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The development and operational commencement of agro-biological production facility is scheduled for mid-2025.

IPL Biologicals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government for setting up a Rs 400 crore bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide facility in Gujarat according to the statement by company.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel. The development and operational commencement of IPL Biologicals’ agro-biological production facility is scheduled for mid-2025. IPL Biologicals envisions the MoU with the Gujarat Government to develop a new facility as a significant contributor to sustainable agriculture. The major focus of the first phase of production will be on the company’s agriculture products, followed by probiotics and enzyme products. The project shall be on reducing chemical usage in the agribusiness sector and providing safe food production to the world, the release added.

“As we embark on this transformative journey with the Gujarat government for the establishment of a new bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production facility in Gujarat, we are driven by a profound commitment to redefine the future of agriculture. Our vision goes beyond traditional boundaries, encapsulating a holistic approach towards sustainable farming practices. Our commitment to Global Standard Manufacturing is a testament to our aspiration to produce high-quality products that meet and exceed global standards. This manufacturing unit will be a fully automated, state-of-the-art facility, probably the best in the world and it will not only contribute to the local economy, but also elevate India’s standing in the global arena of biotechnology,” said Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals.

The development and operational commencement of agro-biological

With an investment of approximately Rs 700 crores the proposed facility is expected to create more than 750 direct and indirect jobs.

Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), one of India’s leading biotechnology companies dedicated to manufacturing and supplying life-saving vaccines, has started construction of its new greenfield veterinary vaccine facility to manufacture the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine (FMD-Vac) as well as Foot and Mouth Disease + Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Vaccine (FMD+HS-Vac) in Hyderabad’s Genome valley.

This brand-new unit will have a BSL3 facility for the manufacture of Drug substances and a Fill-Finish capability for the production of both drug products FMD vaccine and the FMD+HS vaccine.

Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (TSIIC), a Government of Telangana undertaking had allotted the land to IIL at Biotech Park, Phase III, Karkapatla, Siddipet district in Telangana. The proposed facility has a capacity of 150 million doses/annum of FMD vaccine or FMD+HS vaccine each. With an investment of approximately Rs 700 crores the proposed facility is expected to create more than 750 direct and indirect jobs.

Indian Immunologicals Limited is a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). In its more than 40 years of journey, IIL has carved a niche space as a leading “One Health” organization, manufacturing animal and human vaccines. IIL also exports its products to more than 60 countries across the globe.

 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB and IIL said, “IIL continues to fulfil the purpose for which it was created by NDDB as a world class vaccine manufacturer. This new vaccine manufacturing facility in Hyderabad is dedicated to the nation and will certainly aid in the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease in our country. IIL’s ability to discover and manufacture affordable vaccines has saved the exchequer several thousand crores of rupees”.

Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, IIL said, “We are the largest supplier of FMD vaccine to Government of India’s prestigious Livestock Health Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). We are in an exponential growth phase and expected to grow 40 per cent this year alone. In order to sustain the momentum, IIL is seriously considering making additional investments in building infrastructure within India and in other emerging geographies including Africa in a manner to develop tools that will help in control and eradication of diseases.”

With an investment of approximately Rs 700

JioMart’s collaboration with Ministry of Rural Development will enable SHGs to be on-boarded as sellers onto the e-commerce fold on JioMart.

 Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Retail’s JioMart towards its efforts to help enhance the outreach of the products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) thereby empowering the rural SHG artisans.

JioMart will also help set-up and support them to navigate and operate their account on the marketplace. Additionally, JioMart will jointly participate in trainings and workshops facilitated by MoRD to enable sellers to familiarize selling experience on the portal. Further to ensure sustained growth and business stability, JioMart will provide post-launch training and support to help sellers grow their business on the marketplace and will also be offered to participate in a variety of marketing promotions on the platform.

This alliance will bring SHGs under MoRD’s SARAS collection brand onto JioMart offering a range of handlooms and handicrafts products from traditional textiles to pantry, home décor and beauty products.

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development Charanjit Singh said that this collaboration will enable SHGs to be on-boarded as sellers onto the e-commerce fold on JioMart and this initiative will further boost MoRD’s provision under the SARAS collection to be available to a larger consumer base. With this alliance, SHGs will get to widen their market and visibility and offer their curated products to customers of JioMart across India. As part of the partnership between MoRD and JioMart, once on-boarded, all SHG sellers associated with the DAY-NRLM will get to avail benefits and guidance in growing their businesses online.

Singh further said that this partnership between DAY-NRLM and JioMart will add to efforts of the Ministry towards income enhancement of SHG Didis. The mission is working to increase the income of SHGs on sustainable basis and this step will add to our initiatives towards it.

Complementing the stakeholders, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development Swati Sharma said that the Ministry is committed to support enhancement in livelihood opportunities of SHGs and the partnership with JioMart will help in this direction.

Director, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development Raghvendra Pratap Singh gave an overview of the MoU’s key objectives and said that the SHGs strength is recognised and acknowledged by the nation today and such partnership will further strengthen the various marketing initiative like SARAS too.

Commenting on the association, President and Chief of Public Policy and Regulatory, Reliance Retail Limited, Dr Ravi Prakash Gandhi said that Partnering with MoRD is our first step to many more such fruitful associations in the future. We firmly believe and embrace the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and this partnership helps us align and further strengthens our commitment. We aim to transform the digital retail ecosystem in the country and through this collaboration we want to empower growth and also facilitate digitization of millions of SHGs.  I am sure this initiative will play a pivotal role in transforming lives and strengthen the livelihoods of local artisans and small businesses in India.

JioMart’s collaboration with Ministry of Rural Development

Garuda Aerospace donates Rs 1 crores worth of free Kisan Drones to Kaushalya – The Skill University, Gujrat for specialised training programs in agriculture and skilling.

Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, and Kaushalya – The Skill University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost drone technology education in India.

Under the terms of the MoU, Garuda Aerospace commits to providing Kaushalya – The Skill University with 10 small category agricultural drones, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore. These drones will be utilised for specialised training programs in agriculture, contributing to skill development in this crucial sector. Furthermore, Garuda Aerospace will offer mentorship support for drone technology to students and start-ups associated with the university. The collaboration extends beyond hardware support. Garuda Aerospace will provide the services of technical experts in the field of drones through online and offline channels. The company will also engage in collaborative research, indigenization, and product development with university faculties. In a bid to bridge the gap between training and employment, Garuda Aerospace will extend placement support to trainees undergoing drone training through the “Bharat Drone Association.”

” We look forward to synergising our efforts with Kaushalya – The Skill University and contributing to the nation’s progress in the field of drone technology. Recognizing the immense potential and youthful dynamism in Vibrant Gujarat, we are excited about the prospect of positioning the state as the Drone Hub of India. Our enthusiasm stems from the collaborative efforts to equip the younger generation with vital drone skills, aligning seamlessly with our vision for substantial employment growth. Prime Minister Modiji’s visionary initiative, involving the launch of 100 drones in 100 areas and his commitment to deploying 1 lakh drones in the next two years, underscores the rapid expansion of the drone industry. This ambitious goal necessitates the training of 1 lakh pilots, and Gujarat is well-poised to make a significant contribution—10% to the total Drone Pilot community. This development marks a pivotal step in propelling Gujarat to the forefront of the burgeoning drone technology landscape, and we are proud to play a role in this transformative journey.” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between Kaushalya – The Skill University, Govt. of Gujarat, was formally signed in the esteemed presence of the Minister for Industry Small, Micro, and Medium Industries Kutir, Khadi, and Village Industries Civil Aviation Labour and Employment, Balvantsinh Rajput. The signing ceremony involved H.R. Suthar (IAS retd), representing Kaushalya – The Skills University, and Dr. Vijayakumar Rajarathinam, Chief Operating Officer of Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, Chennai.

Garuda Aerospace donates Rs 1 crores worth

The MSP for 2024 season is an increase of Rs 300 per quintal for milling copra and Rs.250/- per quintal for ball copra over the previous season.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for copra for 2024 season. In order to provide remunerative prices to the cultivators, government had announced in the Union Budget of 2018-19, that MSPs of all the mandated crops will be fixed at a level of at least 1.5 times of all India weighted cost of production. The MSP for Fair Average Quality of milling copra has been fixed at Rs.11,160/- per quintal and for ball copra at Rs 12,000/- per quintal for 2024 season. This will ensure a margin of 51.84 percent for milling copra and 63.26 percent for ball copra, which are well beyond 1.5 times all India weighted average cost of production.  Milling copra is used to extract oil, while ball/edible copra is consumed as a dry fruit and used for religious purposes.  Kerala and Tamil Nadu are major producers of million copra, whereas ball copra is produced predominantly in Karnataka.

The MSP for 2024 season is an increase of Rs.300/- per quintal for milling copra and Rs.250/- per quintal for ball copra over the previous season. In the last 10 years, the Government has increased MSP for milling copra and ball copra from Rs.5,250 per quintal and Rs 5,500 per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs.11,160 per quintal and Rs.12,000 per quintal in 2024-25, registering a growth of 113 percent and 118 percent, respectively.

A higher MSP will not only ensure better remunerative returns to the coconut growers but also incentivize farmers to expand copra production to meet the growing demand for coconut products both domestically and internationally.

In the current season 2023, the Government has procured a record amount of more than 1.33 lakh metric tonnes of copra, at the cost of Rs.1,493 crores, benefiting around 90,000 farmers.  The procurement in the current season 2023 indicates a rise of 227 percent over the previous season (2022).

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for procurement of copra and de-husked coconut under Price Support Scheme (PSS).

The MSP for 2024 season is an

The company has successfully developed a process to refine Kratom leaf biomass to an astonishing 82 per cent alkaloid content, surpassing the industry standard of 20-40 per cent

Botanical Refinery, a Denver-based leader in botanical extraction, announces a remarkable breakthrough in Kratom refinement. The company has successfully developed a process to refine Kratom leaf biomass to an astonishing 82 per cent alkaloid content, surpassing the industry standard of 20-40 per cent.

This pioneering achievement not only positions Botanical Refinery at the forefront of the Kratom industry but also marks a significant advancement in the potency and quality of Kratom extracts. The company’s cutting-edge extraction techniques ensure a product that maximises the therapeutic potential of Kratom, providing users with an unparalleled experience.

In a move to share its innovative techniques, Botanical Refinery offers its extraction services to other Kratom brands and companies. This collaboration aims to elevate the overall standard of Kratom products in the market, ensuring that consumers have access to the highest quality extracts.

Botanical Refinery also takes pride in its GMP-certified facility, where it manufactures a variety of finished Kratom products. The range includes potent Kratom shots, delicious gummies, convenient tablets, and more. Each product reflects the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and consumer satisfaction.

The company has successfully developed a process

Speed breeding protocol can develop new high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties in a much shorter duration.

Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) successfully developed a robust, first-of-its-kind speed breeding protocol that reduces the generation times required in a year for growing indica and japonica rice.

The current rate of genetic gain attained in rice crops through breeding is inadequate to meet the increasing future rice demand of a growing population. The development of new varieties is further hindered by longer generation times and seasonal constraints.

Through the SpeedFlower protocol, these factors will no longer impact the acceleration of varietal development, by reducing generation times by almost half which allows growing four to five generations of indica and japonica rice in a year.

“We can now develop new high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritionally superior rice varieties in a much shorter duration. This is a major scientific step toward significantly boosting genetic gain in rice, ultimately contributing to global food security,” said program lead Drs Vikas Kumar Singh, Uma Maheshwar Singh and Pallavi Sinha.

The Speed Breeding technique

The Speed Breeding (SB) technique has been introduced to effectively manage environmental factors and is suitable for short- and long-day crops, allowing it to be utilized throughout the year. As a result, SB has gained popularity as a method for advancing multiple generations per year.

Using SB in glasshouses and controlled chambers has the potential to enhance breeding outputs for both short- and long-day crops. This is achieved by providing more controlled growth conditions, which work more uniformly for diverse germplasm and breeding materials compared to field conditions.

The success of SB in various crops has led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art SpeedBreed facility at the ISARC in Varanasi, India. To achieve SB in rice, the facility has been customized with controlled growth parameters using fully enclosed walk-in growth chambers designed to optimize the SB protocol for all types of rice varieties without the need for tedious embryo rescue techniques and tiller removal.

“SpeedFlower demonstrates a remarkable impact of SB on crop research. With this protocol, we can expedite crossing and inbreeding activities, completing them within 1.5–2 years instead of the usual 6–7 years required in the field,” said ISARC Director, Dr Sudhanshu Singh.

A significant leap in rice breeding

The SpeedFlower protocol significantly expedites the development of mapping populations, enabling rapid mapping of crucial traits. It revolutionises breeding programs, allowing completion of breeding cycle in about 1.5 years.

The protocol focuses on optimizing light spectrum, intensity, photoperiod, temperature, humidity, nutrient levels and hormonal regulation to expedite growth, flowering and maturity in rice. It has demonstrated flowering within just 60 days for tested rice varieties and achieved a 50 per cent reduction in seed maturity time, irrespective of their natural flowering durations.

The SpeedBreed Facility and the innovative SpeedFlower protocol mark a significant leap in rice breeding, addressing generation time and seasonal constraints. The optimized protocol works for all the maturity durations (early, medium and late) of indica and japonica rice and enables synchronous flowering.

“The SB technique is still in its early stages, and there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with its implementation that require further research. That said, this protocol has the potential to make a significant impact on global food security by rapidly developing improved rice varieties,” said Dr. Hans Bhardwaj, IRRI Rice Breeding Innovations Director.

Partnerships for SpeedBreed and SpeedFlower

Considered as a model facility for speed breeding in rice, IRRI plans to establish a consortium to offer support services to National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) and private companies on establishing and operating speed breeding facilities.

The protocol will be further refined for enhanced output and comprehensive testing will be done to a broader range of rice genotypes. The program proponents aim to further collaborate with NARES, including other centers under the CGIAR, to leverage shared knowledge and expertise toward optimizing the protocol for other crops.

“We continue to push research boundaries to develop innovations that are urgently needed in light of a growing food and climate crises. This breakthrough sets the new standard toward accelerating genetic gains for global food security,” said IRRI Interim Director General, Dr Ajay Kohli.

The study behind the protocol was led by Drs. Vikas Kumar Singh, Uma Maheshwar Singh, and Pallavi Sinha and was developed with funding support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The research has been conducted as part of the collaborative research project with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Speed breeding protocol can develop new high-yielding

The sensor has been tested for adulterated fish at lab scale as well on fish available in the fish markets of the Guwahati region.

Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory, headed by Dr Hemen Kr. Kalita, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Guwahati University, Assam has developed a cost-effective formalin sensor using tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite that can effectively detect the presence of formalin in adulterated fishes.

A new low-cost sensor made of metal oxide nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide composite can detect formalin adulteration in fishes at room temperature in a non-invasive way. The sensor shows long-term stability with a low detection limit.

Food adulteration is the practice of adding illegal or harmful substances to food to make it appear more appealing or to increase its shelf life. Formaldehyde is a colourless, pungent gas that is used in a variety of industrial processes, including as a preservative in some foods, commonly in fish in developing countries. However, the use of formaldehyde in food is illegal in many countries, as it is a known carcinogen.

Commercial formalin sensors for fish are primarily electrochemical-based or colorimetric-based. Electrochemical sensors are extensively used but are expensive. On the other hand, calorimetric sensors are less expensive. But both methods are invasive. Moreover, low-level detection and selective detection are two major issues with these sensors. The development of 2D materials-based gas sensors has created a new avenue of effective detection of toxic vapours at room temperature. These sensors have the potential to detect the formalin evaporated from adulterated food products.

Graphene oxide (GO), the oxidized form of graphene, exhibits high solution processability and ease of chemical modification with other materials such as metals, metal oxides, or polymers. However, the low electrical conductivity of GO posed a challenge and the scientists overcame this by developing the tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO- SnO2).

While reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been used to detect various toxic gases and VOCs, tin oxide (SnO2) has been extensively investigated for formaldehyde detection in pristine form and by incorporating it with various compounds, including graphene, due to its high stability and high sensitivity toward low concentrations of formaldehyde.

The researchers synthesised graphene oxide (GO) through a process called the wet chemical approach and tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO- SnO2) was synthesised by hydrothermal route followed by calcination of the obtained product. They found that the sensor made of tin oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide effectively sensed formaldehyde vapour at room temperature.

The sensor has been tested for adulterated

To promote export the department recognised 33 poultry compartments as free from Avian Influenza.

 A roundtable meeting was held yesterday here under the chairpersonship of the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Alka Upadhaya. This strategic gathering brought together key stakeholders, including leading companies, state governments, and industry associations, to deliberate on the “Export of Indian Poultry Products: Challenges and Strategies to Strengthen the Poultry Ecosystem.”

In the meeting, Alka Upadhaya highlighted that the Indian poultry sector, now an integral part of agriculture, has played a crucial role in meeting protein and nutritional needs. While the production of crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent per annum, that of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 8 to 10 percent per annum. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into a mega-industry, positioning India as a major global producer of eggs and broiler meat.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India made significant strides in the global market, exporting a notable 664,753.46 metric tons of poultry products, with a total worth of Rs. 1,081.62 crores (134.04 million USD) to over 57 countries. According to a recent market intelligence study, the Indian poultry market achieved a remarkable valuation of USD 30.46 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 8.1 per cent from 2024-2032.

Alka Upadhaya informed that the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been taking various initiatives to boost the export. The Department has recently submitted a self-declaration of freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza. To promote export the Department has recognized 33 poultry compartments as free from Avian Influenza. The Department based on the validity has been notified 26 compartments to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). On October 13, 2023, the self-declaration was approved by WOAH. Further, the Department took initiatives to resolve the issue of feed shortage in the past years.

Upadhaya strongly emphasised on the promotion of poultry exports, strengthening the Indian poultry sector, improving the ease of doing business, addressing challenges in poultry product exports, and strategizing the integration of units in the informal sector and further cementing poultry sectors position on the world stage. She also shared insights on Department proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with HPAI by adopting the concept of poultry compartmentalization to facilitate the international trade of poultry and poultry-related products.

The roundtable meeting served as a platform for dynamic exchanges, encouraging collaborative efforts to address current challenges and formulate robust strategies for the sustainable growth of the Indian Poultry sector. In the meeting the poultry sector representatives, exporters discussed various issues related to poultry export.

To promote export the department recognised 33

Raghunathan Narayanan is the co-founder of The Catalyst Group

Raghunathan Narayanan, Co-founder of The Catalyst Group, has been elected Ashoka Senior Fellow 2023 for his transformative approach to empowering smallholder farmers in India, with a primary focus on the 3Fold model and the Platform for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (PIE).

“Traditionally, smallholder farmers were considered as beneficiaries of the public system or savers of the world because when India went through a famine, they worked to produce food for the whole country. However, they remained there without much progress. The way we see it, while they grow food, they are also entrepreneurs,” said Raghunathan.

Recognising the immense potential of agriculture for job creation in India, Raghunathan and his team at Vrutti Livelihood Impact Partners (Catalyst Group) built an entrepreneurial approach to smallholder farming based on learnings from an impact assessment of agricultural interventions in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal areas. By 2009, the first Agriculture Enterprise Facilitation Centre was established, conducting a pilot with 250 farmers.

This led to self-organisation and collaboration among farmers, such as producing bio-pesticides and engaging in initial processing like millet processing for higher incomes. The success prompted scaling to other agroecological zones, with the schemes of five state governments and philanthropic donors aiding in expansion to larger farmer organisations, refining selection criteria, and expanding services. This evolved into the ‘3Fold idea and model,’ integrating farm advisory, input services, financing, and marketing, with technology as an accelerator.

Raghunathan Narayanan is the co-founder of The

The strategic location, with proximity to established industrial projects, complements Neogen Ionics’ strategic expansion plans

Arete Group, a leading industrial real estate player in Gujarat, announces an industrial land purchase of 65 acres at PIP (Payal Industrial Park) in Pakhajan, Dahej PCPIR, Gujarat by Neogen Ionics Limited. Neogen Ionics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neogen Chemicals Limited, has completed the land acquisition as a pivotal move towards establishing a world-class Battery Materials facility on this expansive greenfield site.

The newly acquired land is dedicated to the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials, including 30,000 MT of electrolytes and 4,000 MT of electrolyte salts and additives in the first phase. Neogen Ionics aims to operationalise the electrolyte plant by the second half of 2025, catering to the growing demand from lithium-ion cell manufacturers in India and the expanding international OEM demand for Electrolyte Salts and additives.

Arete Group, through its flagship project PIP, aligns seamlessly with Neogen Ionics’ vision, offering a conducive environment for industrial growth and innovation. PIP, spread across 3,500 acres, provides plug-and-play land and infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of industries. The strategic location, with proximity to established industrial projects, complements Neogen Ionics’ strategic expansion plans.

Commenting on the successful land acquisition, Siraj Saiyed, Director of Arete Group, stated, “We are delighted to facilitate Neogen Ionics’ strategic move to establish a state-of-the-art Battery Materials facility at PIP. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable industrial development in the region. PIP is uniquely designed to support transformative initiatives, and we are enthusiastic about contributing to the success of Neogen Ionics’ visionary project.”

The strategic location, with proximity to established

The MoU with Tetra Pak to maximise efficiency without compromising on quality or food safety

IFFCO Group, as part of its ESG-based strategic plans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an MoU with Tetra Pak, the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company, designed to drive the momentum of sustainability initiatives within the group’s manufacturing facilities.

This groundbreaking collaboration between IFFCO, the UAE-based multinational FMCG group, and the renowned multinational entrepreneurial organisation, Tetra Pak, cements a strategic alliance that supports the implementation of global standards in state-of-the-art practices and technologies aimed at minimising the group’s environmental impact.

IFFCO is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia by building a state-of-the-art factory equipped with the latest technology to locally produce sustainable, high quality and delicious products while adding value to the Saudi Arabian economy and contributing to reducing waste, lowering emissions and prioritising green industry protocols. The factory will initially focus on producing culinary creams and has formalised the MoU with Tetra Pak to maximise efficiency without compromising on quality or food safety.

The MoU with Tetra Pak to maximise

The project represents a significant move to further monitor fertilizer usage in crop production around the world.

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) and agri benchmark Cash Crop have announced the start of a joint project aimed at collecting data on the quantity of fertilizer used in key crops within all major fertilizer-consuming countries. The project represents a significant move to further monitor fertilizer usage in crop production around the world.

Following the completion of a successful pilot project to test and refine a methodology across seven countries in six continents, the global project roll-out will now begin. Its aim is to make the use of fertilizers in global crop production transparent to the public and to all stakeholders, using agri benchmark’s bottom-up approach to data collection to understand at a sub-regional level how a country’s key crops contribute to the national quantity of fertilizer consumed.

Fertilizer use in crop production is a topical and important issue: on the one hand, fertilizers are the cornerstone of improved crop growth and an important means to ensure global food security. On the other hand, inefficient use of fertilizers can be harmful to the environment. Furthermore, nitrogen is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

The new project will deliver the following key outputs:

  • Regional and national averages in nutrient application per hectare of the key field crops and perennial crops that make up >70% of arable land use.
  • Regional and national averages in nutrient application per hectare of grassland.
  • Estimates for national fertilizer use in crop production and grassland in total.
  • Specific fertilizer uses per ton of crop output.
  • The global roll-out of the project will be phased over three years with a focus on different global regions in each year.

Dr Yelto Zimmer, head of agri benchmark, said, “We are very excited to be expanding our collaboration with IFA to work on the global roll-out in monitoring fertilizer use in crop production. Our aim is to become a hub for knowledge in global crop production, and this project will certainly strengthen the breadth and depth of data that we collect in that regard.”

Achim Dobermann, Chief Scientist at IFA, commented, “This project will systematically collect information on fertilizer use and other important agronomic practices, which we urgently need for improving global and national databases on nutrient use, balance and efficiency. We look forward to working with the agri benchmark network.”

The project represents a significant move to

Company’s Water Restoration Initiative acknowledged for contributing to equality and climate resilience.

 Swaraj Tractors, a rapidly growing tractor brand under the Mahindra Group, has earned a noteworthy distinction by securing the prestigious ‘Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility’ for the year 2023.

The Golden Peacock Awards, known for their stringent evaluation process, and considered a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide have acknowledged Swaraj Division, for its outstanding contributions to societal well-being for its flagship initiative, ‘Project Pani’.

‘Project Pani,’ initiated in 2020, focuses on the restoration and renovation of old rainwater harvesting structures. Acknowledged by the stringent evaluation process of the Golden Peacock Awards, Swaraj Division has demonstrated outstanding contributions to societal well-being through ‘Project Pani.’ This aligns seamlessly with Mahindra’s brand pillar, ‘Rise for More Equal World,’ emphasizing the intersection of climate change and social equality.

Over the past two years, ‘Project Pani’ has successfully renovated traditional ponds, recharged old wells, and enhanced the water table in water catchment zones. The project has not only expanded farming acreage but has also ensured yearlong availability of drinking water to a significant population. Additionally, the formation of ‘women water groups’ addresses water-use and governance issues, contributing to the empowerment of local communities.

At the ‘IOD’s 18th International Conference,’ Arun Raghav, Vice President HR, ER, Admin and CSR, Swaraj Division, M&M Ltd., received the award in Mumbai from Chief Justice High Court of Bombay, Devendra K. Uadhyaya.

Company’s Water Restoration Initiative acknowledged for contributing