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On August 8, 2022, The ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh (IGFRI) signed an MoU with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi. 

IGFRI and TERI will collaborate in various areas including: 

– Rehabilitation of Red Mud Dumping Area and other degraded    areas such as Fly ash ponds, Coal, Limestone and Lignite Mines into Green Belt Development through grassland/ silvipasture / hortipasture.

– To provide suitable grass and fodder species, whenever required in research projects.
– Support in developing joint proposal preparation  as consortium partner for various agencies
– Improving Livelihood of farmers and  Forest Dependent Communities
– Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Vulnerability for adaptation
– Biodiversity Conservation
– Ecosystem Services and Carbon Finance Mechanism
– Training and capacity building on above subjects

IGFRI and TERI will implement joint research projects of common interests requiring expertise and logistics from both the parties and study impacts.

On August 8, 2022, The ICAR-Indian Grassland

Successful registration in Argentina is a major milestone for the global launch in over 100 crops, in more than 60 countries

Switzerland based Syngenta’s TYMIRIUM® technology has received regulatory approval in Argentina, bringing farmers closer to accessing the novel nematicide and fungicide for both seed and soil uses, that is highly effective even at low use rates.

TYMIRIUM® technology provides long-lasting protection against invisible yet highly destructive nematodes and soil-borne diseases – particularly the Fusarium species. Key benefits include its ability to safeguard plant roots from attack, translocate to above-ground parts of the plant and protect against early-season diseases. Simple to apply, it is also highly compatible with a wide range of other crop inputs.

“Plant-parasitic nematodes and soil-borne diseases are invisible threats that can devastate crops and lead to yield losses of up to 12 per cent globally per year – equating to an estimated loss of $150 billion a year for farmers. The development of TYMIRIUM® technology required an investment of over 10 years to bring it from discovery to market – a clear example of Syngenta’s commitment to address farming needs. Nematodes are present in almost all agricultural soils, attacking crops and opening a path to further fungal infection, and reducing farmers’ yield and produce quality”, said Jeff Rowe, President Global Crop Protection.

Products containing TYMIRIUM® technology will be launched in over 100 crops and in more than 60 countries around the world, under various trademarks in the coming years. VANIVA® – or EVIDIS® in selected markets – will denote soil-applied solutions that will provide early protection in a wide range of crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, banana, and sugarcane, and is compatible with multiple application methods including drip, drench and in-furrow. Seed treatment solutions will be marketed under the VICTRATO® brand, and will be available for crops including soybeans, corn, cereals, cotton, and rice.

Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Syngenta Crop Protection Research, said, “The positive impact of TYMIRIUM® technology on soil health reflects our growing understanding of this vital interaction, our increased R&D investment into building our capabilities at our Soil Health Center in Stein, Switzerland and globally, as well as our collaborations in this exciting field.”

Successful registration in Argentina is a major

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister,  Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for amendment of policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour (HS Code 1101) from export restrictions or ban.

Russia and Ukraine are the major exporters of wheat accounting for around 1/4th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing demand for Indian wheat. As a result, the price of wheat in the domestic market showed an increase. In order to ensure food security for 1.4 billion people of the country, the decision was taken to put a prohibition on export of wheat in May 2022. However, due to prohibition on export of wheat (which was done to put a check on increasing prices in domestic market and to ensure food security in the country), the demand for wheat flour has increased in foreign markets and it’s exports from India have registered a growth of 200 per cent during April-July 2022 compared to the corresponding period in 2021. 

Earlier, there was a policy not to prohibit or put any restrictions on the export of Wheat flour. Therefore, a partial modification of the policy was required by withdrawing the exemption from ban/ restrictions on export for Wheat Flour in order to ensure food security and put a check on mounting prices of Wheat flour in the country.

The increased demand for wheat flour in the international market led to significant price rise of wheat flour in the domestic market.

The approval will now allow a restriction on the export of Wheat Flour which will ensure a curb on rising prices of wheat flour and ensure food security of the most vulnerable sections of the society.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) shall issue a notification to this effect.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired

Recently, the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU) released eleven new and improved rice varieties that are resilient to climate change, disease-tolerant, high yielding with great nutritional value, and with good grain quality.
These rice varieties were released in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute-Burundi under World Bank’s variety development program through the Great Lakes Regional Integrated Agriculture Development Project (Projet Régional de Développement Agricole Intégré dans les Grands Lacs or PRDAIGL).
Moving forward, ISABU will provide breeder seeds to individuals or groups of farmers who intend to produce basic seeds each season. Commercial seeds will also be multiplied by producers who eventually will sell them to farmers.
On July 26, 2022, the members of the governing agency for seed chain in Burundi such as the CTNHV (Commission Technique Nationale d’Homologation Variétale “National Technical Committee for Variety release”) met in Bujumbura to analyse the results of the Distinctive Homogeneity Stability and Agronomic and Technological Value trials presented by the Burundian authority for responsible for seed control and certification, Office National de Control et de Certification des Semences (ONCCS).
The eleven released varieties include two (2) high-zinc rice varieties, two (2) aromatic supa type varieties, three (3) high-yielding long rain varieties, three (3) drought-tolerant varieties, and one (1) variety tolerant to rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV), an endemic virus affecting many African rice-cultivating areas.
These new rice varieties will be a crucial addition to the Burundi farmers’ cropping system that relies on local cultivars.
“The released aromatic varieties once grown by farmers at high scale will reduce the volume of imported aromatic rice from Tanzania and help the country save currencies needed for importation. On the other hand, the RYMV-resistant varieties will be grown to replace the RYMV-susceptible varieties in the Western and Eastern part of the country. As for zinc biofortified lines, they will add nutritional value and help kids’ growth in the families where rice is the main source of food,” said Julie Nduwimana, a researcher at IRRI Burundi.

Recently, the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has invited applications online for the National Gopal Ratna Awards 2022 through the National Award portal i.e., https://awards.gov.in from August 1, 2022. The closing date for the submission of applications is September 15, 2022.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is making all efforts for the effective development of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy sector to provide sustainable livelihood to the farmers.
The department continues to confer National Gopal Ratna Award during 2022 in the following categories:
1)Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds
2)Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
3)Best Dairy Cooperative Society/ Milk producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organisation
The National Gopal Ratna Award consists of a Certificate of Merit, a memento, and a cash prize in each category. A First Rank fetches a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while the second and third rank holders are honored with Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh cash awards, respectively.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

 This collaboration will provide help the industry improve productivity and reduce transportation and processing costs and enhancing sustainability

IG International, one of India’s leading fresh fruit importers, has announced its joint venture initiative with Palogix International, a world leader in providing the rental of returnable agri-bins. The new venture, IG Palogix, will cater to the growing demand for agricultural bins in the Indian market, especially in the food and beverage sector. It will be spearheaded by Ajay Jhalani, a plastics expert and the newly appointed business advisor for Palogix International.

Founded in 2004, Palogix International offers the rental of plastic bins for the agricultural production sector globally. Palogix primarily services fruit, vegetable, and nut processors, transporters, and retailers. Palogix focuses on providing plastic bulk containers and bins for harvesting and transporting fresh produce from the fields to the packaging or processing facilities where they may be put into cold storage or processed through the facility.

Since the fresh produce industry in India currently utilizes a one-way packaging solution, IG Palogix will be providing rental of reusable plastic agricultural bins, improving quality, efficiency, and reducing processing and transportation costs, whilst enhancing eco-friendly sustainability practices through the implementation of this proven circular economy practice.

Acclaimed as the leading fresh fruit importer in India, IG International is entrenched with a renowned reputation for more than 50 years in this market segment. The company’s organized and strategic sourcing system, augmented by a seamless supply chain with a well-connected overseas procurement network, enables them to import best-of-breed fruits from 22 different countries. After identifying the increase in one-way packaging in the F&B sector, the company started leasing agricultural bins.

Tarun Arora, Director of Finance and Operations of IG International, said, “This venture will assist the Food & Beverage sector in meeting packaging demand while also reducing traditional packaging practices. Using agricultural bins will help cut down on the carbon footprint. With IG Palogix, we also look forward to reducing the overall cost of production and transportation in the F&B industry.”

 Robert Liebesman, CEO of Palogix International, said, “We see our partnership and expansion into the large and growing Indian market as a critical part of our strategy where we can continue to bring the huge benefits of plastic bin rentals to fruit, vegetable, and nut markets around the world.”

 Ajay Jhalani, Business Advisor for Palogix International, said, “Majorly, our new venture will add value to the supply chain wherever one-way packaging is used. We will alter the one-way packaging model with our agri-bins, which will then be rotated between growers, cold storage facilities, retailers, and us. We also believe that introducing agri-bins in the Indian market will promote sustainability, which is the need of the hour.”

 This collaboration will provide help the industry

More than two lakhs artificially bred wild fish seed germplasm of river Ganga (Rohu, Catla and Mrigal) was released into the river.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched National Ranching Program at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. As a part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore organized National ranching program and mass awareness campaign at Assi ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh under the ‘Namami Gange’ programme for holistic fisheries development of river Ganga.

More than two lakhs artificially bred wild fish seed germplasm of river Ganga (Rohu, Catla and Mrigal) was released by the Minister and other dignitaries into the river. The event was also marked by mass awareness campaign on Ganga conservation at Assi Ghat, Varanasi.

Rupala in his address expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the privilege of ranching fish fingerlings into the water of Mother Ganga at Kashi. He emphasized that about 190 fish species have been recorded from the river in the last four years which is providing livelihood and economic stability to the fishermen living on the banks of river Ganga.

Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries science), ICAR highlighted the importance and significance of Gangetic fisheries in the upliftment of socio-economic condition of fishers and ecosystem sustainability.

Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI briefed about ICAR-CIFRI activities under Namami Gange project. He emphasized that as a part of the National Ranching Programme more than 58 lakhs of wild Gangetic carps were released in several areas of river Ganga covering four states namely UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. He sensitized local fisher folks and highlighted the importance of Gangetic health required to sustain fishes and Dolphins.

Dr. Sandeep Kumar Behera from Namami Ganga Program highlighted the need to enhance the State-Central coordination for the conservation of indigenous fish species in the river. He sought honourable Minister’s intervention to issue strict guidelines to the states to stop fishing during the breeding period.

The prime objectives of NMCG sponsored project includes exploratory survey of the fish diversity, stock assessment of the prized Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Calbasu and Mahaseer along with seed production of selected fish species and ranching in the depleted river stretch. Fishes like Calbasu, Mrigal & Rohu will not only increase the fish catch but also will add in maintaining the cleanliness of the river as they feed on organic remnants in the river.

More than two lakhs artificially bred wild

The ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Balinee Milk Producer Company Limited, Jhansi on August 18, 2022.

IGFRI and Balinee MPC will collaborate in several areas including:

  •  Fodder seed of improved varieties suitable for Bundelkhand.
  •  Planting material of the multi-cut perennial grasses
    training on fodder crops production, conservation and utilisation technologies including densification, hay and silage.
  • Adoption of common villages by the Institute and Balinee MPC for institute ongoing outreach projects/ activities.

IGFRI and Balinee MPC plan to conduct on-farm research and study socio- economic aspects, and an exchange of staff, farmers, students for academic, research and training. 

The collaboration will also help in dissemination of fodder technologies through a network of Balinee MPC, essentially empowering the women farmers in the process. 

The ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute

The program will provide infrastructural, networking and technological support to pre-revenue, seed-funded, angel-funded Agri-tech start-ups

The Ag-tech industry has grown leaps and bounds in a short period, with several startups venturing into the space. However, they require guidance, mentorship, and access to resources to build a viable business. Against this backdrop, nurture.farm, India’s largest and leading ag-tech company is on a quest to build a resilient and sustainable farming ecosystem through tech-led solutions, and has launched its incubation program – Catalyst – to help agri-tech startups sustain themselves and expand further.

nurture.farm Catalyst will help agri-tech startups collaborate with key stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem, gain capital for sustenance, test their products or solutions at scale, and gain access to infrastructural, knowledge and human resources. The program will offer its incubatees a wide spectrum of support to enable them and accelerate their growth journey. This incubation program focuses on nurturing the growth stage, pre-revenue, seed-funded, or angel-funded startups. It intends to support, collaborate and champion these startups as they break new grounds.

Aspiring startups can apply for the program on nurture.farm’s website. Our knowledge partners include organizations like UPL, NPP, Advanta, and Decco. An experienced panel of experts from the agricultural industry will review each application, mentor startups, and help them grow. The program will accept entries until 31st March 2023.

By partnering with nurture.farm, the startups can benefit from its experience, tap into their rural network, leverage industry connections, and the goodwill the company has garnered over time.

Dhruv Sawhney, Business Head & COO of nurture.farm, said, “Agricultural productivity is at an all-time low. Food security is at risk, with an ever-growing population set to reach 10 billion by 2050. In addition, pests, diseases, and natural calamities destroy more than 40% of annual production, thus resulting in an annual loss of over USD 108 billion due to damaged or lost crops.

As we look at the various problems in the Agri industry, we realize that we need to pave the way for other Agtech startups to drive innovation & change. These budding startups can leverage our ecosystem, test their solution offerings at scale to establish a product-market fit, and help solve the challenges for the farmers, the Agri ecosystem, and the planet. The time to act is now, and our incubation program ‘Catalyst’ is another step toward achieving the same. We need to start focusing on fostering sustainable agricultural practices and work to integrate technology in this sector to solve the problems.”

The program will provide infrastructural, networking and

The Governing Body meeting is held once in a year, NFDB has organized 8Nos of Governing Body meetings under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Minister. PRupala releases book on “Super Success Stories from Indian Fisheries” during the meeting. 

source: public domain (https://pib.gov.in/)

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) conducted its 9th Governing Body meeting at Lecture Hall, NASC Complex, New Delhi.Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying chaired the Governing Body meeting. Dr L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Vice Chairman of the governing body and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, special invitee and other officials of the governing body, Member (Agriculture), Niti Ayog participated in the meeting. Minister from States who participated physically in the meeting were from Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Mizoram, Tripura & Sikkim. It was virtually attended by Ministers from States of Haryana and Puducherry. Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India , Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog, and Secretaries of other Departments and 14 nominated Non-official governing body members from different states were also present in the meeting.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan stated that there is immense potential for shrimp farming in the States of Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, Punjab. He added that aquaculture is developed in these states, they can compete with Andhra Pradesh in shrimp production. He said that extension services should be provided to farmers of these states. He added that Animal Welfare board facility can be utilized for establishment of training center. He further said that NFDB in collaboration with ICAR should make a plan for development of shrimp farming in the region.

Parshottam Rupala released a book on “Super Success Stories from Indian Fisheries” published by NFDB commemorating 75th Independence Day- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations an outreach activity with a focus to disseminate the technologies, innovative ideas practiced by the small-scale farming sector and to expand the promotion of initiatives to larger population, successful fisheries and aquaculture practices across the country.

Dr Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog stated that fisheries sector is showing a record regular growth of around 8% during the past decade. He stated that Board should show the output and outcomes as per the objectives set to the Board. He stated that Andhra Pradesh is contributing about 52% of the inland fish production. He said that One District one Product has to be promoted and frontline technologies have to be applied in fisheries sector.

NFDB is headed by the Chief Executive. The Board is constituted with two levels of Committees, the Governing Body & Executive Committee for having a guidance on the administrative matters, activities of Board and any new amendments/rules that shall occur in the Board.

The Governing Body meeting is held once

 The new €40 million site will serve as a hub for the region, and support the needs of over 20 million hectares of farmland in Asia Pacific.

BASF inaugurated a new regional production site for its Agricultural Solutions business. The €40 million multipurpose facility has been designed to initially handle six different formulation technologies and will enable BASF to supply crop protection products to farmers across Asia Pacific from a strategic location in the region. The site has initial production capacity of 7,000 kl per year – enough to supply over 20 million hectares of farmland – and employs a staff of over 30 technicians and professionals. The site represents an important investment by BASF in Singapore, which now has four production facilities in the republic.

BASF has recently launched several new innovations in Asia Pacific targeted at helping farmers of key crops – including rice and fruits & vegetables – combat pests and boost yields in a more sustainable manner. These include crop protection products based on the company’s new active ingredients Inscalis® , and Revysol® – patented innovations which help farmers control insects and diseases in crops. Products featuring these two active ingredients – as well as several soon-to-be launched products from the company’s innovation pipeline – will be produced at the new site.

From BASF, the site was inaugurated by Simone Barg, Senior Vice President Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific and Dr. Carola Richter, President Asia Pacific (excl. China). They were joined by Ow Kai Onn, Vice President & Head of Chemicals & Materials from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Loh Yew Pong, Deputy Director Energy & Chemicals Cluster, Jurong Town Corporation (JTC).

Speaking at the inauguration, Kai Onn shared how EDB and other Singapore government agencies are working together with companies like BASF to foster the growth of the agricultural sector for the benefit of both Singapore and the entire region. “EDB is delighted to be at the inauguration of BASF’s new Agricultural Solutions regional production site. Through job roles such as process technicians, engineers, production planners and quality assurance chemists, this facility gives Singaporeans and residents opportunities to participate in the global agri-food value chain and contribute to safe, nutritious and affordable crops in our region.

This facility was constructed under a challenging environment in the midst of a global pandemic. Its successful unveiling today reflects Singapore’s commitment to being a stable investment destination, a reliable manufacturing hub for specialty chemicals and a strategic location for companies to build a more responsive and resilient supply chain for their customers in Asia.”

 The new €40 million site will serve

Xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse using ultrasonic fermentation is a potential opportunity for forward integration of sugarcane industries in India

 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Researchers have developed an ultrasound-assisted fermentation method to produce a safe sugar substitute called ‘Xylitol’ from sugarcane bagasse (the residue left after crushing of sugar cane). This method overcomes the operational limitations of chemical methods of synthesis and the time delays associated with conventional fermentation.

With increasing awareness of the adverse effects of white sugar (sucrose), not only for patients with diabetes but also for general health, there has been a rise in the consumption of safe alternative sweeteners. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from natural products, has potential antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic effects, is a mild prebiotic and protects teeth against caries.

The Research team was led by Prof. V.S. Moholkar, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, and included Dr. Belachew Zegale Tizazu and Dr. Kuldeep Roy who co-authored the research papers.

Highlighting the importance of this research, Prof. V.S. Moholkar, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “The use of ultrasound during the fermentation process not only reduced the time of fermentation to 15 hours (against almost 48 hours in conventional processes), but also increased the yield of the product by almost 20%. The researchers used only 1.5 hours of ultrasonication during the fermentation, which means that not much ultrasound power was consumed in the process. Thus, xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse using ultrasonic fermentation is a potential opportunity for forward integration of sugarcane industries in India”

Xylitol is industrially produced by a chemical reaction in which wood-derived D-xylose, a costly chemical, is treated with nickel catalyst at very high temperatures and pressures that makes the process highly energy consuming. Only 8-15% of the xylose is converted to Xylitol and the method requires extensive separation and purification steps, all of which translate to high price for the consumer.

“The present research has been carried out on laboratory scale. Commercial implementation of sonic fermentation requires the design of high-power sources of ultrasound for large-scale fermenters, which in turn requires large-scale transducers and RF amplifiers, which remains a major technical challenge” said Prof. V.S. Moholkar.

Xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse using ultrasonic

The MoU aims to manage the entire operations of Ladakh Milk Federation for a period of five years and implement a structured dairy development programme in the region.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) signed a tripartite MoU with Union Territory of Ladakh and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) by which it will manage the entire operations of Ladakh Milk Federation for a period of five years and implement a structured dairy development programme in the region.

During the tenure of this MoU, NDDB will provide its services without any management fees and also depute its professional manpower at key managerial positions for managing the operations of the Federations and its constituent units.

The MoU was signed in the gracious presence of Radha Krishna Mathur, Hon’ble Lt. Govenor of UT Ladakh and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Hon’ble MP of Ladakh by  Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Executive Director, NDDB, Tashi Gyalson, Hon’ble Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh and Ravinder Kumar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Department, UT Ladakh

On this occasion, Chairman, NDDB reiterated the continued focus of NDDB on the regions where dairy sector is yet to be developed to significantly contribute in the livelihoods of the rural households. He further mentioned that NDDB would ensure that the operations of the Federation and the constituent units are professionally managed with emphasis on providing fair and transparent operations to the dairy farmers.

Shah also assured that NDDB along with its subsidiary company/ies would continue to support the UT of Ladakh in its endeavor to bring about prosperity through Dairying. IDMC, the wholly owned subsidiary company has already completed the refurbishment and upgradation of the milk processing plant, Leh which will be soon operationalized.

Hon’ble Lt. Govenor of UT Ladakh said that NDDB’s expertise would help in establishing a robust milk procurement and processing system in Ladakh and would also help in undertaking scientific productivity enhancement activities with focus on animal breeding, nutrition and health. This MoU will encourage entrepreneurs to set up dairy farms leading to Development of Dairy sector in the region, which will also provide an avenue for employment for the rural youth and more milk production in UT.

Hon’ble Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh,  Gyalson mentioned that Ladakh has the potential for milk production and this joint efforts by NDDB and the Ladakh Administration would definitely help in ensuring a better remuneration to farmers for their milk.

The MoU aims to manage the entire

Loopworm plans to use the Seed funding for talent acquisition, R&D (including building world-class laboratories), and to launch their first factory for scaling up production.

India’s leading insect biotech startup, Loopworm, announced today that it has raised a USD 3.4 million Seed round co-led by Omnivore and WaterBridge Ventures, with participation from Titan Capital and leading angel investors including Nadir Godrej (Godrej Agrovet), Sanjiv Rangrass (ex-ITC), and Akshay Singhal (Log9 Materials).  Loopworm is optimizing insect farming for smallholders while producing value-added nutrients and ingredients for B2B customers.  Loopworm is Omnivore’s second investment under its OmniX Bio initiative, which backs early-stage agrifood life science startups.

Based in Bangalore, Loopworm was founded in 2019 by IIT Roorkee graduates Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri. The two young entrepreneurs are simultaneously solving India’s food waste crisis, increasing the incomes of smallholder farmers, and showcasing the power of Indian biotechnology to address environmental challenges. Using multi-species insect biotechnology, Loopworm is upcycling food waste into protein-rich nutrients and value-added ingredients.  This circular economy start up will help transform multiple sectors including aquaculture, pet food, and nutraceuticals.

Emulating poultry integration in India, Loopworm is building decentralized insect rearing facilities in partnership with smallholder farmers.  Over the next 5 years, the startup aims to produce 300,000 MT of sustainable insect-based protein per annum, creating value from 7.5 million MT of food waste and agricultural byproducts.  Loopworm plans to use the Seed funding for talent acquisition, R&D (including building world-class laboratories), and to launch their first factory for scaling up production.

Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri, Co-Founders of Loopworm, said, “We are thrilled to have Omnivore, Waterbridge, Titan Capital, and several experienced angels, including Nadir Godrej, as investors in Loopworm. We plan to use the new funding to set up our first Loop Factory in North Bangalore, hire talent, and accelerate R&D.”

Mark Kahn, the Managing Partner of Omnivore, commented, “ Loopworm sees massive potential in transforming cultivated insects into value-added nutrients and ingredients, and Omnivore believes the company will quickly become one of India’s leading biotech startups.”

Loopworm plans to use the Seed funding