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Agro Universities, North America, R&D

It aims at improving national capacity in extreme weather preparedness, next-generation workforce development and agricultural resilience and sustainability. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced they are establishing seven new artificial intelligence (AI) institutes across the country to accelerate research, expand America’s workforce and transform the future of American agriculture. Advancements in AI research have broad applications that can create economic, health and safety benefits across multiple industries and all levels of education. 

This national network of Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes represents the nation’s most significant federal investment in AI research and workforce development to date. The $20 million investment in each of five NSF AI institutes and two USDA-NIFA AI Institutes is just the beginning. 

“This major Federal investment in next generation agriculture signals our commitment to keeping American agricultural innovation on the leading edge of global science,” says NIFA Acting Director Parag Chitnis. “These future-focused centres of innovation will use the latest techniques from all corners of science including molecular science, engineering, and robotics to seek solutions for myriad challenges facing agriculture, from crop improvement and animal welfare to labor shortages and farm safety.” 

By partnering U.S. scientific powerhouses, USDA-NIFA and NSF, with the U.S. Department of Homeland’s Security Science and Technology Directorate, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and U.S. public research universities, these institutes will serve as hubs in a broader nationwide network aimed at improving American competitiveness and transforming key areas of society. The AI Institutes’ research will improve our national capacity in critical areas such as extreme weather preparedness, K-12 education advancement, next-generation workforce development and agricultural resilience and sustainability.

“The AI institutes being awarded today comprise large, multi-disciplinary, and multi-sector collaborations: they bring together consortia of dozens of universities and other organizations, ultimately spanning academia, government, and industry,” says Michael Kratsios, U.S. Chief Technology Officer. “In effect, over the next five years, some of the best minds in the country will be tackling some of the grandest challenges that we face, both in terms of new AI techniques as well as breakthroughs in fields of science and engineering and sectors of our economy. And along the way, they will nurture the future American workforce in AI research and practice.”

It aims at improving national capacity in

E-commerce, Packaging & Labelling, R&D, Supply Chain

New packaging uses nanotechnology with antiviral and antibacterial action

 

Termotécnica has reinvented itself by launching the Safe Pack Antiviral and Antibacterial. Patented and unique in the market, Safe Pack uses nanotechnology to reduce the time and quantity of viral and bacterial agents in the EPS packaging produced by the company. “I believe that it’s in a crisis that the best opportunities to innovate arise. In a consumer survey in March, 80 per cent of respondents reported concerns regarding food safety. We saw in this consumer behaviour change an important unmet demand, given this ‘new normal’. So, we brought together our multidisciplinary team’s expertise to develop and bring to the market this new solution in record breaking time”, states Termotécnica president, Albano Schmidt. 

The packaging provides protection throughout the EPS structure, thus inhibiting growth and permanency of viruses and bacteria. The goal is to offer an antiviral activity that acts jointly against enveloped viruses that can cause diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Influenza A (H1N1), Ebola, Herpes (HSV). Its efficacy has been proven in tests conducted by independent laboratories with technical reports that show reduced viral activity, according to the standard ISO 21702-2019 and antibacterial according to JIS Z 2801:2000.

 If an infected person handles or sneezes on an EPS Safe Pack, instead of the virus remaining on the surface for days – it can be suppressed in a short period of time. “Considering the entire production, transportation, storage and consumption chain of foods, vaccines and even appliance packaging delivered to people’s homes, Safe Pack’s Antiviral and Antibacterial action has numerous and important applications in the market”, states Albano Schmidt. 

Agribusiness

FarmFresh EPS conserver solutions maintain the ideal atmosphere to extend FLV’s (Fruits, Legumes, and Vegetables) useful life retaining their freshness and quality from the farm to the consumers’ table. And Safe Pack’s action, combined with FarmFresh conservers’ properties, provide fresh products greater protection from viruses and bacteria. 

Food conversation

With food safety on the top of consumers’ priorities in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, EPS packaging with Safe Pack Antiviral and Antibacterial action ensures even more hygiene in transporting and storing food. Packaged products also gain importance since product traceability is essential both to guarantee origin and quality as well as in the delivery process. Termotécnica EPS conservers allow high thermal insulation, impact absorption, ease in stacking, transport and product display.

 

 

New packaging uses nanotechnology with antiviral and

E-commerce, Finance

Company’s standalone financial results for Quarter ended June 30, 2020

 
 
ITC’s agri business recorded a growth of 3.7% in Segment Revenue driven by trading opportunities mainly in oilseeds and rice. 
 
The business continued to leverage its strong farm linkages and wide sourcing network across geographies to secure supplies of critical grades of wheat with benchmark quality towards meeting the growing requirements of Aashirvaad atta.
 
 Despite the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Business pro-actively engaged with Centre and State authorities to secure permissions expeditiously to commence sourcing operations. 
 
It leveraged deep farmer connect built through over two decades of the e-Choupal network, to scale up direct farm purchases. Together with the multi-modal procurement and supply chain model (covering network of transporters operating on road, rail and coastal routes), the company was able to ramp up the volume of wheat procurement substantially to cater to the surge in demand for Aashirvaad atta.
 
During the quarter, it also ramped up the direct milk sourcing network in West Bengal to cater to the increasing requirements on the back of the growing franchise of the Aashirvaad Svasti range of dairy products.
 
ITC’s Agri Business is the country’s second largest exporter of agri-products.

Company’s standalone financial results for Quarter ended

Seeds, World

The global market for seed treatment estimated at US$8.1 billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$15.

Reportlinker.com has recently announced the release of the report ‘Global Seed Treatment Industry’- 2 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% over the period 2020-2027. Seed protection, one of the segments analyzed in the report is projected to record 8.8% CAGR and reach US$10.5 billion by the end of the analysis period.

After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the seed enhancement segment is readjusted to a revised 10.8% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The Seed Treatment market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.2 billion in the year 2020. China, the world`s second-largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$3.2 billion by the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 12.4% over the analysis period 2020 to 2027.

Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 6.4% and 8% respectively over the 2020-2027 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.3% CAGR. We bring years of research experience to this 8th edition of our report. The 373-page report presents concise insights into how the pandemic has impacted production and the buy-side for 2020 and 2021. A short-term phased recovery by key geography is also addressed.

The global market for seed treatment estimated

Agro chems – Pesticides, IT

The training courses will educate end-users, distributors and consultants on the effective use of BioProtection products.

Bionema, a UK based BioProtection (Biopesticide) technology developer, has launched digital, classroom and bespoke training courses to educate end-users, distributors and consultants on the effective use of BioProtection products as an alternative to chemical pest control.

BioProtection products are being developed and used across the world to ensure safe and sustainable agricultural. However, many end users are not fully familiar with the effective use of biocontrol agents – such as nematodes fungi, bacteria, viruses and beneficial insects and need a better understanding of how best to apply them, as the way they are stored, handled, and applied are important considerations and can result in improved efficacy.

Bionema’s courses have been developed to maximise the efficacy of biological products in a learning environment that suits customer needs and ensures product success.

The digital training courses are designed to allow self-paced learning in the delegate’s own time – giving flexibility to study around other commitments. These courses have been written with the needs of commercial distributors and end users – such as growers, farmers, greenkeepers, grounds personnel, foresters, agronomists and integrated pest management practitioners – in mind. 

Delegates can also learn in a classroom format and a bespoke version can be designed to reflect a client’s environment, knowledge and individual needs. Each course is worth 12 BASIS or 4 NRoSO CPD points.

These courses include presentations, practical workshops and demonstrations of different BioProtection products.  Every course delegate will develop a complete understanding of product application within an integrated pest management system, which will help them maximise pest control performance.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema said: “These courses have been designed for those who are new to BioProtection or who would like to refresh their knowledge. For example, learners will receive a complete introduction of the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as well as an introduction to pest identification, product formulations and application.

“The training courses have been carefully developed by specialist biocontrol experts to ensure that product end users have a thorough and complete knowledge of effective use. By having a better understanding on how to use the product correctly, growers we have worked with have already seen a 30-40 per cent  uplift in effective pest and disease control, using BioProtection products, which makes the additional knowledge found in these courses invaluable.” 

Bionema is inviting training providers who would like to partner in the delivery of digital courses.  The current courses include:

Course 1 – Application of entomopathogenic nematodes for insect pest control 

Course 2 – Application of BioProtection products for pests and diseases control 

Course 3 – Application of beneficial biocontrol agents for insect pest control

The training courses will educate end-users, distributors

Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain

Company’s operating earnings improved by 25 per cent marking the 8th consecutive quarter with Y-Y improvements 

 

 

 In Q2 2020, A.P. Moller – Maersk improved profitability across all businesses through agile capacity deployment, cost mitigation initiatives and adaption to changed customer needs. The earnings improvement was achieved despite the sharp drop in global volumes following the COVID-19 crisis. 

“As expected, the second quarter was materially impacted by COVID-19 and our focus remained on protecting our employees from the virus, serving our customers by keeping our global network of ships sailing and our ports, warehouses and inland transportation networks operating, and helping the societies we are part of fight the virus,” says Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk and continues:

“I am pleased that we despite the headwinds, continued our track record of improving earnings and free cash flow. Our operating earnings improved by 25 per cent marking the eighth consecutive quarter with year-on-year improvements, driven by strong cost performance across all our businesses, lower fuel prices and higher freight rates in Ocean and increased profitability in Logistics & Services.

With a strong result and a strong balance sheet we are well positioned to financially and strategically come out stronger of the crisis.”

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) improved to USD 1.7bn, which is higher than the initial expectations in the trading update from June of an EBITDA slightly above USD 1.5bn. The EBITDA margin increased from 14.1 per cent in Q2 last year to 18.9 per cent. 

Revenue decreased by 6.5 per cent to USD 9 bn, driven by a volume decrease of 16 per cent in Ocean and 14 per cent in gateway terminals. In Ocean, the lower volumes were partly offset by agile capacity deployment of the global network leading to lower costs, together with lower fuel prices and higher freight rates. In Logistics and Services, profitability increased through cost measures, favourable airfreight contribution and the integration of Performance Team, while Terminals & Towage showed their resilience by compensating lower volumes through cost measures.

 

The continued focus on improving returns showed further results with cash return on invested capital (CROIC), last twelve months improving to 12.5 per cent from 8.9 per cent and ROIC, last twelve months increasing to 4.7 per cent from 1.4 per cent in the previous year.

 

The net interest-bearing debt was USD 11.6bn compared to USD 11.7bn by the end of 2019, as free cash flow of USD 1.5bn allowed for share buy-back, dividends and acquisitions in the first six months of 2020.

 

Company’s operating earnings improved by 25 per

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, E-commerce

  ‘Dominant’ insecticide will effectively control brown plant hopper (BPH) in paddy & sucking pests in cotton 

Leading agrochemical manufacturer, Insecticides (India) Ltd. (IIL) has launched ‘Dominant’, a new systemic, third-generation neonicotinoid group of insecticides that will provide the control of brown plant hopper in paddy and sucking pests in Cotton. This is the first time that this technical and formulation will be made in India.

“IIL has a proud lineage of promoting and investing in R&D. Dominant is a testimony to our dedicated efforts to bring the best within the reach of even common and marginal farmers. Its unique mode of action which gives longer and effective control on targets pests which may not be effectively controlled by other molecules. This product was being imported in India till now, and I am glad that this will now be manufactured in India and will benefit the more number of farmers. BPH is one of the main pests in paddy which may cause huge losses if not controlled well in time. Dominant is a fast action insecticide due to which target pests stop damaging the crop after its spray and start dying within a few hours. Its unique mode of action gives longer and effective control. Its translaminar action ensures that even if it is sprayed on the upper surface of the leaves, it gets translocated to the lower surface and controls the target insects hiding in the lower side of the leaf. We are confident that Dominant will prove promising and will benefit a large number of farmers this kharif season”, said Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India) Ltd.

 

“Active Ingredient (AI) of Dominant is Dinotefuran 20 per cent SG that makes it an effective contact insecticide anddoes not require ingestion by the insect to be effective. Dominant keeps the crop green and healthy resulting in improved quality and productivity, due to its high efficacy on target pests. In the north India markets, this product will add value to the farmers and they will be benefited by its use”, added Sanjay Vats, Vice President, Insecticides (India) Limited.

 

 

 

 

  ‘Dominant’ insecticide will effectively control brown

E-commerce, R&D

Could lead to understanding of how the weeds have become resistant to herbicides

 

 
In a landmark study, scientists have published the most comprehensive genome information to date for the most troublesome agricultural weeds, waterhemp, smooth pigweed, and Palmer amaranth. 
 
This marks a new era of scientific discovery and hope that the drastic impact these weeds have on crop production systems across the US and elsewhere with ripple effects felt by economies worldwide can be eliminated with potential solutions.
 
Pat Tranel, professor and associate head of the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois and co-author on the Genome Biology and Evolution study said that the genome assemblies will greatly foster further research on these difficult weed species, including better understanding about the ways in which they evade damage from herbicides.
 
All three genomes were assembled using advanced long-read sequencing, which maintains the integrity and continuity of the genome similar to the way large puzzle pieces provide a clearer picture of the whole than small pieces. To further improve the assembly of the genomes for waterhemp and smooth pigweed, the team used an innovative approach known as trio binning, developed in cattle.
 
Jens Lerchl, head of early biology research on herbicides at BASF and study co-author said BASF is working continuously on creating sustainable solutions for the management of herbicide-resistant weeds.

Could lead to understanding of how the

E-commerce, IT, Middle East countries

Platform to connect Indian farmers directly with UAE’s food industry

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a global free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise has launched Agriota e-marketplace, a technology-driven agri-commodity trading and sourcing platform in partnership with India’s CropData Technology. 

The e-marketplace uses blockchain to connect millions of rural farmers in India with UAE’s food industry including food processing companies, traders and wholesalers. 
 
 
It allows them to bypass intermediaries thereby optimizing supply chain and ensuring traceability through last mile verification and extension infrastructure in blockchain environment to create value for all stake holders.
 
The introduction of a proprietary banking system with multi-tier, escrow structure will guarantee secure transaction of funds on the platform. 
 
Farmers in India can now cater to large demand from UAE’s market which can empower local communities and deliver better quality farm-to-shelf products. Cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments will be sold initially on the marketplace. 
 
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO, DMCC said that the marketplace is the next step for DMCC to harness the power of blockchain technologies within the commodity space and it will benefit millions of farmers in India along with providing greater food security for UAE.
 
 

Platform to connect Indian farmers directly with

Agro chems – Fertilizers, E-commerce, Finance

The highest ever profit before tax of Rs 45.85 crore in 2019-20 as against Rs. 37.22 crore in 2018-19

Projects & Development India Ltd (PDIL), a Government of India Undertaking under control of Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, adopted its Audited Accounts for FY 2019-20 in the Board Meeting held on 14th August under chairmanship of CMD Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma (IAS).

During FY2019-20, PDIL achieved its highest ever Income of Rs 142.16 crore as against Rs 131.50 crore in 2018-19, highest ever Revenue from Operations of Rs 133.01 crore in 2019-20 as against Rs 116.50 crore in 2018-19, highest ever Profit before Tax of Rs 45.85 crore in 2019-20 as against Rs. 37.22 crore in 2018-19 and highest ever Profit after Tax of Rs 31.83 crore in 2019-20 as against Rs. 30.36 crore in 2018-19.

PDIL is presently executing prestigious Amonia-Urea Fertilizer Projects of M/s Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) at Gorakhpur (UP), Sindri (Jharkhand) & Barauni (Bihar) and Coal Gasification based Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Complex of M/s Talcher Fertilizers Ltd (TFL) at Talcher (Odisha).

The highest ever profit before tax of

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Seeds, Trade

Syngenta Crop Protection, ADAMA, Syngenta Seeds and Syngenta Group China have increased their sales volume in comparison to the previous year.

 
According to Syngenta Group’s first half year results, it has increased sales by 2 percent to more than $12 billion compared to the same period last year. 
 
All four business units, Syngenta Crop Protection, ADAMA, Syngenta Seeds and Syngenta Group China have increased their sales volume in comparison to the previous year. 
 
Syngenta Group managed the impacts of COVID-19 well in the first half of 2020, maintaining supply throughout despite challenging market conditions and the need to come up with innovative solutions to overcome logistical difficulties. 
 
Erik Fyrwald, Syngenta Group CEO has said that he is pleased that the team delivered strong performance across all of Syngenta Group’s business units despite the COVID-19 pandemic, low grain prices and significant currency headwind.
 
Chen Lichtenstein, Syngenta Group CFO added that the Group achieved a robust first half with strong sales performance supported by cost discipline.
 
Though continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic create more uncertainty, the company remains committed to achieving underlying growth and leadership in sustainable agricultural innovation.
 
 

Syngenta Crop Protection, ADAMA, Syngenta Seeds and

Agrotech, Animal Health

Strategic initiative is driven by six sustainability platforms that will address the major challenges facing the animal farming industry. 

 

 

 

The need to provide enough animal protein for a growing population, while reducing the environmental costs of farming will require smart science and innovative solutions. To address this challenge, DSM Animal Nutrition and Health has launched its cutting edge new strategic initiative: We Make it Possible. Its mission is to lead a robust and achievable transformation worldwide in sustainable animal protein production, and to accelerate solutions that will foster a brighter future.

“DSM is purpose-led and performance driven, and we know that the agriculture industry can transform itself from within,” said DSM’s Animal Nutrition and Health President Ivo Lansbergen. “For too long, sustainability has been someone else’s problem, a problem for tomorrow. But it is not an impossible challenge. We believe we can make animal farming sustainable. Our need is to be providing a decent living for farmers and affordable proteins to the world population, all while reducing the footprint of animal farming. ‘We Make it Possible’ is a commitment to tangible and actionable solutions that cater to the customers we care most about: people and planet earth.

This strategic initiative reflects our commitment not only to be part of the value chain but to be a change agent, steering the global conversations, connecting the various stakeholders of the farming ecosystem, thinking ahead, generating ideas and new ways of working. If not now, when?” 

Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14*, the strategic initiative is driven by six sustainability platforms that will address the major challenges facing the animal farming industry. These are: 

  • Improving the lifetime performance of farm animals
  • Improving the quality of food (i.e., meat, milk, fish, eggs), while reducing food loss and waste
  • Reducing emissions from livestock
  • Making efficient use of natural resources
  • Reducing the reliance on marine resources
  • Helping tackle anti-microbial resistance

 “DSM has a long and rich heritage in the sustainability arena, and it is on that basis that we operate as a purpose-led company. Companies can no longer delay this aspect. They must step up and embrace sustainability in all aspects: it is vital to the success of business, just as it is vital to everything else,” said Christie Chavis, Vice President at DSM Animal Nutrition and Health. “We will create value across three dimensions simultaneously: People, Planet and Profit.”

 

“By applying our science, innovation and sustainability leadership behind these key areas, we believe we can make a substantial difference to the sustainability of the animal protein industry,” said David Nickell, VP of Sustainability & Business Solutions at DSM Animal Nutrition and Health. “At DSM, we are taking responsibility for our own role in protecting the planet, and have and continue to develop business solutions that enable the industry to make affordable and measurable improvements in the sustainability of animal protein, and we hope that many others will follow suit.”

 

Strategic initiative is driven by six sustainability

Agro Universities, Agrotech

Aims to create entrepreneurship options for farmers, youth and unemployed workers  

 

 

“Transfer of Mushroom Production Technology as an entrepreneurship option to farmers, youth and unemployed workers under COVID-19 Pandemic”, a Technology Transfer Programme (TTP) on Mushroom was initiated by ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research on August 26, 2020. 

The programme was appreciated by Dr Sanjay Kumar Balyan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for promoting self-employment in the rural areas. 

The guest of honour, Vijaypal Singh Tomar, MP lauded the integrated farming systems with mushroom and other enterprises as an effective solution for the problems of land fragmentation and other problems being faced by the small and marginal farmers.

 Dr S Bhaskar, ADG (Agronomy, Agroforestry and Climate Change), Natural Resource Management Division, ICAR stressed on the need for secondary agriculture businesses like Mushroom production and processing and value-addition of farm produce through the formation of the Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) for promoting self-employment in the rural areas.

 The primary objective of the programme is to generate self-employment by providing technical expertise of mushroom production to the youth, farmers and persons affected with reverse migration because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 46 participants from 7 states of the country virtually participated in the programme

 

Aims to create entrepreneurship options for farmers,

Agrotech, R&D

It intends to jointly file for patents on the transgenic corn and other crops created from this gene.

Origin Agritech Ltd. (Origin), an agriculture technology company headquartered in China, recently announced that the company has entered a commercialization agreement with the Institute of Plant Protection (IPP) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) for a new generation insect-resistant GMO corn gene.

Origin has been collaborating closely with CAAS for more than 10 years, and IPP supplied Origin with the insect-resistant gene and with technological support. Origin has since taken the gene and created transgenic corn and further went on to validate the efficacy of the insect-resistant gene. Given that the project has cleared this major hurdle, the parties have expanded their collaboration into a commercialization agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will continue to work together and intend to jointly file for patents on the transgenic corn and other crops created from this gene. Origin will be responsible for obtaining a bio-safety certificate, a key step needed before commercialization in China. Origin will retain exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize all crop seed containing this gene and in return will pay a single-digit percentage of sales royalty to IPP.

It intends to jointly file for