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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunil Arora is a retired civil servant

Agro Universities, Poultry

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad organises

Agrotech, Foodgrains, Warehousing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Integrated services spanning warehousing, lending and marketplace

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Sustainability

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the experts, the effort will

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The tractors offer a 40 - 60

Start ups

A startup centre will be established to support startups

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

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

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

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

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

A startup centre will be established to

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy

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

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

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

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

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

Agro chems – Chemicals, Finance

 Company records Net Profit of Rs 3,626 crore in FY22, up 26% YOY

Agrochemical major, UPL Ltd., today reported financial results for the fourth quarter of FY22 (Jan-Mar 2022). Q4 FY22 Revenue witnessed robust growth of 24% YoY to reach Rs 15,860 crore, led by better product realizations (+19 per cent ), higher volumes (+3 per cent) and currency impact (+2 per cent)

 Q4 FY22 EBITDA grew by 26 per cent YoY to Rs 3,591 crore as against Rs 2,839 crore in Q4 FY21. Improved realizations, backward integration linkages for key products and effective supply chain management aided in delivering higher EBITDA margins (+46 bps)

Commenting on the performance, Jai Shroff, CEO, UPL Ltd., said, “We are delighted to share a strong set of results for Q4 2022, and another record year for UPL. Thanks to the dedication, agility and tenacity of our team, we have been able to significantly outperform the guidance given at the start of the year, with nearly every region seeing double-digit growth. FY22 was a year of challenging macro-environment, input cost inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions and we chose to prudently invest towards ensuring reliable growth going forward.

Guided by our OpenAg purpose to create sustainable growth for all, we achieved important milestones in our mission to build a network that Reimagines Sustainability for the entire agricultural industry. In a significant achievement for this mission, our digital platform nuture.farm became the first company to successfully forward sell agricultural-related carbon credits in India.

As we look ahead into the new year, we feel very well-positioned to further power our growth trajectory as the demand outlook continues to be constructive supported by strong agri commodity prices. The positive traction in our differentiated & sustainable solutions business is expected to continue, led by new launches and a strong go-to market strategy. Further, we will continue to improve our leverage ratios and ROCE profile.”

 Company records Net Profit of Rs 3,626

Agro chems – Chemicals, Finance

As a sustainability-linked term loan, it is the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific loan market

On 26 April 2022, Syngenta Group (HK) Holdings Company Limited has entered into USD 4,500 million syndicated three-year sustainability-linked term loan facility with a syndicate of banks from various jurisdictions led by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, China Construction Bank Corporation, Hong Kong Branch and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. The initial size of this transaction was oversubscribed several times.

As a sustainability-linked term loan, it is the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific loan market and has been the largest executed term loan facility in the Greater China loan market since the beginning of 2022 (according to Refinitiv). Syngenta Group’s global credit ratings are “A” from Fitch, “Baa1” from Moody’s and “BBB+” from S&P.

Syngenta Group, registered in Shanghai, China and with its management headquarters in Switzerland, has delivered strong growth with total sales of $2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2022. MAP revenues more than doubled to $650 million and continued to expand to 514 centers (149 new centers from end of Q1 2021) across China, with average MAP center sales up 57 percent year on year, serving farmers with solutions that increase yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As a sustainability-linked term loan, it is

Animal Health, R&D

The facility will provide scientific services and animal resources to students/researchers in conducting high quality research

Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Government of Telangana recently inaugurated the Central Animal Facility of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus. The facility will provide scientific services and animal resources to students/researchers in conducting high quality research. Ranjan also visited various facilities of the institute like High Performance Computing Cluster, Dhruva Space Center and MMNE (Microfluidics and Nano-electronics) Laboratory.

Prof G Sundar, Director, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus presented a few crucial research projects and various social outreach programmes undertaken by the institute aligned with the focus by the Government of Telangana.

The facility will provide scientific services and

Agro Universities, Animal Health, R&D

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher will work on the project titled ‘Evaluation of yeast-encapsulated essential oil-based biolarvicide formulation(s) for management of Aedes aegypti mosquito’ 

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher, Professor, Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been awarded a competitive ad-hoc research project worth Rs 25 lakh, as Principal Investigator (PI) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India under the DST SERB-POWER grant. The title of the project is ‘Evaluation of yeast-encapsulated essential oil based biolarvicide formulation(s) for management of Aedes aegypti mosquito.’ 

Dr GS Kocher, Principal Microbiologist and Head, Department of Microbiology, is the Co-PI of this project. The PI of the project Dr DK Kocher is already conducting a research on the non-chemical and eco-safe methods for the control of mosquito larvae and she was also granted a DST sponsored project on the biological control of mosquitoes in 2013.

Dr Neena Singla, Principal Zoologist (Rodents) and Head, Department of Zoology while congratulating Dr Kocher mentioned that work is going on in Zoology Department on various other important aspects including rodent control, bird management and impact of environmental pollution on animal and human health, she added.

Dr Shammi Kapoor, Registrar-cum-Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities; Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research and Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, PAU congratulated Dr Kocher for this achievement and wished her all success in her future endeavours.

Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher will work on

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agro Universities

The building will house a soil testing lab and bio-pesticides production lab

Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR virtually inaugurated the New Administrative Building, Soil Testing Lab and Bio-pesticides Production Lab of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra.

In his inaugural address, Dr Singh highlighted the KVK’s efforts for doubling the farmers’ income in the country. He stated that the introduction of the additional enterprises like poultry farming, goat rearing, horticulture nursery and mushroom cultivation, etc., will help in doubling the farmers’ income. The DDG also stressed on linking the farmers with markets through the Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations (FPOs), crop residue management, water resource utilisation, conservation agriculture, reducing the cost of cultivation, processing and value-addition. The role of KVKs for the outreaching of the technologies developed to the farmers was underlined by Dr Singh.

Dr AS Dhawan, Vice-Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra highlighted the challenges and opportunities in front of farmers and the role of KVK in resolving them more strategically. He also urged the KVK to focus on developing good demonstration farm which will be useful to the farmers of the area.


Krishi Ratna, Vijay Anna Borade, Trustee, MSSM, Jalna, Maharashtra suggested the KVK’s Scientists to be ready to address the challenges faced by the agricultural community at the grassroot level. He also underlined that the Badnapur Campus is recognised for its outstanding contributions in the pulses’ researches and developing the climate-resilient varieties of pulses.

Dr Lakhan Singh, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra applauded the KVK’s work, especially, for the initiative of the Farmers’-Scientists’-Forum Meeting scheduled on 20th of every Month.

Dr DB Deosarkar, Director of Extension Education, VNMKV, Parbhani, outlined the initiative taken by the KVK during the short span of time.
Earlier, Dr SD Somwanshi, Head, KVK, Jalna – II, Maharashtra delivered the welcome address.

More than 200 farmers, extension functionaries, scientists and other officials from the various sections participated in the event.

The building will house a soil testing

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech

MoA signed between ICAR Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand with the Das and Kumars, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and the ICAR-Agrinnovate, New Delhi

A Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand with the Das and Kumars, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and the ICAR-Agrinnovate, New Delhi for the Technology Transfer of ‘Captive Maturation and Multiple Breeding of Golden Mahseer’ in Bhimtal.

The Chief Guest Dr Rajendra Singh handed-over the MoA to the Licensee, Harsh Aggarwal. The agreement will be valid for a period of seven Years.

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal stated that the technology encompasses an efficient indoor system and method for the Year-round seed production of the endangered Golden Mahseer. It will facilitate its conservation and offer the livelihood opportunities through the sports fishery, ecotourism and conservation aquaculture.

The technology developed by Dr MS Akhtar, Senior Scientist, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal and his team has the prospects of reversing the population status of the Golden Mahseer from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Abundance’ in the near future.

The MoA is aimed to facilitate the close cooperation among the three parties and create a small business platform for Mahseer Conservation and fish-based ecotourism.

MoA signed between ICAR Directorate of Coldwater

Agrotech, North America, R&D

New facilities will expand local capabilities for producing biocompatible solutions for more sustainable agriculture.

Evonik has opened its new Applied Technology Center (ATC) in Americana, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Combining new laboratories, access to two pilot plants, and infrastructure to support customer training, the new “Agro Hub” strengthens its Interface & Performance business line’s support and testing capabilities for its agriculture market customers in the region.

Interface & Performance’s agro business offers additives and adjuvants for conventional and biological agrochemical formulations under its BREAK-THRU® brand. The broad portfolio of antifoams, dispersants, emulsifiers, oil enhancers, wetting agents, super-spreaders, and penetrants also includes biocompatible products for crop protection and seed treatments.

“The new collaborative environment enables us to quickly respond to our agro customers’ needs and changing market demands with customized solutions,” said Diego Abreu, Global Marketing Head of Evonik Interface & Performance’s agricultural market segment. “We can provide customers with a complete technical service for pesticides and biopesticides formulations, further strengthening our commitment to becoming the prime partner to the Central & South America agricultural industry.”

Biocompatible additives from Evonik improve biological crop protection formulations and enhancing sustainable yields in the fast-growing agricultural market in Central and South America. In particular, the shelf life of microbials is improved and the performance and stability of crop protection formulations increased. In the ATC, the agricultural team develops additives for biopesticides and bioinoculants for its customers in the region.

“We place great value on customer service and being close to our customers which helps us to understand their markets and support them every step of the way to develop the right conventional or biological solution,” said Lisa Roessler, Head Evonik Interface & Performances Agriculture and Functional Specialties product line. “Our team in Americana is fully equipped to develop new adjuvants and additives that improve the performance of agricultural products during application in the field.”

New facilities will expand local capabilities for