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Agrotech, Dairy, R&D

Test is designed to allow producers to test individual batches on-site, optimize their production process, and potentially speed time to market for a fresher product available to consumers. 

AOAC INTERNATIONAL food safety experts have adopted a new analytical method for measuring low levels of lactose in milk as a First Action Official Method of Analysis℠. 

Measuring trace levels of lactose accurately is technically challenging and can increase costs for dairy producers because time-consuming testing processes effectively shorten shelf life. As European and North American regulations have revised downward the levels of trace lactose that can be labelled “lactose free,” the technical challenges have increased. The new method, which employs the proprietary LactoSens® test kit, was developed as an alternative to the standard reference method using high-performance anion exchange chromatography, a technically complex technique which is mainly performed at external accredited laboratories. 

“The biggest advantage of the new method is it is easy and fast; and now with AOAC validation, it is demonstrated to be accurate,” said Christoph Sygmund of DirectSens, authors of the method. The 6-year-old Austrian technology company worked closely with European dairy producers to develop the method and meet the need for a more streamlined method of testing trace lactose. 

“The new method can be performed in under five minutes and does not require advanced technical training,” added Sygmund. “It was designed to allow producers to test individual batches on-site, optimize their production process, and potentially speed time to market for a fresher product available to consumers.” 

The LactoSens® biosensor assay kit uses an optimized enzyme, which is immobilized on a test strip. The enzyme oxidizes the lactose in the sample and generates electrons that are detected and measured directly by a potentiostatic reader, after which software converts the measured current into a quantitative result of lactose concentration. Each test strip is labelled with a QR code for sample tracking and lot-specific information and a ready-to-use positive control is provided for quality assurance and calibration check.

 The new method, entitled “Determination of Lactose in Low-Lactose and Lactose-Free Milk, Milk Products, and Products Containing Dairy Ingredients – LactoSens® Amperometry Method,” was adopted for Official Methods of Analysis First Action status during a meeting of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Expert Review Panel for Low-Lactose Methods on January 15, 2020. 

“We got very good feedback from AOAC,” said Elisabeth Halbmayr-Jech of DirectSens. “It was a long but very collaborative process. The Expert Review Panel was very scientific – they examined all the reviewers’ comments, even the minor ones, very thoroughly.” 

The method was evaluated against AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2018.009, which details the requirements for testing mono- and di-saccharides in milk, milk products, and products containing dairy ingredients that are low-lactose or lactose-free.

 Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL are microbiological and chemical analysis procedures that have undergone rigorous formal validation by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. After a two-year tracking period, “First Action” methods are reviewed for approval as “Final Action” methods, which are published in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, a globally recognized standards resource for analytical scientists. 

 

Test is designed to allow producers to

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Agrotech, Dairy, Live Stock

The event will start from 27th February to 2nd March 2020.  It will be focusing on ways and means to achieve more productivity and profitability to boost the contribution of the agriculture industry in higher GDP growth. 

 The expo is being organized by the Government of Punjab in collaboration with PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The 11th edition of the expo is going to be a mega platform for farmers, livestock owners, veterinarians, and other stakeholders from the agriculture industry.

 The Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Tript Rajinder Singh Bawa disclosed the event details and released a booklet of the event. The five-day event will take place at PUDA Ground, Batala, District Gurdaspur, Punjab. The event will be focusing on ways and means to achieve more productivity and profitability to boost the contribution of the agriculture industry in higher GDP growth.

Milking and Breed competitions

The main attractions of the event will be competitions like milking competitions of cows, buffaloes and goats, breed competitions of horses, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and poultry. 

These competitions will not be there just for fun but will also have big rewards for the participants.  The owners of the winning animals in milking and breeding competitions would be rewarded with cash prizes worth Rs 2 crores. Along with the prize money, the winners would be given certificates. 

These competitions will also encourage farmers to learn the scientific and technicalities involved in the care and management of animals to enhance the milk yield and breed quality.

The event will start from 27th February

Agrotech, Country, Europe, R&D

The first batch of Arbikie pea gin pot-ale is currently being used to feed cows on a farm neighboring the distillery, which is based near Montrose. 

 UK scientists  from Abertay University and the James Hutton Institute in Scotland have claimed that they have created the world’s first “climate-positive” gin using the humble garden pea. Five years of research at Abertay University and the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, in collaboration with Arbikie Distillery, has culminated in latest release of new gin Nàdar. 

Created by Arbikie’s Master Distiller, PhD student Kirsty Black, each 700ml bottle of Nàdar has a carbon footprint of -1.54 kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), meaning it avoids more carbon dioxide emissions than it creates. This environmental performance — significantly better than traditional wheat gins — is mainly achieved by utilizing all useful components of the peas from the dehulling (de-skinning) and distilling process, to create home-grown animal feed. 

It also takes advantage of the peas’ natural ability to source essential nitrogen for growth from the atmosphere through a process known as “biological nitrogen fixation,” negating the need for environmentally-damaging synthetic fertilizers. In addition, during harvesting, some nitrogen is left behind in-field in crop residues, improving soil fertility and function for the next crop in the rotation, thereby further reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. 

During distilling, a by-product known as “pot ale syrup” is created from the leftover pea protein and spent yeast, and this can be used as a highly nutritious animal feed. The aim is to offset the high environmental costs of importation of animal feeds, which are most often derived from soybean and commonly sourced from cleared rainforest and cerrado regions. 

The first batch of Arbikie pea gin pot-ale is currently being used to feed cows on a farm neighboring the distillery, which is based near Montrose. 

Black’s PhD at Abertay University and the James Hutton Institute is focused on exploring the potential of pulses such as peas and beans as an environmentally sustainable feedstock to the brewing and distilling industries. The research team is also working to investigate whether pot-ale protein can be isolated and used as a source of food for humans. 

Black says the finished gin product is flavored using natural botanicals, plus lemongrass and citrus leaf, contributing to a “fresh and fruity” aroma. 

She adds: “At Arbikie, everything we do is dictated by the seasons and our geographical location. Year on year we see the weather, harvest timings and crop quality change; all highlighting the need to address the climate crisis now. By producing the world’s first climate positive gin, we are taking initial steps towards improving our environmental impact, while demonstrating what can be achieved when like-minded researchers and businesses come together.”

 Professor of Zymology at Abertay University, Graeme Walker, who supervises Kirsty’s PhD project, says: This is an excellent example of what can be achieved with the right blend of academic expertise and industry know-how. Creating real-world impact through our scientific research is part of Abertay University’s core mission and I’m delighted to see that coming together in this genuinely innovative project.” 

Pietro (Pete) Iannetta, an agroecologist at the James Hutton Institute, adds: “The climate change crisis demands far greater respect for natural resources that has previously been afforded. We must be more efficient, and the best place to start is locally. Towards that end, this is not simply a story of a new gin but is in fact another great example of Scottish teamwork and ingenuity. 

“Nàdar is fully provenanced as a sustainable Scottish product, and when purchased consumers can be assured they are also encouraging more-practical crop rotations, helping to reduce artificial fertilizer use, improve soil qualities, and most importantly, to directly reconnect the values of local consumers and farmers to help realize the most respectful and sustainable of agricultural operations at home.”

 

The first batch of Arbikie pea gin

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech

By banning the farmers will be deprived of a good & affordable molecules which is used for control of pests damaging the crops and having a long history of safe use. 

 

 

 Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI)  a National Association representing Agrochemical/Pesticide Industry with more than 200 large, medium and small-scale companies as its members from all over India has opposed ban of Tricyclazole and Buprofezin by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. 

PMFAI has referred to the Draft Gazette Notification S.O.531 (E), dated 31st January 2020 issued by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, as per which Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) proposed ban of two pesticides viz. Tricyclazole and Buprofezin. PMFAI has stated that “We oppose the said ban and put forth some concerns and facts & figures for your ready reference and knowledge. By banning the farmers will be deprived of a good & affordable molecules which is used for control of pests damaging the crops and having a long history of safe use.” 

PMFAI has stated its suggestions about ban on Tricyclazole and Buprofezin 

To have an open house meeting with industry experts, manufacturers, associations along with APEDA, FSSAI and CIB & RC in presence of JS PPA about these products. 

All stakeholders, including government, Industry experts, scientist and commodity groups, must work together to ensure practical decisions is reached and not at the haste of EU.

 Companies supplying these molecules can help farmer or sensitize them with help of Krishi Kendra or Extension officers, Rice growers Association, APEDA and industry personnels to cautiously use the product on rice to avoid excessive use and have controlled MRL suggested by EU. 

The export to EU is hardly 3% -5% whether it is worth bowing to them when the molecules are also used in other crops. 

Restrict use of these molecules in Rice exported to EU and allow its use in India, as no evidence of causing harm to human health /danger to environment animal is reported in India. 

The solution to this problem – can be to have different basmati field pockets and spray some parts of it with tricyclazole to be exported to US exports and parts with isoprothiolane to be exported to EU. But Isoprothiolane will not be afforded by farmers owing to its cost. 

Lastly do India carry out same residue analysis for products coming from EU? 

–  We strongly feel that this is a kind of trade barrier on India as we know   MRLs are arrived at scientifically,whether a country sets an MRL and these can be used for  Protecting the domestic industry . There must be a practice of   Harmonized MRLs which favor trade. India is yet to create a level playing field -the 1995 WTO-SPS agreement for pesticide residue analysis. 

The ban should be assessed and supported by the Indian standards certified by government statutory authority rather than following EU standards.

By banning the farmers will be deprived

Agro Universities, E-commerce, R&D

The MoU aims at the collaboration towards inclusive growth in agriculture for rural development.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and ICICI Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding here at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi recently. 

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) and  Saurabh Singh, President, ICICI Foundation inked the MoU on the behalf of their respective organizations.

 Dr Mohapatra and  Singh mentioned that the MoU, being a significant development, will lead to widen the dissemination of the expert knowledge residing with the ICAR and the Krishi Vigyaan Kendra’s including application of  various research that are undertaken. 

They also emphasized that the ICICI Foundation will act as a bridge for connecting the marginal farmers with the ICAR in an attempt to significantly improve the agricultural productivity and farmers’ income in the near future. The collaboration will focus to develop the large agri-value chains. 

 Singh also outlined about the felicitation of the MoU by the ICAR with the Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries for piloting fishery in the hilly region in the country which has provided supplementary livelihood to the villagers in Uttarakhand.

 As per the MoU, the ICAR and ICICI Foundation will be undertaking collaborative programmes in sharing the technical knowledge and know-how for training and capacity building, agricultural extension activities, consultancy and other areas of agricultural sciences in national interest. Both the organizations will take up the R&D and outreach activities in targeted areas for the farmers’ benefits. The collaboration will also focus on integrated farming approach with allied activities (like Dairy, Fisheries, Apiculture, Horticulture, etc.) being promoted for ensuring that farmers are able to earn sustainable livelihoods.

The senior officials of ICAR and ICICI Foundation were also present during the occasion.

The MoU aims at the collaboration towards

Agrotech, Oilseeds, Types

  The  survey estimates castor acreage to stand at 770,150 hectares in 2019-20. Further, using remote sensing techniques, the castor acreage for the state is estimated at 753,660 hectares for 2019-20. 

According to the latest report of Agrowatch survey, Castor seed production in India is expected to grow by 88 per cent in 2019-20 over the previous year to 2.036 million tonnes. Last year, India produced 1.082 million tonnes of castor seed.

 According to a field survey conducted by Agriwatch or the Indian Agribusiness Systems Ltd., commissioned by the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), castor seed production in Gujarat, the leading producer in the country, is estimated to grow by 96 per cent to 1.744 million tonnes in 2019-20 as against roughly 889,000 tonnes last year. 

The survey findings were released at the recently held annual Global Castor Conference organized by SEA Ahmedabad.

State government estimates peg growth of 39 per cent in total area under castor in Gujarat for 2019-20 at roughly 741,000 hectares as against about 53400 hectares last year. However, the Agriwatch field survey pegs the growth at 44 per cent.

Compared to state government numbers, Agriwatch survey estimates castor acreage to stand at 770,150 hectares in 2019-20. Further, using remote sensing techniques, the castor acreage for the state is estimated at 753,660 hectares for 2019-20. This is despite the locust attack in December 2019 which caused serious damage to the crop.

 “The major reasons for increase in acreage this year is higher returns to the farmers in the seed last season and good seasonal rainfall this year in all growing districts,” Agriwatch stated.

In terms of productivity of castor in kg per hectare (ha), the estimated average for 2019-20 is expected to be 2,389 kg/ha against last year’s estimate of 1,751 kg/ha, an increase by 36 per cent. “Overall, the farmers are expecting increase in yield this year due to good monsoon and improved availability of water for irrigation,” it stated. 

Country-wide, average castor seed productivity for the year 2019-20 is estimated to be 2,052 kg/ha as compared to 1,407 kg/ha last year. The average yield findings are based on farmers’ response about their yield expectation on present crop conditions.

Further, nationally, total area under castor seed cultivation in India for the year 2019-20 is estimated to be 992,000 hectares according to the government’s estimates against 2018-19 estimate of 769,570 hectares, which has increased by 29 per cent compared to the previous year, the survey reported. 

“Acreage has reported to have increased across all top producing districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan and AP & Telangana,” it further stated.

Meanwhile, castor seed prices have taken a beating due to lower castor oil demand from China amidst the coronavirus outbreak. After falling by over 10 per cent by January 2020, castor seed prices are expected to fall further by 10-12 per cent. Apparently, China accounts for roughly 70 per cent of India’s castor oil exports.

  The  survey estimates castor acreage to

China, Country

 China has distributed 30 million yuan for locust control efforts in 15 provinces including major wheat producers Shandong and Henan 

 Amid the coronavirus tragedy across the country, China has allocated 1.4 billion yuan ($200 million) for the prevention and control of pests, including fall armyworms and locusts to protect the country’s massive agriculture sector and food security. 

As per reports, fall armyworms first arrived in China in January 2019 which spread over a million hectares of farmland last year. It is likely to hit more crops this year including the key corn-growing region in the northeast. 

According to a Ministry of Finance statement, the government has set aside 490 million yuan to combat fall armyworms in 21 provinces including Yunnan and Guangxi. 

Beijing is also closely watching for potential locust invasions as neighboring countries India and Pakistan struggle with the ferocious insects.

 It has distributed 30 million yuan for locust control efforts in 15 provinces including major wheat producers Shandong and Henan, the statement said. 

According to official reports, the rest of the government funds will be used to crack down on pests damaging vegetables in Hubei province and other pests threatening grain output. 

 China has distributed 30 million yuan for

AgroPolicy, E-commerce, Organic, Trade

Badal was speaking at inauguration of an organic food festival for women entrepreneurs at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. 

  “India’s organic food market is growing at 17 per cent annually and has the potential to grow at a faster pace on rising demand for health and wellness food products across the world”, said Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Food Processing Minister.

Badal and Smriti Irani Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) jointly inaugurated an organic food festival for women entrepreneurs at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. 

The festival with a theme “Unleashing India’s Organic Market Potential” has been organized by both the ministries with CII as the industry partner.

More than 180 women entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs) and co-operatives are taking part in this three-day exhibition organized in the national capital during February 21-23. 

Planning of more expos

Addressing the event, Badal said the two ministries have come together to give women entrepreneurs in the organic sector “wings to fly and reach the sky.”

She said this festival would be organized six times a year across India, and the plan is to make it an international exhibition in the near future. She also added that the entire world is looking towards organic and wellness food, which is required for both physical and mental health. 

“In organic and health foods, India is a power house,” Badal said, adding that there are many parts of India which are naturally organic such as Sikkim, hilly states and tribal belts. 

This organic festival provides a platform to women entrepreneurs to connect with consumers as well as retailers, Badal said.

“The organic sector in India is growing by almost 17 per cent every year… In times to come, the trend is going to grow much faster,” the minister said. 

Target areas

Earlier this month, Badal had said the organic food market will touch ₹75,000 crore in the next five years. Badal said food processing, value addition and organic food would be instrumental in the government’s target to double farmers’ income. 

“Under the able leadership of Minister of Food Processing, we celebrate the entrepreneurial potential of over 180 women in this segment of organic food under the aegis of this festival,” said Irani, who is also the Textile Minister.

She said foreign direct investment (FDI) in the food processing sector has increased substantially under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Irani stressed on providing access to latest food processing technology available globally to entrepreneurs, especially women.

Apart from women entrepreneurs, the minister suggested that Divyang citizens should be part of this organic food festival from next year. Tribal produce and nutritious food supported by Poshan Abhiyan should also be included. Food Processing Secretary Pushpa Subrahma- nyam said India is ranked number one in organic producers and ninth in area under cultivation for organic products.

Badal was speaking at inauguration of an

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, R&D

The fungicide has ability to control galling fungi for longer periods of time and not only against spores.

Syngenta has brought together over 250 olive growers in Seville, Spain, to officially launch Oliva Top, a new fungicide for olive trees. 

During the event, Antonio Trapero (Professor at the University of Córdoba) presented his paper, about chemical control of emerging olive grove diseases, which highlighted the major diseases that affect the crop.

 “The olive grove is a good example of sustainable cultivation, as it does not suffer from major epidemics in its area of origin, the Mediterranean,” said Trapero, who stressed that a well-pruned olive tree is essential to preventing diseases.

 The company has also assessed the current situation in the fungicide sector in an increasingly limited market, noting that copper, which has been a key ingredient of compounds used against olive pests for decades, is facing more and more legal restrictions. Currently, its use has been reduced to some 4 kilograms per hectare per year.

 To avoid such restrictions, systemic products, such as Oliva Top, which is based on azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, can be used. “It does not use copper as a fundamental material, so farmers can use it without worry,” said Juan Trigos (Syngenta field expert).

 Oliva Top is also compatible with the integrated pest management of olive groves. One of its main advantages is its ability to control galling fungi for longer periods of time and not only against spores.

The fungicide has ability to control galling

Agro chems – Pesticides, Country, E-commerce, Middle East countries, R&D

The Company is recognized for its development of innovative infrastructure for the use of delivery technologies and formulations for crop protection substances that reduces ecological footprint.  

ADAMA Ltd. (the “Company”) (SZSE 000553), was recognized recently for its outstanding environmental performance, winning the prestigious 2019 Israel Chemical Society award for the Green Chemical Industry. 

The Israel Chemical Society awarded ADAMA, a world leader in crop protection solutions, for its development of innovative infrastructure for the use of delivery technologies and formulations for crop protection substances, which are expected to reduce their ecological footprint. 

The Company was also recognized for its improvement of production processes, while mitigating the impact on the environment, through streamlining chemical reactions and separation processes, waste recycling and incineration, reuse of packaging materials, reduction of emissions and use of clean energy.

 The main considerations in selecting the ICS Prize winners are excellence in manufacturing environmentally friendly products or products that are able to improve environmental quality; contribution to the reduction of industrial waste; contribution to reduced energy consumption; and a significant reduction in toxic or greenhouse gases. 

ADAMA fully recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and invests considerable resources, efforts and attention in continually improving the safety of its facilities and protecting the environment. 

About ADAMA

ADAMA Ltd. is one of the world’s leading crop protection companies. It strive to create Simplicity in Agriculture – offering farmers effective products and services that simplify their lives and help them grow. With one of the most comprehensive and diversified portfolios of differentiated, quality products, our more than 7,000-strong team reaches farmers in over 100 countries, providing them with solutions to control weeds, insects and disease, and improve their yields. 

The Israel Chemical Society was established in 1933 as a not-for-profit organization that aspires to further research and development in the disciplines of chemistry, the chemical industry and the teaching of chemistry in Israel. Its diverse members include academic staff and students, industrial chemists, chemical engineers, chemistry teachers, and numerous chemists from all over the world.

The Company is recognized for its development

Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Silo structures follows a scientific process of storing grains where the stored grain is kept dry & aired in order to prevent fungal and insect attacks.

 

Raosaheb Patil Danve, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said that so as to prevent the wastage of food grains in traditional storage system, Centre has decided to construct thirty one silos in Northern state of Punjab for proper scientific storage of food grains. The minister was at Sangrur to examine the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns and evaluate the public distribution system of food grains. 

Danve said that the procedure for the identification of suitable sites has been started and very soon construction of new silos will begin. The minister added that silo structures follows a scientific process of storing grains where the stored grain is kept dry & aired in order to prevent fungal as well as insect attacks for a longer period of time as compared to traditional methods. 

Danve also informed that soon the “one nation, one ration card’ policy would be implemented in all states of India as twelve states have already been divided into clusters. He said under this scheme, the beneficiaries of the public distribution will get their share of rations in any state wherein they will be residing. The minister told that leaders of the labour, rice millers & some other unions have highlighted some issues that would also be addressed on priority.

 

Silo structures follows a scientific process of

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, R&D

The approval applies to treatment on a maximum of 100,000 acres of almonds in the state. 

UPL  has recently announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) have granted and approved a Section 18 emergency exemption for use of KASUMIN Bactericide on almonds for the control of bacterial blast.

 The approval applies to treatment on a maximum of 100,000 acres of almonds in the state and is limited to the counties of Butte, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba.

 “Bacterial blast can be economically devastating to an orchard grower’s operation if not effectively managed,” said David Davies, Marketing Manager, Specialty Crops, UPL. “The Section 18 approval of KASUMIN will now provide California almond growers with a highly effective tool for controlling bacterial blast by targeting a different site of action to protect tree health, crop quality and yields.” 

Under the Section 18, KASUMIN can be applied up to two times at a use rate of 64 fl oz per acre. Application should be made when conditions favor disease development, from bud break to petal fall. Application after petal fall is prohibited. 

“There was considerable support for this use from the industry, including significant university support as well as lobbying from the Almond Board of California and independent growers,” says Davies. “We are very thankful for the support and pleased to offer almond growers a new tool to control bacterial blast.”

 Unique mode of action

KASUMIN is already being successfully used in California walnut production for control of walnut blight after receiving federal and state registrations in 2018. As the only member of FRAC Group 24, KASUMIN has a high level of preventative activity on a wide array of plant pathogenic bacteria. Its active ingredient, kasugamycin, has a unique site of activity and mode of action.

Locally systemic in green tissue 

The bactericide acts mainly as a preventative and is applied to coincide with early shoot emergence and bloom, which places a protective layer of the bactericide on emerging green tissue and blossoms. KASUMIN acts as a locally systemic bactericide. In addition to controlling plant diseases on contact, the active ingredient in KASUMIN is absorbed by the plant’s green tissue and provides even broader control of targeted pathogens. 

KASUMIN is most effective when it is incorporated in a rotation program because the product shows no cross-resistance to other bactericides. KASUMIN features a 12-hour restricted-entry interval (REI) and 100-day pre-harvest interval (PHI) on almonds. It has no animal or human uses. 

UPL offers an integrated portfolio of agricultural products for specialty crops, including biological, crop protection and post-harvest solutions. To learn more about KASUMIN, visit the company website or contact your local UPL sales representative.

The approval applies to treatment on a

Agrotech, Country, E-commerce, Europe, R&D

Through the agreement, Wintersteiger becomes the exclusive reseller of Delair’s hardware and software solutions for field trials.

 

Wintersteiger and Delair announced their strategic partnership to offer the combined power of turnkey agricultural research equipment and visual data management solutions to seed breeding and production companies, universities, research institutes and agrochemical companies. Through the agreement, Wintersteiger becomes the exclusive reseller of Delair’s hardware and software solutions for field trials. The partners presented their joint go-to-market strategy at the annual DLG event in Hanover, on January 28-29, 2020. 

New-generation drone systems and sophisticated aerial imagery analytics are revolutionizing plant science research and the entire agriculture industry by providing large-scale field-based plant phenotyping data, and therefore a better understanding of how seeds perform in the field. Combined with powerful machines built for breeding and crop variety trials that help achieve optimum harvest quality and superior breeding outcomes, it can further accelerate the progress of breeding programs and reduce working time and cost per plot.

 Through the exclusive dealership agreement, Wintersteiger will include the Delair UX 11 AG long-range drone and the delair.ai cloud platform in its portfolio of solutions to cover the entire cycle of field research. This way, its customers will benefit from a one-stop-shop partner to manage their breeding populations, test plots and phenotyping data, with an optimized decision support workflow.

 “This collaboration aims to provide our customers with seamless access to the best breeding workflow available, and therefore enable them to accelerate their product developments,” says Christopher Schiehauer, head of business field seedmech, at Wintersteiger. “The team at Delair shares our vision to empower a diverse community of innovators to unlock the global genetic potential of plants through the digitalization of the whole field research.”

 “The ambition of the collaboration is to build the most complete digital solution for field trial activities,” says Lénaïc Grignard, Agriculture and Forestry product manager at Delair. “We are really excited that our products are now available through the world’s leading supplier of agricultural research equipment. Wintersteiger has established itself at the top of an exciting market and this new partnership serves as a great example of their innovative and ambitious initiatives.”

Through the agreement, Wintersteiger becomes the exclusive

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Dairy, Schemes - Govt

The scheme will promote dairy sector and further benefit around 95 lakh farmers in 50,000 villages.

Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prakash Javadekar said that Cabinet has approved a Rs 4,558 crore scheme to promote dairy sector that will further benefit around 95 lakh farmers in 50,000 villages.

 Briefing media about the Cabinet decisions, the minister said this scheme will take the ‘White revolution’ to the next level.

Besides this, the Cabinet has decided to increase interest subvention from 2% to 2.5% under the scheme – Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund or DIDF with the revised outlay of Rs 11,184 crore. Javadekar said that both the decisions will be beneficial for the farming community. 

The activities that come under the DIDF are modernizations of new milk processing facilities & manufacturing facilities for value-added products, electronic adulteration testing kit, chilling infrastructure and project management & learning.

 Under Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund, 28,000 bulk milk coolers will be set up with 140 lakh litres/day as additional milk chilling capacity. In addition, milk drying capacity will also be raised to 210 metric tonnes per day. Apart from this, 28,000 milk testing equipment will be given to check adulteration in milk. 

The Cabinet also approved a plan to create infrastructure of 59.78 lakh litres/day capacity for value-added dairy products to guarantee remunerative prices to milk producers. Centre will provide interest subvention up to 2.5% to NABARD from 2019-20 (W.e.f. 30th July 2019) to 2030-31. If there is any further hike in the cost of funds then it will be borne by the end borrowers themselves, according to the Cabinet statement. 

The funding period of the scheme i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20 has also been revised from 2018-19 to 2022-23. And the repayment period has been extended up to 2030-31 with spillover to 1st quarter of FY32.

 

The scheme will promote dairy sector and