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Industry members recommend organising international and national campaigns, expos, food/culinary festivals

As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’, a series of events and initiatives are being organised by concerned Ministries / Departments to create awareness and inspire all stakeholders to work towards improving the production and productivity of the climate-resilient and nutritious millets across the globe.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (M/o FPI) has proposed to organise a mega food event with a focus on millets, for showcasing the myriad opportunities in millets processing and value-addition as well as opportunities available in other champion segments for all relevant stakeholders.

As a prelude to the same, Anita Praveen, Secretary, M/o FPI, chaired a Roundtable Interaction with leading industry players in the Agri and food processing sector on November 16, 2022. The agenda of the roundtable was to apprise the Ministry’s plan of action as well as gather inputs of the industry players for the series of events to be organised throughout the year until the proposed Mega Food Event. The roundtable witnessed participation from National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEMS) and over 25 prominent industry players in the Agri food sector covering sub-segments such as RTE/C, Millets, F&V, Marine, Dairy and Nutraceuticals.

During the keynote address, Secretary, FPI informed the industry participants that the event organised in 2023 is being envisaged on a larger scale and would be providing a platform to explore Indian market across the value chain in food processing and food retail.

Through this event, MoFPI is planning to popularise Nutri-cereals globally, owing to its health benefits. In lieu of the same, the industry members recommended organising international and national campaigns, expos, food & culinary festivals and research collaboration with NIFTEMs on sustainability.

Industry members recommend organising international and national

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India

Company’s PAT stood at Rs 3,098.6 million in the second half of 2022, as compared to PAT of Rs. 3,346.2 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.

BASF India Limited has registered sales of Rs 35,819.9 million for the second quarter, which ended on September 30, 2022, as compared to Rs. 34,054.9 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, representing an increase of 5 per cent. The company reported Profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs 1,489.7 million as compared to profit before tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 1,831.9 million in the prior-year quarter.

Half-yearly review

For the half year ended on September 30, 2022, BASF India Limited registered sales of Rs 74,697.8 million, as compared to Rs. 64,184.1 million for the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 16 per cent. Profit before tax (before exceptional items) stood at Rs 4,131.1 million for the half-year, compared to Profit Before Tax (before exceptional items) of Rs. 4,316.3 million for the corresponding period of the previous year. Profit after tax (after exceptional items) stood at Rs 3,098.6 million in the second half of 2022, as compared to Profit after tax (after exceptional items) of Rs 3,346.2 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous year.

“Effective margin management, working capital and fixed cost control measures enabled the company to record robust performance despite challenging market conditions. Strong performance of the Agricultural Solutions, Nutrition and Care as well as Industrial Solutions business segments led to a growth of 5per cent during the quarter and 16 per cent during the half year ended September 2022 as compared to the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal.,” said Narayan Krishnamohan, Managing Director, BASF India Limited. “Customer engagement and sustained growth projects enabled volume growth while margin pressures due to rising input and energy costs were mainly offset to a large extent by increased price realisations. “, he added.

Company’s PAT stood at Rs 3,098.6 million

India, Organic, Seeds

Cultivation of these crops will be assessed through demonstration of 14 different varieties of eight seed spices.

ICAR-National Research Center on Seed Spices, Ajmer an apex organisation involved in research and development of seed spices. Institute has developed various technologies via production technologies, organic cultivation and post-harvest technologies in seed spice.

Koraput, Odisha which is a tribal and aspirational district has great possibilities for cultivation of seed spices due to favourable climatic conditions.

In the first phase of the project feasibility for cultivation of these crops will be assessed through demonstration of 14 different varieties of eight seed spices.

In next phases, demonstration & training will be given to tribal farmers on various technologies developed by ICAR-NRCSS via organic cultivation, post-harvest value additions and seed production of seed spices and linked them for marketing agencies, so that entrepreneurship skill will be developed among them.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with of ICAR- ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Regional Station, Koraput; AICRP Spices; Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology and Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society.

Cultivation of these crops will be assessed

Agrotech, Biostimulants, Company News, India, Inputs

AG Boost to be launched under the umbrella brand Nourish, part of the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) programme

Yara India, part of the Oslo-based, Norwegian multinational Yara International – the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial, and environmental solutions, has signed an agreement on September 8 with Bengaluru-based startup Sea6 Energy, to market and distribute its Biostimulant ‘AG Boost’ in India. Sea6 Energy has expertise in Biotech research and ocean farming and the collaboration is another step towards the company’s vision of growing a nature-positive food future.

‘AG Boost’ is being launched under the umbrella brand Nourish and fits well into the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) programme. It is a technologically advanced and patented Biostimulant that aims to bolster agricultural productivity and improves fertiliser use efficiency and nutrient uptake, resulting in better productivity for the farmers. As per the agreement, Yara India will market ‘AG Boost’ across the country through the distribution network of its crop nutrition business, which has over 3500 dealers and 980 YCNCs (YARA Crop Nutrition Centers) across 18 states.Sea6 Energy is also exporting its products to many countries in USA, Europe and the APAC region.

On the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara Fertilizers, India said, “We are pleased to partner with Sea6 Energy to market ‘AG Boost’ across the country. We have always been keen on bringing novel, effective products that can positively improve crop productivity and farmer prosperity in a nature-positive manner. ‘AG Boost’, developed using cutting-edge patented technology, will contribute to realising this vision, while supporting an integrated nutrient management program for Indian farmers.”

‘AG Boost’ has been developed by Sea6, founded in 2010 by a group of IIT Madras alumni, and is currently situated in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, Bangalore. Sea6 will produce ‘AG Boost’ at its production facilities in Tuticorin, India and Bali, Indonesia.

Shrikumar Suryanarayan, CEO, Sea6 said, “We are very happy to partner with Yara India to market our product across the country. We hope to nurture this relationship to bring prosperity and sustainable crop production to all Indian farmers.”

AG Boost to be launched under the

Agrotech, Company News, North America, R&D

Regen Ag Lab will utilise BeCrop® technology to enhance services with biological insights on soil nutrient cycling and mobilisation, disease risk, and biodiversity.

California based Biome Makers and Regen Ag Lab announced that the companies have entered into a strategic partnership that will expand biological soil health analyses in North America. The agreement brings together Regen Ag Lab, a laboratory focused on regenerative agriculture, and Biome Makers, a global agtech leader providing soil intelligence with BeCrop® technology, the world’s largest database of taxonomic references of microorganisms.

Regen Ag Lab is licensing Biome Makers BeCrop® soil microbiome standard analysis into Regen Ag Lab’s Haney and conventional soil health analytics services. Regen Ag Lab will utilise BeCrop® technology to enhance services with biological insights on soil nutrient cycling and mobilisation, disease risk, and biodiversity. Regen Ag Lab is opening a wet lab to conduct the soil analysis at their facilities as well as conduct BeCrop® Trials, enabling ag input testing and performance verification.

“We’ve worked with Regen Ag Lab the over the years to provide biological soil analyses. We are thrilled to license BeCrop® technology and strengthen this relationship,” said Adrian Ferrero, CEO, and co-founder at Biome Makers. “I am confident that this agreement will allow both Biome Makers and Regen Ag Lab to position BeCrop® biological soil analyses as the standard for soil health.”

“BeCrop® technology pushes the envelope of biological soil testing, and when coupled with the Haney Test, we see a game-changing opportunity for growers,” said Lance Gunderson, CEO, and founder at Regen Ag Lab. “The pairing of the two tests allows for a deeper understanding of nutrient cycling and uptake potential by the crop through the soil’s biological engine. We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to offer BeCrop® technology on a wider scale.”

Regen Ag Lab will utilise BeCrop® technology

Acquaculture, Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy, Dairy, Goat farming, India, Live Stock

To facilitate last mile connectivity of infrastructure and reduce travel time

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying 9DAHD) has initiated the process for integration of various infrastructures of the department with PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan (NMP). As a first step, DAHD has integrated its 12 breed improvement institutions ( 7 central Cattle Breeding Farms, 4 Central Herd Registration Scheme and Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute) located at various locations of the country with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan a digital platform to bring 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects. This multi-modal connectivity will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services from one mode of transport to another. It will facilitate the last mile connectivity of infrastructure and also reduce travel time.

The integration of other Institutions such as Regional Fodder Stations (RFS), Central Poultry Development Organizations (CPDO) etc with PM Gati Shakthi NMP is under progress. In future this Department is planning to integrate all the veterinary dispensaries, milk processing plants, chilling centres and infrastructure projects under various schemes of  this department with PM Gati Shakthi NMP digital platform. This step will facilitate effective management of infrastructures available in the animal husbandry and dairy sector in the country.

Livestock sector is crucial to the Indian economy today, comprising one third of the agriculture and allied sector GVA and having over 8 per cent CAGR. At the same time, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries activities play a significant role in generating farmer income, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food to millions of people

To facilitate last mile connectivity of infrastructure

Agrotech, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

From point of view of agricultural equipments, this is the first innovative experiment done by Mahindra & Mahindra

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister inaugurated the first Greenfield Farm Machinery Plant of Mahindra & Mahindra at Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh. On this occasion, Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today India has reached a point where the world looks at us with hopeful eyes. Tomar said that to make the country fully developed, we have to be fully equipped with technology.

From the point of view of agricultural equipments, this is the first innovative experiment done by Mahindra & Mahindra. This company has also set the target of export of farm equipments. Tomar said that today the need is that India emerges as the world leader. By supplying to the world apart from meeting the domestic demand, India will develop and its reputation as a world guru will also be secured.

Tomar said that today everywhere people flaunt ‘Make in India’ products. We are Indians, it is a matter of pride for us, but when our products are appreciated, then it is a matter of even greater pride. This trend also shows the spirit with which our Prime Minister works. Tomar said that mechanisation and technology are very much needed today.

From point of view of agricultural equipments,

Agro Universities, India

Emphasis given on the need for processing of agro-based products 

The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib organised two-day Kisan Mela-2022. Zoramthanga, Chief Minister of Mizoram and Chief Guest of the event emphasised on the need for processing of agro-based products as the state is blessed with good climate and land suitable for varieties of crops and animals. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordination in product, transportation, processing and marketing for the state to prosper and for which the farmers need guidance from the experts.

Zoramthanga also laid the foundation stone of Type II residential quarters. Four books, one technical bulletin and two leaflets were released by the dignitaries. Input distribution of one turmeric grinding machine, two water pumps, one knapsack sprayer, one jalkund and 40 numbers of Vanaraja chicks were distributed among the selected TSP farmers.

The inaugural function was followed an Interface meeting of different departmental officials from ICAR and Agricultural and allied state Government officials.

In the mela Government organisations and self-help and farmers’ group displayed their products and technologies/innovations in 21 different stalls. About 400 farmers from different parts of Kolasib district participated in the Mela.

Emphasis given on the need for processing

Company News, Horticulture, India, Logistics, Supply Chain

To create one of the most resilient and flexible platforms for shipping fresh fruit from Europe to India

IG International, one of India’s leading fresh fruit importers, has announced that it has joined forces with Europe-based Foodcareplus Logistics, a specialist company in the food and perishable logistics. The conjunction will create one of the most resilient and flexible platforms for shipping fresh fruit from Europe to India. In this partnership, a couple of thousand tons would be handled within the transit points from Europe to India.

The association would create a symbiotic relationship, allowing Foodcareplus to grow its market share in the reefer fresh produce trade into India. At the same time, IG Logistics would have an opportunity to share its infrastructure with the European customer base of Foodcareplus. The project aims to make the supply chain for fresh produce more open and reliable.

The integrated support model offered by Foodcareplus Logistics will allow IG Logistics to seamlessly integrate with their transport and shipping network, enabling them to smoothly connect with fresh produce growers in Europe with the click of a button. The troubled shipping market due to port congestion, increasing fuel costs, and labor shortages demand that importers are more flexible. Foodcareplus Logistics will move fresh produce across borders through various port gateways to keep the fruit moving. Their blockchain usage would underpin this technologically adept alliance where a single platform, Dockflow, will be used for every shipment to bring visibility at all times to all stakeholders.

Articulating her thoughts on this strategic alliance with Foodcareplus, Shubha Rawal, Director for sourcing and marketing of IG International, said, “European fruit varieties have always made it to the top echelon of fruits in terms of quality, aesthetics, and taste. We are thrilled to partner with a reputed company like Foodcareplus and open our doors to European delights from the best orchards and plantations. This synergy will help us efficiently deliver a door-to-door solution for the Indian consumer.”

“This partnership would help us to increase our business in the dynamic market of India. With IG Logistics, our partnership would create an innovative platform for European exporters that would bring a more resilient supply chain. The platform will also enable the retailers and wholesalers dealing with fresh produce in India to source the right product at the right time and price through IG’s network”, said Steve Alaerts from Foodcareplus Logistics.

To create one of the most resilient

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Bamboo industry, Bee keeping, Dairy, Goat farming, India, Interaction, Poultry

 Interactive workshops to be conducted on Bamboo Production and Utilisation, Banana and Orange-Export quality production, Sericulture, Goat Farming, Poultry, Bee keeping and Fisheries, etc.

The 13th iteration of Agrovision, Central India’s largest and premier agricultural event will be held in Nagpur from November 25 to 28. This time around, Agrovision will focus on the Future Farming – feed, food, and fuel-integrated technology via research, among others. An integral aspect of Agrovision is the ‘Interactive workshops’ for farmers conducted through the 4-day event. These workshops are free of cost and are conducted by experts from research organisations like Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Agricultural Research Institutes (IARI), agricultural universities, senior officers from various government departments and commercial sectors are invited to educate farmers on various agricultural challenges, new technology and new farming methods. 

The tentative workshops will be conducted on Safflower and Linseed cultivation and value addition, Turmeric and Ginger cultivation and Processing, Vegetable Seed Production, Bamboo Production and Utilisation, Banana and Orange-Export quality production, Sericulture, Goat Farming, Poultry, Bee keeping and Fisheries- opportunities for Vidarbha region at 13th Agrovision.

With increasing levels of global warming, mankind is facing the challenge of how to feed an expanding population worldwide and how to provide its energy demands without depleting the planet’s biological and natural resources. Sustainable food and energy production will lead to agriculture becoming a new global mega trend in the next decades. 13th Agrovision aims to answer this new challenge with its theme- Future Farming-feed, food, and fuel-integrated technology via research.

Agrovision is Central India’s largest agricultural event held in Nagpur every year. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange movement which is well attended by farmers from all across India. Started 12 years ago under the leadership of Chief Patron Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Agrovision is growing both in magnitude and stature with each successive edition. The movement of Agrovision was initiated with a goal of educating, encouraging and empowering farmers, to adopt new farm technologies, introduce them to allied agri business to increase their income and ensure them a decent livelihood support.

 Interactive workshops to be conducted on Bamboo

Agrotech, India, Interaction

The theme of the event is the Future Farming – feed, food, and fuel-integrated technology via research.

13th Agrovision, Central India’s largest agricultural event which will be held in Nagpur from November 25 to 28 will focus on the Future Farming – feed, food, and fuel-integrated technology via research.

With increasing levels of global warming, mankind is facing the challenge of how to feed an expanding population worldwide and how to provide its energy demands without depleting the planet’s biological and natural resources. Sustainable food and energy production will lead to agriculture becoming a new global mega trend in the next decades. 13th Agrovision aims to answer this new challenge with its theme- Future Farming-feed, food, and fuel-integrated technology via research.

Agrovision is Central India’s largest agricultural event held in Nagpur every year. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange movement which is well attended by farmers from all across India. Started 12 years ago under the leadership of Chief Patron Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Agrovision is growing both in magnitude and stature with each successive edition. The movement of Agrovision was initiated with a goal of educating, encouraging and empowering farmers, to adopt new farm technologies, introduce them to allied agri business to increase their income and ensure them a decent livelihood support.

workshops

An integral aspect of Agrovision is the Interactive workshops for farmers conducted through the 4-day event. These workshops are free of cost and are conducted by experts from research organisations like Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Agricultural Research Institutes (IARI), agricultural universities, senior officers from various government departments and commercial sectors are invited to educate farmers on various agricultural challenges, new technology and new farming methods. 

The tentative workshops will be conducted on Safflower and Linseed cultivation and value addition, Turmeric and Ginger cultivation and Processing, Vegetable Seed Production, Bamboo Production and Utilisation, Banana and Orange-Export quality production, Sericulture, Goat Farming, Poultry, Bee keeping and Fisheries- opportunities for Vidarbha region at 13th Agrovision edition.

Conferences

One-day conference is being held during Agrovision every year on current issues of importance related to agriculture. The basic objective of the conference is to bring together policy makers, industry, agripreneurs, and experts from all over India to deliberate on the key issues leading to the formulation of recommendations. It provides an insight over the entire process which is beneficial for the businessmen, agri professionals and entrepreneurs.

The theme of the event is the

Agrotech, Company News, Start ups, Supply Chain

Its bouquet of brands – L:exotique, Dezi Fresh, Censa and SV Agri grab attention

Charting India on the global grandstand, Chennai-based Waycool Foods, India’s leading food and agri-tech platform, pavilioned at the Asia Food Logistica 2022, in Bangkok today. Inspired by the banyan tree, Indian carvings and true-colour themed pavilion personified the Indian culture and value system that WayCool has imbibed. With the most comprehensive tech stack in food, WayCool showcased its robust supply chain, armed by its bouquet of brands – L’exotique, Dezi Fresh, Censa and SV Agri.

Asia Fruit Logistica 2022, is Asia’s number one international trade show for fresh fruits and vegetables. It comprises the cumulative fresh produce industry value chain along with service support companies, as well as the latest, innovative products and ideas. The platform also presents a unique opportunity to develop new business, build quality networks and gain a plethora of information about the current market while emphasizing on shared origins, values, and technical solutions of diverse brands.

Inviting over 10,000 quality buyers and trade visitors from around 70 countries, and more than 420 exhibitors from 42 countries, the convention witnessed the company’s immense potential in harnessing AI, machine learning and robotics to redefine the journey of food from soil to sale.

Commenting on the occasion, Karthik Jayaraman, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Waycool Foods, said, “As India’s largest food and Agritech platform, we are extremely delighted to present India’s strength to address global food security concerns, as well as build strategic partnership to help global food companies get inroads to massive Indian consumer market. It was also an opportunity for the global food ecosystem players to witness WayCool’s efforts, tech, along with the impact our brands have created. Integrating physical and digital worlds through our business model, we strive to create a dynamically sustainable change in the ways food is procured and distributed by leveraging the power of technology. This platform is key to India and our company’s visibility in the global arena, and we are certain that the venture will further drive foreign investments to our country and help scale the food industry whilst cementing our presence overseas as well.”

Its bouquet of brands – L:exotique, Dezi

Company News, India, People

Sharma will oversee the organisation’s strategy, outreach to various stakeholders and be an interface for public policy intervention

CropLife India, the leading association of domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies has announced the appointment of Durgesh C Sharma as the new Secretary General, of the association. Sharma will oversee the organisation’s strategy, outreach to various stakeholders and be an interface for public policy intervention.

Durgesh C Sharma has over 26 years of experience in the areas like Public policy and social sector advisory; managing large scale multi stakeholder participatory programs; innovative Public Private Partnership initiatives and judicial procedures and interventions. His expertise is focused around Agribusiness and Food.

In his last assignment, Durgesh was the Director General with an industry association. He has been instrumental in various interventions with various Ministries of Government of India, including Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Speaking on the appointment, Dr K C Ravi, Chairman, CropLife India said, “The board of directors is unanimous in its enthusiasm for having Durgesh lead CropLife India. Durgesh has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity and a commitment to doing what is best for Indian agriculture and is well respected by stakeholders across India and other countries. CropLife India would scale newer heights under the strong and focussed leadership.”

Sharma will oversee the organisation’s strategy, outreach

Agro Universities, India, Start ups

MoA to provide co-incubation, technical support, networking, value added services, and co-networking opportunities

The Association for Innovation Development of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture (a-IDEA) hosted by the ICAR- National Academy of Agricultural Research Management  has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with NACL Industries Limited, Konda Laxma Reddy Telangana State Horticultural University , Hyderabad, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute , Coimbatore and ICAR- National Research Centre on Grapes, Pune to support the startup incubated at a-IDEA in particular and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in general.

The MoA proposed to provide facilities like Co-incubation, technical support, mentoring, lab facilities, networking, value added services, and co-networking opportunities.

Dr G Venkateshwarlu, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM highlighted the  strong need of collaborations  among organisations to strengthen agri-startups.

MoA to provide co-incubation, technical support, networking,