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Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, Dairy, Organic, Start ups, Sustainability

Discussions were held on prospects, challenges, technologies and strategies 

The ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya recently organised a two-day National Conference on “Agri-Start-Ups: Prospects, Challenges, Technologies and Strategies (AGRiPACTS – 2022)” at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, Sikkim.

The conference focussed on agri-business ecosystems, potential technologies, IPR technologies and commercialisation, challenges faced by ecosystem builders and agri startups and convergence among stakeholders.

The Chief Guest, Lok Nath Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Service, Government of Sikkim highlighted the importance of organic farming and initiatives for the highest purity standards to create opportunities and demand for the agricultural products from Sikkim to the other parts of the country and globe. The Government of Sikkim’s initiatives for the widespread marketing opportunities and self-sufficiency achieved in milk production were also underlined by the Minister.

The Guest of Honor, Prof Avinash Khare, Vice-Chancellor, Sikkim University, Sikkim emphasised the branding of the agricultural products and processed items from Sikkim for marketing for sustainability and income generation of employment.

P Vaiphei, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur outlined the importance of developing Entrepreneurs in agriculture particularly, in organic products.

The need for the product development and issues of quality at start-ups / Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations and Entrepreneurs to reach customer level through networking was stressed by Dr K Srinivas, ADG (IP&TM), ICAR.

Earlier, Dr R Laha, Joint Director, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre delivered the welcome address.

More than 500 participants from all over the country including 70 Scientists / Venture or Business Experts; 75 office bearers/members of farmers’ producers’ companies / Organizations (FPCs / FPOs); 20 successful agri-start-ups and 120 state officials from all over the North-East Region, etc., participated in the conference.

Discussions were held on prospects, challenges, technologies

Agrotech, Finance, IT, R&D, Sustainability

Discussions were held on the upliftment of the farming industry

Recently CSIR-NIScPR has undertaken a major initiative for the dissemination of CSIR technologies for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas in the wake of the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, a farmer-industry-scientist meet was organised at Lovraj Auditorium, CSIR-IIP Dehradun to disseminate the Kisan Sabha App and Gur Bhatti Technology to the farmers. The objective was to disseminate the Kisan Sabha application developed by CSIR-NIScPR and Gur Bhatti Technology developed by CSIR IIP Dehradun, for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas; and also to develop the business opportunities for the farmers’ livelihood creation and enhance their income. In the meeting, scientists, industrialists, financers and farmers came together on a single platform to discuss all the opportunities and challenges.

Dr Anjan Ray, Director CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, encouraged such meetings that will help ensure the economic security and health of rural people. He asserted the need for enhanced production with limited resources as well as to minimise the environmental impacts of the process. 

Prof Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, expressed her gratitude to the farmers and described the recent initiatives taken by CSIR-NIScPR towards the livelihood creation and income generation in the rural areas through CSIR-Technologies. 

Dr Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, discussed the importance of the meeting to sort out the challenges faced by the farmers. Dr Pankaj Arya, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIP, emphasised that the traditional gur making process results in air pollution in the region and expressed the need for advanced technology solutions. Given this, CSIR-IIP has developed advanced, simple and affordable Gur Bhatti technology that not only reduces the emission of pollutants but also increases the efficiency of the Gur Bhatti by reducing the fuel cost by 15 per cent and increasing production by 25 per cent. 

Dr Farhat Azad, Principal Scientist, CSIR- NIScPR discussed the Kisan Sabha App and also demonstrated it in front of the farmers. The app was launched to uplift the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discussing the dependency on the middle man and lack of information in the supply chain, she described the Idea of the Kisan Sabha App assimilating the idea of utilisation in the agri-supply chain. 

A comprehensive presentation of the central/state governments and NABARD initiatives towards funding for farmers was given by Bhupendra Kumawat, AGM, NABARD Dehradun. 

Satya Prakash from Dhampure Specialty Sugars explained the need for the marketing strategy to sell the product in the market. He emphasised on to make other products like Sirka that will enhance the income of the farmer. 

Ajay Gairola discussed the opportunities for farmers in the retail sector. He further emphasised the exploration of linkages between farmers and retailers which is yet less explored. In the concluding session, the meeting was concluded with the success stories of the farmers. 

Discussions were held on the upliftment of

Uncategorized

India Agriculture Drones market is forecast to witness a four-fold increase by 2028, with a projected CAGR of more than 25 per cent during 2022 – 2028

A recent study conducted by the strategic consulting and market research firm, BlueWeave Consulting, India Agriculture Drones market is forecast to witness a four-fold increase by 2028, with a projected CAGR of more than 25 per cent during 2022 – 2028. Agriculture drones are spray drone-enhanced unmanned aerial vehicles that are used to improve agricultural operations efficiency, crop yield, and crop growth monitoring. Drone sensors and digital photography capabilities are also designed to provide farmers with a more detailed view of their land.

Furthermore, abrupt climate change is adding new layers of complexity to the agriculture industry, increasing the demand for technological solutions like agriculture drones to raise crop output and company efficiency. Furthermore, the aerial view by drone farming can disclose a variety of concerns, including soil variance, irrigation issues, and fungal infestations, and can be utilised as a set of instructions in agriculture to survey crops and quickly identify problems. All of these factors are expected to boost demand for agriculture drones in India in the coming years.

The market for agricultural drones is highly fragmented, with many domestic and regional competitors as well as worldwide firms operating in the market. New entrants may be hampered by relatively high capital requirements and the necessity for ongoing R&D spending.

India Agriculture Drones market is forecast to witness

Agrotech

Adani Defence & Aerospace has acquired strategic stake in digital led leading agri-drone solution provider General Aeronautics

Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into definitive agreements for acquiring 50 per cent equity stake in agricultural drone start up – General Aeronautics. 
 General Aeronautics, a Bangalore based start-up specialises in developing robotic drones to offer tech enabled crop protection services, crop health monitoring, precision farming and yield monitoring using artificial intelligence and data analytics while working very closely with the farmers and agricultural chemical companies. General Aeronautics also has the presence of some reputed venture capital firms like Mela Ventures, founded by former Mindtree founders.

“The cross-industry application of drones is nearly limitless and continues to make great strides. It offers countries like ours the opportunity to leapfrog generations of infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and defence advancements and break several process barriers. When combined with next generation imaging technologies, longer battery life, edge based artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, the possibilities are endless. The partnership between General Aeronautics and Adani Defence & Aerospace fuses our military and civilian objectives by integrating several capabilities Adani Group’s military UAV capabilities with the capabilities of General Aeronautics thereby providing us with a platform with far reaching possibilities” said Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace.

The acquisition aligns to the objectives of Adani Defence & Aerospace in providing a platform to startups and MSMEs for rapid growth and scalability of innovative technologies.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has acquired strategic

Agrotech, Company News, Foodgrains

 Amul will be launching organic products like Organic Moong daal, Tur daal, Chana daal and  Basmati rice.

Anand based Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) (Amul Federation), the largest food products organization of India has announced the launch of “Amul Organic Atta”. Amul, India’s largest, and the fastest growing dairy organization in the world is now all set to venture into the Organic/Prakrutik food industry. The first product to be launched in Amul Organic product portfolio is Amul Organic Whole Wheat Atta. Further, Amul will be launching organic products like Organic Moong Daal, Organic Tur Daal, Organic Chana Daal and Organic Basmati Rice.

The production of Amul Organic Atta is being done at the state of art processing facility, Tribhuvan Das Patel Mogar Food Complex. The plant is equipped with highly automated and advanced machinery for processing of various Amul products including Amul Chocolates, Amul cookies, etc.

Amul Organic Atta is made from the 100 per cent certified organic wheat which is completely pesticide free. The product goes through a thorough procedure of lab testing for multiple times to make sure that the product is as per organic standard laid down by the Government of India. Amul Organic Atta is certified by the reputed certifying agency accredited by APEDA. The whole chain is organic certified starting right from the farmer fields to processing facility and trading organisations.

Dr R S Sodhi , MD, Amul Federation said that on the sourcing side, Amul is in process of developing a pool of Organic/Prakrutik farmers and replicate their existing milk model in the organic sourcing. This will increase the income of organic farmers and will lead to overall democratization of the Organic/Prakrutik food industry. Currently the major challenge for the farmers is unavailability of market linkage for organic products and high cost of organic testing facilities. Therefore, along with creation of market linkage for organic farmers, Amul is in process of setting up of organic testing laboratories at 5 locations across India equipped with the advanced technologies to minimise the testing cost. The first lab is being established at the Amul Fed Dairy in Ahmedabad and subsequently the other 5 labs will come up at various location across India.

 Amul will be launching organic products like

Agro chems – Pesticides, R&D

Introduces a three-fold solution to tackle white grub menace

Aaria Biolifesciences Research a bio-based agri input manufacturer based out of Pune has come up with a three-fold attack mechanism using entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana, Metarhyzium anisoplaea and Verticillium leccanii. 

“The objective was to come up with a sustainable solution to counter the white grub attack which can cause severe losses at a fast pace to the crop. This three-fold solution will prove to be an important component of the integrated pest management module, especially for white grub management. This can be easily applied by farmers in whichever way is suitable,” said Dr Richa Nair Co-Founder & Director, Aaria Biolife.

White grubs are extremely destructive soil pests known to damage a wide variety of crops. Once established in the field, this pest causes a loss of 25-90 per cent which is pretty heavy for the farmer to recover from. The agriculture department of Maharashtra, India, had reported infestation of the pest in about 1.54 lakh of the state’s overall 11 lakh hectares cane area in the 2018-19 sugar season.

As almost all fungi produce spores which are like seeds, from which new fungi can be grown, they can also be delivered to farms in a solid form. Availability of a pest solution in liquid, as well as solid form, makes it more convenient for the end-user as the application can be done as per the resources available on the farm, through water lines or through drenching or mixing it in the pre-plantation fertiliser dozes which are applied on farm. After favourable results with more than 20,000+ farmers across Maharashtra, Aaria Biolife has already started entering into large B2B deals with other input providers who want to expand their biological portfolio.

Introduces a three-fold solution to tackle white

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, IT, Start ups, Sustainability

The report shares Khetibuddy’s work for farmers in a few districts of Maharashtra in improving farming practices 

Khetibuddy Agritech an agritech startup, released its first-ever Impact Report highlighting how it has improved farming habits through its agtech platform. The 2021 Report – to be updated annually – shares Khetibuddy’s work for farmers in a few districts of Maharashtra in improving farming practices measured on five different parameters.

“We believe that science and technology have the power to transform the current state of agriculture. Our commitment to the farmers extends beyond just software solutions, the idea is a real impact on the ground which has to be a benefit for the farmer. It is only then any technology is useful,” said Vinay Nair Co-founder and CEO, Khetibuddy.

Highlights of the Impact Report include:

  • Yield Quality Enhancement (YQE) – Represents the metric in which the company’s focussed interventions to improve and enhance specific contents of produce via agricultural practices. Intending to increase the marketability of the produce and farmer’s revenue, KhetiBuddy has helped farmers increase the curcumin content (in percentage) in Turmeric and germination rate in Onion seed by up to 30 per cent.
  • Yield Quantity Increment (YQI) – Metric that shows a direct impact on the livelihood of the farmers belonging to climate-vulnerable regions where the yield is in direct correlation to the vagaries of nature. Several pieces of training, constant guidance and tech for enabling the goal-driven process of more yield per acre have helped Khetibuddy’s farmers achieve more than a 28 per cent increase in yield of sugarcane and 35 per cent in turmeric.
  • Input Cost Reduction (ICR) – Khetibuddy’s weather-based recommendations for preventive approach in pest and disease management and optimization of nutrient usage via remote sensing technology helped farmers save big. By inducing sustainable agricultural practices to preserve soil biology the total input consumption and hence costs severely changed for farmers. They reduced the overuse of fertilisers in potato and reduced pesticide spraying in cabbage.
  • Avoid Crop Loss (ACL) – Thrusting the use of remote sensing technology for monitoring crop health along with preventive measures in farming, Khetibuddy has avoided crop losses in terms of quantity and quality. Intervening with agricultural practices for onion and watermelon farmers among other vegetables helped limit the usage of plant protection which covers a large portion of input costs.
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) – Khetibuddy’s drive for improving soil health is part of its long term vision to make farmers self-sustainable. These small steps towards the larger goal are best summarised in its efforts put in imparting knowledge and training farmers towards the adoption of GAPs.

“With technology adoption on a high as well access to smartphones and Internet in rural parts of India, now more than ever is the time to do meaningful impact which is result-driven for farmers,” Dr Richa Nair Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Khetibuddy. 

The report shares Khetibuddy's work for farmers

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Bamboo industry, R&D, Sugar industry

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods

A patent for sugarcane bud chipping apparatus has been granted to the Punjab Agricultural University for its novel bud chipping technology for sugarcane, bamboo, etc. developed by Dr Jasvir Singh Gill, Assistant Agronomist, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, PAU. The university filed a patent for this innovation in 2014. This novel apparatus complements bud chip technology for sugarcane propagation under direct planting and nursery raising methods, potentially reducing the sugarcane seed rate requirement by 98 per cent.

Sarvjit Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Punjab and Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research; Dr Ashok Kumar, Director of Extension Education; Dr GS Mangat, Additional Director of Research (Crop Improvement); Dr Gursahib Singh, Additional Director of Research (Farm Mechanization and Bioenergy); Dr PPS Pannu, Additional Director of Research (Natural Resources and Plant Health Management); Dr MS Bhullar, Head, Department of Agronomy and Dr Mahesh Narang, Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering congratulated the inventor Mr Jasvir Singh Gill for getting the patent which is a testimony to his dedication and hard work.

The novel apparatus complements bud chip technology

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy

Accoridng to the PM, eight more such plants will be established in the country in the coming days

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a seminar of leaders of various cooperative institutions on ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, where he also inaugurated the Nano Urea (Liquid) Plant constructed at IFFCO, Kalol. Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Dr ​​Mansukh Mandaviya, Members of Parliament, MLA, Ministers from the Gujarat Government, and leaders of the cooperative sector were among those present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed thousands of farmers who gathered at the Mahatma Mandir. He said cooperation is a great medium for the self-sufficiency of the village. 

The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt happiness on the inauguration of the nano urea (liquid) plant constructed at IFFCO, Kalol. He said that the power of a full sack of urea has come into a half-litre bottle, leading to huge savings in transportation and storage. The plant will produce about 1.5 lakh bottles of 500 ml per day. Eight more such plants will be established in the country in the coming days.

“This will reduce foreign dependence with regard to urea and will save the country’s money. I am confident that this innovation will not remain confined to urea. In the future, other nano fertilisers will be available to our farmers,” he said.

Accoridng to the PM, eight more such

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, R&D

Interacts with Kisan drone pilots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated India’s biggest Drone Festival – Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022. He also interacted with Kisan drone pilots, witnessed open-air drone demonstrations and interacted with startups in the drone exhibition centre. The Prime Minister also gave away 150 drone pilot certificates.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his fascination and interest in the drone sector and said that he was deeply impressed by the drone exhibition and the spirit of the entrepreneurs and innovation in the sector. The Prime Minister also talked about his interaction with farmers and young engineers. He said that the energy and enthusiasm in the drone sector are visible and indicate India’s strength and desire to leapfrog into a leading position.

The Prime Minister cited PM Swamitva Yojana as an example of how drone technology is becoming the basis of a revolution. Under this scheme, for the first time, every property in villages is being digitally mapped and digital property cards are being given to the people.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of drone technology in the fields of defence, disaster management, agriculture, tourism, film and entertainment.

The Prime Minister also said that measures taken to help agriculture sectors have ensured that technology is no longer intimidating for the farmers.

Interacts with Kisan drone pilotsPrime Minister Narendra

AgroPolicy, R&D, Start ups

The biotech park will act as a hub for incubation of new ideas and will support the agri-entrepreneurs, startups, progressive farmers etc

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Earth Science; MoS of Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh recently inaugurated the Industrial Biotech Park Ghatti, Kathua, Jammu.

Dr Singh said that that the bbiotech park would act as hub for incubation of new ideas and will act as a robust platform to support the agri-entrepreneurs, startups, progressive farmers, scientists, scholars and students not only from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh but also from nearby States of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. 

Dr Singh added that the biotechnology park at Kathua has a potential to produce 25 startups in a year which will be among its great contributions to this region. The biotech park will carry out research on biodiversity, medicinal and aromatic plants of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and will also promote green category businesses. 

The biotech park will act as a

AgroPolicy, Dairy

Lays foundation stone for the newly established Dairy Plant at Ujjain

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and dedicated several development works at Panchamrit Dairy, Godhra. Shah inaugurated the new building of PDC Bank head office, three mobile ATM vans, 30 cubic metres per hour capacity oxygen plant built-in 250 sqm, dedicated Panchamrit butter cold storage and dairy plant at Malegaon (Maharashtra) and laid the foundation stone for the newly established Dairy Plant at Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). Several dignitaries including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister Purushottam Rupala attended the programme.

Shah said, “Five programmes are going to strengthen the cooperative movement of three districts (Panchmahal, Malegaon and Ujjain). Today 1,598 milk markets of Panchmahal, Mahisagar and Dahod districts are before us as a strong union producing about 73 thousand litres of milk. 18 lakh litres of milk and a turnover of Rs 300 crores is a huge success.”

Lays foundation stone for the newly established

Biofuel industry, Company News, Finance

Company reported FY 22 revenue at Rs.2, 333 crore; PAT at Rs 150.25 Crore

Pune based Praj Industries (Praj), a globally leading process engineering company with a bouquet of sustainable solutions for Bioenergy, Cleantech and Greentech industry announced its audited financial results for the quarter and full year ended March 31, 2022.

Company posted income from operations Rs 829.01 crore (Q4 FY21: Rs. 567.1 crore; Q3 FY22: Rs. 585.64 crore). Profit Before Tax is at Rs. 78.05 crore (Q4 FY21: Rs. 73.19 crore; Q3 FY22: Rs. 50.25 crore). PAT in Q4 FY22 is at Rs. 57.65 crore (Q4 FY21: Rs. 52.01 crore; Q3 FY22: Rs. 37.05 crore). Order intake during 4th quarter Rs. 1101.5 crore .

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Shishir Joshipura, CEO  & MD, Praj Industries said, “FY22 posed several challenges in form of continuing pandemic, rising and volatile commodity prices coupled with geopolitical disturbances in Europe. With rising global awareness about energy security, and low carbon intensity energy footprints across economies, low carbon biofuels are finding increasing market traction. This phenomenon of energy transition is well served by our innovative technology solutions and customer centric approach.”

Performance Review for FY22 – Consolidated:

• Income from operations stood at Rs. 2,333.32 crore (FY21: Rs. 1,304.67 crore)

• PBT is at Rs. 204.88 crore (FY21: Rs. 113.11 crore)

• PAT is at Rs. 150.25 crore (FY21: Rs. 81.07 crore)

• The consolidated order backlog as on March 31, 2022 stood at Rs.2,878 crore (FY21 order backlog at Rs. 1,748 crore).

Company reported FY 22 revenue at Rs.2,

Agro chems – Pesticides

The concern of disposal of empty pesticide containers needs to be addressed collectively by all stakeholders

CropLife India, an association of 16 R&D driven crop science companies, and the leading voice of the plant science industry in India, organised a Virtual International Symposium on Empty Pesticide Containers (EPC) Management in India – Roadmap for Sustainable Management of Empty Pesticide Containers; which was attended by delegates from across the world including Asia, Europe and Africa. 

A Discussion Paper – Roadmap for Sustainable Management of Empty Pesticide Containers was released on during the symposium by Dr S K Malhotra, Chairman Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India; Dr K K Sharma, Former Network Coordinator, All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute and other dignitaries.

Dr S K Malhotra, Chairman Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India said, “There is an upsurge of demand for safe food crops. The industry has been forthcoming in registering newer and greener chemistry. In order to be sustainable, the concern of disposal of empty pesticide containers needs to be addressed collectively by all stakeholders hence lowering the burden on the environment.”

Dr K K Sharma, Former Network Coordinator, All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute said, “As per the study conducted by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute; used pesticide containers should be rinsed three times thus making them safe to dispose and recycle in the country. The study results can be considered to support re-classification of triple rinsed empty pesticide containers in India as non-hazardous.”

The concern of disposal of empty pesticide