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Organic, Start ups

Hydroponic farming is thriving in India. One of the major factors driving its growth is also the technology curve that diminishes costs and helps in scaling its operations. Further, integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics measure important indicators that help in food/crop planning and hence help connect in the food security ecosystem

 Agriculture in India has always been governed by variables – weather, quality of soil and seed, availability of water, skilled labour, etc. Additionally, the increase in food production in India has always been at the expense of the water supply. As per the estimates, around 70 percent of the world freshwater is used for agriculture, on the other hand, 70 percent of water contamination also comes from agriculture. With the integration of technology in agriculture, it has become easier to grow food in cities through urban farming or high-tech hydroponic farms. This is becoming key to improving nutrition and dealing with the disruptions in the food supply chain.

Hydroponic has been around for decades but with the efforts of new-age agritech start-ups, it is evolving into innovative urban farming methods. Hydroponic farming which simply means growing fresh vegetables and fruits in nutrient-rich water instead of soil requires less space and resources. Based on modernised techniques, soil-less farming results in higher productivity in a controlled climate and with no risk of the attack of the pests and insects. Agritech start-ups in market are providing every possible support for hydroponic farming set up. For the first time in India, few agritech start-ups are providing Buy Back option for the hydroponic produce as well as Bank Guarantee. It will further boost the hydroponic farming technique in the country.

Given the present ‘stay at home’ scenario, hydroponic farming is gradually becoming a household trend in India. The hydroponic systems are designed in a way that provides healthier, fresh and more nutritious produce with longer shelf life. The technology helps in saving valuable water, land and labour resources that further creates an efficient ecosystem. Moreover, the controlled growing system enables the production of food with no use of harmful chemicals resulting in 100 percent residue-free farming.

Immunity has become the new buzzword

The pandemic had made it necessary to understand the importance of adequate nutrition to maximize their health, boost immunity and reduce the risk and impact of the virus. Having a strong and resilient immune system is the need of the hour. Thus, the devastating aftermath of the pandemic should be a catalyst to expand our taste, knowledge and awareness and contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable food system.

Usually, human beings underestimate the power of good choices and individual behavioural change in creating a healthier food system. Adopting a hydroponic farming system helps align the food habits with the wellbeing of the planet and helps people turn from being ‘junk foodies’ to genuine chemical-free food lovers. As result, it helps consumers becoming more concerned about the environment and reshaping their eating habits to reduce the vulnerability of the disease.

Hydroponic farming is thriving in India. One of the major factors driving its growth is also the technology curve that diminishes costs and helps in scaling its operations. Further, integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics measure important indicators that help in food/crop planning and hence help connect in the food security ecosystem. Besides the technological factors, the need for creating a smarter and green market in highly populous nations also creates space for hydroponic farming (rooftop or vertical farming) to grow as a trend.

 

 

Hydroponic farming is thriving in India. One

Interaction

Senior executives from more than 90 companies leading agribusiness, fertilizer, ag chemicals, food and beverage, cannabis, retail distribution, etc. will discuss important industry trends.

BMO Capital Markets is hosting its 16th annual Farm to Market Conference on May 19th and 20th, 2021. This year’s conference will be virtual and feature thematic panel sessions, company presentations and one-on-one meetings.

All businesses involved in the food chain – from fertilizer, ag chemical and agribusiness, to food and beverage, cannabis, supply chain logistics, grocery retail and restaurants – have experienced volatility since the start of the pandemic, which is expected to continue to have resounding effects.

In addition, the industry faces enhanced ESG investing targets as well as higher commodity prices and increased demand, which are driving inflation costs. During the conference, global institutional investors, financial sponsors and companies will have access to company presentations and thematic panel discussions addressing these and other relevant and timely topics across the entire agri-food industry.

As the debate about how the world will eat in a post-COVID world continues to take shape, Kelly Bania, Food Retail & Distribution Analyst, will host fireside chats with major US retailers Kroger (KR) and Albertsons (ACI) and foodservice distributor US Foods (USFD).

Senior executives from more than 90 companies leading agribusiness, fertilizer, ag chemicals, food and beverage, cannabis, retail distribution, grocery and restaurant businesses will discuss important industry trends. Participants include- Albertsons (ACI), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bayer (BAYN.gr), BHP (BHP), Bunge (BG), CF Industries (CF), Corteva (CTVA), FMC (FMC), Kellogg Co (K), Kroger (KR), Mosaic (MOS), Nutrien (NTR), Tyson Foods (TSN), Sanderson Farms (SAFM), US Foods (USFD), Yara (YAR).

 

 

Senior executives from more than 90 companies

AgroPolicy, Pulses

The centre has requested States/ UTs to monitor the prices of all 22 essential Commodities, especially pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and milk

Department of Consumer Affairs recently reviewed the action taken by States/UTs for disclosure of stock of pulses by stockholders like millers, importers, traders etc. A meeting through Video Conferencing was held with the Principal Secretaries of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the States/UTs wherein Leena Nandan, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution reviewed the availability and price situation of Pulses across India.

During the meeting, it was reiterated that Essential Commodities Act (EC Act), 1955 is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of the scheduled essential commodities at fair prices to the common people. Participants in that meeting observed that sudden spurt in prices of pulses may be due to hoarding of pulses by the Stock Holders.

Department of Consumer Affairs vide letter dated May 14, 2021, requested States/UTs to use the power under section 3(2)(h) and 3(2)(i) of the EC Act, 1955 and to direct all the Stockholders like Millers, traders, importers etc. to declare the stocks of pulses and that the same may be verified by the State/ UTs Governments.

The pulse-producing States/UTs were also requested to facilitate procurement as sustained procurement would incentivize farmers to cultivate pulses on a long-term basis.

States/UTs were requested to monitor the prices of all 22 essential Commodities, especially pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and milk and to look for early signs of any unusual price rise so that timely interventions can be made to ensure that these food items are provided at affordable prices to consumers. This liberalized regime would enable seamless and timely import of pulses.

 

The centre has requested States/ UTs to

Finance, North America

Funds to help small farms in North America obtain animal welfare certifications and build local networks

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger through agricultural development, announced its 2020 AAF Award goes to the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) along with a $50,000 grant to help small-scale farmers in North America strengthen their animal welfare practices and earn certifications for their production processes.

GAP is one of the largest animal welfare standards and labeling organizations in North America, and its multi-level standards impact the welfare of over 416 million farm animals on more than 3,900 farms, taking into consideration each animal’s health and productivity, natural living environment and emotional well-being.

While many small-scale producers are actively adopting and implementing humane practices, logistical issues and costs can serve as a barrier to entering a certification program. To help farmers achieve the certifications necessary, the project will leverage GAP’s existing model and program specifically designed for the small-scale producer. 

The project will create a self-sustaining peer network for producers at GAP project sites and a cost-effective audit model for small-scale production. The team will also initiate supplier-based support for animal welfare and production skills and create a supply chain that supports local communities.

 

Funds to help small farms in North

R&D, Seeds

Agreement grants Bejo access to game-changing CRISPR-Cas9 intellectual property 

 Dutch vegetable seed breeder Bejo has entered into a non-exclusive research and commercial license agreement with global agriculture company Corteva Agriscience and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a U.S.-based biomedical and genomic research centre.

Through the agreement, Bejo will access CRISPR-Cas9 intellectual property for genome editing for agricultural use, allowing research work and programs as well as potential future commercial applications. For the time being, however, following the development in legislation Bejo will use CRISPR-Cas9-technology for research purpose only.

Bert Schrijver, Director, Research & Development of Bejo said, “Gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 bring opportunities for accelerating Bejo’s vegetable breeding programs. They increase our understanding of genetics and provide tools to develop new traits such as abiotic stress and disease resistance. This helps farmers to grow their crops in a more sustainable way and fulfill the increasing demand for healthy vegetable production in the world.”

Bejo now has access to a wide range of genome editing tools, which will enable it to strengthen its ability to develop more efficient vegetable varieties and contribute to meeting global food and sustainability challenges. They can now deploy this technology in a wide variety of vegetable seeds, including brassicas, onions, carrots and other crops.

Sam Eathington, Chief Technology Officer, Corteva Agriscience, said: “CRISPR-Cas9 holds immense potential to make crops more nutritious, more resilient and more productive. We’re proud to enable Bejo to explore new applications of this powerful tool in vegetable crops.

“Bejo’s investment in gene editing reflects growing confidence that the European Union (EU) policy environment will continue to open, allowing farmers and consumers in the EU to benefit from this plant breeding innovation.”

Corteva Agriscience is committed to Open Innovation, and to working with the scientific community to develop innovative solutions for growers.

Agreement grants Bejo access to game-changing CRISPR-Cas9

Agrotech, IT

100 chosen delegates will be invited to a virtual global forum on November 16-17, 2021.

  Applications are now open for the 2021 Youth Ag Summit, a global forum and biennially organized conference where young leaders collaborate to develop sustainable solutions for food security and global agriculture as they work toward becoming global instruments of change.

The summit’s overall theme, “Feeding a Hungry Planet,” is based on the United Nations’ prediction that the planet’s population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050 and will be faced with food security challenges. The 100 delegates selected to participate in this year’s Youth Ag Summit will be tasked to work on developing solutions to this challenge using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations as their framework.

While this is the 5th biennial Youth Ag Summit, it will be the first virtual YAS event. This year’s cohort will also benefit from another exciting YAS first. As an official global partner with Bayer for this year’s forum, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), in partnership with technology company Babele, will also provide a virtual idea incubator called YAS University where delegates will continue to learn entrepreneurship and leadership skills, receive coaching from mentors, and improve their own “Thrive for Change” project concepts throughout a 10-week period following the November summit.

“We believe there is a strong need for young leaders to be engaged in developing a healthier food and agricultural system,” said Liam Condon, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division. “Through their work at the 2021 Youth Ag Summit young leaders will broaden their network, be empowered through new transferrable skills and knowledge, and be inspired to take action.”

Application for the 2021 Youth Ag Summit is open to young people of any background aged 18-25. Potential delegates will be asked to share their motivation to join the summit, their previous advocacy experience and a 3-minute video pitch explaining their project idea on “How to feed a hungry planet.

Applicants should be personally, professionally, and academically interested in agriculture, international development, environmental stewardship, food security, biotechnology, and/or farming. To apply for the Youth Ag Summit 2021, please visit www.youthagsummit.com

100 chosen delegates will be invited to

Environment, R&D

New research led by Aalto University assesses how global food production will be affected if greenhouse gas emissions are left uncut.

 Climate change is known to negatively affect agriculture and livestock, but there has been little scientific knowledge on which regions of the planet would be touched or what the biggest risks may be. New research led by Aalto University assesses just how global food production will be affected if greenhouse gas emissions are left uncut.

According to the study, this scenario is likely to occur if carbon dioxide emissions continue growing at current rates. In the study, the researchers define the concept of safe climatic space as those areas where 95 per cent of crop production currently takes place, thanks to a combination of three climate factors, rainfall, temperature and aridity.

 Our research shows that rapid, out-of-control growth of greenhouse gas emissions may, by the end of the century, lead to more than a third of current global food production falling into conditions in which no food is produced today — that is, out of safe climatic space,’ explains Matti Kummu, professor of global water and food issues at Aalto University.

’The good news is that only a fraction of food production would face as-of-yet unseen conditions if we collectively reduce emissions, so that warming would be limited to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius,’ says Kummu.

Changes in rainfall and aridity as well as the warming climate are especially threatening to food production in South and Southeast Asia as well as the Sahel region of Africa. These are also areas that lack the capacity to adapt to changing conditions.

Two future scenarios for climate change were used in the study: one in which carbon dioxide emissions are cut radically, limiting global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius, and another in which emissions continue growing unhalted.

The researchers assessed how climate change would affect 27 of the most important food crops and seven different livestock, accounting for societies’ varying capacities to adapt to changes. The results show that threats affect countries and continents in different ways; in 52 of the 177 countries studied, the entire food production would remain in the safe climatic space in the future. These include Finland and most other European countries.

 

 

 

 

New research led by Aalto University assesses

Agro chems – Pesticides, Finance

The transaction is the first step in Gowan Company’s plan to purchase all of the shares of Isagro S.p.A. since Piemme S.r.l. is the indirect controlling shareholder of Isagro S.p.A.

Gowan Company has recently announced the close of the agreement to purchase all the capital of Piemme S.r.l. from Giorgio Basile and other shareholders, representing 99.9 per cent of the corporate capital in Piemme. Piemme S.r.l. is the indirect controlling shareholder of Isagro S.p.A. The transaction completed recently is the first step in Gowan Company’s plan to purchase all of the shares of Isagro S.p.A.

Isagro is the owner of important active ingredients, including copper hydroxide/oxychloride, tetraconazole and kiralaxyl globally, and is well known for its research and development efforts in crop protection and biopesticide industries. Isagro has been a partner of Gowan Company since 2013, and Gowan now looks forward to expanding commercial opportunities, especially integrating the manufacturing and science depth at Isagro Group’s facilities. These additional competencies are instrumental in positioning Gowan as global agricultural practices evolve.

Gowan plans to move forward consistent with Italian law to launch – through its entirely owned subsidiary, Crop Demetra Limited – a mandatory tender offer (MTO) to purchase all outstanding shares of Isagro. As Gowan and Isagro progress through the integration planning process, we plan to continue serving our customers and partners with the same level of focus and quality.

At the close of this transaction, Giorgio Basile, CEO, and founder of Isagro, has resigned from Isagro’s Board and from the management of the company, along with three other directors nominated by his holding company.

 

The transaction is the first step

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, R&D

The hatchery technology for mud crab is a much in demand species in South East Asian countries where live crabs are highly preferred as a delectable seafood 

  MPEDA-RGCA’’s mud crab hatchery technology, has been granted patent by the Controller General of Patent, Design and Trade Marks, Government of India, for 20 years from 2011 to 2030.The hatchery technology for mud crab (scientific name Scylla serrata), a much in demand species in South East Asian countries where live crabs are highly preferred as a delectable seafood, has been developed by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), the research and development arm of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

 MPEDA Chairman K S Srinivas said it is a remarkable achievement in the history of Indian aquaculture as for the first time the central government has granted a patent for this technology in the country.

“It will go a long way in meeting the seed requirement of farmers who intend to undertake diversified species for aquaculture instead of concentrating on shrimp farming alone. MPEDA is dedicating this achievement to the aquaculture farmers of the country for their support and to the young scientists of RGCA who have worked tirelessly to achieve this morale-boosting feat,” Srinivas, president of RGCA, said in a statement.

Taking into account that there is no other hatchery for mud crab in India, RGCA had applied for patent right for the mud crab hatchery technology in 2011 with the Controller General of Patent, Design and Trade Marks. However, the patent was granted after following a long and arduous process.

Keeping in view the huge demand of mud crab, especially in South East Asian countries, MPEDA had initiated a pilot project for mud crab seed (known as crab-instar) production during 2004 and subsequently made the commercial hatchery for the first time in India during 2013 with the capacity of one million per annum.

The MPEDA chairman said the major achievement lies in increasing the survival rate of crab instar from three per cent world record to seven per cent. Further, the hatchery unit is designed in such a manner that all sections are under one roof with complete bio-security measures. So far, 7.28 million seeds have been produced and supplied to 659 farmers across the country.

RGCA has been set up to give a fillip to commercialisation of diversified aquaculture species such as sea bass, mud crab, Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), cobia, pompano and artemia.

 

The hatchery technology for mud crab is

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech

Cargill and the Edes Business School of UTPL will improve income potential for 100 women from Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Ecuador

Cargill and the Edes Business School of the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) in Ecuador signed an alliance to carry out a training program for 100 female shrimp producers from Mexico, Central America, and Ecuador. The program will help the women access technology and technical knowledge, eliminating obstacles to improve their sources of income and enrich the industry and their communities. This partnership aligns to Cargill’s commitment to promoting gender parity and women’s empowerment along its supply chains.

Together, Cargill and UTPL will develop the entrepreneurial skills of women shrimp farmers on the coast of the states of Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico; in the Choluteca and Valle regions of southern Honduras; Chinandega in Nicaragua; and the provinces of Oro, Guayas, and Santa Elena in Ecuador, through education, so they can expand their knowledge and apply it in their respective businesses.

The training program will be academically led by the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, through the Fundación para el Desarrollo Empresarialy Social (FEDES) as a strategic ally of the University for the promotion and sustainable development of the communities and its Escuela de Negocios EDES as executor of the academic training. UTPL consists of six academic modules that will be taught in the form of online studies, covering content such as: leadership, motivation, finance, digital culture, among others. The modules are focused on strengthening the skills and competencies of the female shrimp farmers.

 

Cargill and the Edes Business School of

Malaysia, Organic

The United Tropical Fruit Organic Musang King Durian Plantation is located on a 100 acre site in the Malaysian state of Pahang

The Plantations International group of companies  announced that via its fully own Malaysian subsidiary United Tropical Fruit Sdn. Bhd., it has launched Malaysia’s first and only commercial-grade Organic Musang King Durian Plantation.

The United Tropical Fruit Organic Musang King Durian Plantation is located on a 100 acre site in the Malaysian state of Pahang and has been secured by United Tropical Fruit on a 60-year leasehold basis.

Malaysia’s Musang King Durian, also known as Mao Shan Wang or D197 is Malaysia’s most popular durian export. Due to extremely limited supply levels, it is currently achieving premium retail price points of between 20-120 USD/KG depending on export destination.

Gareth Cookson, the director of operations for Plantations International in Asia said “We will be the only players in the market that have invested the time, money, research and development to achieve a truly organic Musang King Durian. While other companies might claim to use organic farming methods, we will breed 100 per cent organic seed nuts, so the organic chain of custody starts way before the Musang King Durian sapling is planted into the ground”.

From a business perspective, Dr. Raymond Samy the Managing director of United Tropical Fruit said “It’s my job to ensure that all quality control protocols strictly adhered to, from the planting stage to the transport of the harvest Musang King Durian fruit to their final destination. With such a precious and rare product, we can leave nothing to chance.”

The United Tropical Fruit Organic Musang King

Agrotech, Machinery – Post-harvesting

 Toru Saito will also be a Representative Director on the board of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co. Ltd (MAM) 

 Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery today announced the appointment of Mr Toru Saito as President and CEO. Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co. Ltd., (MAM) is a strategic investment in Japan. It is a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the rice value chain and plays a key role in establishing Mahindra as a global player in the area of Tractor and Farm Implements.

In his new role, Toru Saito will also be a Representative Director on the board of MAM. He has more than 33 years of experience with Nissan Motors and Audi Japan. While working with Nissan, he held various leadership positions in Japan, Switzerland, Netherlands and Russia including that of the Global Business Head for their Infiniti business. For the past six years he was associated with Audi and his most recent role, prior to joining Mahindra has been that of the President, Audi Japan Sales KK.

Speaking about the announcement, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd. said, “Our endeavour is to bring on board top global talent to support our ambitious growth plans. We have implemented several initiatives at MAM, which is at an exciting inflection point. Mr Saito brings with him global cross-functional experience and I am sure under his leadership MAM will continue its transformative journey and meet the commitments of a profitable growth”.

Mahindra continues to strengthen its leadership team and has in the recent past on-boarded several high-profile leaders including Dr. Uli Stuhec, who has joined as Vice President  & Head – Global Born Electric Platform, based in Mahindra North American Technical Centre, Detroit.

 Toru Saito will also be a Representative

AgroPolicy, Pulses

The free import policy will enable the traders to quickly import the required quantity of Tur, Moong and Urad to fulfil the shortage of the pulses.

 

After a gap of three years, India, the largest pulses producer and consumer of pulses in the world, has opened up import of tur, moong and udid as the Union ministry of commerce changed these three pulses from restricted to open category. The India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) has welcomed the government decision to allot a quota for imports of 1.5 lakh tonne urad  and said it will not bring down the prices drastically.

While commenting on recent policy on importing pulses, Jitu Bheda, Chairman, IPGA said, “The government has acted promptly and taken an extremely progressive step by revising the import policy of Toor, Moong & Urad from “Restricted” to “Free” with immediate effect. The policy will be in effect till 31st Oct 2021. All consignments will have to arrive on or before 30th Nov 2021 and BL date should be 31st Oct or before. IPGA welcomes this move wholeheartedly as its done keeping the farmers’ interest in mind as well as to help keep the rising prices of pulses in check. It’s a timely decision by the government especially during the current challenging times.

The Open General License (OGL) under the free import policy will enable the traders to quickly import the required quantity of Tur, Moong and Urad to fulfil the shortage of the pulses. We are expecting minimum 250,000 tons of Tur, 150,000 tons of Urad and around 50,000 – 75,000 tons of Moong beans to be imported primarily from Myanmar, African, and the neighbouring countries.

IPGA was continuously representing to the government recommendations in the current inflationary conditions to not only control rising prices but also improve the overall sentiments giving a major boost to the trade. We will continue to facilitate such interventions on behalf of the pulses sector and work in tandem with the government for the overall benefit of the industry and farmers.”

The free import policy will enable the

Agrotech, Trade

Centre will work as a one-stop-shop for the exporters in the agricultural sector. 

 

 

The Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), in association with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), launched India’s first and unique Agriculture Export Facilitation Centre on 15th May 2021 in Pune. This Facilitation Centre will work as a one-stop-shop for the exporters in the agricultural sector. There are also plans to set up a digital presence for the centre as well as sub-branches in the region to ensure greater access.

The centre, which will bring in expertise from current agro-exporters, serving and retired state and union government officials, will help exporters on all aspects of the ‘farm-to-fork’ chain of agro-exports. The process includes export registration, market assessment, standards of recipient countries, and adjustments required to match those standards, the kind of logistics involved in the operation, among other issues.

The Centre would guide the prospective exporters on various relevant aspects through experts in areas like pesticide residue management, global gap certification, preference of potential importing countries their product choice, quality parameters, the preconditions, orchard management for export-oriented production, harvesting time and methods, quality parameters, production technology, greenhouse production, post-harvest management, packaging, the procedure to be followed at the airport, seaport and unloading at importing countries.

The Centre also proposes to develop a knowledge bank where activities and knowledge related to different aspects of exports would be available at the click of a button. It would provide information about APEDA’s schemes for exporters, the procedure to get APEDA support and information on Govt. of India and State Government Schemes for export promotion.

 “The facility will be available to anyone in the agricultural sector, who plans to export their products overseas. As per the last figures recorded, India’s share of agricultural exports in the world was very low. There is a need to improve that, and, despite Maharashtra’s share in agricultural exports from India being disproportionately high, we have set up this centre to increase agricultural exports,” said Prashant Girbane, director-general, MCCIA.

Centre will work as a one-stop-shop for