Farrukhnagar, February 19, 2025: AB InBev India has reported that its SmartBarley program now involves over 2,000 farmers across Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, collectively contributing more than 50% of India's barley production. The initiative has achieved 100% performance in farmer skill development, digital connectivity, and financial empowerment metrics for three consecutive years. In 2025, the program procured over 14,000 tons of domestic barley, strengthening India's position in malt-quality barley production.
The 5th Annual Barley Growers Day, held in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, featured crop management trials, agricultural technologies, and success stories from more than 350 farmers. Since its inception in 2016, the SmartBarley program has expanded from 1,000 farmers to over 2,000, demonstrating the scaling of sustainable agriculture practices.
"The beer industry stands as a powerful catalyst for economic growth in India, uniquely positioned at the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality," said Kartikeya Sharma, President, AB InBev India. "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 energising 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 program has delivered consistent yield improvements of 5-15% and maintains a 99% compliance rate with industry quality standards. It combines traditional farming methods with modern agricultural innovation to drive sustainable practices and improve livelihoods in key barley-growing regions.
AB InBev India is launching a vision care initiative for barley farmers in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, addressing the impact of vision health on agricultural productivity. The program will provide vision screenings to 400 farmers, along with eyeglasses and specialized care referrals where needed. Improved vision is expected to enhance individual productivity by up to 32%, benefiting both farmers and their communities.
Abhinav Bodas, Director- Procurement & Sustainability, AB InBev India, emphasised the program's innovative approach, “The success of our SmartBarley Program lies in its holistic integration of technology, sustainability, and community empowerment. By achieving 100% 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 Confidential - Not for Public Consumption or Distributiontransformative change. We are on our journey to creating a sustainable ecosystem where agricultural innovation drives both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.”
Looking ahead, AB InBev India plans to expand the SmartBarley program's reach while maintaining its focus on sustainable practices and farmer empowerment. This expansion aligns with India's barley sector's growth potential, with domestic demand expected to increase by 15% compared to 2015 levels.
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