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Agro chems – Fertilizers, E-commerce

The company produced 37.99 Lakh MT of urea in its plants recording a capacity utilisation of 117.6 per cent despite severe restrictions of Covid-19 

 National Fertilizers Limited has, once again, recorded highest-ever total fertiliser sale of 59.36 Lakh MT in 2020-21 beating its previous best of 57.04 Lakh MT achieved during 2019-20. This includes sale of company’s own Urea, imported Urea and other P&K fertilizers.

On the production front, the company produced 37.99 Lakh MT of urea in its plants recording a capacity utilisation of 117.6 per cent despite severe restrictions of Covid-19 and other despatch related challenges due to farmers’ agitation in Punjab. In the plants, Panipat unit has set a new  production record of Urea and Bentonite Sulphur and Vijaipur Unit produced Highest ever  volume of bio fertilizers.

Other than fertilisers, the company registered steep growth in sale of Seeds and Agrochemicals. While sale of seeds grew by 35 per cent  than corresponding period last year (CPLY) at 1, 85,550 Quintals, the agrochemicals segment indicated a growth of 95% than the previous year.

Even the sale of Bentonite Sulphur, produced at NFL’s Panipat plant, has recorded huge growth of 150% at 19958 MT against 7974 MT in CPLY. Also the Industrial Products segment performed exceedingly well during the year.

The company produced 37.99 Lakh MT of

Agrotech, Institutions

NCDEX has acknowledged the outstanding contribution made by the company in the area of Agri Commodities 

 The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), the only commodity exchange in the country promoted by national level institutions, has awarded Findoc Commodities with Krishi Pragati Awards 2021. 

Findoc commodities focus primarily on derivatives and commodities trading in Agri Commodities contracts. The exchange works closely with the Government of India on various aspects of the ecosystem around agriculture and farmers. NCDEX has acknowledged the outstanding contribution made by the company in the area of Agri Commodities.

Speaking on the awards, Hemant Sood, Managing Director, Findoc Group said, “We are elated to be recognised by one of the most important commodity exchanges in the country. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in the country and consumers should invest in this segment for good returns. The last five years of trends have shown that investment in the segment leads to good ROI.” 

Findoc Group was established in 2012. The company is a member of major Stock Exchanges i.e National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. (BSE), and Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX), National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd. (NCDEX). Findoc has presence in five states Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

NCDEX has acknowledged the outstanding contribution made

Agro Universities, Finance, IT, North America

NIFA awarded 18 Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics Tools grants totalling $10.4 million to initiate research on big data analytics 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) invested a total of $15M in two key programs awarded through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics and Tools (FACT). NIFA awarded 18 Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics Tools grants totaling $10.4 million to initiate research on big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive technologies needed to keep U.S. agriculture on the leading edge of food and agricultural production. NIFA also invested $5.1 million for 12 Nanotechnology for Agricultural and Food Systems grants to support nanotechnology-based solutions that improve food production, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food safety. 

“Big data and artificial intelligence will increasingly play a vital role in the future of agricultural technologies and innovation,” said NIFA Director Carrie Castille. “As we work to enhance farmer profitability and agricultural sustainability and realize precision nutrition for consumers, these technologies will keep research and development moving at a rapid pace to provide the tools needed for success.”

Example projects funded from the 18 Food and Agriculture Cyber informatics Tools grants include the University of Idaho’s project, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Implementing Integrated Pest Management in Small-Grain Production Systems.” This project will develop an AI-based decision support system for identifying pests in wheat-based production systems. U.S. Ignite, Inc.’s project, “Platforms for Advanced Wireless:  Research Rural Platform,” will form a public-private partnership to support creating four at-scale experimental platforms for advancing fundamental wireless research to enable rural broadband to benefit customers in rural communities, and to attract and retain skilled networking jobs in the local community.

NIFA awarded 18 Food and Agriculture Cyberinformatics

Supply Chain, Warehousing

This partnership will increase the benefits to the agriculture warehousing industry and supply chain

 Private-sector agriculture post-harvest management company, National Collateral Management Limited (NCML) has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) to provide skill training in the agriculture sector.

As per the agreement, the process involves three parts — training courses, prior learning and special projects. NCML will recognise prior learning for about 8-9 different skills which are matching the qualification pact of ASCI and will recognise about 920 people in the country across 19 cities in India.

Whereas ASCI will be a facilitator for creating occupational standards for various job roles as per the National Skill Qualification Framework, facilitate accreditation processes for the training being carried and certification of trainees, all of which would be approved by the industry experts.

The need for skill development in the agriculture warehouse has been recognised by the government and the agriculture industry. This partnership will increase the benefit to the agriculture warehousing industry, which will play a more significant role in shaping and evolving the vocational training curriculum and programme in the country.

 NCML President Unupom Kausik said, “This dynamic step was a need of the hour through which one can hope for better support like these from the government for the betterment of the Indian agriculture sector in the future”.

The prime objective of this collaboration would be to provide practical professional skill training and recognition of prior learning as per Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), ASCI Chief Executive Officer Satender Singh Arya said in a statement.

This will give impetus to agriculture growth through skill enhancement of the workforce and make agriculture a sought-after occupation among the youth, he added.

This partnership will increase the benefits to

Dairy, Finance

The company plans to raise a total of Rs 316 crore. IFC and Sixth Sense Venture Advisors, will invest Rs 155 crore and Rs 50 crore, respectively

Parag Milk Foods has announced that it plans to raise a total of Rs 316 crore by preferential allotment of equity shares, foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and other instruments from IFC and Sixth Sense Venture Advisors and promoters. IFC and Sixth Sense Venture Advisors will invest Rs 155 crore and Rs 50 crore, respectively. Promoter and family will further invest Rs 111 crore, maintaining the promoter stake at 46 per cent, Parag Milk Foods mentioned in a regulatory filing.

Parag Milk Foods said this fundraise is subject to shareholder’s approval in the ensuing extraordinary general meeting scheduled on April 26, 2021, as well as regulatory approvals. International Finance Corporation (IFC) is proposing an investment of up to Rs 155 crore by way of subscription to the preferential issue of equity shares and subscription of FCCBs in addition to a proposed subscription to NCDs of Rs 150 crore committed in December, said Parag Milk Foods.

Sixth Sense Venture Advisors has proposed an investment of Rs 50 crore by way of preferential allotment of 45,04,505 equity shares of face value Rs 10 each at a price of Rs 111 each, the company said. As per the regulatory filing, the promoters will invest Rs 111 crore that includes a preferential allotment of 50, 00,000 convertible share warrants in the name of Devendra Prakash Shah along with 50, 00,000 to Netra Pritam Shah, convertible into equity shares with a face value of Rs 10 each fully paid up, on a preferential basis, at a price of Rs 111.

Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods said, “The funds that will be raised through FCCB will be utilised for meeting our Capex requirements over the next two years and would free up our cash flows during that period”.

 

The company plans to raise a total

Acquaculture, Live Stock

The Bengaluru-based company has added fish and seafood to its category of offerings, across all its sales channels

Bengaluru-based Nandu’s has announced its expansion into fish and seafood retail. The company has added fish and seafood to its category of offerings, across all its sales channels.

“Undeniably, there is an immense market opportunity in the fish and seafood retail sector. Buying fish is an underserved retail experience in India. With our foray into this segment, Nandu’s vision is to become India’s favourite neighbourhood meat and fish brand, across online and offline retail channels. We are excited about this category and expect a significant revenue contribution from it,” noted Narendra Pasuparthy, Founder & CEO, Nandu’s.

Commenting on the launch of the new product category, Vinay Gopinath, COO, Nandu’s said, “Given the predominantly unorganised nature of the market, it was tough for Indian consumers to get access to healthy and hygienic fish and seafood. This coupled with repeated requests from our customers encouraged us to delight them by offering this category.”

“Having seen phenomenal growth, of close to 200 per cent, in FY20-21, we are now open to private investments as we plan to launch operations in strategic markets, such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Kerala, in the coming years. The pan-India target is 600 Nandu’s stores by 2025,” added Pasuparthy.

Starting now, fish lovers can choose from a wide variety of seasonal and local favourites, such as rohu, catla, roopchand, seer, tilapia, prawns, crabs, etc as well as premium items, like pomfret, tuna, salmon, hilsa, tiger prawns at Nandu’s. That too delivered from ‘Shore to Store’ in 24 hours, said Pavangopal, CMO, Nandu’s.

Currently, Nandu’s caters to its ever-growing consumer base through 50+ outlets across Bengaluru as well as their own e-commerce website, app, call centre and online marketplaces.

Pramod Onkarappa, Head – Fresh, Nandu’s said, “At Nandu’s, we will offer whole fish which will be hygienically cleaned and custom cut to suit the customer’s needs as well as pre-cut and packed fish and seafood for those who prefer to have it home delivered.”

The Bengaluru-based company has added fish and

AgroPolicy, R&D

The project will be piloted with over 3,000 farmers engaged in chilli and turmeric farming in select Districts of Andhra Pradesh. 

Spices Board India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UNDP India’s Accelerator Lab today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the aim to build a blockchain based traceability interface for Indian spices to enhance transparency in supply chain and trade.

This UNDP-Spices Board joint initiative to build a blockchain-powered traceability interface for Indian spices is another significant milestone in our journey to make the spices value chain efficient, transparent and equitable for all stakeholders. This traceability interface is expected to enhance consumer confidence and facilitate sourcing of spices for exports as well as for local value addition and use.  Upon successful demonstration, the Board would like to expand the reach of this interface to cover all major spices and regions of the country, and expects to have continuous partnership and support from the UNDP.

UNDP and Spices Board India are working towards integrating the Block chain Traceability Interface with the e-Spice Bazaar portal developed by Spices Board India for connecting spices farmers with markets. Design of the Block chain interface is expected to be completed by May’21. The project will be piloted with over 3,000 farmers engaged in chilli and turmeric farming in select Districts of Andhra Pradesh.

On this joint initiative, D. Sathiyan, Secretary, Spices Board India said, “India is the largest exporter, producer and consumer of spices in the world.  India’s spices export crossed a milestone of 3 Billion USD during 2019-20 and our estimates indicate that we would cross that milestone and achieve a new high during the 2020-21.”

Sathiyan said that the changing order in the global spices and food sector has increased the relevance of infrastructure development for value addition, certification for quality and food safety, implementation of traceability systems, promotion of spices highlighting the immunity boosting properties, etc.

 Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India, said, “We are confident that the blockchain interface will help connect the spice farmers with international markets and add to their income. The technology can also help in rebuilding the pandemic affected supply chains by providing trading partners and consumers with trusted and secured data on goods and transactions.”

The project will be piloted with over

Agrotech

The fruit is sweeter in taste, comparable to langra and being a dwarf variety, is suitable for kitchen gardening, high-density plantation, and can be grown in pots for some years too

Shrikishan Suman (55 years), a farmer from Kota, Rajasthan, has developed an innovative mango variety which is a regular and round-the-year dwarf variety of mango called Sadabahar, which is resistant to most major diseases and common mango disorders.

The fruit is sweeter in taste, comparable to langra and being a dwarf variety, is suitable for kitchen gardening, high-density plantation, and can be grown in pots for some years too. Besides, the flesh of the fruits, which is bourn round the year, is deep orange with sweet taste, and the pulp has very less fibre content which differentiates it from other varieties. The bountiful of nutrients packed in mango are immensely good for health.

The innovative attributes of the variety have been verified by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. NIF also facilitated an on-site evaluation of the variety through ICAR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, and a field testing at SKN Agriculture University, Jobner (Jaipur), Rajasthan. It is in the process of being registered under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi. 

For this evergreen variety developed, Suman was conferred the NIF’s 9th National Grassroots Innovation and Traditional Knowledge Award and subsequently recognised at various other fora. 

The fruit is sweeter in taste, comparable

E-commerce, R&D, Seeds

The ‘Delhi Defense’ varieties are part of Rijk Zwaan’s ‘Blueleaf’ line of varieties that have stronger natural resistances against diseases and pests

The ‘New Delhi’ virus has been a serious problem for many cucurbit growers, especially in the Mediterranean region, for numerous years. Due to its high infection pressure and rapid spread, this disease poses a severe threat to cucumber crops. Rijk Zwaan is proud to introduce a solution for cucumber growers: ‘Delhi Defense’.

The Rijk Zwaan cucumber varieties with ‘Delhi Defense’ show good resistance against the Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), which is better known as the ‘New Delhi’ virus. Although the symptoms in cucumber are relatively mild compared to other crops, the virus still causes a lot of damage and can result in lower productivity, severe patchy yellowing and moderate leaf curling in the apical leaves. The broad range of host plants that are susceptible to the ‘New Delhi’ virus in combination with dispersal by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) makes this virus such a threat to cucumbers.

Optimal protection combining ‘Delhi Defense’ and ‘Blueleaf’

Trials in greenhouses with high infection levels of the ‘New Delhi’ virus have demonstrated that the resistant varieties stay healthier, whereas the susceptible varieties in the same greenhouse show both clear infection and production loss. Firstly, fewer infections occur in ‘Delhi Defense’ cucumber varieties and secondly, if infection does occur, the symptoms and effects of the disease are limited. The ‘Delhi Defense’ varieties are part of Rijk Zwaan’s ‘Blueleaf’ line of varieties that have stronger natural resistances against diseases and pests. This combination offers the best of both worlds, enabling high-yielding crops as well as high-quality fruits.

The ‘Delhi Defense’ varieties are part of

Finance, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

Sonalika has recorded its highest ever annual sales of 1, 39,526 tractors in FY’21 

After consistently achieving records of excellence month after month in FY’21, Sonalika Tractors has recorded its highest-ever annual sales of 1, 39,526 tractors in FY’21 and among the leading market share gainers in the industry. The company has registered a phenomenal domestic growth rate of 41.6 per cent over FY’20 volumes, which is the highest in industry and beaten industry growth (est.26.7 per cent) by a significant margin. Alongside, Sonalika has recorded its highest-ever annual rotavator sales of 50,000 units in FY’21, recording double the volumes registered in FY’20. Overall, Sonalika Tractors has sold 13,093 tractors in March’21, registering a whopping 135 per cent growth over March’20.

Dr Deepak Mittal, Managing Director, Sonalika Group, said, “ Our strong foundation has served as a unique platform for the company to continue recording extraordinary results even in the most challenging year and we have become the first Indian tractor company to cross 22,000 tractors exports in a single year. This success is credited to the committed team along with our distributors, dealers, financiers and loyal customers who stayed connected and performed in the markets under adverse conditions without much travel or physical connect. We are proud of our market leadership in 6 countries and close second in another 5.”

Upbeat about the company’s performance, Raman Mittal, Executive Director, Sonalika Group, said, “Achieving a significant landmark of phenomenal domestic growth of 41.6 per cent in FY’21, which is highest in industry and surpassing industry growth (est. 26.7 per cent) by a significant margin amidst the most challenging year is a testimony that we have laid a strong foundation to remain closely knitted with our farmers and the society at large, which has only strengthened with time.”

“Our plans were not deterred by the external unforeseen situations as we have always remained consistent with our approach to grow and serve our customers. Our innate ability to re-engineer our approach across all business functions powered us to come out as a clear winner month after month, throughout the year.”

 

 

 

Sonalika has recorded its highest ever annual

Agro chems – Chemicals, China, Finance

Sales grew 10.2% to an all-time Q4 record-high of $1,141 million 

ADAMA Ltd. has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full-year period ended December 31, 2020. Commenting on the results, Erik Fyrwald, Chairman of ADAMA’s Board of Directors, said, “ADAMA ended 2020 on an extremely strong note, delivering a record fourth quarter, driving growth over the full-year period despite the many challenges seen throughout the year.

The company supplied record amounts of its products to customers, helping farmers to safely feed the world during the global COVID-19 pandemic. ADAMA’s passion and commitment to supporting farmers resonated in dozens of local community initiatives across the globe during the pandemic. Additionally, ADAMA’s commercial and operational collaborations with its partners within the Syngenta Group, as well as its continued investment in innovative solutions for agriculture, provides farmers with the best technology and expertise to increase productivity and sustainably grow healthy and affordable food.”

Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights

  • Sales grew 10.2% (+17.0% at Constant Exchange Rates, CER) to an all-time Q4 record-high of $1,141 million, driven by robust volume growth across all regions, and achieved despite an estimated $71 million impact from weaker currencies versus Q4 2019
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $168 million, up 8.4% versus Q4 2019, despite an estimated $59 million negative FX impact
  • Reported net income of $19 million, compared to a loss of $74 million in Q4 2019
  • Adjusted net income up 10.3% to $53 million, despite an estimated $54 million in FX headwinds

 

Full Year 2020 Highlights

  • Sales up 3.3% to hit an all-time high of $4,128 million (+10.6% in CER terms), despite COVID-19 related challenges; USD sales impacted by an estimated $293 million due to weaker currencies versus 2019
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $628 million (2019: $692 million), reflecting an estimated $224 million in negative FX impact, more than offsetting robust business growth
  • Reported net income up 19.4% to $51 million, compared to $43 million in 2019
  • Adjusted net income of $176 million (2019: $258 million), largely reflecting an estimated negative FX impact of $252 million

 

2021 Outlook

  • Supportive global demand for crop protection products driven by current positive crop price outlook
  • USD growth and profitability improvements dependent, amongst others, on stabilized currencies against the US dollar
  • Recent increases in procurement costs of raw materials, intermediates and active ingredients, if sustained for an extended period, may challenge gross margins over the coming quarters
  • The Company actively manages its procurement and supply chain activities in order to mitigate these higher procurement costs, and adjusts its pricing wherever possible to compensate
  • Continued progress on the relocation and upgrade of China production and environmental facilities
  • Expecting to start production at the new site in Jingzhou within the next few months

 

Sales grew 10.2% to an all-time Q4

E-commerce, IT

The new Digital Tool provides an innovative way to find greater return on investment at harvest

 BASF has launched a new digital tool, as part of its Grow Smart Live app, which calculates the estimated value of a farmer’s crop protection investment. The Grow Smart Advantage tool uses information about the farmer’s operation to provide crop input recommendations as well as the estimated value of those recommendations versus alternative options that are driven by rebates.

 When a user opens the tool, they are asked to input their state followed by specifics around the crop(s), acreage and inputs. The user is then asked to select the strength of the weed control and plant health program they need. Based on this information, the Grow Smart Advantage tool calculates the estimated performance results and dollar value of BASF products versus competitive products and rebates. These results provide users with a transparent cost overview of rebate programs using public data derived from independent third parties.

 “This new tool really puts what is best for farmers at the forefront in regard to their crop protection inputs and yield results,” said Nick Fassler, Technical Services Director for BASF Agricultural Solutions. “By providing sound agronomic recommendations, the Grow Smart Advantage tool is another example of how BASF continues to invest in digital tools that provide farmers with innovative ways to manage their operations and protect their investment.”

 

The new Digital Tool provides an innovative

R&D

 It enables metered, uniform delivery of plant protection products to crops using commercial honeybees. 

 Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. has announced that the Company has been granted a US patent for the latest version of its honeybee hive dispenser system. The new system is computer-controlled and enables metered, uniform delivery of plant protection products to crops using commercial honeybees. This is the first patent on its honeybee dispenser system, and represents the first patent in a fifth overall area of technology of the Company.

“Our patented system can be efficiently added on to commercial honeybee hives, for growers to get the added value of disease control on top of pollinating their crops,” said Ashish Malik, CEO of Bee Vectoring Technologies. “This new computer-controlled version makes crop protection delivery even more effective and consistent.”

The system is part of BVT’s growth strategy to service 2.88 million (1) commercial bee hives in the US and 91 million (2) worldwide. Leveraging both honeybee and bumblebee systems extends the Company’s reach to 100% of the bee vectoring market opportunity for flowering crops, including high volume crops such as almonds, sunflowers and apples, and high value crops such as blueberries, melons, strawberries and raspberries.

BVT’s bumblebee system, the Company’s initial product offering, is being successfully adopted by growers east of the Rockies. In the western US, however, commercial bumblebees are not used for pollination or bee vectoring. The honeybee system is therefore critical to BVT’s growth in those areas, especially in the berry-dense Pacific Northwest and in California – the single largest agriculture market in the US, where BVT was recently granted regulatory approval. In California, there are 1.3 million acres of key crops for the Company to target and 1.1 million3 of them are already using commercial honeybees for pollination.

“The patented honeybee system maximizes our market opportunity,” said Ian Collinson, Sales Manager at Bee Vectoring Technologies. “It has been in use with growers commercially since early 2020 in key US blueberry and caneberry regions including the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest. It’s also being used in California demonstration trials on almond and berry crops. We even have grower customers who use the honeybee and bumblebee systems together to maximize pollination and disease management.”

 It enables metered, uniform delivery of plant

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Europe

Innovative biological fungicide from AgBiome will broaden BASF’s BioSolutions portfolio for vegetables, ornamentals and turf applications 

 BASF and AgBiome have signed an agreement to bring a new biological fungicide to the market in Europe, and key countries in the Middle East and Africa. Developed by AgBiome, and marketed as Howler® in the United States, the biological fungicide with multiple modes of action provides preventive, long-lasting activity on a broad spectrum of soilborne and foliar diseases. BASF will support the further development and registration and will be the exclusive distributor in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Subject to successful registrations, first market introductions in selected countries are expected in 2024/2025.

“With this collaboration we will broaden our BioSolutions portfolio, especially in Europe,” said Marco Moorfeld, Vice President for Market Management in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. “We believe that the complementary combination of conventional crop protection and BioSolutions is the way forward for sustainable agriculture and we are convinced that strong partnerships in the industry are essential to bring more innovations to the market.”

The new biological fungicide is effective against diseases like Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Botrytis as well as active against several other diseases. It is based on the bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis – strain AFS009. The fungicide will be made available for use in vegetables and ornamentals as well as for applications on turf such as golf courses. It can be applied effectively at every phase of vegetable production – from greenhouse to pre-plant until harvest. This makes it a valuable tool to complement conventional crop protection products as part of a comprehensive integrated pest management program. 

“AgBiome is very pleased to be partnering with BASF to develop its newest highly efficacious biofungicide in Europe and certain adjacent markets in the Middle East and Africa,” said Toni Bucci, Chief Operating Officer at AgBiome.

Financial details of the agreement are not disclosed.

Innovative biological fungicide from AgBiome will broaden