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Agrotech, Company News

Evoca helps sustainably control economically important fungal diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables.

Novozymes and Biotalys, an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company protecting crops and food with protein-based biocontrol solutions have announced the successful outcome of the feasibility study for Evoca™*, Biotalys’ first proprietary biocontrol product candidate. 

Novozymes obtained proof of concept for a new manufacturing process that offers potential significant cost of goods and scaling advantages, thereby broadening the commercial potential of Evoca as a novel biofungicide.

Evoca is Biotalys’ first innovative protein-based biofungicide developed on the company’s AGROBODY Foundry™ platform which platform allows Biotalys to discover and develop novel biological food protection solutions that combine high efficacy, consistency and safety, with new modes of action to fight resistance. 

Evoca helps sustainably control economically important fungal diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables.

“Thanks to its leading protein fermentation expertise, Novozymes has been able to further increase the efficiency of production for Evoca,” said Patrice Sellès, the CEO of Biotalys. “We will now work on a deeper partnership with Novozymes and explore strategic supply and commercialization agreements for the future generation of Evoca while continuing our ongoing internal development activities.”
“Now one step closer to large-scale production, Biotalys and Novozymes have successfully collaborated to provide the industry and growers new ways to safely control damaging pests and diseases and deliver our shared goal of providing highly effective solutions so growers can sustainably feed the world.” Noted Thomas Batchelor, Vice President, Agriculture Marketing and Strategy of Novozymes. 

Evoca helps sustainably control economically important fungal

North America, World

Van Duijn brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and international development

The International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) Board of Directors and staff announced the appointment of Henk van Duijn as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Van Duijn will assume his position and new responsibilities on January 1, 2023. IFDC is an independent Washington DC-based non-profit organisation that combines innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to spread sustainable agricultural solutions for improved soil health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.
Van Duijn brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and international development, with a focus on Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has led an impressive portfolio of programs that empower agribusinesses to access and benefit from profitable markets. Prior to his selection as IFDC President and CEO, van Duijn served as Vice President, Corporate Services, and Chief Operations and Finance Officer at IFDC. Before that, he headed the 2SCALE program (2019–2021) and served as CEO of Bopinc (2014–2019). As a diplomat and civil service director in the Netherlands, van Duijn led the design, start up, and implementation of large-scale interdisciplinary programs as well as national and international public-private partnerships in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He holds a master’s degree in Land and Water Management from Wageningen University & Research.
Outgoing IFDC President and CEO Albin Hubscher will retire after four years of deftly leading the organisation to a renewed commitment to soil health. He was instrumental in formulating IFDC’s plan to develop a global innovation centre that will design and scale next-generation soil health and plant nutrition innovations.
Dr Rudy Rabbinge, IFDC Board Chair and Professor Emeritus at Wageningen University & Research, announced van Duijn’s appointment during a staff reception hosted by the IFDC Board on October 26, 2022. Rabbinge encouraged staff to “use this as an opportunity to maintain our organisation’s momentum.” Upon accepting the appointment, van Duijn told IFDC leadership and staff, “IFDC is well-positioned to lead global innovations in soil health and food security. Now, it is time for us to move confidently in the direction set for us. I am honoured and privileged to walk with you all.”

Van Duijn brings more than 30 years

AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Other crop varieties that could potentially be approved for commercial cultivation in future are BT cotton, BT brinjal and HT cotton.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved the “environmental release” of indigenously developed genetically modified (GM) Mustard Seeds. This paves the way for possible ‘commercial use of the country’s first indigenously developed GM food crop.
Prior to this, Bt cotton – the plant containing the pesticide gene from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has been grown in India for about twenty years. The approval makes GM mustard only the second approved transgenic crop in India after Bt cotton and the first such food crop that can be commercially cultivated by farmers.
Important to note, GEAC approval is not the final call for commercial release but just a step in this direction as it still needs approvals on higher levels for the final release.
The recent approval could pave the way for increased edible mustard oil production while reducing huge import costs for edible oil. It is being said that GM Mustard or DMH-11 seeds could yield about 30 per cent more than a traditional reference mustard variety.
For the benefit of farmers, DMH-11 could reduce the use of pesticides and insecticides during farming thereby leading to better yield production. In fact, other crop varieties that could potentially be approved for commercial cultivation in future are BT cotton, BT brinjal and HT cotton.
Mustard is one of India’s most significant winter crops cultivated between mid-October and late November. It is a self-pollinating crop which is especially difficult to hybridise naturally as it cross-pollinates itself.


Other crop varieties that could potentially be

India, Organic

Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) focuses on Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta and reducing pendency in Government

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country have adopted 900 villages in October this year as part of the government’s campaign to demonstrate and promote microbial-based agricultural waste management and Vermicomposting. Technologies related to the microbial decomposition of agricultural residues and conversion of farm residues and other organic wastes into vermicompost was demonstrated to 22,678 farmers.  Apart from farmers, awareness of vermicomposting was created among 3,000 schoolchildren.

Crop residues are valuable organic inputs to improve soil health and crop productivity when utilised after proper decomposition.  Due to the long duration of the natural composting process of most of the crop residues, farmers resort to burning, resulting in environmental pollution apart from the wastage of a valuable asset.  

Composting technologies using efficient microbial decomposers like ‘PUSA Decomposer’ accelerates the decomposition process resulting in high-quality organic manure in a shorter period.  Application of composted residues rather than burnt ash to soil adds organic carbon and other essential plant nutrients to the soil and promotes microbial activity in the soil.

Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)

Acts & Schemes – Centre, Agro chems – Pesticides, AgroPolicy, India, Uncategorized

Only allowed for pest control operators

The Indian government has restricted the use of the chemical Glyphosate, via an official order on October 25. The use of Glyphosate poses a risk to the health and lives of humans and animals alike. The government has officially restricted the use of Glyphosate. The herbicide, glyphosate has been registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act of 1968 for weed control only in tea plantations, but is illegally being used for weed removal across a number of food and non-food crop fields and premises of houses, institutions as well as to remove the growth of vegetation everywhere.
From now Glyphosate only can be used for pest control operators (PCO). PCOs are licensed to use deadly chemicals for treating pests such as rodents. As part of the implementation of the order, the government asked the holders of the registration certificates to return the certificates for further process, and also says if any person fails to return the registration certificates within three months; appropriate action will be taken under the Insecticides Act of 1968. The order also says that each state government has to look into this and shall take all such steps under the provisions of the said Act and the rules framed there under, as it considers necessary, for executing this order in the State.
Glyphosate, a synthetic herbicide patented in 1974 by the Monsanto Company and now manufactured and sold by many companies in hundreds of products, has been associated with cancer and other health concerns. The toxic chemical has been banned or severely restricted in more than 35 countries of which are Sri Lanka, Netherlands, France, Colombia, Canada, Israel, and Argentina.

Only allowed for pest control operatorsThe Indian

Company News, North America, Organic

A new seed-to-table conversation that supports tastier food, healthier soils, and more diverse and nutritious diets

Row 7 Seed Company, the flavour-first organic seed company co-founded by chef Dan Barber and vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek, has launched a line of branded vegetables, available in select Whole Foods Market locations in the Greater Boston area. Row 7 works alongside chefs, plant breeders and farmers to co-select new and uniquely delicious varieties of vegetables. Now Row 7 is building a dynamic growing model to bring these vegetables to the produce aisle. Partnering with regional, organic farmers to support biodiversity above and below ground, Row 7’s vegetables are grown for place and are picked (and eaten) at the perfect moment, it is advancing its mission to reimagine food from seed to table.

“Row 7 on the supermarket shelves is the realisation of a dream for this company,” said Dan Barber, chef and Row 7 Co-Founder.  “Our hope in launching Row 7 was to bring these vegetables into people’s home kitchens, and spark a new seed-to-table conversation that supports tastier food, healthier soils, and more diverse and nutritious diets.” Every single seed sold by the company is Certified organic and Non-GMO.

Row 7 is an organic food company grounded in the idea that flavour can change the world, and it starts with the seed. Working in collaboration with chefs, farmers and plant breeders, Row 7’s mission is to develop exceptional new vegetables and grains selected for our palates and the planet.

A new seed-to-table conversation that supports tastier

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India

Total revenues at Rs 3,087 million in Q2FY23 .

Agrochemicals manufacturer Anupam Rasayan India has announced Q2 FY23 results. Operating Revenues at Rs 3,107 million in Q2FY23 as compared to Rs 2,489 million in Q2 FY22 – growth of 25 per cent YoY. Profit After Tax at Rs 412 million in Q2FY23 as compared to Rs 358 million in Q2FY22 – growth of 15 per cent YoY. Total revenues at Rs 3,087 million in Q2FY23 as compared to Rs 2,552 million in Q2FY22 – growth of 21 per cent YoY.  EBITDA (incl. other revenue) at Rs 898 million in Q2FY23 as compared to Rs 697 million in Q2FY22 – growth of 29 per cent YoY.

Anand Desai, Managing Director of Anupam Rasayan, commented, “I am delighted to inform you that our standalone business grew by 25 per cent year on year to Rs 310 crore. with consistent EBITDA margins.

Our philosophy of carrying a long-term vision in our business conduct is bearing its fruits as Anupam has started seeing the benefits of this Europe 1 trend with our latest announcement of signing two contracts with one of the European Crop Protection companies for supplying two new life science-related speciality chemicals.

Overall, we continue to see upward bias in all the contracted volumes with major customers. This makes us confident of delivering a strong performance in the coming quarters and for the year.”

Total revenues at Rs 3,087 million in

Organic, World

With expanded distribution, these mushrooms are becoming more widely available on grocery store shelves

Caputo & Guest at Booth #4592 at The Global Produce & Floral Trade Show has recently announced the launch of their fresh organic mushrooms with live cooking demos, and in-person interaction with their team at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

Caputo & Guest have been cultivating a variety of fresh, distinctive mushrooms in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania since 1977. With expanded distribution, these mushrooms are becoming more widely available on grocery store shelves. Caputo & Guest mushroom varieties include Royal Trumpet, Golden Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Pearl Oyster, and Maitake.

These varieties offer Exceptional flavour, variety, certified organic, locally grown, manure free and farmer friendly.Their Chef’s Mixes include- Asian Bistro Stir Fry Mix – Exotic Oven-Roast Mix – Gourmet Sauté Mix – Wood-Fired Pizza Mix – Prime Steakhouse Mix.

“We have a long legacy as America’s #1 specialty mushroom grower and our 100 per cent vertical integration allows us full control of the process from spore to harvest on our farms, ensuring the most premium, fresh and exotic mushrooms possible,” said Caputo & Guest’s CEO, Louis Caputo Jr.

With expanded distribution, these mushrooms are becoming

Agrotech, China, Company News

Dr Chen is world-renowned for his many important innovations in traditional and next-generation corn breeding

Origin Agritech Ltd, a Beijing-based agriculture technology company announces the appointment of Dr Shaojiang Chen to the Origin Agritech Board of Directors as an independent director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr Chen to the Origin Board,” said Dr Gengchen Han, Origin Agritech’s Chairman. “Dr Chen is world-renowned for his many important innovations in traditional and next-generation corn breeding. He is also very well connected in the agritech community in China, which will benefit Origin on numerous fronts.”

Dr Chen is currently a professor at the China Agricultural University, Agronomy College, where he has been teaching since 2000. During 2017 to 2022, he also served as the Director at the Maize Breeding Engineering Centre of the MOE and has served as the Vice Director at the National Maize Improvement Centre of China. Dr Chen is widely published on many topics relating to fertilisation and corn plant genetics. 

Dr Chen is world-renowned for his many

Company News, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

Built specifically to offer superior engine protection that extends engine life

Valvoline Cummins Private Limited, the Original Engine Oil maker and a leading global lubricant manufacturer with 150 years of innovating ground-breaking lubricant technologies has launched an industry exclusive product – Valvoline All Fleet Turbo Plus (Haulage Expert) – for heavy use of high HP tractors on road and other agricultural allied operations.

Tractors are versatile machines with many uses even out of the farm. Over the years, non-agricultural use of tractors has been growing rapidly while its agricultural use has been decreasing. Tractors are a common sight at construction sites, transporting iron, cement, sand, and other construction materials. It is also a common sight to find tractors transporting multiple lorries of agricultural produce during harvest season, which stresses the engine and exposes it to accelerated wear and tear.

These heavy-duty applications put tremendous stress on engines, decreasing its life, increasing maintenance cost, and increasing its susceptibility to frequent breakdowns and causing damage to critical engine components. Traditionally, conventional mineral oils used to hold well to these challenges, but modern tractors need advanced protection in the changing landscape of tractors.

Speaking about the launch, Sandeep Kalia, MD and CEO, Valvoline Cummins India, Said, “Valvoline is committed to researching and developing innovative industry first products. We are an agile customer centric brand that is quick to meet the demands of our customers through products that meet their needs. Valvoline All Fleet Turbo Plus (Haulage Expert) is yet another innovative, exclusive, and industry-first product that is specifically built to meet the demands of tractor owners to offer superior engine protection that extends engine life.”

All Fleet Turbo Plus Haulage Expert from the house of Valvoline is a testament to the brand’s commitment towards technological advancement for ground-breaking products. The industry first product is designed and engineered to meet the specific needs of high HP tractors whether on road or on farm. It effortlessly meets the challenges that arise from wide applications of tractors and is adapted to the changing and expanding role of tractors. It meets the rising complexities of new age tractors, reduces cost per hour due its longer drain interval and offers highest levels of engine protection when carrying heavy loads.

Built specifically to offer superior engine protection

Horticulture, India

342.33 million tonne estimated to be produced in 28.08 million hectare

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India releases the 3rd Advance Estimates of the area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2021-22. According to the estimate, a record 342.33 million tonne are estimated to be produced in an area of 28.08 million hectare. Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, congratulated the farmers, scientists and officers of horticulture for this achievement. 

Year 2021-22 (3rd Advance Estimate):

• The total horticulture production is estimated to be 342.33 million tonne in the year 2021-22, showing an increase of about 7.73 million tonnes (an increase of 2.3 percent) over the year 2020-21.

• Production of fruits is estimated to be 107.24 million tonne as against 102.48 million tonne in 2020-21.

• Production of vegetables is estimated to be 204.84 million tonne as against 200.45 million tonne in 2020-21.

• Production of Onion is estimated to be 31.27 Million Tonne as against 26.64 Million Tonne in the year 2020-21.

• Production of Potatoes is estimated to be 53.39 million tonne as against 56.17 million tonne in 2020-21.

• Tomato production is estimated to be 20.33 million tonne as against 21.18 million tonne in 2020-21.

342.33 million tonne estimated to be produced

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance

 Achieves solid EBIT before special items of €1.3 billion down by €517 million versus prior-year quarter

BASF has announced sales at €21.9 billion up 12 per cent in third quarter of 2022 over prior-year quarter. EBIT before special items of €1.3 billion down by €517 million versus prior-year quarter. Earnings improve considerably in downstream segments, decline significantly in Chemicals and Materials segments. Cash flows from operating activities increased to €2.3 billion compared with €1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2021. Company has expected sales of between €86 billion and €89 billion, EBIT before special items of between €6.8 billion and €7.2 billion in 2022.

“Despite the continued high raw materials and energy prices, BASF achieved solid earnings in the third quarter,” said Dr Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, presenting the results for the third quarter of 2022 together with Chief Financial Officer Dr. Hans-Ulrich Engel.

At €21.9 billion, sales were 12 percent higher than in the prior-year quarter. The sales increase was mainly driven by much higher prices in almost all segments. Only the Surface Technologies segment recorded lower price levels as a result of lower precious metal prices. Currency effects had a positive impact in all segments. Sales growth was also boosted by portfolio effects. Sales development was significantly dampened by lower volumes in all segments except for Agricultural Solutions.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined by €517 million compared with the third quarter of 2021 to €1.3 billion. “Our downstream segments Surface Technologies, Agricultural Solutions, Nutrition & Care and Industrial Solutions increased their earnings considerably,” said Brudermüller. However, earnings in the Chemicals and Materials segments declined significantly compared with the very high levels of the prior-year quarter.

At €1.3 billion, EBIT was considerably below the prior-year quarter (€1.8 billion). This figure includes income from integral companies accounted for using the equity method, which declined by €124 million to €76 million, mainly due to the lower earnings contribution from BASF-YPC Company Ltd., Nanjing, China.

Compared with the third quarter of 2021, income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items (EBITDA before special items) decreased by €446 million to €2.3 billion and EBITDA declined by €474 million to €2.3 billion.

 Achieves solid EBIT before special items

Environment, India, Nature, Sustainability

Removal of grazing by herbivores may lead to an increase in the level of soil carbon

According to a 16-year-long study carried out by researchers at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) and the Divecha Centre for Climate Change (DCCC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), large mammalian herbivores like the yak and ibex play a crucial role in stabilising the pool of soil carbon in grazing ecosystems such as the Spiti region in the Himalayas.

Because grazing ecosystems make up about 40 per cent of the Earths land surface, protecting the herbivores that keep the soil carbon stable should remain a key priority for mitigating climate change.

Many previous studies have focused on measuring carbon and nitrogen levels at long time intervals, assuming that the accumulation or loss of carbon is a slow process, explains Dilip GT Naidu, PhD student at DCCC and first author of the study. But the inter-annual fluctuations paint a very different picture.

These fluctuations can be consequential for climate as they are linked to how large mammalian herbivores influence soil.

Since soil contains more carbon than all plants and the atmosphere combined, it is important to ensure its persistence. When plants and animals die, dead organic matter remains in the soil for a long duration before microbes break it down and release carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. 

Credit : Sumanta Bagchi 
Associate Professor  
Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) 
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Removal of grazing by herbivores may lead

India

India to promote nutritious cereal products for public health and nutrition

The 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting (AIMMAF) on Agriculture and Forestry was held virtually. The meeting was co-chaired by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar.

Tomar, in his opening remarks during the meeting, reiterates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of keeping ASEAN at the centre of India’s Act East Policy, he also emphasised on mutually close regional cooperation with ASEAN to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth for agricultural development in the region. Referring to the importance of millet (nutritional-cereals) as a nutritious food and the international nutritional-cereal year 2023. 

Tomar said that India will promote nutritious cereal products for the health and nutrition of the people. Nutritious cereals help in the creation of nutritious, with low resource requirement and more efficient agri-food systems.

The meeting also welcomed the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations. In the meeting, the commitment to ASEAN-India cooperation in agriculture and forestry was reaffirmed.

India to promote nutritious cereal products for