AIR — Agro Innovation & Research Foundation
Innovating Agriculture. Empowering Economies.
A non-profit platform for research, standards and skills across the whole agri-based economy, from a Tamil Nadu field to world markets.
From one state to the whole world
Start where the crop grows. Follow it to where it sells.
Commodity classes
Fourteen classes across the Atlas
Why agriculture, why here
Tamil Nadu has the range. Its farmers need the scale.
Worked example: Erode turmeric
Where research changes the value of a crop
We study the full chain because a farmer's income depends on every step after the harvest. Turmeric shows the stages that most crops share.
- GrowVariety choice and production protocols
- HarvestRhizomes lifted at maturity
- CureBoiled, sun-dried and polished
- ProcessGround, extracted or blended
- ProveCurcumin, residue and origin checks
- SellBuyer links and export paperwork
Who we are
One platform for every crop
About AIR
AIR — Agro Innovation & Research Foundation is a non-profit platform for research, development and extension across agri-based value chains.
We are building a common forum where farmers, farmer producer organisations, processors, traders, researchers and public institutions can discuss and act on sustainable growth in agri production and business, in Tamil Nadu, across India and around the world.
Our vision
Empower agri stakeholders from Tamil Nadu to the world, so that farming sustains families and strengthens economies.
Our mission
Research and development, capacity building, new product development, animal feed research, agri tourism, shows and events, and publication in print and digital formats.
Our values
- Promote natural farming.
- Conserve traditional species and heritage varieties.
- Bring healthy food to society.
- Move away from harmful pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
- Transfer technology from lab to land.
Our key goals
Empowerment
Help growers connect with global markets.
New products
Develop new food, feed and non-food products from agri raw materials.
Bridging the gap
Build the capacity of growers, entrepreneurs, traders, processors and exporters, and help address hidden hunger worldwide.
Consultancy
Offer technical and professional advice on agri value chains to members, government agencies, NGOs and international organisations.
Standards
Set standards for value-added agri products.
Motivation
Encourage young people to start agri-based businesses.
Product Atlas
Every lot has an origin
World rows show the top three producers on FAO 2024 data. HS heads are four-digit guides, so confirm the full tariff line before you ship. "GI filed" means the product appears on the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board's filing lists, and some may since have been registered. Check the GI Registry for current status.
Our key activities
What we do
Standardisation
Production protocols for each crop, for both conventional and organic methods.
Certification process
A clear certification pathway for organic farming and the manufacture of edible products.
Agri consortium
An international consortium of farmers, FPOs, food processors, traders and research institutions.
Value-added research
Research on edible and non-edible products made from agri raw materials.
Common business platform
A shared platform that connects farmers with industry for partnerships and tie-ups.
Government and NGO work
Work with government and non-governmental organisations on overall agri development.
Centre of Excellence
Skill development for farmers, farmer organisations, MSMEs and other stakeholders on technical and commercial subjects.
Academic and research support
Support for institutes running crop development studies with industry participation.
Research and development
Four research pillars
Crop development
Exploratory research to conserve germplasm and develop new varieties with better yields and versatility.
Processing
Research on new products that meet human health and nutrition needs.
Markets
In-depth market analysis to find real demand and match supply to it.
Capacity building
Structured training for farmers, farmer organisations, processors, businesses and other stakeholders.
Global markets
Tamil Nadu to the world
Who grows what, what India sells, and where the openings are for a Tamil Nadu grower.
What leaves Tamil Nadu
The state's major export crops
Tamil Nadu is a major exporter of banana, mango, papaya, loose flowers such as jasmine and marigold, turmeric and tamarind.
India, FY 2025-26
Marine products and rice lead India's farm exports
Export value in billions of US dollars. India's total for the year was $52.55 billion, up 2.8%.
Marine and spices: commerce ministry figures reported by UNI. Rice: APEDA data reported by Tradologie. Other lines: commerce ministry data reported by Rural Voice. Sources use different baskets, and APEDA's analysis puts spices at $4.00 billion, so treat the lines as a guide.
World, FAO 2024
Who leads which crop
- South and East Asia
- Rice, millet, banana, mango, ginger, okra and lemons (India). Wheat, tea, potatoes, tomatoes and silk (China). Black pepper (Vietnam). Rubber (Thailand). Coconut and cloves (Indonesia). Jute (Bangladesh).
- Africa
- Cocoa and cashew (Ivory Coast). Fonio (Guinea). Dates and artichokes (Egypt). Vanilla (Madagascar).
- North and Central America
- Maize, sorghum, almonds, pistachios, blueberries and chicken (United States). Avocado (Mexico). Pineapple (Costa Rica). Nutmeg, mace and cardamom (Guatemala).
- South America
- Soybean, coffee, sugarcane, oranges and sisal (Brazil). Quinoa (Peru). Yerba mate (Argentina).
- Europe and Russia
- Barley, oats, buckwheat and sugar beet (Russia). Rye (Germany). Olives and olive oil (Spain). Wine and flax (France).
- West Asia
- Hazelnuts, apricots, figs and cherries (Türkiye).
- Oceania
- Second-largest producers of barley, almonds and wool (Australia), and kiwifruit (New Zealand).
Current market signals
- Pulses grew 21.83% to $948 million in FY 2025-26, and fresh fruit grew 12.89% to $1.32 billion.
- Cashew exports grew 12.21% to $380 million, and cocoa products grew 7.59% to $318 million.
- Steep US tariffs cut some shipments. Spice exports to the US fell from $654.7 million to $578.7 million.
- Exporters are diversifying, with APEDA missions to Russia, the Gulf, ASEAN and parts of Africa.
Knowledge
Know before you grow
Short guides
What a GI tag gives you
A Geographical Indication protects a product whose quality or reputation comes from its place of origin. Registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed. Producers still have to register as authorised users to apply the name commercially.
How to read an HS code
The first four digits are the HS heading. For example, 0910 covers ginger, saffron and turmeric. Countries add more digits for duty and licensing, and India uses eight, so a heading alone is not enough for a shipping document.
Who handles Indian agri exports
APEDA covers most agricultural and processed foods. MPEDA covers marine products. The Spices Board, Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board and Tobacco Board cover their own commodities.
Why small farms pool together
In Tamil Nadu, 93% of holdings are below 2 hectares, and few can meet export volumes alone. Farmer producer organisations let growers share grading, processing, certification and buyers.
Sources and further reading
Here's how you can get in touch
Contact Us
AIR — Agro Innovation & Research Foundation
Email us
contact@airtn.org
Admin office
No 152 B, Pillaiyar Koil Street,
Panneer Nagar Main Road, Mogappair East,
Chennai- 600 037.