NE BUSINESS BUREAU
BENGALURU, SEPT 29
From oil-palm genetics to consumer products, India and Malaysia are exploring a wider industrial bridge—with Godrej Industries Group’s engagement with a high-level Malaysian delegation putting science-led agriculture, sustainable innovation and trade at the centre of a potential new phase of cooperation.
On 28 September 2026, as part of her official visit to India, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia, met with senior representatives of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, ITC Limited’s Foods Business Division, Godrej Industries Group, pic.twitter.com/EnXYtjuIu7
— Malaysian Palm Oil Council (@mpocHQ) September 29, 2026
Godrej Industries Group has opened discussions with a high-level Malaysian delegation on expanding cooperation in oil palm research and innovation, sustainable agriculture, trade and the household insecticides sector, in an engagement that could create new avenues for India–Malaysia industry partnerships.
- Malaysia seeks deeper partnership with Godrej Agrovet in oil palm research and high-performing planting material
- Delegation explores advanced science for India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions
- Godrej Consumer Products discussions focus on household insecticides and business growth
- Innovation, sustainability and trade emerge as key pillars of bilateral industry engagement
- Collaboration could strengthen productivity, resilience and India’s long-term edible oil security
The delegation, led by YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia, visited the Group on Monday. It included representatives of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil.
The discussions spanned areas of mutual interest across Godrej Industries Group’s businesses, with particular attention to oil palm innovation and household insecticides.
Science meets the oil-palm opportunity
During discussions with Godrej Agrovet, the two sides explored opportunities in the oil-palm upstream sector, including the application of advanced research and scientific tools to develop high-performing oil-palm varieties suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.
The proposed areas of cooperation assume significance as India seeks to strengthen domestic edible-oil production. Closer engagement in research, planting material and scientific innovation could help develop locally adapted varieties while improving productivity and resilience.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for technical and industry-level collaboration between Indian and Malaysian stakeholders in oil-palm research and innovation.
From farm innovation to consumer markets
The Malaysian delegation also held discussions with Godrej Consumer Products Limited on the household insecticides sector, focusing on opportunities to strengthen the business environment and support the sector’s growth.
The two sides exchanged views on facilitating trade and innovation, while recognising the importance of sustainable development in the sector.
The engagement thus extended beyond agriculture, bringing together two complementary areas of industrial cooperation—farm productivity and consumer needs.
Malaysia eyes practical industry partnerships
YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the discussions provided an opportunity to identify practical avenues for closer cooperation between the two countries.
“Malaysia and India share long-standing ties across sectors that contribute to economic growth and food security. Today’s discussions allowed us to explore opportunities for closer cooperation in research, innovation, trade and sustainability.”
She added:
“Engagements of this nature help us identify practical areas where Malaysian and Indian industry players can work together and create mutual value.”
Godrej flags science-led collaboration
Commenting on the meeting, Rakesh Swami, Group President and Head of Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group, said partnerships and knowledge exchange would remain important in responding to changing agricultural and consumer needs.
“Partnerships and knowledge exchange are important in addressing agricultural and consumer needs in a rapidly evolving world.”
Swami said the discussions had highlighted opportunities to advance science-led innovation in oil palm and strengthen the ecosystem supporting the household insecticides sector.
“Our discussions with the Malaysian delegation highlighted opportunities to advance science-led innovation in oil palm and strengthen the ecosystem supporting the household insecticides sector. We value this engagement and look forward to further collaboration that delivers benefits to farmers, consumers and industries in both countries.”
The engagement enabled the two sides to identify potential areas for further technical and industry-level cooperation, particularly in oil-palm research and innovation, alongside trade and industry development.
