DES MOINES, Iowa (Diya TV) — Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says Iowa farmers have growing opportunities in India after a recent trade mission led by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Naig joined Reynolds and other state leaders on a trip to India earlier this month. During the visit, Iowa signed a new partnership with the state of Maharashtra, one of the country’s largest and most dynamic regions. Naig believes the agreement could open doors for ethanol, soybean feed, and protein products in the years ahead.
Maharashtra is India’s second most populous state and home to its financial and commercial capital, Mumbai. The region plays a leading role in business and agriculture. Naig said this marks the first time Maharashtra has signed such a partnership with a U.S. state. He called the connection a strong fit.
“One of the most dynamic states in India, partnering up with one of the most dynamic states when it comes to food and agriculture, and processing in the United States. We think it’s a nice match,” Naig said.
He believes Iowa’s strength in farming, renewable fuels, and food processing aligns well with Maharashtra’s demand for reliable food and energy sources.
A key focus of the partnership is Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, or DDGS. This product is a by-product of ethanol production and is widely used as livestock feed. Naig said India’s feed industry could provide a strong market for DDGS from Iowa. Soybean meal is another area of opportunity. India’s livestock and poultry producers are looking for high-quality protein sources, and Iowa farmers could play a role in meeting that demand.
Naig noted that ethanol itself is also a growing interest in India. The country is working to expand its use of biofuels for transportation, and Iowa’s leadership in renewable fuels positions it well for trade discussions. Naig said one of the clearest trends in India is the rising demand for protein. As more families join the middle class, diets are changing. Consumers are buying more poultry, dairy, and meat products.
That shift creates opportunities for Iowa farmers who raise livestock and produce animal feed. “Protein is likely to continue dominating trade conversations with the country as its middle class continues to grow,” Naig said. He added that Iowa farmers could benefit as India looks for reliable and sustainable ways to feed its growing population.
The partnership comes at a time of global trade tensions. In August, the Trump administration placed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil. That move raised questions about how relations between the two countries might unfold. Naig said Iowa leaders were aware of those tensions during their trip. But he left encouraged by what he heard from Indian officials and business leaders.
“The dominant message that we got, whether it was government officials or the business community, was, it’s not a question of if we’re going to have an agreement, it’s just when,” Naig said. “I really do think there was a lot of optimism, certainly on our side, but we picked that up on the Indian side as well.”
Naig stressed that ongoing negotiations are important but believes the new state-to-state agreement with Maharashtra shows progress in building trust and cooperation. The trade mission to India is only one part of Iowa’s global outreach this year. Naig said he will lead upcoming trips to Vietnam and Indonesia in November. Those visits will continue Iowa’s push to expand markets for ethanol, soybeans, corn, and livestock products.
He said trade growth is vital to Iowa farmers and the state’s economy. “We know our farmers need strong international markets. Partnerships like this one with Maharashtra are steps in the right direction,” he said.
For now, Naig sees India as a promising market with long-term potential. Ethanol and soybean feed may lead the way in the near term. Over time, protein products from livestock, poultry, and dairy could see strong demand.
With Maharashtra as a partner, Naig believes Iowa farmers are well-positioned. The state’s focus on agriculture, renewable fuels, and innovation aligns with India’s need for food security and energy solutions. Naig said he is confident the relationship will grow. “We really do need to get things resolved,” he said. “And when we do, the opportunities are going to be significant for both sides.”
