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Agrotech, India, Interaction, Start ups

Shubham Singh, Founder, FUMA Labs interacted with AgroSpectrum to learn more about the potential of agri waste in allied industries. Edited excerpts;

Founded in 2018, Craste purchases crop residues from farmers and recycles them to make packaging materials and engineered boards for furniture. Operating under the company name, FUMA Labs Private Limited, the startup repurposes crop waste into moulded packaging, paper products, packaging and particle boards, helping farmers earn additional revenue. Company has received several grants such as BIRAC SOCH Award, Biotech Ignition Grant (BIRAC), and AB InBev Grant, among others.

The startup is also building packaging solutions using crop residue. It has developed a patent-pending technology, Fumasolv, to extract Lignin from crop residue to develop packaging solutions. The startup operates on the B2B model and sells its boards and packaging materials to businesses. It also works on research and development to create custom-made packaging solutions for its clients. AgroSpectrum interacted with Shubham Singh, Founder, FUMA Labs to learn more about the potential of agri waste in allied industries. Edited experts; 

How is FUMA Labs contributing to the use of agri waste in allied industry?

The name of our company Craste itself explains the nature of our work. Craste means crop plus waste which we are using to create business. As we are aware of crop burning, a huge issue in India, many farmers burn the crop residue due to unavailability of affordable and faster options to manage their crop residue. Understanding this issue, we decided to provide affordable options to farmers for crop residue management and mainly add value to the agri-waste. We incentivise the farmers about the value of the farm waste and as a secondary source of income. We buy the agricultural waste from the farmers and recycle them to make packaging materials and engineered boards for furniture. We have recently completed a sustainable and customised packaging solution project for Anheuser-Busch.

Recently the company has completed a pilot project for Beer brand Corona for eco-packaging-six packs made from 100 per cent barley straw. What’s in store for FY 2023?

We help multinational companies achieve sustainability goals. We are working with big companies like Nestle and ITC for sustainable packaging solutions. We are selling pulp made of agri-waste to paper mills and manufacturers of moulded items used in the food packaging industry. Besides this, we provide R&D services for multinational companies. Recently we completed a project for IKEA in which textile waste was provided by IKEA and we made stationary products out of the textile waste using innovative technologies.

Initially we started with providing R&D services then we started conducting pilot scale projects and lastly reached industry scale projects. Now our next venture will be an entry in volumes of sales. We will hit the market with the launch of our manufacturing factory unit at Morena in Madhya Pradesh soon.

We are planning to establish a franchisee model which will be based on a cut-copy and paste system. In this model we will provide end to end support to the farmers having big size farms and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) so that they can start processing of farm -waste at their farm gates and manufacture value added products. We will provide them technology support for smooth functioning and also support them for sales and marketing of the products. This will create good business opportunities in rural areas and also create employment for youth in villages.

We have started discussions with NABARD, FPO’s and government bodies for this project. Currently we are procuring 78 million tonnes of agri-waste from the farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Company has developed a network of 20,000 farmers for the supply of farm waste. Thus, we have started building an ecosystem and networking for this project.

What inputs are required to make agri-waste profitable?

Firstly, I think the government is quite proactive about the effective utilisation of agro-waste and supporting new innovations in the agriculture sector. The government is supporting new technologies and R&D in sustainable management of farm waste by providing financial support through its various schemes and grants. Current policies about farm waste management are supportive not only for farmers but also for the agri industry. The government should formulate a plan or scheme for the crop waste management industry. It will help in mitigating the challenges in the supply chain of agri-waste, implementation of technology and funding for new startups. New entrepreneurs should take advantage of government schemes for R&D and funding and create business opportunities from agri-waste.

Secondly, the supply chain of agri-waste utilisation is building up in the market. More and more solutions for utilisation of agri-waste are coming into the market. As a result, the supply chain of agri waste is automatically building up. Many young and modern farmers are stocking up their farm waste and selling it further to the companies.

When agri-waste will get added value, it will definitely boost farmers’ income and also agri industry in the form of new business opportunities. Investment from private players in agri-waste utilisation projects will also contribute in the growth of new startups working in utilisation agri-waste.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine.

Shubham Singh, Founder, FUMA Labs interacted with

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Horticulture, India, IT, Live Stock, Start ups

It aims to deliver curated content to farmers on time and upskill the vast network of extension workers for agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, livestock and rural livelihood missions through certified online courses.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi with Digital Green under public private partnership framework to build a national level digital extension platform. The platform will host a digital library of curated multi-format multi-lingual content, help extension workers access and deliver curated content to farmers on time and upskill the vast network of extension workers for agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, livestock and rural livelihood missions through certified online courses.

The MOU is with Digital Green, an award winning social enterprise that is leveraging the power of technology to support small and marginal farmers to enhance their productivity and income, strengthen their agency and build community level resilience. Founded by Rikin Gandhi, a technocrat and social development enthusiast, Digital Green has been working with governments in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, serving over 25 lakhs farmers and having enhanced the capacities of over 4000 front like workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, MoA&FW, GoI said that “The proposed national digital platform will help make our extension system more efficient and effective by connecting farmers to the strong foundation of digital agriculture ecosystem that is being built by the government. Digital capacity of this extension system is crucial to help farmers reap the benefits of digital agriculture and will serve as one of the component of digital public infrastructure for Agriculture announced recently in the Union Budget “.

There are over 200,000 extension workers in India in agriculture, livelihood and allied sectors. This ambitious initiative will converge the outreach efforts of departments of agriculture, horticulture, livestock, dairy, fisheries and rural livelihoods under a single digital platform through a decentralised content creation and targeted dissemination. To be launched within six months, the platform will have the portal and capabilities to serve the entire farming community in India and catalyse Agtech and other market actors with newer and higher value proposition.

According to Rikin Gandhi, technology has no value unless it makes a positive difference to the last mile farmer. Thanking the GoI for investing in technology to make Indian farm system future ready, he said that “we are honoured and proud to be partnering with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and be a key stakeholder in making our small and marginal farmers thrive and proposer. He further added that the envisaged platform will contribute to and complement the national systems to emerge as a digital public good for the farm sector in India.’’

It aims to deliver curated content

Company News, Finance, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

The tractor sales have reached 1,28,190 YTD

India’s export brand, Sonalika Tractors has recorded 26 per cent domestic growth to clock 9,741 overall tractor sales in January’23. Largely powered by its recent unprecedented step of revealing tractor prices on the official website and a transformational customer-centric approach, this staggering achievement by Sonalika marks the opening of the year 2023  The tractor sales have reached 1,28,190 YTD.

Sonalika has continued to win farmer’s trust with its unique approach over the years and provide easy access to superior technologies to farmers across the globe. The company has further capitalised on favourable market conditions such as record wheat acreage and construction activities which are in full swing in India. Deepening its commitments further to support agri-ecosystem month after month, Sonalika is fully geared up to meet the ever-changing needs of the farmers along with reliable affordability and ensure exponential income growth.

Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited said, “Along with launching innovative products, we also keep taking unique initiatives such as revealing tractor prices on our website that indeed has created a kind of revolution among the farming community as we have been witnessing huge influx on our website as well as dealerships. This approach has addressed a big issue for farmers and by ensuring such transparency in the tractor-buying process on our already robust product portfolio, we have been further reinforcing farmer’s trust in our brand. This has enabled us to clock a sturdy 26 per cent domestic growth to beat industry growth and clock 9,741 overall tractor sales in Jan’23. Our YTD growth trajectory has reached 1,28,190 tractor sales which is inspiring for us to remain committed towards farmers and develop a world-class product portfolio for their prosperous future.”

The tractor sales have reached 1,28,190 YTDIndia’s

Company News, E-commerce, India, Start ups

The new identity reflects the brand’s ambition to empower every ‘Gramik’ with innovation, integrity, and thoughtfulness.

New Delhi based Agrijunction, India’s first peer agri-commerce platform, has rebranded as Gramik. Gramik offers a wide range of high-quality inputs, complete crop guidance, personalized advice, and market connections to farmers throughout India. The new logo represents the brand’s goal of constructing a digitized rural economy and creates a unique identity by incorporating soil, farming, and the environment. The thumbprint from the former identity has been retained to maintain existing user relationships and brand loyalty.

‘As our business has transformed significantly since its inception, we felt the need to evolve our brand ethos and perception as well,’ said Raj Yadav, CEO and Founder of Gramik. ‘Our brand’s core goal is to empower and transform rural communities by providing access to quality farm inputs, expert knowledge, technological advancements, and livelihood and business skills for farmers, women, and rural youth. We believe the new name will reflect our passion and commitment to every Indian farmer and related communities.

‘Our brand values understand the significance of soil, crop, and weather in agriculture, and that farmers can make informed decisions and mitigate risks associated with these factors,’ said Gaurav Kumar, co-founder and COO of Gramik.”

Gramik (formerly known as AgriJunction) is working to strengthen and transform rural communities via access to quality agricultural products the farmers in form of seed & fertilizers, pesticide & compost, Agricultural tools, Plant nursery & Nutrients, Food & Animal feeds, and crop insurance. Additionally, Gramik addresses challenges in logistics and delivery in rural areas by leveraging technology to help distributors and retailers liquidate slow-moving stock and increase their reach through our platform.

The new identity reflects the brand’s ambition

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India

Profit Before Tax (Before Exceptional Items) stood at Rs 829 million, compared to Rs 593 million in the corresponding period of FY 2021-22.

Bayer CropScience Limited announced its unaudited results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2022. In the third quarter (Q3) of Financial Year (FY) 2022-23, Bayer CropScience Limited (BCSL) earned Revenue from Operations of Rs 10,379 million, as compared to Rs 9,901 million in the corresponding period of FY 2021-22. Profit Before Tax (Before Exceptional Items) stood at Rs 829 million, compared to Rs 593 million in the corresponding period of FY 2021-22. Profit Before Tax (After Exceptional Items) stood at Rs 1,836 million as compared to Rs 1,178 million in the corresponding period of FY 2021-22.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2022, BCSL reported Revenue from Operations of Rs 41,572 million, compared to Rs 37,711 million for the corresponding period in FY 2021-22. Profit Before Tax (Before Exceptional Items) for the nine months ended December 31, 2022, stood at ₹ 6,942 million, compared to Rs 5,988 million for the corresponding period in FY 2021-22. Profit Before Tax (After Exceptional Items) stood at Rs 7,949 million as compared to ₹ 6,573 million in the corresponding period of FY 2021-22.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Executive Director, Bayer CropScience Ltd. said, “Our Q3 revenue growth from operations was driven by corn seeds and herbicides, supported by double-digit liquidation growth of crop protection portfolio and strong recovery in Rabi corn.”

Simon Britsch, Chief Financial Officer, BCSL said, “BCSL concluded the sale of its Environmental Science business in Q3 of FY 2022-23 with an exceptional income of Rs 1,007 million. The portfolio-adjusted Revenue from Operations grew by 6.7 per cent and by 11.8 per cent for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. BCSL is continuing on its trajectory with sustained growth investments while focusing on maintaining profitability despite inflationary pressures and other external challenges.”

Profit Before Tax (Before Exceptional Items) stood

Award, Bee keeping, Foodgrains, India, Sustainability, Textile industry

NABARD is providing all the support for pre-registration and post-registration to get GI tags for local products

Mushkbudji Rice, Sulai Honey, Bhaderwah Rajma and six other products from Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh will get GI Geographical Indications (GI) soon. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Jammu has sanctioned a project for Geographical Indications registration of nine products from the region.

The products which have gained GI tag include Mushkbudji Rice, Sulai Honey, Basohli Paintings, Basholi Pashmina Woolen Products, Chikri Wood Craft, Bhaderwah Rajma, Anardana, Ladakh Wood Carving.

NABARD is providing all the support for pre-registration and post-registration to get GI tags for local products. The GI applications of all these products have been filed at the GI registry, Chennai. The process of registration is in the final stage of granting a GI Tag. The final GI Tag is thus expected soon.

GI tag is a kind of Intellectual Property right that identifies a product originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality, and characteristics linked to that location.

NABARD is providing all the support for

Agrotech, Award, India, People

Boratkar has successfully established the flagship event of Indian Science Congress and has strengthened all other initiatives in R&D, Agriculture and other cutting-edge technologies.

Renowned scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar conferred Suryadatta National Award 2023 to Ravindra Boratkar , Managing Director ,MMActiv Sci- Tech Communications to recognise his excellence in the field of Economic Development at the Surydatta National Award 2023 function held in Pune on February 7. Founder of Ahimsa Vishwabharati Acharya Dr Lokesh Muniji and Gyanvatsal Swami Maharaj of Akshardham temple were the keynote speakers on this occasion, while Padmashri Muralikant Pethkar, Padmashri Anup Jalota was present as Guest of Honour.

 The Suryadatta National Awards and the Suryadatta LifeTime Achievement Awards 2023 announced on the occasion of Commemoration of 25th Suryadatta Foundation Day and given to towering personalities from all walks of life, whose significant contributions towards the enrichment of their chosen vocation have made a difference to society, transforming all those lives whom they have touched and leaving their footprints on the sands of time.

Ravindra Boratkar is a visionary leader  and has contributed actively to promote and provoke reasoned thinking in matters of socioeconomic development at both the state and the national levels. He is a Science Graduate with a Masters in Business Administration. He started his career with Newspaper as a Management Trainee and then set up his own Advertising agency in 1988, which has won many awards and accolades.

Boratkar has successfully established the flagship event of Indian Science Congress and has strengthened all other initiatives in R&D, Agriculture and other cutting-edge technologies. He also serves as a board member of Solvent Extraction Company and A composite project of Sugar, Power, Ethanol and Bio-Fertilisers.

He is the Managing Director of –

MM Activ Sci Tech Communications Pvt Ltd. India’s leading Tech Media & Events company, since its inception MM Activ has curated over 100 National & International Conventions with special focus on Agro, Food, Nutraceuticals, Biotech & other Frontier Technologies. He is the Publisher & Managing Editor of B2B Publication & Portals namely BioSpectrum  , NuFFooDS Spectrum and AgroSpectrum.

Asian Conventions & Expositions Pvt Ltd, which operates Maharashtra’s only Integrated Convention & Exhibition Centre -CIDCO at Navi Mumbai. This is the first PPP initiative for accelerating regional economic growth through convention centre in India.

He is Chairman of Central India Central Multipurpose Consumer Co Op Society, which runs Purti Super Bazar.

He is Organising Secretary of Agrovision  and President of the Agrovision Foundation which is working to educate, encourage and empower farmers of central India to make their livelihood sustainable.

He is the youngest President of Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC), which works as the Think Tank for the socio-economic development of Maharashtra.

He is also on the board of AFC India Ltd (Formerly Agricultural Finance Corporation Ltd.), Cian Agro Industries & Infrastructure Ltd, PURTI Power & Sugar Ltd, SCI Knowledge Interlinks Pvt Ltd, Profit Advertisers (India) Pvt Ltd., Citrus Estate, Paitham.

Boratkar has successfully established the flagship event

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Dairy, Finance, India, Live Stock, Sustainability

Budget FY 2023-24 for Department of Fisheries marks an overall increase of 38.45% over the Budget of FY 2022-23.

While presenting the budget for FY 2023-24, Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech has announced allocation of an amount of Rs 2248.77 crore as against the corresponding figure of Rs 1624.18 crore during 2022-23 and Rs 1360 crore during 2021-22 for the Department of Fisheries. It marks an overall increase of 38.45 percent over the budget of FY 2022-23 from the last one and is one of the highest ever annual budgetary support for the Department.

Further, she has announced a new sub-scheme named Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Central Sector Sub-scheme under PMMSY with targeted investment of INR 6,000 crore with the objective to enhance further the earnings and incomes of fishermen, fish vendors and micro & small enterprises engaged in fisheries sector. PM-MKSSY envisages focussed intervention to bring about formalisation of the fisheries sector and this includes digital inclusion, facilitating access to institutional finance for capital investment and working capital, incentives to bring about system and institutions to reduce risk in aquaculture and fisheries incentivising micro-enterprises operating in fisheries and aquaculture sector to work on value-chain efficiencies, incentivising micro and small enterprises to establish supply chains for delivery of safe fish products to consumers, thereby expanding the domestic market and incentives for creation and maintenance of jobs for women in the sector.

The budget speech has also laid stressed on creation of primary cooperative societies including fisheries cooperatives at panchayat level. Formation of co-operative societies at grass root level will formalise the sector and will empower fishers and fish farmers to carry out fish production and its post-harvest activities in an organised manner. With Rs 900 crore allocation for the Ministry of Cooperation for development of cooperatives, enhanced limits for loans, TDS limits and cash deposits and steps to be taken for building the national co-operative database are expected to make operations and financing easier for co-operatives in the sector and help the sector to grow faster. The above, in addition to the earlier announcement on, establishment of National Co-operative Export Society, National Co-operative Society for Organic Products and National Level Multi-State Seed Co-operative Society are expected to support the fisheries in the areas of seed and marketing.

The credit target for agriculture and allied sector has been announced to be increased to Rs 20 lakh crores with focus on animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries. This will substantially improve flow of institutional finance for fisheries sector. Further the announcement to reduce import duty on certain inputs required for shrimp feed is expected to lower the cost of imports and the cost of production and as a result will boost and promote aquaculture exports. Reduction in basic customs duty on fish meal from 15  per cent to 5 per cent, on krill meal from 15 per cent to 5 per cent, on algal Prime (flour) from 30 percent to 15 percent, on fish lipid oil from 30 percent to 15 percent and on mineral and vitamin premixes from 15 percent to 5 percent for manufacturing of aquatic feed is expected to reduce cost of feed, promote domestic feed including and to substantially improve export competitive of Indian shrimps.

Budget FY 2023-24 for Department of Fisheries

Agrotech, Company News, India, People, Sustainability

Pankaj will focus on driving symbiotic partnerships for nurture.farm with Seed Companies, Agrochemicals Companies, CPG Companies, Development Agencies and FPOs

Bangalore based nurture.farm, India’s leading Agri-tech platform, has promoted its Agronomy and Agri-business expert Pankaj Dwivedi as the Head of its Business Development and Partnerships division. Pankaj joined nurture.farm in 2020 as its Head of the Agronomy division.

Pankaj holds a Postgraduate in Agribusiness Management from the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing. He has been associated with notable companies in the Agri-tech, Manufacturing, and Food Industries, including Dow AgroSciences and AgroStar. Since joining nurture.farm, he has successfully worked with his team to launch the ‘Crop Doctor’ program, soil testing services, and farmer advisory services. Along with the Data Science team at nurture.farm, he built the crop, pest & weather prediction models. He also led programmes around paddy crop residue management, drone spraying and others.

With over 14 years of agriculture industry experience, he has developed an in-depth understanding of the agri- landscape, its disparities, and the challenges faced by various agri-stakeholders – Farmers, Distributors, Traders, Enterprises, and FPOs.

In his new role, Pankaj and his team will focus on driving symbiotic partnerships for nurture.farm with Seed Companies, Agrochemicals Companies, CPG Companies, Development Agencies, FPOs, and Government organizations to drive market penetration and increase market share for its mechanization services, agri-input marketplace, sustainability and resilience programs.

Dhruv Sawhney, COO at nurture.farm said, “We are happy to have Pankaj in a role in which we strongly believe he will excel. The new position offers him a unique opportunity to leverage his industry knowledge and connect to bring about change, lead industry conversations, and drive growth for the organization.”

” We want to scale up our sustainability programs, help enterprises reduce their scope-3 emissions, and create a sustainable sourcing supply chain. While we will look to accomplish our objectives, we will be driven by the sole purpose of driving value for our partners, opening up new channels to generate revenue, enabling them to source sustainably and meet their net-zero targets. I am excited and looking forward to experiencing the journey ahead”, added Pankaj Dwivedi.

Pankaj will focus on driving symbiotic partnerships

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, India, Sustainability

The sustainability report centres on the 5C approach to sustainability at Yara: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute

Yara India, a part of Norwegian multinational Yara International – the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial, and environmental solutions, announced the release of its first India Sustainability Report. The report describes Yara’s approach to enhancing the sustainability of its business processes in India and progress towards change. Yara India has reached 11.8Mn farmers digitally and positively impacted the lives of 68,000 members of the farmer fraternity through its partnerships with more than 125 FPOs across 13 states.

The sustainability report centres on the 5C approach to sustainability at Yara: Commit, Channelize, Care, Concern, and Contribute. These pillars align well with UN SDGs, while addressing areas like GHG emission reduction, energy conservation, water stewardship, circularity, and biodiversity. The company developed a plan to invest in initiatives and programme creation in areas that will lower operating costs, induct higher female workforce across value chain, provide revenue opportunities, and lower operating risks.

On the occasion Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, ” Our work enables us to impact sustainably along the manufacturing and agricultural value chains, while offering high-tech solutions to the farmers feeding the globe. Our teams are also assisting us consistently in this endeavour and we are also relying on them for innovative ideas to enhance productivity, eradicate waste, and reduce costs. Through our initiatives, we have been able to reach out to 11.6Mn farmers and directly support 68,000 members of the farming community across 13 states.”

The company is already creating and developing solutions that cater to the changing needs of farmers and reduce environmental impacts. The report, which aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative, highlights company accomplishments such as:

Commit: 11.6 Mn farmers reached through online sessions, partnerships with more than 125 FPOs across 13 states enable us to directly connect with and support around 68,000 members of the farmer community. Yara Crop Nutrition Centres (YCNC) attracts 0.7- 1.0 million farmers monthly.

Channelise: Created opportunities for women in customer-facing roles such as agronomy and sales and as agri-entrepreneurs; partnered with 7 women-only FPOs and Women formed 50% of the Yara India Advisory Council, which has been established to guide the organisation across various strategic business imperatives

Care: Impacted 65,000 lives through our CSR initiatives; special initiatives for physical, mental & emotional well-being of our people. 99 per cent of full-time employees covered through training sessions during the year

Concern: Measures towards, reducing scope 1 GHG emissions are being undertaken along with rigorous process for waste segregation and recycling. Installation of 600 KLD MBR based sewage treatment plant for water treatment is underway.

Contribute: Generated employment for 1535 people. Supported 55 small businesses.

The sustainability report centres on the 5C

Company News, Finance, India, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during January 2023 were at 28,926 units, as against 22,682 units for the same period last year.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for January 2023.Domestic sales in January 2023 were at 27,626 units, as against 21,162 units during January 2022.Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during January 2023 were at 28,926 units, as against 22,682 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1,300 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We have sold 27,626 tractors in the domestic market during January 2023, registering a growth of 31% over last year. We are off to a good start to the year with promising Rabi crop outlook as sowing acreage for key crops of wheat, pulses and oil seeds has already surpassed previous year levels, supported by conducive soil and weather conditions. This bodes well for the coming months, as the farmers start harvesting this bumper crop. In addition, continued government focus and higher investment in this sector will aid positive sentiments and boost tractor demands. In the exports market, we have sold 1300 tractors.”

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups, Sustainability

It aims to collaborate in developing standards for crops such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds that are important for the nation.

Chennai based Samunnati Agro Solutions Private Limited, one of the prominent agri enterprises in India, joins hands with Germany-based GLOBALG.A.P., the leading body for setting global standards for agricultural produce particularly, on food safety and quality. Samunnati and GLOBALG.A.P. together aim to collaborate in developing standards for crops such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds that are important for the nation.

The GLOBALG.A.P. protocols are used as benchmarks for enabling international trade in agri commodities and are widely used by many of the biggest companies involved in cross-border trading of agricultural produce. By joining the GLOBALG.A. P network as an Associate Community Member, Samunnati is keen to support development of standards for major staples such as cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, which are cultivated in large scale by hundreds of millions of farmers and are locally relevant

This is in sync with Samunnati’s priorities to unlock the trillion-dollar plus potential of Indian agriculture through working with diverse stakeholders like FPOs, farmers, agribusiness companies, experts, and other ecosystem players. GLOBALG.A.P. will bring its global expertise in developing standards that are locally adaptable by the farmers especially, smallholders.

Anil Kumar S G, Founder & CEO, Samunnati, said, “By leveraging mutual synergies, Samunnati and GLOBALG.A.P. are keen to ensure adequate production of safe, nutritious, and good quality food both for the domestic consumers and export markets. By adopting GLOBALG.A.P. protocols, our homegrown food can comply with the global standards and will be able to access newer global markets. These protocols also help in enhancing productivity and improved resource use efficiency contributing towards sustainability. Here, FPOs can certainly play a big role in encouraging their member farmers to adopt the standards, which will help the farmer collectives explore remunerative markets including exports, through which value realization for the farmers is enhanced. Samunnati will explore all these opportunities keeping the smallholder farmers at the center.”

It aims to collaborate in developing standards

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, India

Axens and Praj will continue to individually offer technology for production of low carbon ethanol from cellulosic biomass in India and abroad.

Axens and Praj have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work jointly on projects in India for production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from low carbon alcohols through Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway. India is among top five aviation markets globally, and robust growth is expected over the next two decades. In its pursuit of Net Zero target, Government of India is mulling over introducing SAF mandates to decarbonize the aviation sector.

The ASTM approved ATJ pathway (ATJ-SPK) involving conversion of low-carbon ethanol or low-carbon isobutanol into SAF will play a major role in meeting India’s requirement of SAF production. Praj brings to the table proven expertise in modularized solutions, integration services for complete project and technology for production of low carbon isobutanol and ethanol from conventional bio-sourced feedstock.

Axens will provide its JetanolTM Alcohol-To-Jet technologies (dehydration, olefin oligomerization and hydrogenation steps), catalyst solution, equipment and services (training, technical assistance) for conversion of alcohols to SAF. Axens and Praj will continue to individually offer technology for production of low carbon ethanol from cellulosic biomass in India and abroad.

Shishir Joshipura, CEO & MD of Praj said,“As a sustainable climate action company we are involved in accelerating energy transition through bioeconomy. Partnership with Axens is yet another step in this regard. With complementary strengths across the value chain of SAF production, this is a definitive step towards cleaner skies in India.”

Xavier Decoodt, Vice President – Gasoline and ATJ product line at Axens said: “As a technology provider, Axens has been deeply involved in India’s journey toward cleaner fuels for more than three decades and we are very excited to continue that work on SAF projects with Praj as new partner”.

Axens and Praj will continue to individually

Animal Health, Company News, North America, Sustainability

Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF and Cargill strive to deliver solutions that address productivity, sustainability, and cost challenges for US customers.

BASF and Cargill have announced their expanded cooperation, adding the United States (US) to their existing feed enzymes development and distribution agreement. Together, the two companies are committed to bringing innovative enzyme-based solutions to the market, generating distinctive value for animal feed customers. By combining the enzyme research and development strengths of BASF with Cargill’s know-how in application and broad market reach, the partners will form a joint innovation pipeline for animal protein producers. 

With the expanded geographical reach, BASF and Cargill aim to bring the voice and commercial insights of US protein producers to craft the next generation of enzymes jointly. Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF and Cargill strive to deliver solutions that address productivity, sustainability, and cost challenges for US customers.

“We are delighted further to strengthen our relationship with our US customers and BASF,” said Mariano Berdegue, the North America regional managing director for Cargill’s animal nutrition business. “The collaboration will provide more animal feed customers with access to a wide range of high-performance enzyme solutions that we have seen reduce nutrient waste, improve feed efficiency, and sustainably promote animal performance.” 

In 2021, BASF and Cargill moved the relationship beyond pure distribution agreements into the joint development of new enzyme technologies and applications. This extended partnership builds upon the successful go-to-market collaboration between the companies across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, the Middle East, and Africa. As part of the partnership, BASF and Cargill will co-develop, produce, market, and sell customer-centric enzyme products and solutions. 

“With the expansion of our collaboration to the US, we continue to build our joint success story. We are proud to be on this journey with Cargill to increase further the value creation opportunities for animal feed customers,” adds Gisele Santos Bin, Global Sales Director Feed Enzymes & Feed Performance Ingredients at BASF.

BASF and Cargill are excited to expand their partnership and bring scientific excellence and animal nutrition expertise to drive customer success.

Through this next stage of collaboration, BASF