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AgroPolicy, Sustainability

The forum hosted an exclusive CEOs session on global opportunities for India

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, recently launched the Asia Bio Ag Forum, a two-day conclave held by the Agriculture Today Group at National Agriculture Science Centre (NASC), New Delhi. The objective of the forum was to promote and boost the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and ensure food and nutritional security, as well as farmer prosperity, across Asia.

The forum hosted an exclusive CEOs session on global opportunities for India. On the Chair and Co-Chair was Dr William Dar, Agriculture Minister – Philippines; and Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary-General, AARDO. Other dignitaries that were present for the event included Dr Rattan Lal, Renowned Soil Health Scientist and World Food Prize Laureate; Dr Tarun Bajaj, Director, APEDA; Dr MJ Saxena, Managing Director, Ayurvet; Sanjay Sethi, Executive Director, Plant-Based Foods Industry Association; and Dr Neelam Patel, Senior Advisor Agriculture, NITI Aayog.

Tomar said, “The government’s intent hereon is to eliminate the practice of middlemen in the agriculture value chain so that the farmers get a fair price for their products and do not face discrimination in any manner. I assure you that we are also taking efforts to make agriculture and farmers connected with the latest technology.”

Sanjay Sethi, Executive Director, PBFIA, highlighted three trends shaping the plant-based food sector- a) sustainability, b) the tsunami of entrepreneurs and consumer focus on health c) the treatment of food and diet as a means of medicine.

Sethi added, “Plenty of young entrepreneurs are entering the plant-based food sector, and they need guidance concerning the preparation of safe foods as per the regulations laid by the regulatory authorities. Therefore, optimum training, handholding and mentoring support become essential. A joint task can provide valuable support to not just institutes like NIFTEM but to hundreds of other institutes breeding young scientists and entrepreneurs. The other potential opportunity can come from pea production and processing amidst the geo-political changes caused by Ukraine- Russia war. The demand for pea protein to formulate value-added products is witnessing a tremendous rise globally. Additionally, there is a need to bring a component of technology into the food production system. Wherein we can save soil, water bodies and reduce air pollution. Including mention of the carbon footprint of food choices as a labelling requirement”.

Dr William Dar, Agriculture Minister of Philippines, Mr Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of Argentina in India, and Dr Douglas Ry Wagner, Global CEO, AlgaeEnergy, Spain, stressed that cooperation between nations is key to the global adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
The conclave successfully concluded with a brief presentation of BioAg Asia Awards 2022 and a vote of thanks.

The forum hosted an exclusive CEOs session

Agrotech, Europe, R&D

The EXPLOYO™ Vit targets the most damaging pests for wine growers, the vine moth Lobesia botrana, which feeds on grapes and infects crops with botrytis.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in biological innovation, and M2i, a leading technology provider of pheromone-based crop protection solutions, expand their collaboration and launch EXPLOYO™ Vit, a new pheromone-based solution to help wine growers in France effectively manage detrimental pests in vines that impact the quality and yield of grapes. The technology targets one of the most damaging pests for wine growers, the vine moth Lobesia botrana, which feeds on grapes and infects crops with botrytis, a potentially deadly fungus that causes vines to rot.

Authorized and certified for organic farming, EXPLOYO™ Vit is biosourced and natural. It can be sprayed directly onto the vines and provides wine growers greater flexibility to better manage their crop. Pheromones are natural signaling compounds that effectively control pests by interfering with their mating behaviors and preventing their reproduction. Since pheromones are non-toxic and species-specific, they help preserve the diversity and abundance of insects and pollinators.

Wine growers across France will be the first to benefit from the new and sustainable solution. Wine serves as one of France’s most valuable agricultural products, accounting for around 15 percent of agricultural revenue. France produces 16 percent of all wine produced worldwide, and more than 300,000 jobs in the country are linked to the production and sale of wine.

After the market launch in France, EXPLOYO™ Vit will be rolled out in several wine-producing countries in Europe including Spain, Portugal and Greece over the next 12 months, pending regulatory approval. The technology will be marketed in Latin America under the name brand LOBESIA Pro Spray®.

Corey Huck, Head of Global Biologicals at Syngenta Crop Protection, said, “Our collaboration with M2i is a strong example of our commitment to be the partner of choice for leading technology providers in the biologicals space. We are committed to driving sustainable agriculture practices and are excited to provide wine growers across different markets with a product that helps enhance the quality of grapes and fights against key vine pests.”

The EXPLOYO™ Vit, targets the most damaging pests for wine growers, the vine moth Lobesia botrana, which feeds on grapes and infects crops with botrytis.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in biological innovation, and M2i, a leading technology provider of pheromone-based crop protection solutions, expand their collaboration and launch EXPLOYO™ Vit, a new pheromone-based solution to help wine growers in France effectively manage detrimental pests in vines that impact the quality and yield of grapes. The technology targets one of the most damaging pests for wine growers, the vine moth Lobesia botrana, which feeds on grapes and infects crops with botrytis, a potentially deadly fungus that causes vines to rot.

Authorized and certified for organic farming, EXPLOYO™ Vit is biosourced and natural. It can be sprayed directly onto the vines and provides wine growers greater flexibility to better manage their crop. Pheromones are natural signaling compounds that effectively control pests by interfering with their mating behaviors and preventing their reproduction. Since pheromones are non-toxic and species-specific, they help preserve the diversity and abundance of insects and pollinators.

Wine growers across France will be the first to benefit from the new and sustainable solution. Wine serves as one of France’s most valuable agricultural products, accounting for around 15 percent of agricultural revenue. France produces 16 percent of all wine produced worldwide, and more than 300,000 jobs in the country are linked to the production and sale of wine.

After the market launch in France, EXPLOYO™ Vit will be rolled out in several wine-producing countries in Europe including Spain, Portugal and Greece over the next 12 months, pending regulatory approval. The technology will be marketed in Latin America under the name brand LOBESIA Pro Spray®.

Corey Huck, Head of Global Biologicals at Syngenta Crop Protection, said, “Our collaboration with M2i is a strong example of our commitment to be the partner of choice for leading technology providers in the biologicals space. We are committed to driving sustainable agriculture practices and are excited to provide wine growers across different markets with a product that helps enhance the quality of grapes and fights against key vine pests.”

The EXPLOYO™ Vit targets the most damaging

Agrotech, Horticulture, Interaction, IT, Opinions

Praman.AI, the world’s largest Horticulture Exchange launched in August 2021, has introduced the first-of-its-kind revolutionary exchange platform that is dedicated to horticulture and agri commodity trading, with over Rs 5000 crore in annualised trade value. Saurabh S, President, Praman.AI reveals more about the exchange and how it can empower farmers

Tell us about the exchange platform that is dedicated to horticulture and agri commodity trading?

The agriculture market for spices, nuts, fruits and vegetables is a massive $1.4 trillion in value and Praman with its AI-enabled Quality underwriting and trade settlement has disrupted the way fresh produce is traded within a short span of six months.

Praman, the world’s largest horticulture exchange, was launched in August 2021, facilitates spot-trading, e-auctioning, and reverse-auctioning in horticulture commodities of fruits, vegetables and spices including onion, cardamom, apples etc.

Praman’s technology intervention converts farmyards into digital market yards with end-to-end traceability, quality assurance and trade discovery. Today, we are pioneering the concept of the spot-quality assessment across cash crops and have become the benchmark for hundreds of farmers, farmer producer organisations, modern trade corporations, and general trade buyers across the country and the globe. 

Sellers and buyers get access to the national price discovery grid, digital trade discovery, quality underwriting and guaranteed trade settlements. We also provide a full-stack service bouquet of logistics, warehousing, and credit financing of these trades which then becomes an end-to-end post-harvest solution. 

Praman has proved to be a trusted partner with a flourishing community of 34000+ growers, 5000+ buyers, and 700+ partnerships including major corporate houses and nodal governmental organisations like NAFED, AP Markfed, the Spices Board of India, J&K Horticulture Board among others.

How does Praman.AI want to bring in a revolution in the horticulture sector?

Praman’s Exchange platform makes horticulture trade easy, simple, and trustworthy. It has been built on three pillars:

Trade Discovery: A digital platform that enables fair price discovery and strong market linkage by driving geographic expansion and market outreach.

Quality Assurance: Our proprietary Intello Labs’ technology enables digital and spot quality assessments on trade accepted parameters that are instant and accurate at every stage of the supply chain.

Trade Settlements:  We have integrated a full-stack array of services including logistics, warehousing, payments and credit facilitation for its users to seamlessly execute trade contracts.

We at Praman recognise the imminent need to empower all our farmers, traders, and consumers with digitalisation and sustainability across the globe. 

In the wide-scale adoption of digital trade in fresh produce, Praman has the potential to disrupt how horticulture and agri-commodities are traded the world over thus revolutionising a trillion-dollar produce trade economy.

It is also our firm belief that with Praman and our technology, the world will save over $250 billion annually in wasted horticulture produce, thus, creating a sustainable planet through reduced agri-wastage. 

How many companies are listed at your exchange? Are you associated with BSE, NSE etc?

We are not associated with NSE or BSE. Praman’s exchange platform focuses on fair price discovery of agri-produce for quality produce through real-time auctions and spot trades.

Over 8000+ Traders and Trading / Procurement Companies are members of Praman and over 40,000+ farmers through various Farmer Producer Organizations are members of the exchange.

How will farmers be benefitted from your exchange platform?

The lack of sufficient and relevant advancements within technology has for long made the farmers suffer the consequences of information asymmetry. Lack of technology to determine the communicable quality assessment of the product, to provide real-time and broader market linkages have led to post-harvest loss through deterioration of quality or a colossal supply-demand mismatch; all of which affect the price realization for the farmer. 

Since the launch of Praman, we have seen high ground-level impact creation within a short span of six months. Bringing in the digitalisation of the horticulture trade, the exchange has successfully standardised quality, enhanced price discoverability, established market linkages, and eliminated information asymmetry, ensuring that the entire value chain becomes transparent and traceable. 

Praman has played a significant role in impacting 40,000 Farmers across the Cardamom, Onion and Apple commodities, capturing over 80 per cent of the market. By bringing this technology to the smallest of the farmers, Praman has delivered 12 per cent higher incomes and empowering them with the ability to ascertain the quality of their products as well as get access to broader markets at the click of a button. 

Affordable automation using computer vision for activities like sorting, grading, and packing also provided an all-encompassing user experience for growers, farmer co-operatives, wholesalers, retailers and processors alike. Rich availability of data and usable data trends arrived at through this digitisation were instrumental for growers and buyers to manage their crops, inventory, and market connectivity better.

What kind of technology is in use at your exchange for the ease of trading?

Praman is powered by Intello Labs’ patented Quality Assaying technology. It is the world’s most advanced digital quality assaying solution. Our core IP visually assays the quality of fruits, vegetables and spices using AI, computer vision and machine learning for grading and sorting based on size, colour, defects, etc at every stage of the value chain. 

We have the largest proprietary data on horticulture with 300 Million images and 97 per cent accuracy in AI models for image-based quality assaying. This is one of the highest levels of accuracy that anyone can find across the industry.

It mitigates the need to manually assess commodities and removes the scope of subjectivity, ensuring fair price possibility and extensive market discovery. It delivers objective, on-the-spot, and real-time reports for all our users bringing transparency and standardisation to the quality assessment of horticulture and agri commodities. The technology also goes a long way in reducing value risk and wastage in agriculture supply chains. 

What will be your plans for the Indian agri centre?

Praman has planned an expansion of its current diverse commodity range with over 10+ more commodities in spices and fruits. Black pepper, cumin, nuts, citrus fruits etc. will be introduced on the exchange. We are also in the process of evaluating and initiating a range of customisable credit facilities for our users, re-organising warehousing and logistics with a focus on FPOs. This would go a long way in helping support the horticulture trade, improve the supply chain management and expand the market.

We are building end-to-end traceability of the agri-produce using blockchain technology and introducing smart contracts to ensure the enforceability of trade contracts. 

Where is your exchange located and do you plan to open any branches across the country?

Praman is headquartered in Gurgaon, Delhi. Since it is a digital exchange, we do not require any branch offices and have a pan India presence.

Any plans to venture into the global markets?

The Praman Exchange is a highly cost efficient and scalable product, which is already being scaled globally via extending it’s services to a vast network of importers and exporters.

Sanjiv Das

sanjiv.das@mmactiv.com

Praman.AI, the world’s largest Horticulture Exchange launched

China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Seeds, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand

The Asia Pacific accounted for the fastest region, during the forecast period, in terms of volume and value

According to the report titled ‘Seed Treatment Market by Type, Application Technique (Coating, Dressing, Pelleting), Function (Seed Protection and Seed Enhancement), Formulation, Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds, Fruits & Vegetables), and Region – Global Forecast to 2027’, published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is estimated at $6.1 billion in 2022; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3 per cent to reach $9.2 billion by 2027.

The Asia Pacific accounted for the fastest region, during the forecast period, in terms of volume and value, respectively. The Asia Pacific consists of the largest developing countries with vast agricultural lands as compared to other regions. The per capita income of the region depends on the agricultural activities conducted in the countries. The key countries that play an important role in the agriculture sector in this region are India, China, Japan, and Thailand.

Cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, are the leading agricultural commodities grown in these countries. Rice cultivation and the predominance of small-scale manufacturers are widely seen across all the countries of Asia Pacific.

Asia Pacific seed treatment market is projected to grow with the highest CAGR due to the growing agriculture industry in China and Japan. Demand for seed treatment has been growing in this region, due to global players increasing their investments of business lines in agricultural inputs to exclusively meet the demand of crop growers to attain export quality. Additionally, the regulations for seed treatment are favourable in this region. China is estimated to account for the largest share in the Asia Pacific seed treatment market.

The Asia Pacific accounted for the fastest

Agro Universities, Bee keeping, R&D

Women in Uttarakhand will be trained in beekeeping for MadhuShakti project

FMC India has collaborated with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GB Pant University) to develop entrepreneurship among rural women through beekeeping. The collaboration will help to generate sustainable income for their families and raise their living standard.

The project named MadhuShakti is a first-of-its-kind innovative sustainable development initiative in India. The three-year project is planned for the rural area of Uttarakhand.

Rural women from Sitarganj, Kotabagh, and the towns of Almora and Ranikhet will be trained in beekeeping. The produce will be procured by Honey Bee Research and Training Centre (HBRTC). The project will also closely monitor pollinator behaviour, generating a wealth of scientific knowledge that will benefit beekeepers across the country.

Women in Uttarakhand will be trained in

AgroPolicy, Sustainability

Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative launches Compacts in Madhya Pradesh that will reach 120,000 farmers and cover 100,000 Hectares by 2026

 The Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative (RPL Collaborative), founded by Laudes Foundation, IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative, and WWF India, has kick started the formation of public-private-community partnerships (Compacts) between Inditex, H&M Group, IKEA, Neutral, PepsiCo India, Sammunnati Finance, Jayanti Spices, INI Farms and S.V. Agri. The multi-stakeholder Compact also includes key-decision makers such as civil society organisations SRIJAN, Action for Social Advancement, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme; and farmer producer organisations.

The first Compact is being formed in Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh (MP), which will reach 20,000 farmers, and bring 20,000 hectares under regenerative agricultural practices. The second Compact will cover eight districts in western Madhya Pradesh, including parts of the Narmada Basin to reach 120,000 farmers in the State.

The RPL Collaborative contributes to revitalising soil health, boosting smallholder farmer incomes, improving access to water, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing gender equity through the multi-stakeholder Compacts. Members of a Compact work together to leverage sustainability and social commitments at scale and mobilize financial support for sustainability projects at the landscape level. It allows businesses to source responsibly while creating inclusive supply chain relationships, provides smallholder farmers and communities to thrive through greater participation in decision-making, and lets producers grow agri-commodities using natural and regenerative farming principles that restore natural resources and reduce emissions from farming systems.

Ajit Kesari, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture, Government of Madhya Pradesh formally announced the Compact at an event in Bhopal. He said, “Madhya Pradesh has been a frontrunner in sustainable agriculture. With our rich biodiversity, climatic diversity and topographical variations, we take pride in contributing to 8 per cent of the total food grain and 25 per cent of total pulse and oil seeds production in India. To reduce the impact of climate shocks we are heavily committed to promoting regenerative and landscape- based agriculture. This Compact will funnel investments into the region, enable better markets for farmers, ensure credit access and convergence with government policies and encourage companies to source sustainably.”

Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative launches Compacts in

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Foodgrains

Discussions were held on the popularisation and adoption of various varieties of rice crops

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad recently organised the ’57th Annual Rice Group Meeting’.

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) stressed on the importance of developing the multi-stress tolerant varieties. Popularisation and adoption of the varieties that have been released over the years and to develop and release the varieties only after the thorough evaluation of the markets and consumer’s preferences was emphasized by the Director General. Dr Mohapatra also urged for documenting the extent of the varietal spread on actual basis and discouraging the calculations of the varietal spread based on the breeder’s seed indent.

Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR highlighted the importance of using the modern, cutting-edge technologies including IoT, Genomics and Precision Agriculture in developing the varieties with the high productivity and suitable for the different ecosystems and suited to a rapidly changing climate.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr RK Singh, ADG (FFC), ICAR regarded the Rice as one of the most important crops of the country with largest area and production. Improving the production and productivity of Rice in addressing the issues of malnutrition and food security of the nation were also stressed by Dr Singh.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr RM Sundaram, Director, ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad briefed about the research highlights of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice. Dr Sundaram also outlined the release of 6 varieties, viz., DRR Dhan 57, 58, 59, 60, 62 and 63 by the ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad through the AICRP on Rice System in 2021.
Dr. Padmini Swain, Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack, Odisha highlighted the importance of the AICRP on Rice Testing System and conduct of trials in two Zones (III and IV).

About 500 delegates from India and the other countries participated in the programme.

Discussions were held on the popularisation and

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Dairy, R&D, Sustainability

Through this, joint research, knowledge sharing and innovation will be promoted between academic institutions of both countries and practitioners including farmers

Initiatives have been taken between India and Germany on agroecology and sustainable management of natural resources. In this regard, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar and Germany’s Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze signed the declaration in a virtual meeting.

Through this, joint research, knowledge sharing and innovation will be promoted between academic institutions of both countries and practitioners including farmers. The transfer of technology and scientific knowledge will be promoted by encouraging exchanges, partnerships and research collaboration with the private sector. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development intends to provide up to 300 million euros by the year 2025 for financial and technical cooperation for projects under this initiative.

Germany will provide coordinated support for this lighthouse initiative, supporting the agro-ecological transformation process in India through the Technical Cooperation Project. For the changing agenda of agroecology, the two countries envisage the establishment of a joint research centre supported by financial cooperation to develop and share cutting edge knowledge with practitioners from India, Germany and other countries, while facilitating value-added technology and scientific transfer.

To oversee the implementation, a working group will be set up with the concerned Ministries, namely, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and NITI Aayog.

Through this, joint research, knowledge sharing and

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Nature, Organic, Sustainability

According to M Venkaiah Naidu, organic farming is the way forward

The Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu underlined the importance of organic farming for sustainable and stable development. He said that natural resources such as soil and water are not unlimited and the future of mankind depends on their conservation.

Addressing a gathering after releasing the book titled Bhumi Suposhan (meaning – soil nutrition) published by Akshay Krishi Parivar at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, the Vice President expressed his concern over the degradation of soil due to the overuse of pesticides and fertilisers and stressed the need for creating awareness on this important issue. He also said that unchecked extraction of groundwater is fast depleting our groundwater table leading to a reduction in moisture content in the soil, thus turning fertile land into barren land.

Listing out various benefits of organic farming, the Vice President opined that it not only improves soil health but also reduces farmers’ input costs. Locally available resources such as cow dung and waste organic matter can be used to prepare low-cost organic manure, thus increasing farmers’ income.

Acknowledging Green Revolution’s role in ensuring the country’s food security, Naidu highlighted some of its unintended consequences such as the uncontrolled use of pesticides. Appreciating various governmental and individual efforts for soil conservation, he said the network of laboratories for soil testing is being strengthened and natural farming is being promoted in ecologically sensitive areas such as villages adjacent to the river Ganga.

Mentioning that around six lakh farmers are practising organic farming on approximately 38 lakh hectares of land in India, the Vice President expressed his happiness over the fact that many hilly states successfully adopted organic farming. He said that the smaller states have shown that organic farming is particularly beneficial to our small and marginal farmers. He said that there is a growing awareness among the masses about the harmful effects of chemical farming and they are willing to pay for organic products.

Naidu also stressed the need for the popularisation of traditional farming practices. He wanted agricultural universities to focus more on organic and natural farming and promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship among the youth. The Vice President said agriculture is not just farmers’ concern, rather all of us are equal stakeholders in its development as food is a basic necessity for everyone. He urged parliamentarians, political parties and policymakers to give priority to agriculture.

Naidu urged people, particularly youngsters, to consume traditional foods that are nutritious and suitable to Indian conditions. 

Praising Akshya Krishi Parivar for bringing out ‘Bhumi Suposhan’ – a commemorative publication of the Nationwide Bhumi Suposhan and Samrakshan Abhiyan, the Vice President wanted this book to be translated into Indian languages so that it could reach the maximum number of farmers. He also asked scientists and researchers to translate their works into people’s languages for the larger benefit of the public. Naidu also stressed that early education should be in the child’s mother tongue. 

Similarly, local language should be used in administration and courts.

Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Kaneri Math, Maharashtra, Bhagaiah, Member of the National Executive and Ex Sah-Sarkaryawah, Rashriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Manoj Solanki, President, Akshay Krishi Parivar, Dr GR Chintala Govindarajulu, NABARD Chairman, Scientists, Agriculturists and other dignitaries were present.

According to M Venkaiah Naidu, organic farming

AgroPolicy, Agrotech

According to the minster, new technology is aimed to reach more and more farmers, which will facilitate the farmers, reduce the cost and increase the income

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated and addressed the conference on ‘Promoting Kisan Drones: Issues, Challenges and the Way Ahead’ organized as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Tomar said that the government is promoting the use of drones for the convenience of the farmers, reducing the cost and increasing the income. For promoting the use of Kisan Drones, the government is providing 50 per cent or a maximum Rs 5 lakh subsidy to SC-ST, small and marginal, women and farmers of northeastern states to buy drones. For other farmers, financial assistance will be given up to 40 per cent or a maximum Rs 4 lakh.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary said that this new technology is aimed to reach more and more farmers, which will facilitate them, reduce the cost and increase their income. Under this vision of the Prime Minister, work is being done expeditiously under the guidance of Union Agriculture Minister Tomar. During the attack of locust, the government had also promptly used drones and helicopters for rescue.

Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that the conditions are favourable to take drones to the farmers and the government is also committed in this regard. ICAR Director-General Dr Trilochan Mohapatra said that ICAR is contributing through research and training. With this, more and more farmers will be ready to use drones. Joint Secretary Shomita Biswas delivered the welcome address. Additional Secretary Prashant Kumar Swain proposed a vote of thanks. Farmers and entrepreneurs of the drone, fertiliser and pesticide sector, startup operators, and representatives of IFFCO and KVK were present at the conference.

According to the minster, new technology is

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, Horticulture, Poultry

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the evolution of PAU and its significant role in improving the agri-assets

A three-member delegation comprising Patrick Khaemba, Governor of Kenya; Lydia Seroney, wife of Khaemba; and Mary Nzomo, Minister of Agriculture, Kenya visited Punjab Agricultural University (Pday to deliberate upon mutual areas of cooperation. The visiting delegation interacted with the senior officials of PAU, deans of constituent colleges, additional directors of research and extension education, and heads of various departments of the university. The delegation was accompanied by Dr Parvinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, Punjab and GS Bahra.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, while giving a presentation on PAU and Green Revolution said, “Having outstanding human resources and exemplary linkage with the farming community, the university has played a remarkable role in the development of agriculture in Punjab as well as India.”

“Presently, the focus is on developing varieties for enhancing crop productivity and quality, having tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, conservation of soil and water, and crop residue management,” he added. Dr Dhatt suggested collaborating in the areas of field crops (wheat, rice, maize, cotton and sugarcane), horticulture, food technology, apiculture, agro-forestry, water use efficiency and farm machinery.

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the evolution of PAU and its significant role in improving the agri-assets. Stating that Kenya was good at developing poultry, he said, “It is turning about democracy and people.”

Appreciating the close linkage of PAU with farmers of Punjab, he remarked: “We need to think of farmers and how to motivate them to take up new technologies.”

“Kenya would like to assist PAU in agricultural issues being faced in Punjab. We should jointly work in those areas which are following the governmental rules of both the nations,” said the Governor.

The Agriculture Minister of Kenya Nzomo said that Punjab and Kenyan agriculture had many similarities. “Both being rice-wheat producers, we would like to focus on food and nutrition as well as food diversification such as cereals and pulses,” she stated while evincing interest in the area of extension also and lauding PAU’s skill development training.

The Governor of Kenya Khaemba hailed the

Agro Universities, R&D

The MoU was signed for leasing out 44.9 acre of ANGRAU to ICAR-DGR for the establishment of the Regional Research Station of ICAR-DGR at Ananthpur, Andhra Pradesh

The ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR), Junagadh, Gujarat signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the form of LEASE DEED with the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Dr CS Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR, Junagadh and Dr Yella Reddy, Comptroller of ANGRAU, Guntur signed the MoU on the behalf of their respective organisations in the presence of Dr A Vishnuvardhan Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, ANGRAU, Guntur.

Dr Girdhar Krishna, Registrar; Dr Yella Reddy, Comptroller and Dr (Smt) Neeraja T, Dean, Community Sciences represented the ANGRAU, Guntur side. Dr CS Praharaj, Director, ICAR-DGR; Dr Harish G, Nodal Officer, RRS, ICAR-DGR, RRS, Ananthapur; Dr Ajay BC, Incharge and Dr Rajanna GA, Scientist, RRS, ICAR-DGR, Ananthapur represented the ICAR-DGR.

The MoU was signed for leasing out 44.9 acre of ANGRAU to ICAR-DGR for the establishment of the Regional Research Station of ICAR-DGR at Ananthpur, Andhra Pradesh for 99 Years to conduct the groundnut related research and extension.

The MoU was signed for leasing out

Acquaculture, Agro Universities

The main objective of the MoU signed with the university is to evaluate the nano-sensors for sustainable intensification of the different aquaculture systems

The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai signed the two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Hindustan University of Technology and Science, Chennai and AA Biotech, Chennai for collaborative research.

Dr KP Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA, Chennai emphasised the significance of the collaborative research and validation of the technology between a research institution, academic university and aquaculture entrepreneur that would facilitate knowledge sharing, technology validation and popularisation of the broad spectrum of the techniques available in the institute.

Dr K Nandakumar, Director of Research (who signed the MoU) on the behalf of Hindustan University, Chennai stated that through the partnership, the specialized capacities of both the Institutions would aid in the application of the nano-Sensors for sustainable intensification of the different aquaculture systems.

Udaya Ram Jothy, CEO, AA Biotech said that the water testing protocol would address the farm level issues like a human error in testing water quality parameters, rapid detection, geo-location and option for rectifying errors in tests with a reasonable cost.

The main objective of the MoU signed with the university is to evaluate the nano-sensors for sustainable intensification of the different aquaculture systems like RAS and Biofloc-based systems and synthesis of the nanoparticles for the targeted therapy and protein/peptide characterisation. The MoU with the AA Biotechis aimed at the calibration and validation of the water quality testing protocol in aquaculture.

The main objective of the MoU signed

Animal Health, R&D

The Global Innovation Centre hosts more than 2,000 visitors a year

Cargill is expanding and renovating its Global Animal Nutrition Innovation Center in Elk River, located just 30 minutes from its global headquarters. Along with a facility in Velddriel, The Netherlands and the soon to be operating Changrong R&D centre in China, the Elk River site serves as a hub of the company’s global network of 15 animal nutrition research and technology application centres. These sites work around the clock to explore, innovate, and think ahead of customers’ challenges in navigating today’s complex and ever-changing environment.

The nearly $50 million investment will upgrade animal facilities including a new dairy innovation unit, construct a larger onsite feed mill, create a visitor’s space, and build a state-of-the-art laboratory for nutrient research and development. The Global Innovation Centre hosts more than 2,000 visitors a year. In addition, new viewing corridors will allow visitors to view the animal R&D facilities conveniently.

Adriano Marcon, Group Leader of Cargill’s animal nutrition business commented, “This is the largest investment Cargill’s animal nutrition business has made in innovation. We are taking a significant step towards what is going to create state-of-the-art technologies for our world. We want to be the best animal nutrition partner globally, and our customers expect us to bring innovations that make them more competitive, efficient, and sustainable. When they choose us as a trusted partner, they rely on us as a conduit to new technology. Therefore, we must be in the forefront and move faster to continue delivering on our promise to customers.” 

The Global Innovation Centre hosts more than