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Home2019September (Page 2)
Acquaculture, Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

The MoU has been inked for the transfer of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Hatchery Technology and set-up a state-of-the-art Finfish Hatchery in West Bengal

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Raj Hatcheries (Bengal)Pvt. Ltd., East Midnapur District, West Bengal.

The MoU has been inked for the transfer of Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Hatchery Technology and set-up a state-of-the-art Finfish Hatchery in West Bengal. The technology support under this MoU covers, broodstock development in captivity, induced breeding, seed production and rearing.

According to the agreement, the technical assistance will be given in two phases. In first phase, the hatchery produced fertilized eggs of Milkfish from ICAR-CIBA hatchery will be given to the client for further rearing to produce the stackable size Milkfish seeds. Simultaneously, the sub-adults of Milkfish will be obtained from the farms and wild to build the brood stock to start the second phase followed by the hatchery production of the Milkfish seeds in West Bengal.

This joint effort by the ICAR-CIBA and Raj Hatcheries would be able to provide the quality Milkfish seeds round the year in West Bengal and the neighbouring states. This is also expected to provide the livelihood support to the fisher folks and the coastal population.

Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA and Shri Arokiaswamy, Managing Director, Raj Hatchery signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective Organizations. Dr. K.K. Vijayan emphasized that the ICAR-CIBA’s research findings have direct applications in the field. He also said that the milkfish being an herbivore which also accepts low protein feed, cost of production is only in the range of Rs 90 to Rs 120 to a size of 500 gm in 6 months, with market price of Rs 150 to Rs 250.
Shri Arokiaswamy pointed out that the scope for utilization of vastly underutilized brackishwater is available in West Bengal where the Milkfish aquaculture can make a significant impact. He stated that this MoU will help in achieving the goal.

Dr. M. Kailasam, Head-in-Charge and Dr. Aritra Bera, Scientist, Fish Culture Division informed about the technicalities involved in Milkfish breeding and the scope for expansion of Milkfish Farming in Bengal region.

 

The MoU has been inked for the

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Pulses, Types

ICAR has developed two chickpea varieties in record time through genomics-assisted breeding in a first-of-its-kind effort. All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) released the 2 Chickpea varieties -“Pusa Chickpea – 10216” and “Super Annigeri – 1” during the 24th Annual Group Meet held at the Birsa Agricultural University in Ranchi.

These two new varieties with drought tolerance and disease resistance were recently identified for farming by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) regarded this initiative as a success story of collaboration of the ICAR Institutes, State Agricultural Universities and International Organizations like ICRISAT. Dr Mohapatra informed that such genomic interventions in the breeding will enhance much required crop productivity in the legume crops like Chickpea by building the resilience to the climate change induced stresses of different kinds.
The Director General underlined about the capitalization on the new strategy by the ICAR for breeding 24 new high yielding varieties in the other crops. He mentioned that the current focus on new high yielding varieties in Chickpea is expected to enhance the much needed pulse productivity in the country.
Dr Peter Carberry, Director General, ICRISAT expressed his gratitude on the outputs of the collaboration of ICAR, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur and ICRISAT in the form of improved varieties. Dr. Carberry emphasized that the collaborative efforts of ICRISAT with its partners will be benefitting the smallholder farmers not only in India, but also in sub-Saharan Africa too.


Pusa Chickpea 10216


“Pusa Chickpea 10216”, a drought tolerant variety was developed by the Chickpea Breeding & Molecular Breeding team ICAR- IARI in collaboration with the Genomics Team led by Dr. Rajeev K. Varshney from ICRISAT. Pusa – 372 is a leading chickpea variety grown in the Central Zone, North East Plains Zone and North West Plains Zone. It showed 11.9 % increase in yield over Pusa 372 during two-year multi-location testing in drought conditions”, told Dr. Bharadwaj Chellapilla


Super Annigeri 1


The variety “Super Annigeri 1” has been developed by University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) and in collaboration with ICRISAT. It has been developed by introgression resistance segment for Fusarium wilt from WR 315 genotype of chickpea in the genetic background of Annigeri- 1, an old; but, leading chickpea variety of Karnataka State.
Super Annigeri-1 variety has an average grain yield of 1,898 per kg and has recorded about 7% increase in yield over Annigeri-1 and is highly resistant to Fusarium wilt disease, an important yield reducing factor in South India. The variety has been identified for release in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
“Dr. Rajeev K. Varshney, Research Programme Director & Leader, Genomics Research Team comprising of Dr. T Mahendar and Dr Manish Roorkiwal and others at ICRISAT played a key role in leading the genomics-assisted breeding programmes for above mentioned two varieties”, informed Dr Bharadwaj Chellapilla

ICAR has developed two chickpea varieties in

Agrotech, E-commerce, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Shaktiman, India’s leading agricultural implements manufacturer and GRIMME Germany, the world leader in farm machinery & technology for potato, sugar beet & vegetable have entered into a 50:50 joint venture for technology collaboration and manufacturing & marketing of complete range of potato machines in India.

Grimme, world leader in potato, sugar beet & vegetable farm machinery technology and Shaktiman, India’s leading agricultural implements manufacturer had announced their 50:50 joint venture to develop & market potato and other root crop machines in India. This Joint Venture will leverage excellent German technology from GRIMME and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities of Shaktiman to design and develop full-line solutions for potato and other root crops. The Joint Venture will enable both partners to optimize their current and future capabilities in the sub-75 HP category.


Sharing of Technology


Shaktiman and Grimme will share their technology platforms to develop machines for other root crops such as onion, ginger, turmeric, etc. in the near future. The machines will be marketed and serviced through well-knit dealer network of Shaktiman in India.


Shaktiman is a Rajkot based family business founded in 1997 with more than 2500 employees and has ultra-modern production facilities and agile R&D department. Shaktiman is the largest exporter of agricultural machinery from India with exports to more than 90 countries.


Complete crop Solution


Ashwin Gohil, Chairman, Shaktiman shared his thoughts on joint venture, “This Joint Venture will be able to bridge the big gaps in farm mechanization for potato cultivation in India with availability of technically advance, indigenized and affordable machines.”
With Pan India dealer network, Potato & Root Crop Growers will be able to avail complete crop solution under one roof with exemplary standards of after sales service in line with Shaktiman’s mission of MAKING AGRICULTURE MORE ECONOMICAL.” added Hasmukh Gohil, Managing Director.

Catering needs of Indian market


The Grimme Group based in Damme, Germany is a family business founded in 1861. Grimme is the world leader of modern potato, beet and vegetable technology, marketed under the brands Grimme, SPUDNIK and ASA-LIFT. The GRIMME exports machines to more than 120 countries across the globe.
While talking about the partnership Christoph Grimme, Member of the Executive Board, Grimme, said, ‘‘we look forward to this partnership and are firmly convinced that we are combining our strengths to serve the growing Indian market. This JV will equip us to develop specific machines to cater the needs of India and similar markets’’
Mr. Franz-Bernd Kruthaup, CEO, Grimme, said ‘‘our combined expertise will enable this JV to harness the expanded opportunities and offer the farming community with reliable & world class machines. We look forward to a new future that will revolutionize the root crop market in India and beyond’’

 

Shaktiman, India’s leading agricultural implements manufacturer and

AgroPolicy

Compliments state governments for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Inaugurating the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2019 Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala highlighted the record production achieved for food grains (285 million tonnes) and also complimented state governments for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He said that this cooperation has made possible an all time high production of rice (116 million tonnes), wheat (102.5 million tonnes), pulses and oilseeds.

He expressed concerned about the shortage of oilseeds for which he suggested launching a separate mission to increase capacity and reduce import of edible oils. The Minister emphasized that the demand for fertilizers should be made after consultation with farmer organizations at the District level. The State Agriculture Departments should furnish their fertilizer demands to Centre in time so that availability can be ensured to farmers at crucial stages of crops. He stressed taking advantage of favorable weather conditions so that better production can be achieved in the Rabi season. The State Agriculture Departments of Gujarat and Punjab should remain vigilant for locust attack as it has been reported in Rajasthan, he added.

In his address, Secretary (AC&FW) Sanjay Aggrawal informed that at the onset of monsoon ensuing Kharif season was slow but recorded an area of 1054 lakh hectare and it is expected that area coverage will surpass normal area. The department has decided to distribute seed mini-kits for Rabi crops, pulses and oilseed with active involvement of State Agriculture Departments. As far as Kisan Credit Card is concerned, major changes in terms of waiver of registration fee, minimum time for issuance of KCC, widening the range of loans etc have been made for covering large number of farmers. He said inputs have been received from State Agriculture Departments for modification in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the scheme would be reviewed accordingly. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi oilseed and pulses would be decided shortly.

Secretary (DARE) Mahapatra informed that 45 biofortified varieties have been released with enhanced percentage of nutrients, protein etc. The State Agriculture Departments have been asked to provide support for strengthening the seed hubs. There is need to strengthen the Lab to Land connect for maximum benefit of farmers.

Secretary (Fertilizer) informed that a Fertilizer Awareness Drive will be organized by State Agriculture Departments on onset of Rabi season. The requirement for fertilizers needs to be generated at district level and needs to be forwarded to Centre by State Agriculture Departments. Buffer stock of fertilizers like urea would be explored at state level.

Presentations by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare were made on the subject of Credit, PMFBY, MSP operation, Farmers Welfare and Fertilizers. Three State Government presentations were also delivered and various components of flagship schemes were deliberated upon. Further, key implementation issues were discussed during the interactive sessions with state governments/UTs.

The National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2019 was organized on 20.09.2019 at NASC, Pusa, New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by Parshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The Conference was graced by Secretary (AC&FW), Secretary (DARE), Secretary (Fertilizers) and senior officers from DAC&FW, DARE, ICAR & State Governments/UTs.

Compliments state governments for effective implementation of

E-commerce, Floriculture, Types

According to the report by ResearchAndMarkets.com the floriculture market was valued at US$49,036.935 million in 2018 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.38% over the forecast period to reach US$71,056.324 million by 2024.

As per the report, growth factors such as well-coordinated supply chain consisting of growers, auctions, traders, logistics service providers and development of virtual freight and logistics network are expected to drive the market growth given the fast deteriorating rate of cut flowers post-harvest.


The report also highlights the increase in trading of flowers and potted plants through specialized retail channels such as auctions, gift shops, and decor shops. Online sale channels are also on the rise. As a result, all this factors are expected to drive the floriculture market growth. But the growing demand for artificial flowers is expected to be a restraint for market growth.


Significant growth rate is expected in bedding plant segment as they are widely used for seasonal display around the house and other areas. By geography, the Asia Pacific region is expected to have a significant growth rate owing to diverse agro-climatic conditions in the region resulting in increased production.

In June 2019, Dummen Orange, world’s largest breeder and propagator and Kordes Rosen, breeder of cut, pot, and garden roses based in Germany, signed an agreement to develop and broaden their collaboration by working together in the Dmmen Orange rose show garden in De Kwakel, the Netherlands, creating access to the best in roses for their customers.

 

According to the report by ResearchAndMarkets.com the

IT

The initiative now includes Glencore Agriculture Limited as well as Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, COFCO International Ltd and Louis Dreyfus Company

The industry-wide initiative to modernize global agricultural commodity trade operations announced today that another major partner, Glencore Agriculture Limited, has joined the effort.

David Mattiske, CEO, Glencore Agriculture Limited said, “We’ve been interested in the initiative from the very early days and we’re excited now to join as a full partner. The digital platform this group intends to develop will leverage the newest technologies and has the potential to revolutionize our industry, making contract execution processes more efficient, more accurate and more transparent. These advances are necessary for our industry to continue serving our critical global role efficiently and effectively, and the benefits will be felt by companies of all sizes along the post-trade value chain.”

The initiative, which now includes Glencore Agriculture Limited as well as Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, COFCO International Ltd and Louis Dreyfus Company, is initially looking at new technologies – such as blockchain and artificial intelligence – to create digital solutions to automate grain and oilseed post-trade execution processes, reducing costs needed to move agricultural and food products around the globe. The group is projecting launch of the new platform in the second half of 2020 subject to regulatory approval.

“This effort is growing, and the reason is clear: we’re offering clear and tangible benefits for the industry, created by the industry,” the initiative participants said in a joint statement. “Customers, partners and other industry participants appreciate both the potential that our platform offers, and the fact that we are partnering with them early in the process to ensure the entire industry’s needs are met.”

Since announcing the project in October 2018, the group has held workshops and roundtable discussions with a broad range of industry stakeholders, including shippers, charterers, buyers, service providers, financial institutions, trade associations, industry standards and regulatory authorities. By collaborating on critical issues such as security and data privacy, technology choices, business model, adoption strategy, and functionalities and capabilities, the group is ensuring that the new platform will meet the needs of the entire industry.

Next steps include development and execution, focusing on a pilot that will cover international bulk shipments of soybeans from Brazil to China. The group is also finalizing the selection of technology solutions providers and partners.

 

The initiative now includes Glencore Agriculture Limited

Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting, R&D

The company has showcased Hybrid backhoe loader concept, India’s first, for smarter and greener construction equipment space. It brings an environment-friendly hybrid technology with various modes of charging. Company has also showcased India’s first multi utility Rural Transport Vehicle (RTV) Concept

 

 

 

 Escorts Limited has announced India’s first Hybrid Concept Tractor powered by fuel and battery at Exclusives 2019 an annual innovation platform from Escorts.  Pioneering the concept, the company is launching this in the range of 70-75 HP which can be boosted up to 90 HP with the help of its hybridization feature that reduces the emission and increases the efficiency for the customer.

The company has launched a new series of tractors named as the New Escort Tractor Series.  This series has three tractors in total. These tractors are electric, hydrostatic and rigid concept tractors

 Four Operating systems

Company says that hybrid tractor is an eco-friendly and a cost-effective product. It has four operating modes such as Hybrid mode, Pure Electric mode, ICE direct mode and charging mode with three power generation sub modes. In Hybrid mode, the machine uses two sources of energy, diesel and electric, to propel the vehicle. In Pure Electric mode, Tractor can run only on Batteries with Zero Emissions. In ICE direct mode, the tractor is driven and operated as a conventional tractor with an Internal Combustion Engine. Charging mode with three power generation sub modes, Regeneration when excess power is available while working, ICE (thru Internal Combustion Engine) and plug-in mode, in which the vehicle in stand still position connected to a standard wall socket with a charging device.

 

Hybrid backhoe loader concept

The company also showcased Hybrid backhoe loader concept, India’s first, for smarter and greener construction equipment space. Launching in the range of 50HP Engine along with Hybrid technology which can provide up to 75HP power. Company has informed that the hybrid tractor has higher productivity and fuel efficiency. It will reduce carbon footprints. The machine has Regenerative mode which send back the energy to the battery during the excess power available in engine. It has three working modes – Hybrid, ICE -Diesel and Electric -Excavator only.

Multi- Utility Rural Transport Vehicle

The Company has claimed that it has showcased India’s first multi-utility Rural Transport Vehicle, RTV concept named “Rider” to address the required mobility in rural farming and hard terrain manoeuvring. The RTV will also enable applications in haulage, construction, agriculture produce logistics and various other utility segments offering a payload capacity of 750 KG and an optional four-wheel drive mode. 

While talking about Hybrid tractor, Chairman and Managing Director, Escorts Ltd., Mr. Nikhil Nanda, said, “After the successful launch of electric and autonomous concept tractors in the last two Exclusive platforms, it is indeed a proud moment for Escorts to have pioneered in developing India’s first concept Hybrid Tractor, Hybrid Backhoe & a RTV this year. Through our focus on innovation and R&D, Escorts has always strived to make world-class technology driven products available to the farming and infrastructure space. These smart technology solutions are developed to cut down on emissions and increasing fuel efficiency boost productivity and agriculture output.”

 

 

 

The company has showcased Hybrid backhoe loader

Dairy

Around 1000 MT of post-consumer plastic waste recycled in Maharashtra till May 2019.Company aims to recycle additional 832 MT of plastic waste by March 2020 across 25 states

Following plastic free India movement of central government, Mother Dairy, country’s leading milk and milk products, has declared its plan-of-action for collection and recycling of post-consumer plastic waste across the country.

Company has pioneered the automated bulk milk vending machines, popularly known as Token Milk, more than 4 decades ago that offers quality milk through an efficient cold chain, right from manufacturing to consumer, and free form any form of plastic packaging material.

This unique system has not only helped the Company and but also its consumers to prevent the use of plastic which resulted in the generation of approx. 900 MT of plastic waste in Delhi/NCR annually. Mother Dairy operates around 3000 bulk milk vending units installed at its consumer touch-points which includes milk booths, franchise shops, kiosks, mini shops, insulated containers, Kamdhenu mobile units, Container-On-Wheels (COW), etc. thereby offering convenience and plastic-packaging free milk to a larger set of consumers in the region.

 Debut of plastic collection and Recycling initiative

In order to tackle the burgeoning menace of post-consumer plastic waste, company has started its plastic waste collection and recycling initiative in Maharashtra in June 2018 by initiating the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme. Under this initiative, company with the help of a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), has collected and recycled around 1073 MT of plastic waste till May 2019 which includes around 183 MT of Multi-Layered Packaging (MLP) and 890MT of Non-Multi-Layered Packaging.

Company has informed that it is implementing 100% EPR in Maharashtra and scaling-up the initiative across the country.  With the help of leading PRO’s, company will collect and recycle plastic waste across 25 key states of its operations and is targeting to recycle around 60% of the total MLP used, which is approx. 832 MT by March 2020. This recycling effort has already been initiated in the 7 regions of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar.

 Sangram Chaudhary, Managing Director, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd. said, “Consumers opting for our alternative options are leaving a green footprint every day! However, some of the products from our Company’s portfolio involves recyclable plastic packaging of both forms – MLP & Non-MLP and being a responsible organization, Mother Dairy has acquired central registration for Brand Owner under Central Pollution (CPCB).

  Mother Dairy is the first amongst dairy co-operatives for acquiring registration under CPCB as well as implementing EPR and is committed for 100% EPR implementation of post-consumer used plastic waste generated in a timeframe of 3 years. Our aim is of on-ground actions for collection, segregation and recycling of plastic waste.”

He also added that, “Mother Dairy has entered into contractual engagement with leading PROs and with their help, we will be able to network with waste picker communities, recyclers and also liaison with urban local bodies for collection and recycling post-consumer plastic waste.”

 

 

Around 1000 MT of post-consumer plastic waste

Agro chems – Pesticides, Inputs

South Korea’s topmost Agrochemical Corporation, FarmHannong, has launched its herbicide Critel® (Metamifop) in India with its local partner and distributor FMC.

The special qualities of Critel®’are such as ‘extremely low’ pytotoxicity and powerful result through its definitive selectivity on rice. Especially, the product can control Echinochloa crus-galli even with 5 leaf stage as well as Leptochloa chinensis, which are resistant to most exiting herbicides. 

“We expect to accelerate our overseas business expansion via launching Critel® in the most dynamic pesticide market having high potential to grow.” says FarmHannong’s vice-president, Jeff Kwon.

The notable fact is that FarmHannong has been exporting Metamifop, in as many as 13 countries since its first debut in 2010 including China, Japan, and Philippines. The company has started the preparation  for introducing the active ingredient in Russia and Kazakhstan.

South Korea’s topmost Agrochemical Corporation, FarmHannong, has

E-commerce

The merger brings together two highly complementary businesses, creating an innovation engine for Indian agriculture

The National Company Law Tribunal has approved the merger of Monsanto India Limited into Bayer CropScience Limited. After the merger, Monsanto products will retain their brand names and become a part of Bayer’s product portfolio.

This integration brings together two highly complementary businesses, creating an innovation engine for Indian agriculture. Farmers in India will benefit from Bayer’s innovative crop protection products and Monsanto’s expertise in seeds & traits and digital farming applications. Farmers will also benefit from a strong portfolio of innovation-led agricultural solutions and digital farming applications. 

Speaking about this strategic milestone for Bayer’s business in India, D. Narain, Managing Director & CEO, Bayer CropScience Limited, said, “Bayer has been operating in India for more than 120 years and understands the needs and aspirations of Indian farmers. With the integration of Monsanto into Bayer in India, we will be able to provide Indian farmers a strong portfolio of innovation-led agricultural solutions. Our long-term goal is to unlock the growth potential of Indian agriculture as a global producer & exporter of food, feed and fibre.”

The combination will bring together a vast talent pool of experienced employees from both organizations who will work closely with farmers to enhance crop yields, increase farm incomes and drive sustainable agriculture. Besides business operations, Bayer will also strengthen its corporate societal engagement in India further. “We are committed to deepen our dialogue with society and key stakeholders and contribute to the future of Indian agriculture while benefitting farmers, consumers and the environment,” added D Narain.

Upon the merger becoming effective, the shareholders of Monsanto India Limited will get 2 (two) equity shares of Rs.10/- each of Bayer CropScience Limited, for every 3 (three) equity shares held by them in Monsanto India Limited.

The merger brings together two highly complementary

Agrotech

Agricultural biotech company continues to expand its portfolio with unwavering support from investors

Agri-biotechnology company Front Range Biosciences announced that it has completed an $8.5 million Insider Round with participation from key investors including Militello Capital, Welcan Capital, AFI Capital, Phyto Partners, Harvard Business School Alumni Angels of New York, New York Angels, Sand Hill Angels XVI, LLC, Arcadian Capital Management, Halley Venture Partners LP and Salveo Capital, as well as other returning investors.

The round was oversubscribed with tremendous support from existing investors, highlighting the company’s growth trajectory from those who know FRB best. The Insider Round increases FRB’s pace of expansion for its Clean Stock® program, breeding program and intellectual property portfolio.

Vikas Desai, Founder and Partner at Welcan Capital said, “FRB is not just keeping up with the industry, it’s defining it. The ability to execute on their exponential growth plan, while developing innovative products to meet thriving market demand, proves FRB is an industry pace-setter and in position to remain the leader amongst the competition.”

Jon Vaught, CEO and Co-Founder of Front Range Biosciences said, “The continued global advancement of cannabis legalization is creating an opportunity for unprecedented growth and innovation in agriculture. The introduction of cannabis to the agricultural market as a new crop with medical, nutritional and industrial applications presents a unique opportunity for us to use modern biotechnology to provide sustainable solutions for farmers around the world.”

With the explosive growth of both the hemp and cannabis industries, the biotech race to provide high-quality genetics is in full swing. Supply for reliable, clean cannabis plants leveraging tissue culture technology is still less than 1% of total demand. FRB is driving the advancement of hemp and cannabis agriculture with its innovative varietal development platform and Clean Stock program that provides growers with best in class solutions for this exciting new crop. The Insider Round enables FRB to expand its lead over new entrants in the space, propelled by data-driven innovation and an unparalleled team of deeply experienced experts. By expanding hemp seed production both nationally and globally, alongside its young plant program, FRB’s production capabilities will multiply in 2020.

Bill Militello, Founder of Militello Capital said, “The management team at FRB continues to grow and accumulate decades of expertise in the agricultural and biotech sectors. With the acquisition of the Steep Hill genomics R&D team, FRB expands its leadership position and provides unparalleled benefits to the industry.”

Chi-Chien Hou, Managing Director at AFI Capital Partners said, “FRB continues to build on its position as the leader in agricultural biotech for the hemp and cannabis industries. The combination of FRB’s robust breeding program and their scaled tissue culture propagation results in tangible benefits for its customers by generating rigorous plants with higher yields and more selective expression.”

In conjunction with renowned research facilities such as CRAG and UC Davis, FRB’s expanded R&D program is commercializing valuable, unique traits such as disease resistance and yield.

Agricultural biotech company continues to expand its

Agrotech

The agreement will involve cooperation in field testing of hybrids of both Origin and INOVA in each other’s geographic regions

Origin Agritech, an agriculture technology and rural e-commerce company has announced that the Company has entered into a collaboration agreement with Inova Genética Ltda (INOVA), a member of the Wehrmann Group, from Cristalina-GO, Brazil.

The agreement will involve cooperation in field testing of hybrids of both Origin and INOVA in each other’s geographic regions. INOVA will also cooperate with Origin to evaluate corn seed biotechnology traits for application in South American markets. In addition, Origin and INOVA will explore commercial opportunities between the two companies, especially in corn seed breeding, production and distribution in South America.

INOVA is headquartered in Cristalina-GO, Brazil, and focuses on the plant breeding business. INOVA is a member of the Wehrmann Group, which is an active participant of the seed industry and a leading company in vegetable production in Brazil.

Dr. Gengchen Han, Origin’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, “Wehrmann, which also owns Dois Marcos seed company, is an important seed industry player in Brazil and has many years of experience in both the soybean and corn seed businesses in Brazil. Our cooperation with INOVA will expand our geographic access for both our breeding technologies and our biotech traits.”

Dr. Verni Wehrmann, Chairman of the Wehrmann Group said, “It’s a great pleasure to visit Origin’s facilities in Beijing, and we are impressed by Origin’s biotech research and their breeding programs. We look forward to an in depth cooperation with Origin both on the biotech front and in conventional corn seed breeding programs.”

Origin Agritech Limited, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Zhong-Guan-Cun (ZGC) Life Science Park in Beijing, is China’s agricultural technology and a rural social e-commerce company, expanding in mid-2018 from crop seed breeding and genetic improvement business to be the technology developer in new rural e-commerce platform and Blockchain technologies.

 

The agreement will involve cooperation in field

Foodgrains

Special recognition as the Outstanding Forage Hybrid 2019 for revolutionizing forage sorghum production in India

A new sorghum hybrid developed using ICRISAT breeding material was recently given special recognition as the Outstanding Forage Hybrid 2019 for revolutionizing forage sorghum production in India.

This is significant considering that currently, India – the world’s leading milk-producing country – has a major deficit of 35% for green fodder. Known for its excellent yield and quality traits, the sorghum hybrid CSH 24 MF is not only widely adopted by farmers across the country, but also used as the national check – the gold standard against which other cultivars are tested – in national level tests for other forage sorghum hybrids. As of today, it occupies almost a third of the total area under forage sorghum in the country.

Up to 70% of milk production costs are livestock feed. Therefore, it is critical to develop economical yet nutritious sources of feed. Dual-purpose or fodder crops are among the least expensive sources of nutrients for livestock. However, against the annual forage requirement of 1325.7 million tons (816.8 and 508.9 million tons of green and dry fodder respectively) to support existing livestock population, the total annual forage production is 978.7 million tons (525.5 and 453.2 million tons green and dry fodder respectively). Currently, there is a net deficit of 35.6% for green fodder, 10.95% for dry crop residues and 44% for concentrate feed ingredients.

The ‘multi-cut’ (affording several cuttings over its lifetime) forage hybrid CSH 24 MF was developed by GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUA&T), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, using its Pant Chari-6 as the male parent, and ICRISAT-bred ICSA 467 as the female parent. It was identified and released in 2009, and after extensive testing across the country, the hybrid has steadily gained popularity among farmers across the nation.

Moreover, it is used as the national check in All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) tests for pre-release evaluation of all new forage sorghum hybrids. Recently, the hybrid was given ‘Special Recognition’ as landmark cultivar for its excellent yield, quality and adaptability, which has led to its wide acceptance by sorghum farmers in India.

As the contributor of the vital female parent, ICRISAT has played a key role in this partnership – one of the most successful examples of collaborative research for development in CGIAR.

The demand for this hybrid is so high that the ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research grants licences to 10-12 seed companies each year to produce the seeds; part of the licence fee is shared with ICRISAT due to its contribution of the female parent.

This work is done as part of CRP on Grain Legumes and Dryland Cereals (GLDC).

Special recognition as the Outstanding Forage Hybrid

Logistics

Partnership increases scale, improves customer service, supports sustainable shipping and boosts earnings for partners

Cargill and Maersk Tankers announce a strategic partnership that will improve flexibility for customers and reduce fuel consumption and emissions, whilst having a positive impact on time-charter-equivalent earnings for partners. Cargill will enter its MR fleet into the existing Maersk Tankers MR pool, creating a new joint pool that will significantly increase the scope of their Medium Range (MR) spot tanker business, combining Maersk Tankers’ digital expertise with Cargill’s experience in trading.

The pool will be managed by Maersk Tankers, with members of Cargill’s tankers team joining to provide support on a full-time basis. The new team will be located across Copenhagen, Singapore and Houston and will cover all daily commercial and operational tasks.

The agreement does not include derivatives or MR tankers for period employment, which will be handled by Cargill and Maersk Tankers independently.

Maersk Tankers currently operates 44 vessels for 10 partners in its existing MR pool. Cargill will add its fleet of up to 20 vessels, increasing the total number of vessels to more than 60, making the new pool one of the market leaders in the MR segment.

Claus Gronborg, chief commercial officer at Maersk Tankers, said, “We are excited to partner with Cargill, a key industry player. The new set-up will substantially increase the scale of the pool and give us more flexibility to offer a better service to our customers.”

Digitalization and a shared passion for safety and sustainability

The joint pool will enable vessels to get exposure to the spot market, while benefiting from Maersk Tankers’ unique digitalized approach to trading. The company uses algorithmic trading to position vessels to improve customer service and optimize earnings for partners.

“Our teams share a passion for safety and sustainability and combine complementary skills. This partnership will bring a progressive approach to our customers, notably increased digitalization and sustainable shipping,” said Olivier Josse, global head of tankers, Cargill Ocean Transportation.

Both Cargill and Maersk Tankers are fully committed to reducing emissions and strive to play a leading role in moving the shipping industry towards a more sustainable future. The new joint pool will harness their combined expertise in fuel optimization, reducing bunker consumption and CO2 emissions.

Cargill’s vessels will enter the pool from 1 October 2019. Both companies intend to attract additional vessels from other shipowners and further increase the pool’s capacity over time.

Partnership increases scale, improves customer service, supports