. Over the years, the platform has continued to spotlight and celebrate currently hidden, potentially game changing Indian innovations,  working on long-term problems across sectors. As planning begins for the 2027 edition, we are looking back at the journeys of past innovators, including reflections from Krunal Patel, Co-founder of Indra Water. Swipe through the images to know more: 

Climate, conservation, and global recognition

The month also brought attention to the growing role of community-led conservation through the announcement of the 2026 Whitley Awards winners, with two Indian conservation leaders recognised for their work in protecting endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

Parveen Shaikh was recognised for protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer through community-led river conservation efforts across the Chambal and Ganga river systems.

Dr Barkha Subba received the award for her work on conserving the rare Himalayan salamander and restoring wetland habitats in the Darjeeling Himalaya.

The recognition of Indian conservation leaders once again highlighted the role of locally rooted solutions in addressing environmental and ecological challenges. 

A reminder from Sir David Attenborough at 100

This month marked the 100th birthday of David Attenborough, whose work over decades has shaped global public understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate change.

His career offers an important reminder for institutions working in sustainability and innovation: long-term impact is often cumulative. It is built through consistency, observation, communication, and public trust developed over time.

At a moment when climate conversations are becoming increasingly urgent, that perspective feels particularly relevant.

From the Founder’s desk

“While information prepares you to know more, creation prepares you for life.”

— Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited

This month, Chairman of Marico Limited, and founder of Marico Innovation Foundation, Harsh Mariwala reflected on the entrepreneurial act of creation—the ability to begin in uncertainty and build through gaps in knowledge. This principle remains the bedrock of MIF: we support innovators not just at the “idea” stage, but through the long, often ambiguous journey of implementation and scale.

May was a month of staying close to the ground while thinking for the long term. 

What’s Next?

• Keep an eye out for Indian Innovation Icons 2027 updates—applications will open soon.
• Stay updated on the latest by subscribing to Innowin, MIF’s monthly newsletter.

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