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Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, India

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviews the availability and use of fertilisers in India 

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Health & Family Welfare interacted with State Agriculture Ministers on the availability and use of fertilisers in the country. During the meeting, he also reviewed the progress of nano urea, nano DAP and the promotion of alternate fertilisers at the field level and steps initiated by the States in this regard.

At the outset, Dr Mandaviya informed all the States that there is adequate availability of fertilisers in the country with the present level of 150 LMT stocks. This stock will not only take care of the ongoing Kharif Season but will also ensure a comfortable opening for the forthcoming Rabi Season.

Dr Mandaviya highlighted the necessity of reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilisers to save soil. He reiterated that Union Government has already taken a step in the form of the PM PRANAM scheme. The efforts also include the introduction of slow-release Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold), nano urea, nano DAP etc. to promote the use of alternate fertilisers to save mother earth. The State Government expressed the willingness to be active participants in this resolve.

There was a discussion on the initiative of PMKSKs across the country which are acting as One-Stop-Shop catering to all the needs of farmers in one place. He appealed to all the State Agriculture Ministers and State Government Officials to regularly visit these PMKSKs and spread awareness among farmers.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviews the availability and

Agro Universities, India, R&D

The bag comes with an easy and quick release mechanism. It reduces the number of trips by easy loading and unloading of produce in bulk.

An MoU was signed for handing over of Easy Harvest Bag technology between ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar and Maa Sarala Tailoring, Salia Sahi, Ekamra Vihar, Bhubaneswar.To minimize the occupational health hazards ICAR-CIWA Bhubaneswar team has developed the women friendly technology of “CIWA- Easy Harvest Bag”. The easy harvesting bag takes into consideration the anthropometric dimensions of Indian females and male also. The bag comes with an easy and quick release mechanism. It reduces the number of trips by easy loading and unloading of produce in bulk.

Dr Mridula Devi, Director ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar encouraged the women entrepreneur to utilize technology “CIWA- Easy Harvest Bag” as a mode to enhance the family income and livelihood security. Director CIWA also assured her that all possible hand holding encompassing forward and backward linkages will be extended to her for ensuring Economic Empowerment.

The bag comes with an easy and

Agrotech, Climate, Company News, World

AI-powered S2S model delivers new breakthrough levels of reliability and predictability in long-range weather forecasts

Salient Predictions, a leading pioneer in weather forecasting analytics, is adapting to increasing climate volatility by setting new standards in long-range weather prediction with a major upgrade to its revolutionary forecasting solution, the sub-seasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) model, to deliver forecasts two to 52 weeks in advance. Developed by a leading team of scientists and engineers, the cutting-edge AI model employs the power of AI and calibration to create reliable probabilistic distributions and empower decision-makers to navigate weather-related challenges and opportunities with greater confidence. 

“Global climate change is spurring volatile weather patterns around the world,” said Matt Stein, co-founder and CEO of Salient. “This is presenting urgent challenges in weather forecasting and analytics. A substantial upgrade to our S2S model and a breakthrough for the industry, this release addresses these pressing issues, delivering major improvements in temperature, precipitation, and other forecasting variables. Salient’s new forecasting model stands out for its exceptional accuracy and reliability with new capabilities that enable confident decisions with long-range forecasts amidst unprecedented weather patterns.”

In the face of pressing global warming challenges, the new S2S model provides indispensable tools to address climate-related risks and vulnerabilities. The accuracy improvements for temperature and precipitation outperform benchmark models such as NOAA’s Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and climatology. Accuracy excels in sub-seasonal weekly forecasts, enhancing its value in critical decision-making scenarios for commodity trading, agronomic decisions, renewable energy production, and more. Based on a comparison of the Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS) to reference models, the accuracy gain can reach up to 50 per cent.

With its reliable probabilistic forecasts, the new model better equips stakeholders across various sectors from agriculture, energy, finance, and beyond with the knowledge to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, optimise resource management, and prioritise climate adaptation strategies.

AI-powered S2S model delivers new breakthrough levels

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, India

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME

Methanol is a low-carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas. It is the best pathway for meeting India’s commitment to COP 21.

NITI Aayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ programme is aimed at reducing India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol. 

Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace both these fuels in the transport sector (road, rail and marine), energy sector (comprising DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors and commercial vehicles) and retail cooking (replacing LPG [partially], kerosene and wood charcoal). The blending of 15 per cent methanol in gasoline can result in at least a 15 per cent reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil. In addition, this would bring down GHG emissions by 20 per cent in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.

The methanol Economy will also create close to 5 million jobs through methanol production/application and distribution services. Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20 per cent DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG. This will help the consumer in saving between Rs 50-100 per cylinder.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified 20 per cent DME blending with LPG, and a notification for M-15, M-85 and M-100 blends has been issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. Test standards and plans for the M-15 blend are being evolved in consultation with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the Automotive Research Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. In the railway sector, RDSO is working towards blending methanol in the range of 5-20 per cent through direct fuel injection in locomotives.

On 5 October 2018, Assam Petrochemicals launched Asia’s first canister-based methanol cooking fuel programme. This initiative is an extension of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of reducing the import of crude oil and striving towards the provision of a clean, cost-effective and pollution-free cooking medium. Methanol stoves can result in at least 20% savings for households. After the success of the pilot, the methanol cooking programme was scaled up to 1,00,000 households in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Manipur.

Five methanol plants based on high ash coal, five DME plants, and one natural gas-based methanol production plant with a capacity of 20 MMT/annum, in a joint venture with Israel, have been planned to be set up. Three boats and seven cargo vessels are being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to use methanol as a marine fuel.

Thermax Ltd has successfully developed a 5 KW methanol-based reformer on a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). This module is being tested to replace DG sets in mobile towers. For direct electricity generation, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd has converted a 5 KW generator set to run on 100% methanol. Kirloskar is working towards converting generator sets of 150-300 KVA/KW capacity, in collaboration with Dor Chemicals, Israel.

Under R&D, work is in progress to set up coal-to-methanol plants in the country using indigenous technology, which is being developed by BHEL (Hyderabad and Trichy), Thermax, and IIT Delhi. Thermax and IIT Delhi are working on a TPD demonstration plant, while BHEL Hyderabad and Trichy are working on 1 TPD and 40 TPD demonstration plants, respectively. 

An R&D project has also been sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology to IISc Bengaluru and Praj Industries Pune for the production of methanol from biomass. Phase-I of the production of syngas from biomass was demonstrated in January 2019.

Additionally, Rs 6000 crore can be saved

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Environment, India, Nature, R&D

The researchers have set up a cost-effective laboratory which allows controlled testing of the effects of rainfall intensity, slope gradient, soil texture, and vegetation cover on soil erosion.

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi researchers led to examine the potential of plants and fibres in combatting soil erosion. The findings of this work were recently published in the renowned Journal of Soil and Sediments, in a paper co-authored by Dr Kala Venkata Uday, Associate Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IIT Mandi, and Dr Arnav Bhavsar Vinayak Associate Professor, School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, IIT Mandi, and their research scholars Ms. Charu Chauhan, Manvendra Singh.

Soil erosion, a complex global environmental issue, has garnered significant worldwide attention. The FAO-led Global Soil Partnership reports an annual erosion of a staggering 75 billion tonnes of soil worldwide, resulting in an estimated financial loss of US$400 billion annually. This issue hits home in India, where nearly 60 per cent of land faces soil erosion. Approximately 145 million hectares of land in the country demand immediate conservation efforts from a reported total area of 305.9 million hectares.

The researchers have established a cost-effective laboratory setup for erosion studies under simulated rainfall conditions. This setup allows controlled testing of the effects of rainfall intensity, slope gradient, soil texture, and vegetation cover on soil erosion. The team employs image analysis to quantify soil erosion and show the effectiveness of bioengineering methods in preventing it. Their study also provides insights into soil detachment, transport, and deposition mechanisms.

Dr Arnav Bhavsar Vinayak, said, “Image analysis works well for small areas like road embankments, slopes, and short natural stretches. But for bigger areas, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remote-sensing imaging are better Our approach which uses contour detection and filling, is better than existing techniques that are often complex and costly.”

The study showed that natural vegetation roots and added fibres can work together to significantly improve soil cohesion.  The type of soil, moisture content, and reinforcement collectively influence erosion rates, offering insights into soil conservation strategies. This multidisciplinary approach, combining bioengineering and image analysis, provides a promising path for addressing the challenge of soil erosion.

The researchers have shown how natural vegetation and added fibres of Indian goose grass can transform an intense erosion zone into one with practically “no erosion”. The study shows that the choice of the right material (fibre or plants) and its amount will depend on the type of erosion (caused by splashes or runoff) and the form of erosion (sheet or rill). Such research aims to make erosion control methods more effective and promote the use of natural materials.

In terms of the practical implications and future work, Dr K V Uday said, “We’ve developed a simple method to gauge the effectiveness of nature-based erosion mitigation solutions. Our method can differentiate between splash-induced erosion and runoff-induced erosion, a capability lacking in current methodologies. Also, numerical studies help enhance specific strategies for soil erosion control in larger fields.”

The researchers have set up a cost-effective

Foodgrains, Singapore, Supply Chain, Trade

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is in talks with Indian authorities to
obtain an exemption from the ban on exporting non-basmati white rice.

In a statement to the media, the SFA announced that their Rice Stockpile
Scheme has ensured a stable supply of rice and there is enough for everyone as
long as they purchase what they need.

Importers under the Rice Stockpile Scheme must keep inventory equal to
double their monthly imports to ensure sufficient rice supply in the market

The statement said that they regularly review inventory buffers and are
willing to work closely with the industry to make any necessary adjustments.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice imports from India only affects
non-basmati rice, which accounts for 17 per cent of the total rice imports.

The Singapore Government acknowledges that while supply disruptions may
occur, they will take measures to minimize the impact on food supply.

The agency encourages consumers to switch to other types of rice or sources
of carbohydrates in case of disruption.

According to Singapore, the ban on rice

India, SAARC, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

As per the records, each kilogram of exported tomatoes was priced at Nrs. 12 which amounts to about 8.036 million Nepali rupees ($60,486.42)

Within two weeks Nepal has exported 6,69,680 kg of tomatoes to India via three border points, according to records at the customs office along the border.

Till 18th of August a total of 6, 69,680 (Six lakhs Sixty-nine thousand and six hundred eighty) kilograms of tomatoes has been exported to India from Nepal as per the records of customs offices at Birgunj, Mechi Customs in Kakarbhitta and Bhairahawa.

The number only includes those exported in large quantities and by paying the official taxes after India resumed import of tomatoes from Nepal starting 4th August. Huge volumes of tomatoes might have been exported to India from Nepal by small businesses and farmers themselves which haven’t been recorded in either of the customs offices.

As per the records, each kilogram of exported tomatoes was priced at Nrs. 12 which amounts to about 8.036 million Nepali rupees ($60,486.42).

The Birgunj customs office had the highest export volume, with 637,680 kilograms of tomatoes passing through out of the three customs points on the border with India.

Mechi Customs in Kakarbhitta exported 25,000 kilograms of tomatoes to India, while Bhairahawa Customs exported 7,000 kilograms.

India began importing tomatoes from Nepal after prices skyrocketed to 200 INR per kilogram. Following the lifting of import embargoes, tomatoes were exported at a price of 10 Nrs per kilogram. By the third week of August, the price had increased twelvefold.

As per the records, each kilogram of

Agro Universities, Horticulture, India

The primary focus laid on enhancing the thrips and mite management in mulberry, facilitated by the innovative ICAR-NBAIR technology known as Shatpada All Rounder formulation.

The event organised by ICAR-NBAIR Bangalore “Training for Village Farmer Producer Organizations on Mass Production of Microbial Bio Agents and Parasitoid Predator Units,” unfolded in Devahanahalli, Karnataka. Attended by over 50 dedicated farmers engaged in mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing, the event aimed to equip them with the expertise needed for effective pest management. ICAR-NBAIR Bangalore, in collaboration with KVK Cinthamani, took a significant stride on August 14, 2023, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

This collaborative initiative by ICAR-NBAIR and KVK Cinthamani not only enriched the farmers’ knowledge but also equipped them with practical solutions to enhance their agricultural endeavours. As the echoes of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav resonated, a sense of empowerment and optimism pervaded the hearts of these farmers, nurturing hopes for a bountiful future.

Dr S. N. Sushil, the Director of ICAR-NBAIR, and Dr A. N. Shylesha along with Dr A. Kandan, Principal Scientist, lent their expertise to address farmer queries and concerns. Their insights illuminated the effectiveness and viability of the biopesticides, quelling any doubts that had surfaced. In a gracious gesture at the event’s conclusion, Dr S. N. Sushil distributed the Shatpada All Rounder biopesticide formulation among the attending farmers. This generous move aimed to empower farmers with a potent tool for managing pests and diseases in their cherished mulberry fields

Amidst the lush landscapes of Devahanahalli, more than 50 enthusiastic farmers gathered to partake in this enlightening program. Their primary focus lay on enhancing their grasp of thrips and mite management in mulberry, facilitated by the innovative ICAR-NBAIR technology known as Shatpada All Rounder formulation. The farmers explored its applications, particularly its efficacy in countering thrips and mites that have often plagued their mulberry crops in the Cinthamani region.

Distinguished scientists from ICAR-NBAIR led informative sessions during the event. One crucial aspect they highlighted was the augmentation of farmyard manure using Trichoderma asperellum. This enriched blend was then deployed in the mulberry root zone, offering a robust defense against root rot and wilt.

The practical aspects of the event were equally engaging. ICAR-NBAIR scientists showcased the utilization of biopesticides such as Shatpada All Rounder and Shatpada Master Blaster. These eco-friendly alternatives were demonstrated to be effective in managing thrips and mites in actual field conditions. Inquisitive farmers, curious about the performance of these biopesticides, found their answers through interactions with experts.

The primary focus laid on enhancing the

Biostimulants, Company News, India, Trade

The joint venture will have a shareholding arrangement between IPL Biologicals and UKS holding 51 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.

IPL Biologicals Ltd. (IPL), India, the global leader in agri-biologicals with the widest portfolio of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and Uzkimyosanoat (UKS) a department of the Government of Uzbekistan for the promotion of investment and development of fertilizers and pesticides in Uzbekistan, have signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) for the marketing, distribution, and production of the agri-biological (microbial) products in Uzbekistan. These bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, and bio-fertilizers are the latest cutting-edge agri-input products that will replace dangerous chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

The joint venture will have a shareholding arrangement between IPL Biologicals and UKS holding 51 per cent and 49 per cent respectively. The anticipated cost for the entire project is over $ 25 million. As a result of extensive field trials on cotton and other crops with outstanding results, the Ministry of Agriculture, Uzbekistan, and UKS decided to get into a JV with IPL to bring these products to Uzbekistan for the benefit of Uzbeki farmers. IPL has already applied for registration of 11 bio-products after extensive field trials, and lab tox tests and has got permission for the same. The plan is to register more than 25 products in Uzbekistan which will cover the entire range of bio-fertilizers (nutrition management), bio-pesticides (pest control), and bio-fungicides (disease control) products, for cotton, vegetables, and other crops of Uzbekistan.

The Agreement was signed at the UKS office in Tashkent on 30th May 2023. UKS was represented by Timur Mukhamedjanov, Chairman of the Board, and Akbar Kurbanov Head of Investments. IPL was represented by Harsh Bhagchandka President, and Deepak Singhal Head of International Business.

On the joint venture, Harsh Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals Ltd. Said, “We are thrilled to join hands with Uzkimyosanoat in this ground- breaking partnership that brings our cutting-edge agri-biological solutions to Uzbekistan. By replacing harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers with our innovative bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, and bio-fertilizers, we are not only prioritizing the health of crops but also that of our environment. This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainable and responsible agriculture, and we look forward to positively impacting the lives of the farmers of Uzbekistan”.

Timur Mukhamedjanov, Chairman of the Board, Uzkimyosanoat Joint Stock Company commented, “The strategic collaboration with IPL Biologicals aligns perfectly with our mission to advance the agricultural sector of Uzbekistan. This joint venture signifies our commitment to fostering a greener and more productive farming landscape by introducing advanced bio-inputs that can boost yields while reducing chemical dependence. Together with IPL Biologicals, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future of Uzbekistan”.

This JV will benefit the farmers of Uzbekistan, especially the cotton farmers to reduce their dependence on chemicals while improving the yield and quality, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry and local Distributors. These biological products will also be taken to the neighbouring CIS countries through the JV.

The joint venture will have a shareholding

Company News, Finance, Organic, World

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres with approximately $250 million in assets under management (AUM)

Farmland LP, a preeminent fund manager specialising in organic farmland, announced the launch of its $250 million Vital Farmland III (Fund III), its third and largest fund to date. Fund III will extend Farmland LP’s mission of transforming conventional farms into dynamic, sustainable, and organic operations, catering to the surging consumer demand for food products derived from organic and regeneratively farmed sources.

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres with approximately $250 million in assets under management (AUM). Fund III will allow investors to align compelling financial returns with measurable, positive environmental impact. The firm’s previous funds have delivered strong performances; notably, Vital Farmland LP (Fund I) has since inception generated a net average after-tax return to original investors of 113 per cent.

“Farmland LP’s strategy is grounded in simplicity and effectiveness. We acquire conventional, chemical-dependent farms and reengineer them as models of organic and regenerative agriculture, thereby boosting cash flows and land values,” said Craig Wichner, CEO of Farmland LP. “With our proven 14-year track record, we have demonstrated that converting low-margin, high-volume farmland into higher-margin organic alternatives generates substantial financial benefits while simultaneously promoting environmental stewardship.”

“Driven by robust investor interest in high-performing, sustainability-focused farmland investments, Farmland LP continues to experience accelerated growth,” remarked Tom Sullivan, Managing Director of Capital Markets and Investor Relations for Farmland LP. “Our new fund provides a unique opportunity for institutional and accredited individual investors to tap into this high-potential asset class, fostering regenerative farming practices that benefit our planet.”

With greenwashing a growing concern in the farmland investment sector, Wichner added: “Investors are increasingly seeking verifiable claims of sustainability. Our commitment to Certified Organic standards and regenerative farming practices focused on soil health assures our investors that their capital is truly advancing sustainable agriculture.”

Farmland LP currently manages over 16,000 acres

Agrotech, Company News, Machinery – Post-harvesting, World

Accessible farm tractor has been designed for people with lower limb disabilities, enabling them to work in fields independently.

New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, has commercially launched the world’s first accessible farm tractor. The TL5 ‘Acessível’ (Accessible in Brazilian Portuguese), produced at the Brand’s plant in Curitiba (PR), has been designed for people with lower limb disabilities, enabling them to work in fields independently.

According to the 2019 National Health Survey, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health together with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Brazil has 17.3 million people over the age of two with some type of disability (8.4 per cent of this population), with 7.8 million having physical lower limb disabilities. Of the total number of people with a disability in Brazil, 2.9 million live in rural households.

“People with disabilities, including those who live and work in the countryside, want autonomy so they can carry out their activities independently. This is the main premise of inclusion. As a full-liner brand, whose portfolio meets the needs of small, medium and large producers, New Holland is further expanding its product range with the launch of the accessible tractor. It will help eliminate barriers that today make it impossible for many farmers to get on a machine”, says Eduardo Kerbauy, vice president of New Holland Agriculture for Latin America.

First presented as a concept tractor at Rural Coopavel and Expodireto Cotrijal in 2020 – two of the main agricultural fairs in the country – it met with both public and press acclaim. The final product has been created in partnership with the inclusive mobility company Elevittá, Arteprima and Senai from São Leopoldo (RS).

The development of the Accessible TL5 also involved the participation of a New Holland customer, who uses a wheelchair. “As a brand committed to improving overall customer experience, this accessible tractor emerged from the real needs of many farmers, and they played a fundamental role in the development of the final product. And safety was always at the forefront”, observes Flávio Mazetto, Director of Product Marketing for New Holland Agriculture for Latin America.

Accessible farm tractor has been designed for

AgroPolicy, Dairy, Goat farming, India, Live Stock, Poultry

Livestock sector has contributed around 30.19 per cent during year 2021-22 in total agriculture and allied sector GVA.

A Regional Review Meeting under the chairpersonship of Alka Upadhyaya, Union Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI was held, for Animal Husbandry and Dairy sector with Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/ Secretary along with concerned Directors, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Northern States in order to discuss progress of implementation of the programmes/schemes of the Department.

Upadhyaya highlighted that the livestock sector is consistently growing at a high Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.67 per cent during 2014-15 to 2021-22 (at constant prices) which is attributed by parameters of Livestock Sector such as Dairy, Bovine, Poultry, Goatery/Piggery etc. Further, livestock sector has contributed around 30.19 per cent during the year 2021-22 in total agriculture and allied sector GVA (at constant prices).

In the meeting, Union Secretary reviewed the physical and financial progress of all animal husbandry and dairying schemes being implemented by Government of India in the States/UTs. She emphasized to liquidate unspent balances lying with States/UTs. Union Secretary also stressed that the issues relating legacy data updation, interest on payment through Bharatkosh, etc. need to be resolved on priority to enable Govt. of India to release funds to the States/UTs during the current financial year. She also reviewed status of vaccination against FMD and brucella, operationalisation of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), milk situation, fodder situation, etc. across the country.

Upadhyaya also mentioned that preservation and protection of livestock through provision of healthcare is another thrust area for the Department. She advised that States need to accelerate FMD, Brucella and PPR vaccination. She also insisted that awareness campaigns should be organised across States with active participation of Union Government, State Governments and District Officials for better outreach of scheme benefits to the livestock and dairy farmers.

Livestock sector has contributed around 30.19 per

Agrotech, Company News, Environment, Europe, Nature

INTERRA®Scan gives growers insight into the texture, nutrient and carbon content of the soil to optimize nutrition and carbon sequestration.

Syngenta has announced the availability of its new INTERRA®Scan service for growers in the Netherlands and Belgium. INTERRA®Scan maps the soil very accurately, allowing growers to make simple, more informed decisions for a more targeted use of input. This means not only productivity gains, but also more sustainable practices for long-term soil health.

This innovative service maps the soil in high resolution for up to 27 information layers. The strength of INTERRA®Scan lies in its ability to accurately visualize the texture, nutrient content and carbon content of the soil. This enables growers to optimize nutrition and carbon sequestration, regardless of soil moisture, compaction, cover or growing conditions. The service therefore works effectively under a wide range of conditions.

INTERRA®Scan offers growers direct economic value and is a potential long-term solution to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change through regenerative farming practices. The digital platform gives growers access to a uniquely detailed soil property map and enables them to easily generate variable dosing cards for their applications. With INTERRA®Scan, growers can make informed decisions about what to apply where and how much.

INTERRA®Scan gives growers insight into the texture,

AgroPolicy, Animal Health, Finance, India, Live Stock

The fund aims to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.

The G20 Pandemic Fund has approved the $25 million proposal submitted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response”. Established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, the Pandemic Fund finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at national, regional, and global levels, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.

The Pandemic Fund received around 350 Expressions of Interest (EoI) and 180 full proposals in the first call with grant requests totalling more than $2.5 billion against an envelope of only $338 million. The Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board has approved 19 grants under its first round of funding allocations aimed to boost resilience to future pandemics in 37 countries across six regions on 20th July 2023.

The major interventions under the proposal are strengthening and integrating disease surveillance and early warning system, upgrading, and expanding the laboratory network, improving the inter-operable data systems and building capacity for data analytics for risk analysis and risk communication, strengthening health security for transboundary animal diseases and India’s role in regional cooperation through cross border collaboration.

The Pandemic Fund will not only bring additional, dedicated resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. It will also incentivize increased investments, enhance coordination among partners, and serve as a platform for advocacy. The impact of the project would be to reduce the risk that a pathogen will emerge from animals (domesticated and wildlife) to be transmitted into the human population endangering the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the lead implementing entity with The World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The fund aims to strengthen pandemic prevention,