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Home2022May (Page 10)
AgroPolicy, Agrotech, IT, R&D, World

The domain experts made a presentation before the Indian delegation on various areas of advanced agricultural research, precision agriculture, remote sensing and post-harvest technology

An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar visited Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute of Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The domain experts made a presentation before the Indian delegation on various areas of advanced agricultural research, precision agriculture, remote sensing and post-harvest technology. Discussions with the Indian delegation on potential areas of agriculture development were also held during the visit.

The demonstration on the application of Drone technology- advanced techniques and interventions in agriculture operation were also shown to the Indian delegation during their visit by ALTA Precision Agriculture at Ganei Khna’an. At the end of the day, the minister visited Desert Farm at Be’er Milka, owned by an Indian origin farmer growing Indian vegetables in Negev desert area.

The domain experts made a presentation before

Allied Industry, Foodgrains, Schemes - NABARD, Vegetables

Puliyankudi acid lime, Thooyamalli rice and have applied for the tag

Three Tamil Nadu-based products — the Puliyankudi acid lime, Thooyamalli rice and Virudhunagar sambha vathal (Chilly) have applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in Chennai. Details on all these three products were collated and prepared by IPR attorney P. Sanjai Gandhi on behalf of the applicants.

The application for the Puliyankudi acid lime was made by the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and Melapuliyankudi Farmers’ Association. The NABARD Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum was the facilitator.

Puliyankudi, a village in Tenkasi, is famous for acid lime cultivation. Among local people this place is called the lemon city of Tamil Nadu. Kadayam lemon here is popular for its taste and juiciness. Acid lime trees are small and bushy with sharp spines. Leaves are small with narrowly winged petioles. The flowers and fruits are small. The lemon grown in this region weighs about 50g and each tree bears around 950 fruits. It is grown in Puliyankudi, Sankarankovil, Kadayam, Kadayanallur and Kuruvikulam and adjoining areas.

The Virudhunagar Chillies’ Merchants Association, along with Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board, has applied for GI tag for Virudhunagar sambha vathal. In Tamil Nadu, chillies are mainly grown in the districts of Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Thoothukudi and the major markets for them are also located here.

The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board is the applicant for Thooyamalli rice and this was facilitated by NABARD Madurai Agri-Business Incubation Forum. The seeds are directly sown and the transplanting system is used for growing this variety.

Puliyankudi acid lime, Thooyamalli rice and have

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agro Universities, Foodgrains

The variety resists the attack of all the 10 presently prevalent pathotypes of bacterial blight pathogen in the state

The State Variety Approval Committee in Punjab has approved ‘PR 130’ variety of parmal rice for cultivation in the state. The Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana has developed ‘PR 130’ variety of rice by crossing the most popular variety PR 121 with HKR 47.

Highlighting its salient characteristics, Dr Gurjit Singh Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement), said, “It is a mid-maturing, lodging tolerant, bacterial blight resistant variety with better milling quality characteristics. It matures in about 105 days after transplanting. It possesses long slender clear translucent grains with high total and head rice recoveries. The variety resists the attack of all the 10 presently prevalent pathotypes of bacterial blight pathogen in Punjab. The average paddy yield of this variety is 30.0 quintals per acre.”

This variety will prove very beneficial to the pea and potato growers on account of its higher paddy yield, shorter maturity period and disease resistance and the traders due to its excellent milling quality characteristics, he observed. The PAU has produced a large quantity of seeds of this variety, which is available at its Research Stations; Seed Farms located at Ladhowal, Naraingarh (Fatehgarh Sahib), Nabha and Kapurthala; Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farmer Advisory Service Centres of PAU, he informed.

Dr Mangat further stated that those farmers who were growing PR 121 and HKR 47 should opt for PR 130 variety. The ideal time for nursery sowing of PR 130 is May 20 to May 31.

The variety resists the attack of all

Agrotech, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting, Sustainability

The tractor is capable even of a negative footprint when powered with bio-methane generated from liquid manure

New Holland Agriculture, Official Sponsor of the Giro d’Italia 2022, will display a T6 Methane Power tractor along the route of the sporting event, which provides a perfect platform for the brand to spread its message of sustainable agriculture. The tractor is a true game changer, capable even of a negative footprint when powered with bio-methane generated from liquid manure. It has all the features that have made the T6 a favourite among farmers across the world.

The T6 Methane Power will be on display in a livery specially designed for the Giro d’Italia that was first unveiled on a T5.120 Dynamic Command at the Fieragricola show in Verona (March 2022). With this customisation inspired by the ‘Leader’s Jersey’ of the Giro d’Italia, the tractor will be the perfect expression of the dedication to performance and sustainability that the brand shares with the Italian Grand Tour.

“The T6 Methane Power tractor is the culmination of New Holland’s pioneering work in the development of methane technology and one of the many tangible outcomes of our Clean Energy Leader strategy,” stated Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President. “At New Holland we are passionate about enabling and promoting sustainable, efficient and profitable farming through advanced technologies, extended connectivity and reliable powertrain technology. The T6 Methane Power tractor, now in production and available to our customers, is a vital link in our Energy Independent Farm’s virtual cycle that delivers carbon neutral production.”

New Holland will further spread its message of sustainability by participating in the Giro-E 2022, the pedal-powered Giro d’Italia built on technology, ecology and sustainable mobility. The brand will compete with a team made up of company employees, dealers and customers. The only stage event in the world dedicated to pedal-assisted bicycles, it takes place at the same time as the Giro d’Italia and on the same route, covering the final sections of its 18 stages a few hours before the professional riders.

The tractor is capable even of a

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Finance

Bayer’s sales grew by double-digit percentages in all regions and achieved particularly strong growth at Herbicides (Fx & portfolio adj. 59.8 per cent) and Fungicides (Fx & portfolio adj. 18.6 per cent)

The Bayer Group had a very successful start to 2022. “We achieved outstanding sales and earnings growth, with particularly substantial gains for our agriculture business,” said Werner Baumann, Chairman of the Board of Management, on Tuesday as he presented the quarterly statement for the first quarter of 2022.

In the agricultural business (Crop Science), sales rose by 21.6 per cent (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 8.447 billion euros thanks to substantial price and volume growth. Bayer’s sales grew by double-digit percentages in all regions and achieved particularly strong growth at Herbicides (Fx & portfolio adj. 59.8 per cent) and Fungicides (Fx & portfolio adj. 18.6 per cent). While there was particularly strong growth for Herbicides in North America, Fungicides generated double-digit percentage sales growth in all regions. Corn Seed & Traits posted sales gains, primarily due to price increases in all regions. Here, Bayer also benefited from volume gains in the Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America, and Asia/Pacific regions. Sales at Soybean Seed & Traits were level with the prior-year period (Fx & portfolio adj. up 0.8 percent), and were higher in North America due to price increases but lower in Latin America due to lower volumes.

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science advanced by 49.9 per cent to 3.669 billion euros, driven mainly by higher prices. Bayer also benefited from higher volumes and ongoing efficiency programs. By contrast, earnings were diminished by an increase in costs, particularly in the cost of goods sold, that was mainly due to high inflation. There was a positive currency effect of 98 million euros (Q1 2021: minus 252 million euros). The EBITDA margin before special items increased significantly by 6.6 per cent points to an all-time high of 43.4 percent; currency effects had a dilutive effect of 0.8 percentage points.

Bayer’s sales grew by double-digit percentages in

Company News, Finance

For the quarter ended on March 31, 2022, the company has registered PBT at Rs 1,785.1 million

BASF India registered sales of Rs 130,997.3 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2022, as compared to Rs 95,583.4 million in the previous year, representing an increase of 37 per cent.

The company reported Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs 7,473.6 million as compared to Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 4,378.7 million in the previous year.

For the quarter ended on March 31, 2022, the company registered sales of Rs 33,895.6 million, as compared to Rs 28,055.8 million for the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 21 per cent. Profit before tax (before exceptional items) stood at Rs 1,785.1 million for the quarter that ended on March 31, 2022, compared to Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs 1,706.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year.

“BASF India Limited registered a robust March quarter with sales and profits before exceptional items exceeding the previous quarter and the corresponding previous year quarter,” said Narayan Krishnamohan, Managing Director, BASF India.

“Despite the challenges posed by the second wave of COVID-19, an erratic monsoon, supply chain disruptions and intense cost pressure from commodity pricing, the company delivered record sales and profit before exceptional items for FY22, driven by volume and margin growth, Stringent working capital and cash management enabled the Company to end the financial year with zero debt,” he added.

The Board of Directors of the company have recommended a dividend of Rs 6 per equity share i.e. 60 per cent for the financial year ended March 31, 2022. This is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

For the quarter ended on March 31,

Company News

This initiative was conducted through Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

BL Agro Industries Limited, India’s one of the fastest growing FMCG companies organised a medical camp at its corporate office in Bareilly. This initiative was conducted through Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), a corporation of Central and State government, under its 100 days’ of Karya Yoyojona.

The medical camp was organised in the presence of Dr Tauqeettarut Hassan (Chief Medical Officer), Dr Renu Bala, K C Chaudhury, (Pharmacist), Devendra Kumar, (Pharmacist), and Santosh Kr Aggrawal.

Ajay Bhatt, General Manager-HR, BL Agro said, “We conducted this special medical checkup for our entire workforce, who have always contributed to our company’s growth and taking care of their well-being is our foremost responsibility.”

This initiative was conducted through Employee State

People

Sunil Arora is a retired civil servant (IAS) with a rich leadership experience spanning over 36 years

Gram Unnati, India’s 1st full stack agricultural value chain services, has announced the appointment of Sunil Arora, former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, as its board’s new Chairman (Non-Executive).

Sunil Arora is a retired civil servant (IAS) with a rich leadership experience spanning over 36 years. He has headed strategic departments while driving governance and policy reform initiatives both at the central and state government levels. He has served as Secretary to two key ministries – The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) and the then newly set up Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Aneesh Jain, CEO and Founder, Gram Unnati said “We are delighted to have Sunil Arora joined us. It is an honour to work under his esteemed guidance and supervision. His rich experience, insights and direction will enable Gram Unnati to further improve its market-linked solution for farmers and sustainably enhance their incomes.”

Arora has served as Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to the Government of Rajasthan and aside from being a key proponent for the Rajasthan State Industrial Policy, he has been on the board of various corporate entities, such as Barmer Mining and Lignite Company, Mahindra SEZ, and Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited.

Arora has led administrative and policy reforms to revitalise the then Indian Airlines as its Chairman & Managing Director from 2000-2005. Under his leadership, the airline turned profitable after years of incurring losses. He also served as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation during 2000-2002 wherein he played a key role in operationalising the deployment of CISF for security purposes at airports.

Sunil Arora is a retired civil servant

Agro Universities, Poultry

The ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad organises the seminar

The ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad recently organised a National Seminar on ‘Revisiting Poultry Production and Marketing Systems for Addressing the Fast-Changing Consumer Preferences’ in Hyderabad. The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Indian Poultry Science Association, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chapter.

The Chief Guest, Dr G Ranjith Reddy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Chevella Constituency, Telangana urged that the deliberations should focus on highlighting the health benefits of egg and chicken meat. He urged the industry to stay strong in marketing, publicising and advertising the products. Dr Reddy also encouraged the Young Veterinary Graduates for venturing into the poultry sector which has a lot of opportunities.

The Guest of Honor, Dr V Ravinder Reddy, Vice Chancellor, PV Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad emphasised on the need for supporting the poultry farmers by providing the feed ingredients on time at a reasonable cost.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Dr RN. Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, Hyderabad underlined the role of the poultry industry and its contributions to the national economy.

The scientists from ICAR-DPR, Hyderabad along with officials, staff & students from the veterinary university, poultry entrepreneurs and industry representatives from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department and Members of IPSA-Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh Chapter participated in the seminar.

The ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad organises

Agrotech, Foodgrains, Warehousing

Integrated services spanning warehousing, lending and marketplace over its digital platform continues to be game-changer for Arya.ag

Arya.ag, India’s largest integrated grain commerce platform, concluded FY22 on a formidable and strong note both in terms of volumes as well as end-user uptake to further cement the start-up’s position as India’s largest and fastest growing agritech player.  

For the fiscal year gone by, Arya.ag closed with a grain AUM of USD 1.1 Billion bolstered by a rapid surge in commerce volume with Gross Transaction Value (GTV) run rate of USD 270 million. H2 of FY22 recorded a phenomenal 4X rise in commerce volumes over H1 on the platform with take rates strengthening by over 2X. During the year, the platform saw large adoption of its structured trade solutions by varied entities spanning across farmers, FPOs, millers and agri-corporations.

The embedded digital lending business on the platform hit the milestone of Rs 100 crore or USD 13.3 million, of loan disbursement amount in the month of March 22 alone. The platform saw a 2X rise, to close the year at USD 65.0 million in its digitally led fully secured loan disbursements. The increased uptake in its digital lending solutions was immensely influenced by the launch of Insta-loan disbursement bouquet of services for farmers that simplifies and optimizes the lending process and end-user experience in gaining access to financial services. The adoption rates were in excess of 90 percent.

Apart from lending through its own balance sheet, the platform collaborated with over 25 Banks and FIs to help them disburse Rs 2000 crore or USD 265 Million of secured loans in the last fiscal, a growth of over 3X in the collaborated lending book. The year also saw Arya.ag raising series C funding to the tune of USD 60 million with investors now comprising Asia Impact SA, Lightrock India, Quona Capital and Omnivore.

 Prasanna Rao, MD & Co-founder, Arya.ag said, “The influence of digital transformation in prominent domains of the overall economic ecosystem is well known. As India’s largest agritech player, we at Arya.ag are extending the benefits of digital technologies to the smallest of the stakeholders in the agri-ecosystem, including women farmers and farmer producer organisations. The pandemic times have further accelerated the adoption of our integrated services and we remain upbeat about the future, basis our distinct value proposition and strong business fundamentals.”

Integrated services spanning warehousing, lending and marketplace

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Sustainability

According to the experts, the effort will undoubtedly improve the economic benefits, contribute to innovation and growth and encourage sustainability

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coastal Corporation, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh for the production of indigenous shrimp larval feed in Chennai.

In his address, Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR highlighted the necessity for promoting the Indigenous Larval Feed.

Dr KP Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai stated that the effort will undoubtedly improve the economic benefits, contribute to innovation and growth and encourage sustainability and competitiveness in the aquafeed sector in the longer run.

VR Sharma, Vice-President, Coastal Corporation shared the encouraging trial results obtained with the ICAR-CIBA Shrimp LarviPlus.

Dr K Ambasankar, Principal Scientist and Team Leader for the Feed Technology, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai outlined the initiative’s genesis in line with the Make in India Programme.

According to the experts, the effort will

Agrotech, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

The tractors offer a 40 – 60 hp range with progressive technology

Eicher Tractors, from the house of TAFE – Tractors and Farm Equipment, has launched Eicher PRIMA G3 Series tractors. The Eicher PRIMA G3 is a new series of tractors in the 40 – 60 hp range, that offers progressive technology and perfect comfort built with decades of unmatched experience.

The PRIMA G3 boasts a new-age design with its distinct aerodynamic hood, that makes a unique style statement and offers easy access to the engine with its one-touch front-open, single-piece bonnet. The bold grille with high intensity 3D cooling technology and wrap-around headlamps and Digi NXT Dashboard are a perfect fusion of bold and elegant looks, which provide higher cross airflow and long hours of continuous operation. The youthful sporty steering wheel with a spinner knob offers effortless control.

Engineered with state-of-the-art customer-centric technology, the Eicher PRIMA G3 range comes with the High Torque-Fuel Saver (HT-FS) liquid-cooled engine, that provides greater efficiency for higher productivity and more fuel savings. The CombiTorq Transmission offers the perfect pairing of the engine and the transaxle to deliver maximum power, torque and productivity. The new multispeed PTO provides 4 different PTO modes, making the Eicher PRIMA G3 compatible with multiple agricultural and commercial applications.

Mallika Srinivasan, CMD – TAFE said, “The Eicher brand, for decades, has been well-known for its trust, reliability, ruggedness and versatility in both the agriculture and commercial space. The launch of the PRIMA G3, brings to the progressive farmers of a modern India, more productivity, comfort and ease to match their new aspirations, and offers an enhanced value proposition that Eicher has always promised.”

Dr Lakshmi Venu, DMD, TAFE Motors and Tractors said, “Young and progressive farmers of India are seeking to maximise returns from farming operations while focusing on technology and agri-tech solutions, and the PRIMA G3 would be the ideal partner in creating an ecosystem that will revolutionise agriculture”.

Sandeep Sinha, CEO, TAFE, said, “The Eicher PRIMA G3 is a reflection of Eicher’s hallmark durability and reliability. The PRIMA G3 is equipped with ergonomic operator stations, and new steering controls for comfortable, safe and long hours of productive use. We will ensure that our customers have easy access to the new Eicher PRIMA G3 series.”

The tractor provides a clear all-round view for the confident manoeuvring of the tractor while its spacious platform represents the best-in-class operating environment. The PRIMA G3 is designed for the utmost safety, be it day or night. The unique ‘Lead Me Home’ feature provides an illuminated path at night, ensuring safety and convenience.

The tractors offer a 40 - 60

Start ups

A startup centre will be established to support startups

The Madhya Pradesh government is launching its Startup Policy and Implementation Plan – 2022 to promote startups and encourage entrepreneurs in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch virtually, Madhya Pradesh’s Startup Policy and Implementation Plan, 2022 at the Brilliant Convention Center, Indore on May 13, in the presence of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The startup policy has provisions to strengthen and bring to reality the entrepreneurial ideas of the youth of the state. A slew of events is planned across the state to drive awareness about the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy.

The Sagar Smart City Incubation Centre, SPARK has made rapid strides in promoting Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy 2022. A series of policy awareness boot camps and workshops have been organized in various educational institutions, business establishments, and among the startup community, including Government ITI College, Edina Institute of Science, in Sagar.

Concurrently, about 18 startups are being incubated under the Smart City project in the Gwalior district. The government has selected several ideas from around 50 startups in the region for which a special workshop will be organized on May 11. This would be done to help understand the needs of these needs and to ensure that these ideas come to reality under the new start-up policy.

P Narhari, Secretary MSME Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh said, “The new Startup Policy is quite different from the old policy. One important feature being added in the MP Startup Policy 2022 is the concept of ‘MP Startup Centre’. Earlier, only one policy was being implemented by the department, but now this will be implemented in tandem with the MP Startup Centre. The startup centre will have a dedicated office, a head/mentor for every startup and experts from the relevant field, who will help the startup community.”

A startup centre will be established to

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy

Suphala 10:26:26 and VIPULA 10:10:10 increases crop yield to a much larger extent

Bhagwanth Khuba, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers & New and Renewable Energy, Government of India launched the newly manufactured NPK grade of Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) – Suphala 10:26:26 in Mumbai. Khuba also launched the newly developed RCF R&D product VIPULA 10:10:10 on the occasion.

Suphala 10:26:26 is a balanced fertiliser and is suitable to be used for all crops. It improves root growth and development and maximises plant vigour, increases the number of tillers in the case of paddy, sugarcane, wheat and branches in cotton, fruits and vegetables, improves the number of fruits, tubers, bolls, grains besides improving the sugar content in sugarcane and starch content in potatoes.

VIPULA increases the yield to an extent of 30 per cent in wheat and 21 per cent in rice crops. It increases the shelf life of the crop produce and is economically priced at Rs 250 for a bottle of 250 ml, which is sufficient for one acre of land.

Suphala 10:26:26 and VIPULA 10:10:10 increases crop