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Agrotech, Trade

The export estimate of 50 lakh bales is higher by 8 lakh bales compared to that estimated for the 2018-19 crop year 

 

 

India’s annual cotton exports in the crop year (Oct-Sept) are likely to rise 19 per cent over 2019-20, a trade body said. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has increased its estimate of exports. 

According to an official release from the CAI, “There is an increase of 3 lakh bales in the estimate of cotton export for the season made now compared to the CAI’s previous estimate of 47 lakh bales made during the last month on account of more favourable conditions for exports of cotton from India. This export estimate of 50 lakh bales is higher by 8 lakh bales compared to that estimated for the 2018-19 crop year. Up to 31st July, 43 lakh bales are estimated to have been shipped and shipment of further 7 lakh bales is estimated to take place during the months of August and September 2020.”

 CAI increased its estimates of cotton production by 19 lakh bales to 354.50 lakh bales of 170 kg each compared to its previous estimate last month. Estimated cotton supply from October last year to July 2020 is 392.40 lakh bales including import of 15 lakh bales and opening stock of 32 lakh bales. Domestic consumption estimated by the CAI for the entire crop year is 250 lakh bales, 30 lakh bales lower than the earlier estimates because the pandemic has hit sales.

The CAI has increased its estimate of cotton imports by 1 lakh bales to 16 lakh bales compared to its previous imports estimate of 15 lakh bales. “This import estimate of 16 lakh bales is just half of the previous year’s import estimate of 32 lakh bales. This decrease in the imports estimate for the season compared to the last year is mainly on account of easy availability of cheaper cotton in domestic market and relatively costlier imported cotton due to depreciation in the value of Indian Rupee. Up to 31st July, cotton imports are estimated at 15 lakh bales and the remaining 1 lakh bales are estimated to arrive Indian Ports during the months of August and September 2020,” CAI said.

 

 

 

The export estimate of 50 lakh bales

E-commerce, Seeds

Jute quality to be enhanced for export

Jute Corporation of India (JCI) will supply certified jute seeds to farmers as part of the initiative of the Ministry of Textiles to improve production of raw jute in the country. According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between JCI and National Seeds Corporation (NSC), the latter will ensure delivery of quality certified seeds to JCI. 

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin said there is immense potential for increasing the use of jute in lining of water bodies, building of roads and construction of structures to contain landslides in hilly areas. She stressed on the need to strengthen the export potential of the country in jute and its products. 
 
The MoU will ensure distribution of 10,000 Quintals of certified jute seeds of JRO-204 variety in the 2021-22 crop year which will benefit 5-6 Lakh farm families. The spurious seed market will be adversely impacted thereby augmenting the revenue of JCI. 
 
The increase in productivity will enhance the income of the farmers and will play a major role in reaching the target of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022.
 
 

Jute quality to be enhanced for exportJute

Agrotech

Shomita Biswas was addressing a webinar ‘Future Advancements in Farm Mechanization’, organized by FICCI 

 

 

Shomita Biswas, Joint Secretary (M&T), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India, today said, “Advanced farm mechanization can improve the lives of farmers and agricultural workers. Digital agriculture – where farmers can use digital technologies to access useful information, particularly on weather, could revolutionize the agricultural sector.”   

Addressing a webinar ‘Future Advancements in Farm Mechanization’, organized by FICCI,  Biswas said, “The government initiatives towards farm mechanization aims at increasing the acceptance, adoption of mechanised farming in entire country. We need to collaborate with corporates and research institutes to provide advanced technical support to small and marginal farmers.” 

Highlighting the focus areas for farm mechanization, she said, “Cotton picking is one of the areas where farm mechanization is yet to be introduced and we have set short term and long-term goals to work in these sectors.”   

Biswas urged FICCI to develop a roadmap on farm mechanization and assured that the government will facilitate those segments that will help the country to move in the right direction.   

Dr K Alagusundaram, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Engineering), Indian Council of Agricultural Research-ICAR, GoI, said, “The farm size and area under cultivation will remain constant hence, productivity enhancement within the constant land area will be critical in the future. This signifies that agriculture will need a massive infusion of technology.” R&D for building high-efficiency farming machines and precision equipment for efficient farming will be important in days to come, he added.   

T R Kesavan, Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee and Group President, TAFE Ltd., said, “Farm mechanization should be prioritized so as to reduce input cost for farmers and encourage soil management and water conversation.” He further said that the farmers need high-end technological solutions, which will help in reducing the cost of materials like soil, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and water.

He stressed that subsidies should be substituted with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers which can result in targeted delivery and eliminate waste. 

 Ravindra Agrawal, Managing Director, KisanKraft Ltd, said, “Our focus is on smaller and marginal farmers. We support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and will work with the government to develop a five-year road map for the farm mechanization sector.”  He further stated that the government should simplify approvals and licensing to promote R&D in farm mechanisation. 

Himanshu Goyal, India Sales and Alliances Leader, IBM Watson Media & Weather, said, “We are trying to get the best data on weather and soil to increase the efficiency of the farmers. We have launched the IBM Global High- Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting (IBM GRAF) that provides hyperlocal weather information to farmers, along with data on soil moisture and temperature, which aids farmers in making informed decisions on how and when to irrigate.”      

 Manohar Sambandam, Founding Partner & CEO, Green Robot Machinery Pvt. Ltd. said, “Agriculture Robotics is in its prime time for wider deployment in farms. As Robotics is reaching inflection point on economic viability, its robustness and readiness as a solution is increasing.”

Shomita Biswas was addressing a webinar ‘Future

Agrotech, Poultry

It will undertake the quality research, especially on factors affecting the quality meat production. 

 

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) virtually inaugurated two important facilities developed by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad namely – Poultry Processing Plant and Rendering-cum-Pet Food Plant.

In his address, Dr Mahapatra highlighted the Centre’s importance in the perspective of the present meat industry scenario. He urged for utilizing the developed facilities to undertake the quality research, especially on factors affecting the quality meat production. The Director General suggested to undertake the collaborative work for deducing strategies to expand the export base for Indian meat, allay the fears of consumers of linking COVID-19 with the meat consumption, studying the quality and branding of meat from indigenous poultry breeds. 

Dr B.N. Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR applauded the Centre’s scientific achievements, technology transfer initiatives, extension activities, value-added meat products production, species identification services provided and the entrepreneurship development activities. He praised the Centre’s association with the agencies like FSSAI, APEDA, etc., and accreditation of the laboratories, publications and patents of the Centre. 

Dr Amrish Tyagi, ADG (ANP), ICAR urged for utilizing the facilities to achieve the intended need of promoting the hygienic meat production and profitable utilization of the animal by-products in the country. 

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr S. Vaithiyanathan, Director, ICAR-NRC on Meat, Hyderabad expressed his gratitude to the ICAR for providing funds under the National Agricultural Innovation Fund Agri Business Incubator Project and the Institute Plan Fund for the facilities.The senior officials of ICAR also virtually participated in the programme.

It will undertake the quality research, especially

Agro Universities, Dairy, IT, R&D

 The NDRI Karnal and NARM, Hyderabad have partnered together for offering the MOOC on Commercial Dairy Farming. 

 

 

Commercial Dairy Farming: MOOC jointly launched by ICAR-NDRI and ICAR-NAARM. Dr B.N. Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR and Dr R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR & National Director, ICAR-NAHEP virtually launched the “Digital Content for offering the MOOC on Commercial Dairy Farming” today. The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana and ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad have partnered together in developing the digital content for offering the MOOC on Commercial Dairy Farming.

 In his address, Dr B.N. Tripathi stressed on the importance of such programmes for reaching the wider audience in the Dairy sector to generate employability. Dr R.C. Agrawal applauded the joint efforts of two ICAR Institutes in complementing each other with the domain knowledge and technology to develop the MOOC content and highlighted its relevance in the wake of the New Education Policy.

Dr M.S. Chauhan, Director, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, Haryana regarded the occasion to be a great beginning for the new means of knowledge sharing.

Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad highlighted the importance of the Dairy Science Education and the ICAR-NAARM’s role in promoting the digital learning in NARES through its continued efforts in the Technology Enhanced Learning.

Dr S.K. Soam, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad shared  shard the process adopted by NAARM to succeed in developing MOOC programmes for providing flexi learning and emphasized the importance of such inter-institutional partnerships.

Dr. S.K. Tomar, Principal Investigator, ICAR-NAHEP Project on “Incentivizing Dairy Education through Innovative Learning Approaches” highlighted the importance of the MOOCs as a part of the NAHEP Project initiated by the ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, Haryana.

 The NDRI Karnal and NARM, Hyderabad have

Agro chems – Fertilizers

Ministry of Fertilizers ensuring availability of fertilizers during current Kharif season

Adequate availability and supply of fertilizers has been ensured during the ongoing Kharif Season according to Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Sadananda Gowda who said that his Ministry is monitoring the supplies very closely.

To ensure adequate availability of urea in Telangana, Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy met Gowda in New Delhi. He informed the Union minister that sales of urea have seen substantial increase this Kharif season as compared to that of last year because of the increase in acreage under cultivation in the State and requested for speeding up supply of urea to Telangana.

Gowda has requested the Telangana Government to ensure that data about sales and stocks are updated on iFMS dashboard in a timely manner to understand about availability of fertilizers on real time basis.

For the month of August, against the projected requirement of 2.50 Lakh MT of urea, the Department of Fertilizers has ensured availability of 3.38 Lakh MT for Telangana. The stock available as on 16.08.2020 is 1.76 Lakh MT which is sufficient to meet the remaining requirement of the current month which is projected as 1.20 Lakh MT.

 

 

Ministry of Fertilizers ensuring availability of fertilizers

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Trade

Ministry has prepared a comprehensive action plan which focuses on boosting Agri Export and action plan for Import Substitution 

India’s farm exports rose 23.24 per cent in value terms to Rs 25,552.7 crore during March-June period amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Agriculture Ministry. 

To promote farm exports, a “comprehensive action plan” has been prepared under which ’Export Promotion Forums’ are being created and existing agri-clusters are being strengthened besides identifying certain destinations for promotion of agricultural exports, the ministry said in a statement.

Promotion of farm exports is extremely important not only for earning precious foreign exchange for the country but also for achieving the goal of an ’Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, for which self-reliant agriculture is critical, it added. 

“Even during the difficult time of pandemic lockdown, India took care not to disturb the world food supply chain and continued to export,” it said.

Exports of agri-commodities increased by 23.24 per cent to Rs 25,552.7 crore during March-June 2020 as against Rs 20,734.8 crore in the year-ago period, it added. 

According to the ministry, “clear and proactive interventions” are required to be taken to ensure India becomes a top exporting nation in agriculture commensurate with the production. 

India holds second rank in world’s wheat production, but ranks 34th in exports.Similarly, despite being ranked third in vegetable production in the world, India’s export ranking is 14th. 

Same is the case for fruits, where India is the second largest producer in the world, but export rank is 23rd, the statement said. 

Highlighting the comprehensive action plan for promotion of agri trade, the ministry said product specific Export Promotion Forums (EPFs) have been created to lead agri exports to new heights. 

EPFs for eight agricultural and allied products — grapes, mango, banana, onion, rice, nuri-cereals, pomegranate and floriculture — have been constituted under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

 Each EPF will have exporters of the related commodity as its members along with official members representing concerned ministries of the Central and state governments. APEDA chief will be the chairman of each of these forums, which will meet at least once in every two months.

 The forum’s recommendations will be placed before product committee of APEDA and the forum will be in close contact with the concerned organisation of Ministry of Agriculture. 

The ministry has also emphasised on strengthening the existing ’agri-clusters’ and creating more product-specific clusters to fulfil the gap of bulk quantity and quality of supplies, it said. 

“A time bound action plan has also been prepared for import substitution with particular focus upon edible oils, cashew, fruits and spices thereby making India self-reliant,” it added.

 A specific strategy for export promotion has also been evolved for fresh fruits and vegetables with specific emphasis on grapes, mango, pomegranate, onion, potato and cucumber-gherkin. 

The export strategy focuses on export promotion of fast-evolving niche markets of wellness food, health conscious food and nutraceuticals as well as development of ’Brand India’ to help penetration into new foreign markets, and on new products which automatically translates into higher value realisation. 

“Gulf countries have been identified as focus destinations to increase the market share which is a strong market for India, though presently India caters to only 10-12 per cent share of their total imports,” it said. 

A product market matrix has been made containing a list of ’products of strength’ which could be expanded in new geographies and a list of known markets which can be introduced with newer products, it added. 

 

Exports help farmers/producers/exporters to take advantage of a wider international market and increase their income. Exports have also resulted in increased production in the agri-sector by increasing area coverage and productivity, the statement said.

 

Ministry has prepared a comprehensive action plan

Agrotech, Seeds

Awards showcase leadership, sustainability, supply chain and operational excellence 

Corteva Agriscience announced on that it has been named as winners of multiple Manufacturing Leadership Awards from the National Association of Manufacturers.

The categories and technologies honoured for their outstanding achievements are:

– Operational Excellence Leadership Award, for Arylex™ Active Production via Direct Coupling – Innovation for Manufacturing, which created a more efficient process that improved capacity while significantly reducing waste.

– Supply Chain Leadership Award, for Corteva Agriscience Formulations & Packaging Asset Footprint Optimization, which moved the final production of goods to a regional basis and, ultimately, closer to customers

– Sustainability Leadership Award, for Advanced Technology for Successful Inatreq™ Active Product Manufacture, which included development of sustainable and efficient technology to bring this naturally-derived fungicide to market.

Additionally, Juan Banales, Maintenance Group Leader at the Corteva Agriscience Pittsburg Manufacturing Site in Pittsburg, Ca. was selected for the Next-Generation Leadership Award. Given to remarkable manufacturing professionals 30 years old or younger, the honour recognizes Banales’ innovative leadership within Corteva and his extensive community service, which includes serving on Pittsburg City Council.

Corteva will be recognized at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, which will take place as a virtual event on Oct. 8, 2020. 

“These awards position Corteva Agriscience among an esteemed group of leaders who are shaping the future of global manufacturing,” said Balaji Venkataraman, Global Director of Manufacturing and Technology at Corteva Agriscience. “I’m incredibly proud of organization’s teamwork and innovation, from R&D in Indianapolis, Indiana, to manufacturing around the globe.”

 

 

 

 

Awards showcase leadership, sustainability, supply chain and

Acquaculture, Finance, Start ups

The Pre-Series A funding was led by Ankur Capital with participation from Incubate Fund India and Angel investors.

 

Seafood Supply Chain (B2B) start up Captain Fresh, has raised $2.3 million (Rs 17.2 crore at current exchange rates) in pre-Series A funding.

Early-stage investor Ankur Capital led the round, Bengaluru-based Captain Fresh said in a statement. Incubate Fund India and some Silicon Valley-based angel investors also participated in the round. Previously, the company had raised seed capital from Nekkanti Group and Sandhya Aqua, which are exporters of frozen shrimp.

Captain Fresh works with brands across retail and trade channels as well as online meat and seafood delivery startups. The Bengaluru-based startup claims to be serving more than 120 retail businesses. 

In the press statement about the fund raise, Gowda said, “We started with a simple vision to build a fresh fish and seafood platform that the ecosystem could completely trust and rely on for their daily needs. We want to nurture our retail partners’ businesses by providing full availability, range and high-quality fresh supplies on a daily basis. For suppliers, we want to provide the comfort of working with a trustworthy partner who consistently delivers on payment promises. Our traction and positive customer feedback in the last 12 months have validated the real need for what we are building. It has boosted our confidence in playing an active and critical role in uplifting the overall ecosystem. 

Utham Gowda who founded start-up in April 2019 said that it uses technology to supply and deliver high-quality freshwater fish and seafood to retailers across all formats.

 Company will invest in technologies like computer vision, IoT, bots, and data analytics to digitise and drive efficiencies across the supply chain. Captain Fresh will also use the funding to expand to new cities and hire people. The company says it currently services more than 120 retail businesses. 

“For suppliers, we want to provide the comfort of working with a trustworthy partner who consistently delivers on payment promises. Our traction and positive customer feedback in the last 12 months have validated the real need for what we are building,” Gowda said. 

Ankur Capital partner Krishnan Neelakantan said the firm was confident of its investment because of Captain Fresh’s technology-driven business model. “Fresh fish and seafood is an inefficient and unorganized industry, with space for technology and operation excellence to make a positive impact,” Incubate Fund India founder and general partner Nao Murakami added.

 

The Pre-Series A funding was led by

Agro chems – Pesticides, E-commerce, Finance

 The Profit almost tripled from Rs 5.46 crore (Q1 FY1920), to Rs 16.21 crore (Q1 FY2021) 

 

 

Best Agrolife Ltd., a leading global player in the agrochemicals sector and one of India’s largest manufacturers of agro-inputs, has announced excellent results for the quarter ended 30 June 2020. The company has in place its long term financial priorities which have a three-dimensional approach wherein the focus areas are – capital allocation, earning, and growth.

The company’s Q1 FY2021 unaudited results saw the company’s total revenue rose to Rs 363.04 crore from Rs 204.18 crore (Q1 FY1920), which is about a 77 percent increase. The Profit almost tripled from Rs 5.46 crore (Q1 FY1920), to Rs 16.21 crore (Q1 FY2021), while the EPS rose from Rs 6.03 (Q1 FY1920) to Rs 6.95 (Q1 FY2021).

“We have defined our objectives clearly and the company will work towards achieving the same wherein the primary focus is to accomplish sustainable EPS growth. This will be supported by incremental earnings across economic cycles. Also, we are anticipating a significant increase in ROCE and ROE which will be driven by our various initiatives,” said Vimal Kumar, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd., with regards to Earnings.

In terms of ROCE and ROE, the project targets are 32.78 percent and 24 percent respectively in FY22. Notably, as per projections, there is a significant increase in EPS (basic) to 30.44 and compared to 7.24 in FY20. For the Growth – approach – the company is enabling models to deliver profitable organic growth. Increase in commitment towards Research and Development and creating a strong push for its branded products.

Best Agrolife has progressed notably and is now considered as one of the top 20 companies in India and its product portfolio comprises more than 60 active ingredients and various formulations of pesticides and plant micro-nutrients for protecting and nourishing a wide range of crops. Its product range includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, etc.

 

 The Profit almost tripled from Rs 5.46

Agrotech, Thailand

New exhibition dates: 27th – 29th May 2021 – International trade fairs will offer a comprehensive exhibition and accompanying technical programme, covering the current topics of agricultural and horticultural solutions for the Asian markets

DLG International and VNU Asia Pacific are postponing AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA, which were scheduled to take place at BITEC, Bangkok, in October 2020. The uncertain travel entry regulations for Thailand have led organisers to the conclusion that it will not be possible to organise AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA in a form that is appropriate for such leading international trade fairs for exhibitors and visitors this year. The new dates for the exhibitions are 27th to 29th May 2021.

This decision to postpone AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA has been taken in close coordination with the partners, exhibitors and visitors of both trade fairs.

“Our decision to postpone both of the trade fairs was not taken lightly. In view of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the overall international travel situation and uncertain entry regulations for Thailand in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, however, we cannot foresee that it will be possible to conduct AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA in the usual form that is appropriate for exhibitors and visitors. The international nature of both exhibitions is precisely what makes the events an important international meeting point for experts and decision-makers,” says Bernd Koch, Managing Director of DLG International.

“We are convinced that postponing AGRITECHNICA ASIA and Horti ASIA until May 2021 will enhance the reputation of both events, as leading international trade fairs for the Asian markets and will further ensure optimal planning and preparation for exhibitors and visitors alike. The decision was taken after extensive consultation with our key stakeholders with the end result being that the large majority preferred to postpone the exhibitions to May 2021,” adds Heiko M. Stutzinger, Managing Director of VNU Asia Pacific.

AGRITECHNICA ASIA & Horti ASIA – Digital Connect

In order to bridge the time until May, the organizers will offer a series of online sessions and product pitches starting from October 14th. Manufacturers, buyers and agricultural experts will be invited to experience and get connected with exhibitors via this new interactive online platform `AGRITECHNICA ASIA & Horti ASIA – Digital Connect´.

Up-to-date information on the two trade fairs and the planned online platform can be found at: www.agritechnica-asia.com and www.horti-asia.com

New exhibition dates: 27th - 29th May

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Finance

 Profit after tax is at Rs 24 crore in the first quarter of current fiscal from Rs 36 crore in Q1 FY20. 

Agrochemicals manufacturer Insecticides India has reported a 33 per cent drop in its profit after tax at Rs 24 crore in the first quarter of current fiscal from Rs 36 crore in Q1 FY20.Total revenue moved up by 14 per cent to Rs 411 crore in Q1 FY21 from Rs 360 crore in Q1 FY20. The company said revenue growth was driven by all segments.

Branded sales increased by 16 per cent and contributed 73 per cent to total revenue while exports increased by 53.3 per cent and institutional sales increased by 5.3 per cent.

But earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell to Rs 49 crore from Rs 63 crore in the same period. Finance cost came down to Rs 2.2 crore from Rs 6.9 crore while basic earnings per share too dropped to Rs 11.65 from Rs 17.39. 

Managing Director Rajesh Agarwal said profitability for the quarter was impacted due to challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic like raw and packing material availability constraint, transportation challenges, and shortage of labour and liquidity crunch in the market. 

“Furthermore, we made a provision for trades receivables amounting to Rs 10 crore. Looking forward, the forecast of a normal monsoon has created prospects of a healthy crop season and support of government through fiscal and monetary reforms for agriculture sector during the crisis will go a long way in augmenting the sector’s growth.” Agarwal said the company has 13 products approved under 9(3) category and the plan to launch total of 10 new products in current fiscal year remains on track.

Insecticides India has formulation facilities at Chopanki in Rajasthan, Samba and Udhampur in Jammu Kashmir, and Dahej in Gujarat. It also has technical synthesis plants at Chopanki and Dahej to manufacture technical grade chemicals also providing a competitive edge by backward integration.

 

 

 

 Profit after tax is at Rs

Agrotech, IT

The HFIs provide a range of data on multiple aspects of the economy, like fertilizer sales, trade in agricultural commodities, 

Indian School of Business (ISB) launched the portal that brings together several high-frequency indicators (HFIs) of India’s Economic Recovery. This allows real-time analysis of patterns of economic recovery. 

The portal, indiadataportal.com/jsi, is part of the JumpStartIndia@ISB project of the school. The HFIs provide a range of data on multiple aspects of the economy, including fertilizer sales, trade in agricultural commodities, registration of new businesses, registration of different types of vehicles, digital transactions and payments and demand for wage labour under MGNREGA.The portal also facilitates comparison of different high indicators for the current year (2020) with similar data for last year (2019). 

It will provide journalists, citizens, and policymakers visual insights into important indicators at daily or monthly frequency in near-real-time and at district or state-level. 

Prof Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the ISB Indian School of Business said: “As the economy recovers from the pandemic-induced lockdown, we are identifying and monitoring select parameters that indicate change in the level of economic activity. This would help governments and policy makers in their plans and decision making to get India back on track of economic growth in post- Covid scenario.” 

“It is interesting to note that some indicators of economic activity like new company registrations and quantity of fertilizers sold are performing better than last year within a month of relaxation of the lockdown norms,” Chhatre said. 

The data is sourced from public agencies. The daily updated indicators include MGNREGA jobs and expenditure, fertilizer sales, economic value of agricultural commodities traded at mandis, digital payments, Aadhar authentications and electricity supply. The list of monthly indicators includes company registrations, e-way bills, GST collections, foreign direct investment, foreign portfolio investment, railway freight for essential goods, and vehicle registrations by type. 

The data is now available in English and work is on to present it in six regional languages soon.

The HFIs provide a range of data

E-commerce, Seeds

It will help accelerate Syngenta Seeds’ entry into the South African seeds market 

 

 

 Syngenta Seeds announced  that it has completed the acquisition of Sensako, a South African seed company specializing in cereals. 

Sensako is a leading R&D seeds company with roots going back to 1958. It has a strong wheat market position in South Africa with additional sales in Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho. The acquisition will lay the foundation for growth and help accelerate Syngenta Seeds’ entry into the South African seeds market in wheat, corn and sunflower. 

“We’re excited to connect Sensako’s talented team with our growing global seeds business,” says Jeff Rowe, President Syngenta Seeds. “This strategic investment opens the door for us to bring more choice, innovation and technology to help growers thrive in the region. Most importantly, we’ll have the opportunity to bring our leading Viptera trait technology to growers to address the permanent, rapidly spreading threat of Fall Armyworm in South Africa.” 

Sensako is currently a distributor for Syngenta’s sunflower seeds. Syngenta Seeds also sells vegetable seeds in South Africa, and Syngenta Crop Protection is a major player in that market. 

“Thanks to the strong Sensako brand, Syngenta Seeds is able to enter the wheat market in South Africa as a market leader,” says Gaël Hili, regional director for Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) Seeds. “With our leading global germplasm pool, and Sensako’s existing breeding programs and experienced R&D leadership in Africa, we also have a significant growth opportunity in core crops – corn, sunflower and soy.” 

Patrick Graham, commercial director for Sensako added: “Since assuming ownership over Sensako in 2008, our core focus has been on benefiting grain producers and processors with our proven genetics and solid research platforms. In Syngenta, I am sure that we have a partner with similar values. Syngenta’s extensive experience, technology and knowhow in the seed arena together with the platform and assets that Sensako offers will be of tremendous value and benefit to South African agriculture.” 

Francois Koekemoer, director Research & Development for Sensako expressed: “I am very excited and looking forward to be actively involved in incorporating the technology and access to germplasm sources into South African backgrounds which Syngenta has to offer. This combined effort will provide tremendous value to the Southern African producers.”

It will help accelerate Syngenta Seeds’ entry