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Agrotech, R&D, Trade

The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity-building, allowing tech and agricultural companies in the RAKEZ business community

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting mutual growth and development in the food and agriculture sector of the UAE and India.

The agreement, signed by Ramy Jallad RAKEZ Group CEO and Dr MJ Khan ICFA Chairman, is intended to strengthen the strategic collaboration between the two countries. The partnership also aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, trade promotion, investment, and research and development collaboration.

On the development, Jallad expressed the significance of the MoU, emphasising the commitment to strengthen relationships with international organisations like ICFA and recognising India’s role as a strategic trade and investment partner for the UAE.

India, being one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, brings valuable innovation and expertise in the food and agriculture sectors, particularly in sustainable farming and food processing technologies.

The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity-building, allowing tech and agricultural companies in the RAKEZ business community to enhance their methods and share innovative, sustainable farming techniques with major Indian companies.

Khan highlighted the importance of this collaboration for ICFA, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in their history. The partnership with RAKEZ will enable Indian agri-businesses to explore profitable opportunities in the MENA region through Ras Al Khaimah.

Additionally, joint research and development projects are expected to stimulate agricultural innovation and contribute significantly to the advancement of the sector in both India and the UAE.

The MoU will facilitate promotional activities for trade, market access, and business matchmaking between Indian food and agriculture companies and businesses within the RAKEZ ecosystem.

The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for

AgroPolicy, India

The terminal will augment economic growth by facilitating movement of tourists & cargo towards Upper Assam region, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland through Brahmaputra.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal to be developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, by the bank of the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) in Dibrugarh, Assam. The tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal will be developed at a cost of Rs 46.60 crores and is scheduled to be completed by February, 2024. Once developed, this terminal is likely to play a pivotal role in rejuvenating inland waterways transportation in the region for both cargo and passenger movement, paving the way for growth of trade & commerce. The terminal will augment economic growth by facilitating movement of tourists & cargo towards Upper Assam region, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland through Brahmaputra.

Considering the growing popularity of inland waterways as an economical & efficient mode of transportation, other new industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, cement etc may come up in the region while further improving the economies of scale for existing major trade like tea, polymer, coal, fertiliser etc. The modern terminal is also likely to play a crucial role as a harbinger of growth for the tourism sector with major destinations like Sibsagar, Majuli, Itanagar, Ziro Valley, Pasighat, Roing, Tawang valley etc.

The IWT terminal, under the aegis of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for inland waterways of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), will have many modern features. The executing agency of the terminal is being done by Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Construction Limited. Some major features include cargo & passenger berths, approach & other internal roads, transit shed, open storage area, truck parking area, passenger waiting area among others. The development of the terminal will play a crucial role in the development of upper Assam and nearby states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland in terms of cargo as well as passenger transportation. It will also lead to increase in eco-tourism, and easing the movement of EXIM cargo with comparatively lower transportation cost vis-a-vis others.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is a momentous day for the people of Assam as we move towards rejuvenating inland waterways transport in the region by further bolstering the capital infrastructure at Bogibeel. Given the historic role that Dibrugarh played as the hub of inland waterways in the past, I believe that this modern terminal at Bogibeel will act as a catalyst towards reclaiming the lost glory of Dibrugarh as a major commercial hub & become harbinger of growth for upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland in the days to come.”

The terminal will augment economic growth by

Agrotech, Company News, Foodgrains, India, Start ups, Sustainability

Six districts of Western UP, Amroha, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bulandshahr, Rampur & Sambhal to benefit from this strategic partnership.

Gurugram based Gram Unnati, India’s fast-growing full-stack agricultural value chain services company, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bayer, to promote the cultivation of spring maize in six districts of western Uttar Pradesh.

The six districts covered by the MoU are Amroha, Bareilly, Bulandshahr, Moradabad, Rampur, and Sambhal. More than 100,000 farmers across these districts will benefit from the partnership between Gram Unnati and Bayer CropScience.

The MoU between Gram Unnati and Bayer is a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture in India. The partnership will help to improve the livelihoods of small-holder farmers in western UP and will also help to conserve natural resources.

As part of the MoU, Indian farmers will be able to access timely crop advisory, transfer of good agricultural practices and access to premium products through Bayer along with support needed to set up model farms. Gram Unnati will facilitate farmer mobilization and ensure market linkages. The MOU aims to replicate the success Gram Unnati and Bayer have achieved by successfully promoting spring maize production in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand in the past. The project helped farmers significantly improve their incomes and save thousands of litres of water.

“We are excited to work together with Bayer to deliver greater value to small-holder farmers in western UP by offering them a level playing field.” said Aneesh Jain, Founder & CEO, Gram Unnati. “This partnership will empower small-holder farmers by providing them access to advisory, quality inputs, credit, technologies, and market linkage. Gram Unnati has deep rooted connections in these six districts and is already working with IFC & Government of UP to help convert 20,000 acres from summer paddy to spring maize. This partnership allows Gram Unnati to mobilise larger number of farmers and help them get the right technical & product guidance from Bayer CropScience.”         

“At Bayer, we want to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across India. Enhancement in livelihood entails adopting timely advisory and good agricultural practices so that they get can get the right remunerative prices for their produce. However, no company can achieve this ‘access to solutions’ challenge alone as it requires building up a larger ecosystem and meaningful collaborations along the agri-value chain. With Gram Unnati, we aim to enhance our reach to smallholder farmers and offer personalized solutions, enabling them to achieve better harvests more sustainably,” said Ajeet Chahal, Head of Commercial Key Accounts and Alternate Business Models, Bayer.

Six districts of Western UP, Amroha, Bareilly,

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, World

Tony Will and Jeanne Johns have been announced as new Chair and new Vice Chair of International Fertilizer Association.

Paris based the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) has announced that Tony Will has been elected its new Chair of the Association. Will is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CF Industries, a global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products for fertilizer, clean energy, emissions abatement and other industrial applications.

“I am honoured to serve as Chair of IFA and help advance this vital organization’s mission to promote the efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients,” Will said. “Our industry is at the forefront of some of the world’s most important challenges, from food security to climate change. I look forward to working with our members and the IFA team to continue our leadership role in addressing these global priorities, collaborating not just within our own industry but with government and other stakeholders as well.”

Jeanne Johns, Managing Director and CEO, Incitec Pivot Ltd., is the new Vice Chair of the Association. Both Will and Johns serve on the Executive Board of the Association, which welcomed two new appointments: Ahmed El Hoshy, CEO of OCI Global and Fertiglobe and Abdulrahman Shamsaddin, CEO of SABIC Agri-Nutrients.

Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara, Norway, remains on the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chair, along with Raviv Zoller, President and CEO, ICL Group and Alzbeta Klein, Director General, IFA.

IFA also welcomes five new Board Directors elected by the membership:

Robert Wilt, CEO, Ma’aden

Maen Nsour, President and CEO, Arab Potash

Julian Palliam, President and CEO, Foskor

Yasser Alabassi, President, GPIC

Wang Bei, General Manager, CNAMPGC Holding Ltd Co.

IFA members also re-elected to the Board of Directors David Delaney, Itafos and Suresh Krishnan, Adventz.

“Helping to feed the world sustainably is at the core of what we do, and IFA is fortunate to have such seasoned executives on our Board,” Klein said.

Tony Will and Jeanne Johns have been

Agrotech, Company News, India, Inputs

Company plans to train at least 1000 Certified Spray Men, conduct safe use training for 5000 farmers, cover 500 villages by deploying public awareness van in next one year.

Syngenta India, a leading agri input company, launched its 7th edition of I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmers Empowerment) program in Yavatmal in the presence of Sanjay Rathod, Hon’ble Minister of Food and Drug Administration, Government of Maharashtra and District Collector, Yavatmal, Amol Yedge.

Under the I-SAFE initiative, Syngenta India in next one year now plans to train at least 1000 Certified Spray Men, conduct safe use training for 5000 farmers, cover 500 villages by deploying public awareness van and conduct training for at least 100 doctors on Recognition and Treatment for accidental pesticide exposure. So far 62,000 farmers have been trained under the I-SAFE program at Yavatmal.  A well-equipped Mobile Health Van to provide primary healthcare facilities was also flagged-off. The farmers were supported with PPE kits and certificates for spray-men entrepreneurs were also distributed.

Syngenta has established six cotton model farms in Yavatmal to train the farmers on safe usage of crop protection products.  The company has also implemented other sustainable practices such as soil health analysis – optimum use of fertilisers, pheromone traps for effective pink ball worm management, crop protection protocol, to grow the cotton more sustainably and effectively.

Dr K C Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India, said, “We have been working in Yavatmal for seven years. Since the launch of I-SAFE in October 2017, over 2500 spray men and farm labour counselling sessions have been conducted on safety and safe use practices. Over 800 doctors have been trained and public awareness sessions have been conducted in 1000 villages. Primary healthcare support using Mobile Health vans have reached to 1,25,000 people so far”.  Dr Ravi added that the use of tools like Grower App will determine the course of future farming. “Syngenta India is committed to making Yavatmal farmers future ready. We are also working on ensuring their safety, and sustainability of farming.”

Cropwise Grower App, an AI-powered tool offers swift, simple and effective solution to farmers by identifying pest or disease attack and get instant remedy. It also provides live weather updates, mandi prices, credit finance facilities, insurance services, among others. Using Crop Doctor feature, a farmer needs to do is click a photo and upload on the Cropwise Grower App.

The App is being promoted as part of I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmers Empowerment), an initiative of Syngenta India aimed at ensuring total safety of Yavatmal farmers by creating awareness and helping them with tools, techniques and know-how. CropWise Grower App helps farmers with instant information on safe use and storage of agro chemicals, soil health, understanding of crop protocols, knowledge of pest and diseases, pheromone trap installation and much more.

Company plans to train at least 1000

Biofuel industry, Company News, Seeds, World

Casterra will supply the castor seeds in 2023 for the cultivation of castor plants to produce oil for sustainable biofuel

Casterra Ag Ltd. a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. announced an additional $2.2 million of purchase orders to supply castor seeds during 2023, for new African territories. Casterra’s castor seeds, developed with Evogene’s GeneRator AI Tech Engine, will be used to grow Castor to produce oil for sustainable biofuel. Casterra’s high-yield, high-oil castor seed varieties are optimised for biofuel production to support the growing sustainable energy market.

The biodiesel market is estimated at $92 billion in 2021, which is about 9 per cent of the overall global diesel market and is expected to reach $190 billion by 2031. In current industry practice, biodiesel is based on a mix of about 93-95 per cent fossil oil and 5-7 per cent non-fossil oil from plants or other sources. The demand for non-fossil oil for biodiesel could increase either by the growth of the biodiesel segment in the regular diesel market and/or by an increase in the percentage of non-fossil used in the biodiesel mix. Biofuels offer significant advantages over conventional petrochemical fuels, presenting a renewable and biodegradable alternative with substantially lower negative environmental impact.

Casterra, as Evogene’s subsidiary, spearheads the development of proprietary high-yield castor varieties leveraging the company’s cutting-edge computational biology technologies. By utilising Evogene’s GeneRator AI tech engine and incorporating advanced computational AI capabilities and proprietary plant genomic databases.

“We are thrilled to receive additional significant purchase orders for our unique castor seed, which confirms our value proposition for the sustainable biofuel industry,” expressed Eyal Ronen, Chief Executive Officer of Casterra. “As we eagerly hope to secure more orders in the future, this accomplishment reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional, eco-friendly solutions to meet the ever-growing global demand for renewable energy. After more than a decade of hard work and an investment of tens of millions of dollars in developing our unique varieties and underlying technology, we are proud that Casterra is now a trusted and reliable supplier in this growing market.”

Casterra will supply the castor seeds in

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Interaction, Start ups

With the participation of over 600 delegates from 22 countries, Gurugram Shikhar Summit features dynamic discussions, enlightening presentations, and valuable networking opportunities.

The Startup20 Shikhar Summit, organized by the Startup20 Engagement Group under the India G20 Presidency, kicked off in Gurugram. The two-day event represents a significant achievement, celebrating the successful completion of Startup20’s inaugural year and the release of the final Policy Communiqué. The two-day event marks the first major milestone of the Startup20 Engagement group.

Prominent dignitaries, including Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, and Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20, graced the inauguration ceremony.

The Startup20 Gurugram Summit features a diverse and engaging program, including dynamic discussions, enlightening presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. Delegates have the privilege of connecting with industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders, fostering strategic alliances and shaping the trajectory of startups on a global scale.

An integral part of the summit is the Startup Conclave, where startups showcase their innovative products and services, engage in investor pitches, mentoring sessions, and network with industry professionals. The event also incorporates art and cultural elements, creating an enriching experience for all participants.

The summit underscores the tremendous potential of startups in driving economic prosperity and societal impact. By fostering an environment that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship, the Startup20 Gurugram Summit aims to unleash the full potential of startups, propelling economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, expressed his enthusiasm for the summit, emphasizing its role in nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem. He stated, “The Startup20 Gurugram Summit signifies India’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for startups and reinforcing its position as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.”

 Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, emphasized the significance of the Startup20, saying, “The Startup20 Engagement Group marks a milestone in the journey of the global startup ecosystem. The collective wisdom and tireless efforts of the Group, comprising distinguished delegates from G20 nations and invitee countries, have culminated in the final Policy Communiqué, which lays the groundwork for a transformative and the advanced future for our citizens with all our inclusive startup ecosystems across the countries working together; and am sure this group will continue to bring out the strongest commitments from all nations in the upcoming presidencies.”

Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20, shared his enthusiasm for the impact of the summit, stating, “The Startup20 Shikhar Summit marks the start of a new era for the startup ecosystem. With the participation of over 600 delegates from 22 countries, gathered in Gurugram, we are celebrating the successful first major milestone of startup20 journey and months of collaboration, consultation, and unwavering determination. Together, we will forge a path towards a thriving and sustainable future for startup ecosystem.

He further added that Brazil’s decision to continue its participation in the Startup20 Engagement Group in 2024 further reinforces the global significance of the initiative. The continued commitment of Brazil and all other countries exemplifies their dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the global startup ecosystem.

With the participation of over 600 delegates

Agrotech, Dairy, Live Stock, R&D

Laxmi is from a high genetic merit IVF embryo having the potential for the production of 35-40 kg milk a day.

NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) announced the birth of the first female calf ‘Laxmi’, under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India’s Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme through IVF Embryo Transplant (ABIP-IVF-ET). The programme targets establishing two lakh pregnancies through the transplant of IVF embryos of high genetic merit to enhance the milk yield for dairy farmers.

The results of nine months of hard ground work which started with the transplant of IVF embryos in September 2022, have started coming in. Since the news of more births only seems to pour in, with 13 healthy female births confirmed to date. Laxmi is the first female calf born from the surrogate transplanted with an IVF embryo at Rajarambapu Patil Cooperative Milk Union Ltd., Islampur (Sangli), in Maharashtra. More than 250 births are expected in due course from cows and buffaloes whose pregnancies through IVF embryo transplants have been confirmed.

“Laxmi is from a high genetic merit IVF embryo having a potential for production of 35-40 kg milk a day, which is nearly double the average of the existing cattle owned by dairy farmers in this area,” said an exuberant Sushil Dilip Khot, the dairy farmer beneficiary who has just expanded his herd with the birth of Laxmi.

Meenesh Shah, NDDB & NDS Chairman, shared that the journey has not been easy. “When we initially started, the success rate with IVF embryo transplant was as low as 9 per cent, which today has reached, in some cases, up to 46 per cent. The success depends on the proper selection of the surrogates & its management, and there is still a lot of work required in the area.”

NDDB’s wholly owned subsidiary, NDS is one of the service providers identified by the DAHD, Government of India, for the execution of the programme. NDS last year kicked off the implementation on September 22 from Islampur in Maharashtra, said a Company spokesperson.

The NDS team have been working relentlessly for over a year and has already scaled the programme to 15 milk unions in six states, i.e. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Punjab, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Since September 2022, the team so far has transferred 1,436 embryos, out of which 1,211 have been examined for pregnancies. During the current financial year, embryo transplant activity will be scaled up, and another 3,000 IVF embryo pregnancies are expected to be established.

The choice of breed of the embryo to be transplanted lies with the farmer, and the gender-sorted IVF embryos of about 6 indigenous cattle and 1 buffalo breed have been used to ensure that 90 per cent of calves born are female. As the calves will have none of the characteristics of the surrogate, the potential of producing milk goes up to 15-20 kgs from Gir and Sahiwal breeds of cows and 20 kgs from the Murrah buffalo breed, the NDS spokesperson said.

Laxmi is from a high genetic merit

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Company News, India

The campaign will lead to the development of 5000 rural entrepreneurs identified by IFFCO.

Agrochemical major, IFFCO has launched a massive nationwide campaign for procuring 2500 drones “IFFCO Kisan Drones” as spray solutions for spraying its revolutionary products Nano Urea & Nano DAP inspired by Hon’ble PM vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi. This will lead to development of 5000 rural entrepreneurs which are identified by IFFCO to be trained for spraying drones. It is a huge Step for Upliftment of Rural Economy and a step towards Sustainable Agriculture and Holistic Cooperative development under the dynamic leadership of Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation Amit Shah.

To access the technical capabilities, manufacturing capacity, manufacturing process, quality processes, training curriculum, infrastructure IFFCO Management hired a reputed consultant, M/s Drone Federation of India, New Delhi. M/s Drone Federation of India evaluated the Specifications and mentioned that the technical specifications of Agri Drones being procured by IFFCO for spray of Nano Fertilizers are in accordance with industry standards. It is expected that one Drone would be able to cover 20 acres per day for spraying IFFCO Nano fertiliser, WSF, Bio-stimulants like Sagarika, Agro-chemicals etc. with backup.

IFFCO will also be procuring 2500 Electric Three Wheelers (loader type) under L-5 category Electric Vehicle 3 Wheelers to carry the Drones to the farmers’ field along with the Nano fertilisers and associated utilities. These EV 3 Wheelers are environment friendly. This will also support PM PRANAM Scheme to reduce chemical fertiliser doses and to enable states for more assistance under this scheme.  

 In extension to this & to strengthen this nationwide campaign, IFFCO has also ordered Tractor Mounted Boom Sprayers, Tractor Mounted Hose Reel Sprayers, HTP Power Sprayers with Gun,Static/ Portable Sprayer, Niyo Sprayers for foliar application of Nano fertilisers. The Nano fertilisers are applied on various crops through foliar application using Agricultural Sprayers and Drones. The Drones & Sprayers can be used for any kind of spray application.

IFFCO has introduced & invested in various pathbreaking Agro-technologies including Nanotechnology based fertilizers, promotion of Agri-drones, rural e-commerce, digitally enabling farmers and farms, IoT etc. IFFCO aims to be the flag-bearer of the modern Indian Agriculture, by being the brand resonating with innovators and progressive rural entrepreneurs aiming at Sustainable Agriculture.

The campaign will lead to the development

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Company News, Finance, India, Start ups

The company plans to deploy the funds on innovation, R&D and new collaborations.

UltraNutri, a Bengaluru-based biotech startup at the forefront of revolutionizing insect farming in India, has announced today that it has raised their first round of funding from C Camp, Featherlite Group, and prominent industry veterans including Prof. Ramaswamy Subramanian (Purdue University), Dr. Jogin Desai (Eyestem), Dr. Anand AnandKumar (Bugworks) and Shivram Warrior (Former HUL executive). The company plans to deploy the funds on innovation, R&D and new collaborations.

Currently, UltraNutri has built a pilot “Insect Factory” at Hoskote, Bengaluru, where it tests the scaleup related aspects and produces test quantities required for field trials. The company also plans to raise its Pre-Series A to strengthen its R&D, increase production and perform large-scale field trials.

Aquaculture, or farmed fish, which feeds more than 4.5 billion people, heavily depends on wild catch fish which is also called “fishmeal.  The supply constraints related to fishmeal will leave a considerable output gap of 50 million tonnes of aquaculture by 2050. Ultranutri, founded by Prof. Ram Subramanian, Dr. Anand Anandkumar, and Prof. Robert Deschenes aims to address this supply constraints through its breakthrough discoveries using Black Soldier Fly (BSF). Through this, Ultranutri technology also addresses the dual problems of climate change and sustainable aquaculture with a scalable and science-driven solution.

In fact, BSF will significantly reduce the loss of shrimp due to diseases and address the rising cost of feed. This discovery can potentially revolutionize shrimp farming in India- the world’s second-largest exporter of farmed shrimp. Industry estimates peg shrimp loss due to infectious diseases to be north of $ 1 Bn.

Commenting on this, Nitish Sathyanarayanan, Chief Scientific Officer of UltraNutri, said, “The primary challenge in India has been the availability of auditable and affordable feedstock for BSF to grow. Most agriculture waste in India is used to feed cattle and poultry, and the only agriculture waste available, such as sugarcane bagasse, rice stem, and corn cobs, has complex, inedible fibers. Ultranutri, with its team of scientists, has discovered breakthrough methods to render this waste edible for protein production and assist the ecosystem in reducing greenhouse gases which are generated in the disposal of this waste currently. We’re excited and happy to have collaborated with our investors in our journey to create a more meaningful impact in the society.”

The startup recently entered into two key R&D partnerships including Central Institute for Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA), a premier institute under Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), and The Waterbase Ltd, a pioneer in aqua feed manufacturing.

“Cost of production and scaleup has been the primary bottlenecks for shrimp feed manufacturers like WaterBase to incorporate BSF. UltraNutri team is solving these complex problems through their deep biotech expertise. Waterbase is committed to bringing this technology to the market, which will benefit lakhs of farmers,” said Ramakanth Akula, CEO of The Waterbase Limited.

Dr K K Lal, Director of Central Institute for Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA) underlines the fact on how this effort would undoubtedly provide a cost-effective alternative protein source to fish meal. “There is a scope to modify the fatty acid profile of the larvae that would also help in finding an alternative to fish oil,” he adds. 

The company plans to deploy the funds

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, Finance, India, Live Stock

This initiative will facilitate implementation of establishing 500 new waste to wealth plants under GOBARdhan scheme for promoting circular economy, by increasing the viability of these BG/CBG plants.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi approved a unique package of innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of Rs.3,70,128.7 crore. The bouquet of schemes is focused on overall wellbeing and economic betterment of farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture. The initiatives will boost farmers’ income, strengthen natural / organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity, and ensure food security.

The approved package also consists of innovative incentive mechanism for the restoration, nourishment, and betterment of the mother earth. Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme in the form of Rs 1500 per MT to support marketing of organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manures (FOM)/Liquid FOM/Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM) produced as by-product from Bio- gas Plants/Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants set up under umbrella GOBARdhan initiative.

Such organic fertilizers would be branded in the names of Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM and PROM. This on one hand will facilitate in addressing the challenge of management of crop residue and problems of Parali burning, will also help in keeping the environment clean and safe and at the same time provide an additional source of income for farmers. Farmers will get organic fertilizers (FOM/LFOM/ PROM) at affordable prices.

This initiative will facilitate implementation of Budget announcement of establishing 500 new waste to wealth plants under GOBARdhan scheme for promoting circular economy, by increasing the viability of these BG/CBG plants.

Promotion of Natural Farming as sustainable agriculture practice is restoring soil health and reducing input costs for farmers. 425 KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) have laid down demonstrations of natural farming practices and organized 6,777 awareness programs involving 6.80 lakh farmers. Course curricula for Natural Farming has also been developed for BSc as well as MSc programmes to be implemented from the academic session July-August 2023.

This initiative will facilitate implementation of establishing

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members, Industry, Start-ups, MSMEs, LLPs, and Professionals urged to participate in the hackathon

Rohit Kumar Singh Secretary, of the Department of Consumer Affairs, announced a Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) hackathon to invite innovative ideas at various levels of the tomato value chain to ensure the availability of tomatoes to consumers at affordable prices and help tomato farmers get value for the produce. TGC has been formulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with M/o Education (Innovation Cell).

The Grand Challenge invites ideas on comprehensive and focused area interventions in the tomato value chain – from cropping and market insights for the farmers, appropriate cultivars (OP varieties or hybrids) with higher shelf-life of the fruits for the fresh marker, cultivars specifically suitable for processing, value-addition through interventions that can increase shelf-life, improve transportation of fresh and processing products, innovative packaging and storage.

The entry of participants for the TGC are invited under two tracks, namely,  Students, Research Scholars and Faculty Members and Industry individuals, Indian start-ups, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Professionals. The winning ideas will be evaluated by Experts followed by prototype development and field implementation for ensuring usability/scalability on a large scale and price of the product. Interested participants can apply on the portal: https://doca.gov.in/gtc/index.php

Tomato is produced almost in all the states in India, though in varying quantities. Maximum production is in southern and western regions of India, contributing 56 per cent -58 per cent of all India production. Southern and Western regions being surplus states feed to other markets depending on production seasons.

The production seasons are also different across regions. The peak harvesting season occurred from December to February. The periods from July-August and October-November are the lean production months of tomatoes. July coinciding with the monsoon season adds to further challenges related to distribution and increased transit losses adding to price rise.

The cycle of planting and harvesting seasons and variation across regions are primarily responsible for price seasonality in Tomato. Apart from the normal price seasonality, temporary supply chain disruptions and crop damage due to adverse weather conditions etc. often led to sudden spikes in prices. Conversely, glut in the production at local levels have also led to a dip in prices causing huge loss to the farmers.

Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members, Industry, Start-ups,

AgroPolicy, Schemes - Govt, Sustainability

NE-MITRA is a five-year project started in 2021 proposed to cover an estimated area of 20,000 ha during the plan period

Rubber Board Regional Office in Nagaland flagged off NE-MITRA project 2023 in the state.
According to the press release by Rubber Board Regional Office Dimapur, Rubber Board under the project would be distributing free rubber saplings for planting this season, where every individual beneficiary would be eligible for a maximum of 2.00 ha (900 saplings).
The release stated that the regional office would cover an area of 2500 ha under the current financial year.

NE-MITRA is a five-year project started in 2021 proposed to cover an estimated area of 20,000 ha during the plan period, the release stated.


The release also added that the department will be covering all districts under Nagaland state suitable for rubber cultivation, and therefore requested interested persons to contact concerned Rubber Board Field Stations at Niuland, Sanis or Regional Office.

NE-MITRA is a five-year project started in

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

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during June 2023 were at 44,478 units, as against 41,848 units for the same period last year.

 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, today announced its tractor sales numbers for June 2023. Domestic sales in June 2023 were at 43,364 units, as against 39,825 units during June 2022.Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during June 2023 were at 44,478 units, as against 41,848 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1,114 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We have sold 43,364 tractors in the domestic market during June 2023 with a growth of 9 per cent over last year. Though arrival of South- West monsoon got delayed due to cyclonic disturbances, it has smartly progressed in the last week of June and has now covered the entire country, bringing huge relief to the farmers and aiding in Kharif sowing. As on date, aggregate sowing acreage of Kharif crops is ahead of last year acreage and is progressing at fast pace. In addition, record rabi crops, Government support with increase in MSP for all Kharif crops and improving terms of trade for farmers are positive factors that are expected to support tractor demand going forward. In the exports market, we have sold 1,114 tractors.”

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during