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E-commerce, Finance, Trade

Total income increased to Rs 873.4 crore in the quarter from Rs 791.1 crore in October-December 2018, the company mentioned in a regulatory filing. 

 Bayer CropScience Limited (BSE: 506285) recently announced its unaudited results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2019. In the third quarter (Q3) of Financial Year (FY) 2019-20, Bayer CropScience Limited earned Revenue from Operations of ₹8,540 million, as compared to ₹7,751 million in the corresponding period of FY 2018-19. Profit before Exceptional Items and Tax stood at ₹1,612 million, compared to ₹837 million in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

 Commenting on the Q3 results, D. Narain, Managing Director & CEO, Bayer CropScience Limited, said, “Prolonged monsoon in October 2019 resulted in a delay in Rabi sowing, but good weather in November and December contributed to higher sales and liquidation across India, positively impacting our Q3 performance. In Q3, we also benefitted from early gains arising from our integrated product portfolio, cost synergies and one-time consolidation effects.”

 For the nine months ended December 31, 2019, Bayer CropScience Limited reported Revenue from Operations of ₹31,507 million, compared to ₹29,151 million for the corresponding period in FY 2018-19. Profit before Exceptional Items and Tax for the nine months ended December 31, 2019 stood at ₹6,590 million, compared to ₹5,750 million for the corresponding period in FY 2018-19. The results for the nine months ended December 31, 2018, and year ended March 31, 2019, include results of erstwhile Monsanto India Limited from June 7, 2018, (the date on which Monsanto Company, USA was acquired by Bayer AG) and are therefore not comparable.

 Sharing an outlook for the year ahead, D. Narain further stated, “We are progressing well on the integration and are geared up for a strong spring season. Supportive commodity prices and good water availability resulted in a favorable Rabi season and will continue to support improved sales growth for the rest of the financial year.”

 

 

Total income increased to Rs 873.4 crore

Agro Universities, Live Stock, R&D

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) as one of the deadliest diseases in pigs that causes high mortality. Newly released vaccine is one of the most economical CSF Vaccine costing around less than Rs. 2/- per dose. 

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) and Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of India released the “Live attenuated Classical Swine Fever Cell Culture Vaccine (Indigenous Strain) at the Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi recently.

 In his address, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra emphasized on the Classical Swine Fever (CSF) as one of the deadliest diseases in pigs that causes high mortality. He outlined that the country has been using a lapinized CSF Vaccine (Weybridge Strain, U.K.) since 1964 to control the disease. But, the procedure to produce the vaccine required sacrificing considerably a large number of rabbits. Besides this, around 1.2 million doses could only be produced as against the required 22 million doses per year in the country. The newly released Vaccine virus, having high titer, is capable of producing lakhs of doses very easily in the cell culture without sacrificing the rabbits.

 

Vaccine Technology

The Director General said that the Vaccine has been tested on around 500 pigs at multiple locations. Dr Mohapatra highlighted about the high demand for the transfer of the Vaccine technology from the various State Governments, Private manufacturers and the Government of Nepal.

 Atul Chaturvedi remarked the initiative by the ICAR-IVRI as a real help for the farmers to save their animals from the deadliest diseases. He emphasized that the release of the Vaccine will be beneficial for the farming community and would help to eliminate or control the disease by 2024-25. He urged to speed-up the commercialization of the technique at a large scale that would also help in realizing the vision of diseases free animal husbandry segment in the country.

Cost- effective vaccine

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Ashok Kumar, ADG (Animal Husbandry), ICAR briefed about the main features of the Vaccine. Dr Kumar highlighted that the high titer of Vaccine virus has made the Vaccine as one of the most economical CSF Vaccine costing around less than Rs. 2/- per dose as compared to Rs. 15 – 25/- of lapinized CSF Vaccine and Rs. 30/- per dose (approximately) for an imported Korean Vaccine that is being used in the country. He accentuated that the Vaccine is safe, potent, does not revert to virulence and provides protective immunity from day 14 of the Vaccination.

 The senior officials of ICAR Headquarters, ICAR-IVRI and Department of Animal Husbandry were also present during the occasion.

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) as one of

E-commerce, R&D

At the conclave Mahindra HZPC (MHZPC) showcased its 6 new seed potato varieties which will help Indian potato farmers increase their income through better yield, market prices and quality attributes. 

Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector and Mahindra HZPC Pvt Ltd; a joint venture of Mahindra Agri Solutions Limited and HZPC Holding B.V., the world’s largest seed potato player, participated in the Global Potato Conclave 2020 recently held at in Gandhinagar. 

At the conclave Mahindra HZPC (MHZPC) showcased its 6 new seed potato varieties viz. Colomba, Memphis, Taurus, Sagitta, Ivory Russet and Innovator, which will help Indian potato farmers increase their income through better yield, market prices and quality attributes.

While the Innovator variety is already popular amongst the French fry manufacturers, Ivory Russet is a new entrant to this segment. Taurus, which caters to the chips industry has a uniquely long storage period, more so than any existing Indian variety. Colomba and Memphis are high yielding table varieties, while Sagitta can be used both in processing fries and table consumptions. 

The Mahindra Group is a USD 20.7 billion group of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, improving urban living, nurturing new businesses & fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services & vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor Company, by volume.   It also enjoys a strong presence in agribusiness, commercial vehicles, aerospace, components, defense, logistics, renewable energy, real estate, speedboats & steel, amongst other businesses. Mahindra headquartered in India, employs more than 2, 40,000 people across 100 countries.

  Also showcasing its state-of-the-art precision farming and mechanization solution was Mahindra Farm Equipment sector with its best in class potato planters by Mahindra Dewulf,  potato special Mahinda Novo & Mahindra Yuvo tractors and modern precision farming solutions of Soil mapping and fertilizer drilling. With its whole host of mechanization solutions and differentiated potato varieties, Mahindra is the only company in India which can offer an entire stack of solution for the Indian potato farmer.

 

At the Global Potato Conclave 2020, Mahindra also hosted a field day for farmers to experience Mahindra’s latest in potato farming technologies in a specially created demonstration area.

  Ashok Sharma – President, Agri Sector, at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said “Mahindra has always been a pioneer in bringing world class solutions to Indian Agriculture. Today, we are proud to unveil six globally acknowledged varieties of seed potatoes to Indian farmers. We are confident that with this new portfolio, we would not only help potato farmers in getting premium from Indian consumers but also help processers and food companies in sourcing highest quality, processing amenable, and potatoes from India.”

Closely working with numerous progressive seed potato growers in India and engaged in delivering quality potato seed through a wide distribution network across country, Mahindra HZPC leverages sustainability and promote the best practices considering environment and society while doing business. The joint venture is to bringing access to latest technology, new varieties and will open global markets for Indian farmers.

The complete range of solutions in potato farming demonstrates yet another instance of Mahindra investing in future ready technologies to provide holistic and affordable offerings to the global farming community. This also illustrates the new age Agri and precision farming technologies which are being innovated by Mahindra beyond its traditional forte in farm equipment. 

Mahindra has partnered with global names in farm machinery and has strategically invested in agri and technology start-ups, to develop some of the best farming solutions at affordable prices. Its eco-system of global innovation centers develops Agricultural, digital and mechanized solutions to transform the way small landholders’ farm, helping them achieve FarmTech prosperity.

At the conclave Mahindra HZPC (MHZPC) showcased

Agro Universities, Organic, R&D

The exhibition will focus on live demonstrations of improved varieties and technologies, and farmer-entrepreneur-scientist interactions.

In a major effort to bring improvement in fruits, vegetables, ornamental and medicinal crops, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, is all set to unveil its four-day extravaganza, its National Horticulture Fair, at its sprawling 263-acre campus at Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, between February 5 and 8, 2020. 

The fair, with its theme, Horticulture-making farming an enterprise, will have an expected participation of more than 50,000 farmers. It will be an exhibition of stalls from the public and private sectors, live demonstrations of improved varieties and technologies, farmer-entrepreneur-scientist interactions, sale of seeds, planting material and products from ICAR-IIHR and other public and private firms for benefit of end users. 

In 2019, the fair witnessed over 25,000 farmers from 22 states benefiting from 120 improved pest-/disease-resistant varieties in 40 crops, integrated cropping systems, demonstration of integrated pest, disease and nutrient management practices and protected cultivation, soil-less culture for urban horticulture, climate-resilient horticulture technologies and 150 stall showcasing products related to horticulture. 

The 53-year-old institute has developed package of practices for some of the feasible crops on organic horticulture and good agriculture practices to ensure both quantity and quality of horticultural products with a major thrust on safeguarding soil health and ensuing pesticide-free commodities. Further, technologies that benefit tribal groups and farming community in North-Eastern states are given in much priority. 

“Besides, it will showcase its five decades of achievements, which include high-impact technologies like release of high-yielding varieties/pest- and disease-tolerant varieties, ArkaMicrobial Consortium, nutrient specials, pheromone traps, value-added post-harvest products, bio-pesticides and post-harvest machinery,” said Dr M R Dinesh, director, ICAR-IIHR. 

Among the recently-released varieties/technologies to be displayed at the fair are high-yielding mango hybrids like ArkaUdaya and ArkaSuprabhath; guava hybrids like ArkaKiran and ArkaPoorna; tomato hybrids for processing such as ArkaVishesh; chilli hybrid such as ArkaKhyati, and onion variety like ArkaBheem.

 Further, there will also be the triple disease-resistant tomato hybrids such as ArkaAditya and ArkaApeksha; value-added products of jackfruit, such as ArkaHalasuras, which can be processed for beverage, ArkaJacholate for chocolate-making and ArkaJackies cookies.

 In addition, there will be health-benefiting avocodo powder and high-yielding and high-antioxidant vegetable Amaranth varieties, ArkaSamrakasha and ArkaVarna. 

“There will be a dedicated stall on pest and disease control products, and it will showcase neem-based pellets, tuta light trap and Arka borer control. In sync with the technology advances, we will have the demonstration of ArkaBaagwani app and apps on chilli, papaya and okra cultivation,” stated Dr Dinesh.

 “With a wide display of such advanced technologies/varieties/products coupled with live demonstration, and by bringing public and private sector under one roof for one-to-one interaction, it is expected that the forthcoming National Horticulture Fair at ICAR-IIHR open all avenues to make horticulture as business and throw light on ways and means of doubling the farmers’ incomes and enhance entrepreneurs’ businesses,” pointed out Dr Dinesh at a press conclave.

The exhibition will focus on live demonstrations

E-commerce, Trade

The first shipment of 890 MTs of high-quality bananas, loaded in 43 refrigerated containers, from Andhra Pradesh to Mumbai to save high transport cost and quality losses during long transit. 

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), along with the government of Andhra Pradesh and one of the largest member exporter of banana, dispatched the first shipment of 890 MTs of high-quality bananas, loaded in 43 refrigerated containers, from Tadipatri in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Mumbai, recently for export to international markets. 

This was stated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The Union Government, under the Agri Export Policy, has notified a banana cluster in Anantapur and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. The exporting company has been able to change the package of practices by providing expertise and technology to help banana growers in Andhra Pradesh for enhancing the quality of banana production. 

Over 500 farmers cultivating bananas in over 1,800 hectare have been trained to boost the production and export of the fruit from Anantapur and nearby districts.

The long distance of the Andhra Pradesh farms to the export port in Mumbai affects the viability of export shipments, due to high transport cost and quality losses during long transit. Efforts have been made for reducing the transit time to Mumbai port by using refrigerated rail containers.

 Over 3,000 farmers with an annual production of over one lakh MT are being handheld for exports directly. The efforts of APEDA with the support of the state government and exporters are likely to provide a good opportunity for India to increase its share in world trade of bananas.

The first shipment of 890 MTs of

Finance, Start ups, Trade

The funds will be used to expand into new regions and also bring new varieties of crops

 

Kisan Network, a  Gurgaon based startup, has  recently secured $3 million in the funding round of seed led by the Mistletoe managing director Atsushi Taira. 

According to the report, the funding round also saw the participation from the Y Combinator, Thiel Foundation, and some other angel investors as well. 

The funds will be used to expand into new regions and also bring new varieties of crops. A portion of the funds will also be used to reveal new farmer-centric products and services to its customers.

 We have developed into a thriving organization of 70 and growing, serving more than 55,000 farmers across thousands of villages in India. With this funding and the building blocks of our supply chain in place, we believe that we are the cusp of becoming an even larger Pan India player in the market”, said Aditya Agarwalla, co-founder and CEO of Kisan Network.

 The company offers farmers access to information about their produce and market prices. To check crop quality, the company uses the computer vision to assess the physical characteristics of the crops remotely. It has also partnered with the local logistics players to make sure that product is directly sent to the buyer. 

“We see immense value in Kisan Network’s focus in providing market linkages directly to farmers, and their progress so far in building out each aspect of their tech-enabled supply chain is highly promising,” Mistletoe’s Taira.

The funds will be used to expand

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Finance

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2020 on Saturday that focused on raising the purchasing power by cutting income tax rates and boosting rural income. AgroSpectrum highlights the key points for agriculture sector in Union Budget 2020.

Agri-credit target for the year 2020-21 has been set at Rs 15 lakh crore.

Government to incentivise farmers to go solar. Over 6 crore farmers under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna have been insured. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha and Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) to be expanded, providing 20 lakh farmers in setting up standalone solar pumps. Government have provided energy sovereignty through KUSUM and input sovereignty through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana .Government have provided resilience for 6.11 crores farmers insured under PM Fasal Bima Yojana. Focus on cultivation of pulses, expansion of micro-irrigation through Krishi Sinchai Yojana, have raised the self-reliance of the country. 

Viability Gap Funding for efficient warehouses

India has an estimated capacity of 162 million MT of agri-warehousing, cold storage, reefer van facilities etc.  NABARD will undertake an exercise to map and geo-tag them.  In addition, we propose creating warehousing, in line with Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) norms. Our government will provide Viability Gap Funding for setting up such efficient warehouses at the block/taluk level.  This can be achieved, where States can facilitate with land and are on a PPP mode. Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) shall undertake such warehouse building on their land too.

Dhaanya Lakshmi- Village storage scheme

As a backward linkage, a Village Storage scheme is proposed to be run by the SHGs.  This will provide farmers a good holding capacity and reduce their logistics cost.  Women, SHGs shall regain their position as “Dhaanya Lakshmi”.

Kisan Rail

To build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, inclusive of milk, meat and fish, the Indian Railways will set up a “Kisan Rail” – through PPP arrangements. There shall be refrigerated coaches in Express and Freight trains as well.

KrishiUdaan

KrishiUdaan will be launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on international and national routes. This will immensely help improve value realisation especially in North-East and tribal districts. Krishi Udaan scheme aims to transport agri products to national as well international destinations to be launched.

 

Promoting Horticulture

Horticulture sector with its current produce of 311million MT exceeds production of food grains.  For better marketing and export, we propose supporting States which, adopting a cluster basis, will focus on “one product one district”.

Integrated farming systems in rain fed areas

Integrated farming systems in rain fed areas shall be expanded. Multi-tier cropping, bee-keeping, solar pumps, solar energy production in non-cropping season will be added. Zero-Budget Natural Farming (mentioned in July 2019 budget) shall also be included.  The portal on “Jaivikkheti” – online national organic products market will also be strengthened.

 

 NABARD re-finance scheme

Financing on Negotiable Warehousing Receipts (e-NWR) has crossed more than`6000crore. This will be integrated with e-NAM.  Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) and cooperatives are active in the agriculture credit space.  The NABARD re-finance scheme will be further expanded.  Agriculture credit target for the year 2020-21 has been set at ` 15 lakh crore. All eligible beneficiaries of PM-KISAN will be covered under the KCC scheme.

Facilitate doubling of milk processing capacity

Government intends to eliminate Foot and Mouth disease, brucellosis in cattle and also peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goat by 2025.  Coverage of artificial insemination shall be increased from the present 30% to 70%. MNREGS would be dovetailed to develop fodder farms. Further, we shall facilitate doubling of milk processing capacity from 53.5 million MT to 108 million MT by 2025.

 Blue Economy

 Our government proposes to put in place a framework for development, management and conservation of marine fishery resources. 

Sagar Mitras & Fish Farmer Producer Organisations

Youth in coastal areas benefit through fish processing and marketing.  By 2022-23, Government propose raising fish production to 200 lakh tonnes. Growing of algae, sea-weed and cage Culture will also be promoted.

Our government will involve youth in fishery extension through 3477 SagarMitras and 500 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations. We hope to raise fishery exports to ` 1 lakh crore by 2024-25. 

 

 

 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the

Agro Universities, R&D

The theme of meeting was “Development of Citrus in North-Eastern Region”.

The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) erstwhile ICAR-National Research Centre for Citrus (NRCC), Nagpur, Maharashtra organized the three-day “National Citrus Meet – 2020” at the Regional Research Centre for Citrus, Biswanath Chariali, Assam from 10th to 12th January, 2020. The meet was organized in collaboration with the Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Assam; Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal and ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Umiam. The theme of meeting was “Development of Citrus in North-Eastern Region”.

The Chief Guest of the inaugural session, Dr K.V. Prabhu, Chairperson, PPV&FRA stressed on the need for properly registering the citrus varieties. He urged the scientists to develop the techniques for identifying the admixtures. Dr Prabhu emphasized on giving the priority to the North Eastern Region being Centre of Origin for Citrus, germplasm collection and cataloguing.

 Dr A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR urged for focusing on the productivity enhancement and value-added products from citrus. He emphasized on green but, low cost technologies for doubling the farmers’ income.

Dr Ashok Bhattacharya, Vice-Chancellor, AAU; Dr. B.K. Kandpal, Director, ICAR-Research Centre for North-Eastern Hills Region and Dr. R.N. Barman, Associate Dean, BNCA, Biswanath Chariali also marked their presence as the Guests of Honour during the occasion.

Earlier, Dr M.S. Ladaniya, Director, ICAR-CCRI highlighted the various Institutional activities of the ICAR-CCRI and ICAR-RRCC in the recent years. He stated that the Institute will provide first-hand information and all details about the cultivation, marketing and post-harvest management of citrus fruits in the North-Eastern Region.

 Dhrubajyoti Das, Deputy Commissioner, Biswanath marked his presence as the Chief Guest along with Abdul Jalil, Director, Department of Horticulture & Food Processing, Government of Assam; Shri Mangthiana, Joint Director (Horticulture), Mizoram as the Guests of Honour.

The dignitaries also released the “Souvenir & Abstracts” and Extension Bulletin on “Improved cultivation practices for Khasi mandarin in Mizoram” during the inaugural session. The Citrus Diversity Show displayed the wide varieties of citrus fruits (commercial and wild) from eight North Eastern States.

A total of 150 delegates including Citrus Experts, Horticulturists, State Agricultural Department Officials, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Subject matter Specialists & Programme Coordinators, Development Agencies, University faculties, scientists, students and farmers participated in the meeting.

The theme of meeting was “Development of

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

Gro Tech line of solution is calibrated to help sugarcane growers in saving labor, water, time and fuel.

VST Tillers Tractors, pioneers in manufacturing of tillers and compact tractors in India, has launched Gro Tech – a new line of solution which aligns with the government of India’s vision of doubling farmer’s income.

As per reports, VST Gro Tech line of solution is being offered to sugarcane farmers which is tailor-made to optimize productivity and thereby boost sugarcane yield. In-addition, Gro Tech line of solution is calibrated to help sugarcane growers in saving labor, water, time and fuel. Importantly, the initial investment needed to get the Gro Pro line of the solution running on the ground with all implements is expected to be 50 % lesser in comparison with Higher HP Tractor. 

During the launch of Gro tech, Sr Vice President of VST Jujhar Singh Virk said, “VST’s innovative products and simplified farm solutions will help sugarcane growers in improving productivity and helps in reduction of several costs including labor, farm inputs, cultivation, and harvesting. 

During the launch of Gro tech, Sr Vice President of VST Jujhar Singh Virk said, “VST’s innovative products and simplified farm solutions will to help sugarcane growers in improving productivity and helps in reduction of several costs including labor, farm inputs, cultivation, and harvesting. 

“As part of Gro Tech solution, we are happy to offer VST Shakti Viraat MT 270, a fuel-efficient compact tractor, and is positioned as complete sugarcane mechanization solution that is projected to increases productivity up to 20 per cent with an innovative method of farming”, he added.

Moreover, VST SHAKTI MT 270 is built with a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine, Power steering, Oil-immersed brakes, Smart Hydraulics, Ultra cooling radiator,   automatic depth, and draft control and best in class with minimum turning radius assures better coverage with less fuel consumption.  VST Grotech used along with Earthing up equipment will result in cost reduction by 50% over conventional method and help in reducing the land preparation cost by 30% by Using Subsoiler, MB plow and Cultivator.

The mechanization solution of VST Grotech bridges the gap between low returns from small landholdings and the higher cost of labor and inputs through better use of  technology & affordable solutions. Further, he added, VST GROTECH line of solution helps aspiring farmers to cross the threshold at ease by increasing productivity.  Moreover, it offers many more benefits to Sugarcane farmers which lead to an increase in productivity by 20 per cent.

Gro Tech line of solution is calibrated

E-commerce, Packaging & Labelling, R&D

Produce treated with Apeel has a protective layer of plant-based materials that slows down water loss and penetration by oxygen.

The German retail organization EDEKA Group is featuring citrus treated with Apeel Science’s shelf-life extender in select stores.

Nationwide introduction of Apeel-treated oranges and clementines in EDEKA’s German stores is anticipated by the end of the year 2020, according to a news release.

As per the release, EDEKA and Netto Marken-Discount stores previously launched avocados with Apeel’s protective coating at select German stores at the end of 2019.

Apeel’s coating will be used on EDEKA World Wildlife Fund oranges (1.5-kilogram bag), EDEKA Selection oranges “NavelGold” (1-kilogram bag) and EDEKA Selection “ClemenGold” clementines (750-gram bag).

Consumers will find the citrus in selected EDEKA stores in northern Germany and North-Rhine Westphalia, as well as at Netto branches in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony, according to the release.

Apeel Sciences investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Viking Global Investors, Upfront Ventures, S2G Ventures, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Department for International Development, and The Rockefeller Foundation.

Produce treated with Apeel has a protective

Agro chems – Fertilizers, R&D

The conference aims to connect farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, fertilizer players, researchers and other people whose concerns lie in the fertilizer sector.

 SMART Fertilizers Conclave is going to be held at VAMNICOM, Pune on 28th and 29th February 2020. The primary focus of the conference will be innovations in fertilizers, thoughtful use of fertilizers and need of policy reforms in the sector. The vision of this conference is to connect farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, fertilizer players, researchers and other people whose concerns lie in the fertilizer sector.

One of the main highlights of this conclave is to connect approximately 1000 modern farmers and promote balanced and sustainable use of fertilizers to face the future challenges looming in the field of agriculture. This conference also aims at promoting the latest innovations and technologies in fertilizers and providing opportunities to farmers to network with government executives, industry leaders, dealers and other stakeholders in the sector. 

With the ongoing debate on whether to use chemical or organic fertilizer, the conference will also be touching the realms of the present and future of organic and natural fertilizers. With the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, many farmers believe that the natural fertility of the soil is vanishing and this has put fertilizers into bad light thereby, many fertilizer companies might be getting low business. So, to clear out misconceptions among the farmers about using fertilizers, this conference will take the responsibility to touch such topics. As more and more progressive farmers will join the event, the conference will be able to convey the message more clearly across the nation. 

The expected output of the conclave is to create awareness about the balanced use of fertilizers, bridging gaps between policymakers and industries and give a push to innovations in technologies in the sector through the deliberations.  

The venue, VAMNICOM, Pune is a Grant-in-aid institution under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Government of India.  The institute has great infrastructure and provides a favourable environment for the management of such agri-related conferences. 

The conference aims to connect farmers, FPOs,

Agro chems – Fertilizers, E-commerce, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

This addition complements current fertilizer application products and provides Unverferth with a complete lineup for agricultural retailers and farmers.

Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. announces the purchase of Force Unlimited of Oelwein, Iowa, an innovative manufacturer of the Pro-Force pull-type and truck-mounted spreaders. The product line includes single- and multi-bin models with user-friendly, adjustable spinners that provide uniform, prescription rate application of granular fertilizers, cover crops, poultry litter and compost on croplands.

Force Unlimited founder, Stan Duncalf, commented, “As an established, highly regarded company, Unverferth Manufacturing has demonstrated their sincere desire to grow the Pro-Force line with expanded distribution and continued new product development. They will also provide the added manufacturing capabilities for continued sales growth and maintaining high-quality manufacturing and aftermarket support for the products I have nurtured for the last 17 years.” Duncalf will be joining the Unverferth team, focusing on product research and development.

Stated Larry Unverferth, company president, “We look forward to continuing the successes of Stan’s innovative single- and multi-bin spreaders and expanding his vision to make the best, most innovative lineup of dry fertilizer spreaders for greater crop yields while reducing the environmental impact. This addition complements our current fertilizer application products and provides Unverferth with a complete lineup for agricultural retailers and farmers.

 

The top-of-the line, Pro-Force spreaders are manufactured with 304 stainless steel for the greatest oxidation resistance with precision machined parts for accurate variable rate fertilizer application. Additional information about the current product line-up can be found at forceunltd.com.

This addition complements current fertilizer application products

E-commerce, Packaging & Labelling, Supply Chain

The automated bulk packaging solutions cut food loss in the food service sector.

The US foodservice industry is discovering the benefits of receiving fresh green bean supplies in lean, modified atmosphere bulk packaging (MAP) newly developed by sustainable packaging experts StePac, Ltd. The company’s advanced solution under the brand name Xtend® targets food waste in the foodservice supply chain and delivers added benefits of preserving the quality, crispiness, and glossy green colour of fresh green beans while maintaining full fresh flavour. Stepac will showcase this innovative solution at the upcoming Fruit Logistica in Berlin, February 5-7, hall 26, booth #D10.

Green beans are grown extensively in South Florida and Tennessee, with peak season from November to May. A large percentage of the green beans are packed and shipped to the foodservice industry. But fresh green beans have a short shelf life of around 8 to 12 days. Dehydration, a common post-harvest problem, causes the pods to shrivel and become limp from progressive weight loss and plastic packaging is often used to reduce this waste.

However, excess moisture generated in standard packaging aggravates decay and russeting — reddish-brown spots that result from chilling injury when beans are stored at 5-7.5°C (41-45°F). Foodservice outlets must discard food supplies that do not meet specifications for appearance and quality and are rendered unfit for consumption.

 

StePac developed modified atmosphere packaging films inbuilt with ideal water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) that eliminate the excess moisture from fresh green bean packaging, mitigating risk of decay and reducing sensitivity to russeting. The company’s proprietary solution also preserves the crispiness and glossy green colour of fresh green beans and prevents excessive weight loss caused by dehydration.

 

Food waste is an estimated $100bn problem within the hospitality sector alone, reports Winnow, producers of a device that monitors food waste in commercial kitchens. “Food waste in the foodservice sector is a major challenge, affecting the entire global food value chain,” notes Gary Ward, Ph.D., Business Development Manager for StePac. “Our technology offers a solution for helping curb that waste and enhancing the quality of the produce reaching the kitchens. It also isn’t limited to green beans but extends to a range of other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and others that are freshly bulk packed exclusively for the foodservice sector.”

 

StePac’s packaging solutions can help increase the shelf life of green beans and other vegetables, often by as much as 50-100%, and allows foodservice providers to serve vegetables cooked from higher quality fresh produce, more sustainably and with reduced waste.

 

StePac offers a range of films that cater to nearly every requirement. In addition to Xtend carton liners, its ground-breaking Xflow™ films, with their patented sealing layer, have facilitated applicability for automated packaging, such as vertical form-fill and seal (VFFS) packing. This lets the packaging of green beans and other vegetables meet the demands of high turnover facilities and is already gaining momentum within facilities in regions of the US, especially Florida.

 

“The new Xflow packaging supports high-speed, high-throughput automated packaging lines for fresh vegetables; supports distributors and growers; and better meets the needs of hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions across the US,” adds Ward. “Foodservice sites can receive enhanced quality produce while enjoying the benefits of reduced labor costs.”

 

This solution for automated packing of fresh green beans for foodservice applications adds to the comprehensive portfolio of packaging solutions StePac offers for fresh vegetables. The portfolio includes bulk carton liners, preformed bags (including standing pouches for retail applications) as well as films for VFFS, flowpack and topseal for retail packaging formats.

 

 

About StePac:

StePac specializes in functional packaging for fresh produce. Its globally recognized brands include Xtend, Xgo™, Xflow™ and Xbloom™ modified-atmosphere/modified-humidity packaging solutions. These solutions reduce weight loss, slow respiration and aging, and inhibit microbial decay, while prolonging storability and shelf life. They are supported by a wealth of post-harvest expertise for enhanced performance and sustainability. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Matthey, plc, UK.

The automated bulk packaging solutions cut food

E-commerce, R&D, Trade

It will provide engineering services to help cultivation and processing facilities optimize production, maximize bottom line profits.

Root Engineers, a professional engineering firm specializing in the cannabis industry, is continuing to expand its engineering and design services to cannabis facilities nationwide. The firm is now licensed to operate in 12 states across the United States, and plans to add more to the list in 2020.

“We are excited to work in cannabis communities across the country and share our expertise with business owners in the industry,” said Laura Breit, CEO of Root Engineers. “While our headquarters is located in Oregon, we also hold licenses in many other states to provide engineering services to help cultivation and processing facilities optimize production, maximize bottom line profits, and provide the operational infrastructure to help our clients grow their businesses.”

 Cannabis facility design project

Root Engineers is licensed to offer its market-leading engineering, design and consulting services for cannabis companies in Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Michigan, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Illinois. The company’s experienced team of licensed professional engineers has completed more than 100 cannabis facility design projects by providing superior mechanical, electrical, plumbing and process engineering solutions.

Root Engineers will work to obtain licensure in any state and encourages potential clients to reach out from any state. The process to secure a new state license typically only takes two to three weeks.

About Root Engineers

Root Engineers, a division of established firm ColeBreit Engineering, is a team of licensed professional engineers providing engineering, design, and consulting services for cannabis cultivation and processing facilities across the country. Root Engineers began building partnerships in its home state of Oregon in 2014 with growers, architects, contractors and investors. With more than 100 years of combined engineering experience and more than 100 cannabis and hemp projects in its portfolio, Root Engineers is a market leader in engineering services including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and process engineering.

It will provide engineering services to help