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Agrotech, Company News, World

Reklemel active was discovered and developed by Corteva and is the result of more than a decade of research and investment

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic organisms found in soil that feed on the roots of plants. Because they are notoriously difficult for farmers to identify and control, plant-parasitic nematodes represent a significant constraint to the delivery of global food security, causing damage estimated at or exceeding $80 billion per year.

To address this significant, global challenge, Corteva has launched Reklemel active, a new nematicide to help protect a wide variety of food and row crops from plant-parasitic nematode damage without disrupting the healthy balance of beneficial organisms in the soil. Reklemel active was discovered and developed by Corteva and is the result of more than a decade of research and investment.

“The future of global farming – and our ability to feed a growing population – rests on innovation. Reklemel demonstrates how Corteva deploys innovation to help farmers meet critical challenges to feed the world,” said Robert King, Executive Vice President, of Crop Protection Business, Corteva Agriscience.

Reklemel received a Reduced Risk designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the product’s ability to selectively target plant-parasitic nematodes, its lower use rates than older nematicides, and its highly favourable environmental and toxicological profile as compared to alternatives. Reklemel is one of the first new active ingredients to be registered under EPA’s updated policy incorporating Endangered Species Act assessments into the pesticide registration process.

Reklemel also received the National Association of Manufacturers’ Sustainability and the Circular Economy Award in recognition that it, through lower use rates, enables the potential to avoid more than 500M Kg of CO2 – equivalent emissions over the next five years.2

Salibro nematicide with Reklemel active will be available in the United States, India and Mexico beginning in late 2023, and is currently available for sale in Canada and Australia. Additional registrations are planned globally, including in the European Union, subject to regulatory approvals.

Reklemel is the latest advance brought to market by Corteva to help farmers increase yields, meet climate and other challenges, and ultimately strengthen global food security. Corteva invests nearly $4 million every single day in research and development. In 2022, the company launched more than 180 new crop protection products globally and advanced nine new active ingredients in its R&D pipeline.

Reklemel active was discovered and developed by

Company News, Textile industry, World

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program

Farmers across the globe are working to meet the ever-increasing demand for sustainably grown cotton. Truly sustainable sourcing of natural fibres can be complex and challenging, which is why BASF Agricultural Solutions brought together a global delegation of farmers from Europe and the United States to ensure their voices are heard and supported.

The event, aptly named ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth’, was held at the United Nations headquarters and featured various farmers from Greece and the United States, as well as leadership from BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Europe. Also in attendance were sustainable fashion and agriculture media.

“BASF is dedicated to creating a better future for cotton production and the cotton textile industry,” said Ray Daniels, Seed Sustainability Manager at BASF. “We understand that cotton farmers are the cornerstone of sustainable production, which is why we are giving them an international platform to share their ideas on how agriculture must meet the needs of present and future generations through profitability, environmental health and social and economic equity.”

While sustainable farming sounds new, the principles are not. Farmers across cotton-producing regions in the United States and Europe have leveraged these practices to help reduce soil erosion and improve soil health while reducing excess nitrogen use. The renewed focus on these practices by the textile industry provides farmers with an opportunity to demonstrate their inherent sustainable nature publicly in this global workshop.

“We really appreciated the opportunity to attend this event and have our voices heard,” said Texas cotton growers, Randy and Pat Smith. “Consumers aren’t always aware of the effort growers like us put into regenerative agriculture practices, and we want to continue to share our story and gain their support.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with the e3 Sustainable Cotton program and in Europe with the Certified Sustainable FiberMax program. Both provide field-level traceability for cotton, as well as a way for farmers to track and measure the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production.

“Agriculture is so central to our lives, but many do not consider the powerful impact it can have,” said Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, Vice-President, BASF Agricultural Solutions EMEA & CIS. “It’s also an industry undergoing a time of unprecedented change. Farmers have an increasingly difficult yet important role of balancing the need for increased productivity, environmental protection, and value to society.”

BASF supports cotton production in the United States with

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, World

The funding will support Biodel AG’s commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of novel solutions aimed at enhancing soil health, optimising water utilisation, improving nutrient efficiency, and sequestering carbon emissions from the atmosphere

Biodel Ag, Inc., a regenerative agriculture company, announced closing its Series A financing round led by Pangaea Ventures Ltd, a renowned venture capital firm with a focus on advanced materials and clean technology. The funding will support Biodel AG’s commitment to accelerating the commercialisation of novel solutions aimed at enhancing soil health, optimising water utilisation, improving nutrient efficiency, and sequestering carbon emissions from the atmosphere. As part of this financing, Janelle Goulard, a respected partner at Pangaea Ventures, has joined Biodel AG’s board of directors.

Ben Cloud, CEO of Biodel AG, stated, “This strategic investment by Pangaea Ventures solidifies Biodel AG’s position as a leader in regenerative agriculture and underscores our unwavering dedication to addressing the urgent challenges of our time. Pangaea’s investment not only validates our vision but also equips us with the resources needed to expedite our commercial progress. We firmly believe that our biological agriculture products represent the most compelling and cost-effective solution for sequestering substantial volumes of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses from our atmosphere while revitalising depleted soils.”

The agricultural practices of the 20th century have had detrimental effects on our soil, transforming it into mere dirt, depleting crucial soil microbes and carbon content, and impeding the capacity of plants to absorb water and nutrients due to salt accumulation. Vibrant, healthy soils require less water, and reduced fertiliser inputs, promote a sustainable food supply, and play a pivotal role in capturing atmospheric carbon. Biodel AG is dedicated to reestablishing sustainability within our food supply chain while enabling the sequestration of greenhouse gasses through cutting-edge biological products, ultimately revitalising soil health and functionality, and bolstering plant vitality.

“We recognise the immense value of Biodel AG’s innovative regenerative agriculture solutions, which promise to rebuild the earth’s depleted soil and its biodiversity in order to reverse climate change,” said Janelle Goulard, Pangaea Ventures partner. “Funding will enable Biodel AG to accelerate its transformative work, further solidifying the company’s role in building a sustainable future.”

The funding will support Biodel AG's commitment

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, Sustainability, World

The two-year trial is designed to evaluate the fertiliser’s performance on crop production, soil health and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

As part of Nestlé’s 2050 net zero roadmap and its work to spark regenerative agriculture, the company tests many new, innovative ideas. Those that prove effective and scalable are rolled out more broadly. In the UK, Nestlé is launching a pilot to assess whether cocoa shells from a confectionery site in York can be used to create a low-carbon fertiliser. 

The two-year trial is designed to evaluate the fertiliser’s performance on crop production, soil health and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If successful, up to 7,000 tonnes of low-carbon fertiliser could be produced and offered to farmers in Nestlé’s UK wheat supply chain. This amount of fertiliser equates to around 25 per cent of Nestlé UK’s total fertiliser use for wheat. 

The production and use of conventional fertiliser accounts for approximately 5 per cent of global GHG emissions,1 and more than half of the carbon footprint of wheat grown in the UK is related to fertiliser use. 

Recycling valuable nutrients from waste streams within the food system provides a promising opportunity to create a lower-emissions supply chain. Scaling up low-carbon fertiliser production can provide farmers with a more sustainable product at a reliable price.

The cocoa shells are supplied by Cargill, which processes the cocoa at the York facility to become key ingredients in iconic products like KitKat and Aero. A trial volume of cocoa shell has been processed and pelletized by Swindon-based CCm Technologies.  

“Farmers often find themselves to be among the first groups exposed to global issues, and these risks are then borne by the food system we all depend upon,” said Matt Ryan, Regeneration Lead at Nestle UK & Ireland. “We have to find ways to build more resilience into the system and optimizing our use of natural resources is a critical part of this.”

“This project is a small, but very meaningful step towards a net zero future, where farmers, local enterprises, and nature all stand to benefit,” added Ryan.

The trials, which were designed and are being overseen by York-based Fera Science Ltd, are currently taking place on arable farms in Suffolk and Northamptonshire.

This project is an example of the innovative solutions that Nestlé is investigating to help achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Nestlé has also committed to sourcing 50 per cent of its key ingredients from regenerative agricultural methods by 2030.

The two-year trial is designed to evaluate

Company News, India, Oilseeds, People

Sridhar will be responsible for the Mysore-based company’s top-line and bottom-line growth, with a sharp focus on new product launches and expansion to new markets.

Bengaluru based MK Agrotech, parent company of South India’s largest edible oil brand, Sunpure, today announced the appointment of Sridhar Vaidyanathan as the Chief Operating Officer. Sridhar will be responsible for MK Agrotech’s top-line and bottom-line growth, with a sharp focus on new product launches and expansion to new markets.

Having worked for close to three decades in the FMCG industry, Sridhar brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to joining MK Agrotech, he was the National Sales Manager at Britannia Industries Limited, and earlier, the Unit Manager with PepsiCo, with a proven track record of driving growth.

Mannan Khan, Director, MK Agrotech, said, “We are pleased to welcome Sridhar Vaidyanathan as the COO of MK Agrotech. Under his visionary leadership and business acumen, the company is well poised to embark on its next phase of growth. We have an exciting roadmap ahead and with Sridhar joining us, I believe, his rich experience will help us accelerate our journey to becoming a pan-India food brand.”

Sridhar Vaidyanathan, COO, MK Agrotech, said, “In a competitive market like ours, which has in recent years witnessed greater and renewed emphasis on health, it is remarkable to see a company consistently deliver on the promise of quality and health for over three decades now. I’m excited to be a part of the MK Agrotech family, and look forward to the opportunity to further build India’s most trusted and healthy food brand. While the company is at the cusp of a major transformational leap, I am glad to lead this change while keeping the focus firmly on organisational values and culture.

Sunpure has the distinction of being India’s first chemical-free processed and physically refined oil with an improved patented technology. Currently, the brand is present in key markets across India, namely, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala.

Sridhar will be responsible for the Mysore-based

Agrotech, Biostimulants, Company News, IT, Middle East countries

The two companies to launch a joint, multiyear program to use Agrematch’s AI system for the discovery of novel crop nutrition solutions.

ICL Group, a leading global specialty minerals company, has announced its agriFood innovation and investment platform, ICL Planet Startup Hub, has led an investment round in Agrematch, an artificial intelligence (AI) agriTech startup. The two companies agreed to launch a joint, multi-year program to use Agrematch’s AI system for the discovery of novel crop nutrition solutions, to bring innovative products to ICL’s global offerings.

 Agrematch has been developing and refining its unique AI4AI – Artificial Intelligence for Active Ingredients platform ever since. ICL Growing Solutions, the agriculture division of ICL, is partnering with Agrematch as a strategic investment designed to be complementary to, and synergistic with, its long-term growth plans. The Agrematch platform is expected to produce proprietary compounds developed as unique biostimulants and plant nutrition products, ultimately optimizing overall plant and soil health and maximizing plant yield, quality and resilience.

“ICL’s partnership with Agrematch brings the rapidly evolving application of AI into ICL’s agricultural development ecosystem. “Agrematch’s AI4AI prediction platform has the potential to streamline our compound discovery process, reduce the time and costs involved, and lead to the development of more effective and efficient crop solutions”, said Hadar Sutovsky, Vice President of External Innovation and general manager of ICL Planet Startup Hub.

“We are excited to partner with ICL and explore new solutions for plant nutrition,” said Eyal Ben-Chanoch, CEO of Agrematch. “Using data science, and especially AI, has helped us to dramatically alter the discovery process, by eliminating both its sequential nature and the barriers that make the classical high-throughput screening methods costly, risky and time consuming. Our AI4AI platform was designed and built to discover new functional compounds that meet defined specifications.”

“This collaboration will focus on developing novel biostimulants products that provide superior results for plants,” said Elinor Erez, PhD, vice president of R&D for ICL Growing Solutions. “It supports our strategy to continue investing in the ag-biologicals market, which we see as highly complementary to – and aligning with – our existing agriculture business and the future of our specialty crop nutrition portfolios. ICL brings a huge contribution to this strategic collaboration, as this promising start-up will enjoy access to the global crop nutrition market, regulatory insights, agronomical aspects, and development, along with best-in-class group of R&D scientists and agronomists. Following an extensive evaluation of Agrematch’s technological capabilities, we are excited to collaborate with them to deliver novel ag-biological products to the global market.”

The two companies to launch a joint,

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, IT, R&D

Under the MoU, UNDP will leverage its expertise in open innovations, data collaboratives, data science approaches and global know-how to support NABARD’s agenda of embedding data-driven decision-making in agriculture investments.  

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-create data-driven innovations in agriculture and food systems to support smallholder farmers. Under this MoU, both organisations will work to improve the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by sharing open-source data for product development, transfer of technology and supporting the framing of agrarian policies.   

The MoU was signed by Chief General Manager of NABARD, Sanjeev Rohilla, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Isabelle Tschan. Under the MoU, UNDP will leverage its expertise in open innovations, data collaboratives, data science approaches and global know-how to support NABARD’s agenda of embedding data-driven decision-making in agriculture investments.  

The partnership includes enhancing and disseminating collaborative digital public goods like DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture). DiCRA is a collaborative digital public good which provides open access to key geospatial datasets pertinent to climate-resilient agriculture. DiCRA, which is curated by UNDP and partner organisations to inform public investments in agriculture, already provides intelligence on climate resilience for 50 million hectares of farmland across India. By partnering to enhance and scale its use, NABARD will host and maintain the DiCRA platform and use its key geospatial datasets for policy making, research and development activities, with UNDP’s technical support.   

This five-year technical cooperation is envisaged to foster collective climate action and create innovative platforms and new product offerings to enhance economic empowerment in rural India. Speaking on the occasion, Shaji KV, Chairman of NABARD, said, “NABARD is extremely excited about this collaboration with UNDP. This opens a sea of opportunities for the two organizations to leverage data and present it as a digital public infrastructure for the vast rural Indian community of farmers. We are looking forward to deeper ties with UNDP as we progress, and this MoU is a step towards this direction.” 

Reaffirming UNDP’s commitment, Isabelle Tschan, Deputy Resident Representative said, “Agriculture is the largest source of livelihoods in India employing 80 per cent of rural women who are more vulnerable to climate change. DiCRA uses cutting-edge data science and machine learning to identify farms that are resilient to climate change and those that are highly vulnerable. Such open data innovations can highlight best practices, optimize agriculture investments and shelter populations from risk. The collaboration with NABARD will strengthen our support to build sustainable agricultural practices and secure livelihoods reducing the vulnerability of small farm holders, especially women.”

Under the MoU, UNDP will leverage its

AgroPolicy, India, Sustainability

President Murmu conferred the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Communities’ Award ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Reward’ and ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Recognition’ awards to the invited Indian farmers

Droupadi Murmu, President of India, inaugurated the first ‘Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ (GSFR), in a ceremony held at ICAR Convention Centre, National Agricultural Science Centre, New Delhi. President Murmu conferred the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Communities’ Award ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Reward’ and ‘Plant Genome Saviour Farmers Recognition’ awards to the invited Indian farmers. These awards are instituted by the PPVFR Authority as per the provisions of the PPVFR Act, 2001. She also inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Plant Authority Bhawan’, the office of the PPVFR Authority, and an online plant variety ‘Registration Portal’. Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, MoS Kailash Chaudhury and Secretary, Manoj Ahuja were also present on the occasion.

In her address, Droupadi Murmu congratulated organisers FAO and the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the Treaty) for appropriately choosing India as the country to host the prestigious meeting, given its rich agricultural, cultural and ethnic diversity. She welcomed the delegates in the land of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumabakam’ (the world is one family), a philosophy deeply ingrained in India’s culture and traditions. She said that farmers have toiled and enterprisingly developed or conserved landraces, wild relatives and traditional varieties of crops, and provided the building blocks for the modern crop breeding programs, thus ensuring food and nutritional security for human beings and livestock alike. She said that holding GFSR was very appropriate, as farmers are primary food producers (‘annadatta’) and only if there is food then there is a body, and if there is a body then any work gets done. That is why farmers need to be saluted and it is our duty to protect their rights and future.

President Murmu conferred the ‘Plant Genome Saviour

Company News, Horticulture, India, Start ups, Sustainability

Both parties aim to accelerate clean, safe, healthy, and profitable food production in India

Lemon Chilli Farms, located in the heart of Hyderabad, has become a key player in the city’s B2B sector by implementing innovative and sustainable hydroponic farming practices in India. Their produce is supplied to luxury hotels, food giants such as Domino’s Pizza, and market leaders like Amazon Fresh and BlinkIt. They have also captured a significant market share in the supermarket landscape.

They have partnered with Dutch GreenHouse Delta to expand into D2C and B2C realms, offering nutrient-dense produce, farm-to-plate transparency, and sustainable farming.

Both establishments are collaborating closely with the Dutch government to produce high-value, residue-free crops in India that impact food diversity, quality, safety, sustainability, and health.

The group has set out to boost local production, generate employment in the Indian Agri-tech industry, and decrease the need for transportation and import of fresh produce. They intend to attain these objectives by cultivating sought-after crops together and exploring the adoption of Dutch high-tech greenhouse solutions through research.

Both parties aim to accelerate clean, safe, healthy, and profitable food production in India.

Both parties aim to accelerate clean, safe,

Agrotech, India, Interaction, IT

A white paper on ‘Leveraging QR Code to transform the Agri-Input supply chain’ was published during the conference.

GS1 India organised a conference on “National Conference on QR Code Implementation on Agri-Inputs” at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Inaugural session featured eminent speakers delivering their insights on the implementation of Digital Link QR codes to enable standardisation in the agri-input industry. A white paper on ‘Leveraging QR Code to transform the Agri-Input supply chain’ was published during the conference.

During the inaugural session, S. Swaminathan, CEO of GS1 India, highlighted the crucial role of QR code implementation in ensuring the quality and safety of agri inputs. He urged stakeholders to go beyond mere compliance and consider the widespread benefits of QR codes for the sector and farmers. He underscored the need for data protection in light of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, urging the industry to adapt.

R.G Agarwal, Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., emphasised that proper implementation of QR codes can combat the issues and ensure food security and safety. Special addresses of Dr Archana Kumari Srivastav, Regional Director, PMFAI, and Nakul Pasricha, President of Authentication Solution Provider’s Association, stressed the need for timely adoption of QR codes for domain practices for agri-inputs.

Panel discussion was conducted among agri industry knowledge leaders to explore the significance of traceability, real-time data capture, interoperability, etc. Knowledge sessions were held to bring out the role of technology and digital transformation. Global case study was given by an international speaker on agri-input traceability.

The conference featured a session on ‘Standards-based 2D Barcode Implementation’ by Sebire Laurent, Chairman of CropLife International Traceability Project Team. The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises used the platform to discuss the global standards of financial assistance schemes for implementing barcoding. GS1 experts also discussed how to comply with QR code regulation through Digital Link standards.

Conference concluded with Q&A round between Agri-input manufacturers and GS1 India experts, session on global standards financial assistance schemes, and presentation by solution providers.

A white paper on ‘Leveraging QR Code

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

Company has also achieved an impressive revenue of 50+ crores from FY 2020 to FY 2023.

Zetta Farms, a technology-driven and process-oriented farm project specializing in sustainable farming, proudly announces a significant and momentous milestone – the attainment of over 100 Crore Assets Under Management (AUM) till August 2023. This achievement not only underscores Zetta Farms’ strong commitment to transforming the agricultural sector but also highlights its vital role in promoting global food sustainability. Zetta Farms has also achieved an impressive revenue of 50+ crores from FY 2020 to FY 2023.

Zetta Farms’ remarkable journey is guided by the motto “Desh ka culture Agriculture,” which reflects their dedication to making agriculture a source of pride and prosperity for the nation. By seamlessly amalgamating agricultural expertise with cutting-edge technology, the company aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable farming practices.

Zetta Farms’ strategic expansion across various states of India, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Bihar, and more, has been a consistent driver of its remarkable success. This expansion not only created avenues for farming on newly acquired lands but also led to a substantial increase in production. These expanded opportunities contributed to enhanced business growth, ultimately enabling the brand to leverage its profits in supporting and empowering farmers. This multifaceted approach played a pivotal role in Zetta Farms achieving an impressive AUM of 100 crores.

Rituraj Sharma, Co-Founder of Zetta Farms, expressed his elation on this milestone, saying, “Crossing the 100 Crore AUM mark is indeed a monumental achievement that resonates deeply with our collective commitment and shared vision for sustainable agriculture. As we celebrate this milestone, it reaffirms the strides we’ve taken in aligning our efforts with our profound commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Our journey doesn’t end here. Zetta Farms will continue to cultivate over 10,000 acres of land, positively influencing the lives of over 4,500 farmers, and we anticipate this number to grow as our cultivated land area expands. This is not just about numbers, but about transforming lives through sustainable and innovative practices. For people, it might be a celebration, but for us, it is Zimmedari—a responsibility we wholeheartedly embrace. We stand steadfast in our mission to contribute to the growth of our nation’s agricultural landscape.”

Company has also achieved an impressive revenue

Climate, Company News, Dairy, Middle East countries, Sustainability

Through this Planet of Plenty partnership, National and Masakin will have access to a range of carbon footprint benchmarking technologies available through Alltech E-CO2

Alltech announced that it is partnering with National Dairy Farm and Masakin Dairy Farm, two prominent companies owned by Emirates Food Industries (EFI), to bring leading-edge carbon footprint benchmarking and methane-reducing technologies to the Middle East.

National and Masakin are known for their flagship milk brand, Hayatna, which has garnered widespread acclaim for its quality and freshness. Now, the two dairy giants are expanding their commitment to sustainability by embarking on a transformative journey to measure and mitigate their carbon footprints. With growing concerns about climate change, companies worldwide are under increasing pressure to adopt eco-conscious practices. As industry leaders, National and Masakin recognise the importance of curbing greenhouse gas emissions and setting new sustainability benchmarks.

Through this Planet of Plenty partnership, National and Masakin will have access to a range of carbon footprint benchmarking technologies available through Alltech E-CO2, which will provide precise measurements of their environmental impact, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and set ambitious targets for reducing their carbon footprints. The dairies will also utilise nutritional technologies from Alltech that help lower methane emissions and enhance farm profitability by increasing feed efficiency and milk production.

“The solidification of many years of collaboration with Emirates Food Industries in a Planet of Plenty Partnership represents the goals of the wider global Alltech family,” said Paul McVeigh, regional manager of Alltech Middle East. “This partnership illustrates what is possible in the Middle East region when companies join forces toward a single goal, and we are dedicated to supporting them with the best available nutritional technologies to achieve more milk while reducing their environmental footprint.”

National and Masakin commitment to sustainability reflects EFI’s broader vision of embracing greener practices throughout the value chain. By fostering innovation and implementing eco-friendly initiatives, the companies aim to pave the way for a more sustainable dairy industry in the Middle East.

Through this Planet of Plenty partnership, National

Agrotech, Award, Company News, Start ups

FarmSense’s award-winning FlightSensor utilises patented technology, computational entomology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics to improve insect monitoring and crop management efforts

Agtech startup FarmSense, announces that it has been awarded the top prize in Bayer’s global Grants4Tech Pest Monitor Challenge. The FarmSense team recently spent multiple days demonstrating the capabilities of their FlightSensor technology during the finalists’ event at Bayer’s headquarters in Germany. The panel of judges were impressed by FarmSense’s real-time pest monitoring technology and its promising potential to revolutionise pest monitoring efforts in commercial agriculture — resulting in the top prize of 10,000€ and possible future collaboration with Bayer.

Bayer described the goal of the competition as a search for “novel technologies to detect and identify above and/or below ground pests in crops at an early infestation stage, enabling an optimized application of crop protection solutions.” Finalists were scored on four categories: novelty of hardware design, sensitivity (spatial and temporal resolution), scalability (robustness, affordability, ease of use), and testability.

“FarmSense is honored to receive the top prize in the Bayer Grants4Tech Pest Monitor Challenge. Technological advances in real-time pest monitoring and classification, like FarmSense’s FlightSensor provides, are essential to support the continued growth of commercial agriculture in a sustainable manner. We are enthusiastic about the future of FarmSense,” said Dr Shailendra Singh, FarmSense co-founder and CTO.

FarmSense’s award-winning FlightSensor utilises patented technology, computational entomology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time analytics to improve insect monitoring and crop management efforts. The FlightSensor is a revolutionary step forward in pest management, saving growers time, labour and money, and reducing the need for pesticide use while improving crop yield.

FarmSense's award-winning FlightSensor utilises patented technology, computational

Agrotech, Company News, Finance, India, IT, Singapore, Start ups

With this deal, finbots.ai’s fast growing client base stretches to 10 countries across APAC and MEA markets while Samunnati strengthens its credit-risk management using world-class AI-enabled platform.

Chennai based Samunnati, India’s largest agri enterprises, today announced signing an agreement with Singapore-headquartered B2B SaaS FinTech finbotsAI, to transform credit risk management using AI. With this, Samunnati becomes the first Agri Enterprise in India to incorporate advanced AI-based solutions into a key pillar of its business, supporting its mission to drive greater financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and agri enterprises. Through this partnership, Samunnati has become the first client of Accel-backed finbotsAI in India.

With creditX, finbots.ai’s AI-powered credit modelling platform, Samunnati will be able to develop high accuracy custom credit models on demand, enabling them to scale their agri and MSME supply chain financing business with reduced risk. Samunnati will also be able to process new applications instantly, resulting in improved efficiency and greater agility in operations.

With this deal, finbots.ai’s fast growing client base stretches to 10 countries across APAC and MEA markets while Samunnati strengthens its credit-risk management using world-class AI-enabled platform.

Samunnati made the decision to sign with finbotsAI after an extensive evaluation via a Proof-of-Concept using historical data. With creditX, finbots.ai was able to reduce model development time from 3 months to 4 days with a significant increase in predictive accuracy, demonstrating potential upsides in revenue and operating efficiencies.

Commenting on the partnership, Anil Kumar SG, CEO and Co-Founder, Samunnati, said, “We believe that innovation is the key to solve the access to finance paradox and to unlocking the potential of Indian agri. The partnership with finbotsAI aligns perfectly with our vision of leveraging technology to serve our customers better and contribute to the growth of the Indian Agri.”

Sanjay Uppal, Founder & CEO, finbots.ai commented, “We are proud to make our foray into an exciting market like India with an industry leader in Samunnati. We have seen enormous success in enabling lenders in Southeast Asia and Africa to safely lend to new segments and accelerate financial inclusion and are confident our transformative AI platform, creditX, will have a similar impact in India. We are seeing creditX become a preferred option for lenders globally, and this deal reinforces the desire for cutting-edge technology solutions that solve legacy challenges.”

With this deal, finbots.ai’s fast growing client