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Agro chems – Chemicals, AgroPolicy, India

After ten years, IFFCO’s Nano Urea and Nano DAP will find a place in the list of biggest experiments done in the agricultural sector

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya and many other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

Amit Shah said that today is a very important day for the entire Western India including Gujarat as IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) plant has been inaugurated at Kalol in Gandhinagar district. Minister of Cooperation, while congratulating the IFFCO team for taking India first in the world in Nano Urea and Nano DAP, said that India is an agricultural country blessed with large and fertile cultivable land and climate suitable for three to four crops, a combination not to be found anywhere else in the world. He said that India is the only country where in the last 75 years we have developed such a system that farmers can do farming every month.

Union Minister of Cooperation said that it is the responsibility of the cooperative institutions of India to bridge the gap between the requirement and production of food grains in the country. He said that after ten years, when the list of biggest experiments done in the agricultural sector would be prepared, IFFCO’s Nano Urea and Nano DAP will find a place in it. Shah said that the need of the hour is to reduce the use of urea and move towards natural farming but at the same time, there is also a need to increase production. Shri Shah said that Nano Urea is sprayed not on the ground but on the plants and due to this, there is a zero possibility of destruction of natural elements or the earthworms present in the soil. If all the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) use Nano Urea and Nano DAP in partnership with IFFCO then very soon our land will move towards natural farming.

He said that IFFCO has set up pan-India plants in a very modern manner. There can be no greater example of Make in India than this. IFFCO’s Kalol unit will produce about 42 lakh bottles of green technology-based Nano DAP which will definitely benefit the farmers. He said that 60 per cent of the people in our country are dependent on agriculture for earning a living and 60 per cent of the country’s land is suitable for agriculture, but for years both farmers and agriculture were ignored.

After ten years, IFFCO's Nano Urea and

Company News, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

The 5 different series come with compact designs and advanced emission control system that comply with advanced markets of the world.

International Tractors Limited (ITL), India ‘s leading tractor exporter, has launched 5 tractors with advanced world-class technology and emissions control system to deliver greater agricultural efficiency around the world. The new range of tractors includes its electric models such as Solis SV Series, S Series, C Series, H Series and N Series. ITL has invested Rs 150 crore ($1.5 billion) in R&D to launch the new series of tractors.

The launch has been organized aligning with ITL’s global conference “Global Partner Summit (GPS) 200” in India. Forging ahead in the global tractor industry, ITL is combining European style and Japanese quality with Indian manufacturing costs. Further, ITL aims to penetrate into newer segments in geographies like Europe, USA, Africa & South America markets.

Gaurav Saxena, Director and CEO, International Business at ITL, said, “We believe in global commitment towards the agricultural community that transcends borders. We have been the No. 1 exporting brand of India for the last 4 years and we maintain the 1st position in more than 15 countries in the target segment. This new series of five tractors will allow us to strengthen our position in global markets with the support of our large network of more than 3,000 dealers.”

The company manufactures tractors under two brand names – Sonalika and Solis. The 5 different series come with compact designs and advanced emission control system that comply with advanced markets of the world such as US and Europe to meet varied customer requirements:

N SERIES – Ideal for Orchards and Vineyards

C SERIES – Powered by Stage V Engine for durability and effortless performance

S SERIES – 16HP to 125HP caters to Hobby Farming to the Toughest Farming Applications

SV SERIES – Robust electric motor to generate impressive torque and power while remaining environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions

H SERIES – Operational comfort and unparalleled ease with Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission

While Series H, Series S, and Solis SV models are launched globally, Series C will be available for European markets and Series N will cater to markets including Europe, USA, Africa and South America Regions.  ITL is also the third largest tractor manufacturer in India and stands among the top 5 tractor manufacturers globally.

The 5 different series come with compact

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, Europe, Finance

 Company’s EBITDA is down 62 per cent due to reduced margins.

Oslo based Yara International announced Third -quarter results of 2023.  Third-quarter EBITDA excl. special items1 was USD 396 million, compared with USD 1,001 million a year earlier. Net income was USD 2 million (USD 0 per share) compared with USD 402 million (USD 1.57 per share) in third quarter 2023.

The main elements of the third-quarter results are:

  • EBITDA down 62 per cent due to reduced margins
  • Operating cash flow of 1 BUSD primarily due to operating capital release
  • European nitrate price negatively impacted by long order book at start of 3Q
  • Supportive fundamentals for full season but uncertain phasing of deliveries

“Third-quarter results are impacted by strong price declines compared to last year, as the nitrogen industry continues to operate in a lower margin environment. Although agricultural fundamentals are supportive, nitrogen markets remain sensitive to geopolitical and commodity market volatility,” said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer at Yara.

“War, geopolitical instability, and the climate crisis are having major impacts on food security. It is therefore even more important to safeguard Europe’s strategic autonomy in within food and fertilizer, and to accelerate the green transition of European agriculture and industry,” said Holsether.

Nitrogen markets saw significant volatility in the third quarter, with the start of the new northern hemisphere season. The quarter began with swift nitrogen price responses to positive market news, with both improved demand and tighter supply. Demand softened in the mid-quarter as urea prices declined and European customers were reluctant to take further positions early in the new season.

Although the season for the European nitrogen industry is off to a slower start than in previous years, fundamentals for the full season are supportive. Agricultural conditions are favourable, and industry consultants forecast increased cereal production in 2023/24, despite drought in several regions earlier this year. Although fertilizer affordability reduced during the quarter, it is still above historical averages, and optimal application rates are up compared to the 22/23 season. However, as normal at this stage of the season, phasing of deliveries is uncertain and there is risk of new nitrogen curtailments if slow European demand continues. The energy transition, climate crisis and food security are top priorities globally. With its leading food solutions and ammonia positions, Yara is uniquely positioned to drive these transformations.

 Company’s EBITDA is down 62 per cent

Company News, India, Interaction, Supply Chain, Warehousing

The event delivered a comprehensive overview of the agribusiness sector, offering attendees key insights to navigate the industry’s domestic and international complexities.

Star Agriwarehousing & Collateral Management Limited, India’s leading agritech integrated solutions company, successfully hosted the “Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar” in Chennai and Hyderabad. The event convened industry professionals, particularly processors and traders in South India’s agricultural heartland, providing valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of global and domestic agribusiness.

The seminar featured a distinguished panel discussion with industry luminaries, including A. Ilavarasu, CMD, S.A Anandan Spinning Mills; Krishna Murthy B, MD, Four P International Pvt Ltd;  Padmasingh Isaac, MD, Aachi Group of Companies; R. Raghuram, COO, Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals Ltd; Mr. Thyagarajan Karthikeyan, MD, Value Ingredients Pvt. Ltd;  J. Karthikeyan, Director, Vellore Roller Flour Mills (P) Ltd. and  K Mahalingam, VP – Commercial, Sakthi Sugars ltd. Soya Division in Chennai

In addition, P R Rao, Head & Advisor, Procurement at Senthini Group; Mitesh Gupta, MD of Shivtara Grain Milling Pvt Ltd.; Mr. Dhiraj Khaitan, MD of Salasar Balaji Agrotech; Pamidi V Prasad Babu, CEO of NSL Sugars; Raj Seelam, MD of Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd; and Priyen Bhimani, COO of Shree Gajanan Industries participated in the seminar in Hyderabad. The discussions were moderated by Mr. G Chandrashekar, Independent Director at StarAgri, a renowned expert in the Indian agricultural sector.

The agricultural industry plays a pivotal role in India’s economy, and the “Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar” was designed to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the commodities market. The event delivered a comprehensive overview of the agribusiness sector, offering attendees key insights to navigate the industry’s domestic and international complexities.

 G Chandrashekar, Independent Director at StarAgri, said, “With the current fragile geo-political situation, global trade, especially in the agri-commodity space, needs to be handled with more real-time information to avoid undue volatility and risks. The ‘Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar’ offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to gain insights, share knowledge, and chart a course for the future of Indian agribusiness.”

The seminar provided attendees with a holistic understanding of the agribusiness industry, enabling them to adopt more innovative and sustainable practices in Indian agriculture by fostering discussions among industry experts.

The event delivered a comprehensive overview of

Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, World

Insect meal Entomeal and insect oil Entolipid are produced with EU industrial standards and fully compliant with EU regulations to be used in animal feed applications

Veolia Bioconversion Malaysia Sdn Bhd has received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture in Malaysia to export Entomeal, insect meal and Entolipid, insect oil into the European markets for use in pet food, aquaculture and livestock.

Insect meal Entomeal and insect oil Entolipid are produced with EU industrial standards and fully compliant with EU regulations to be used in animal feed applications. TRACES ensures the safety and full traceability from feedstock to finished products of our production. We aim to provide our clients with high product quality and consistent supply to meet the rising European market demands,” said company representatives.

Entomeal and Entolipid are produced in optimal conditions in the region thanks to the local industrial know-how of Veolia Bioconversion Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The insect-based bioconversion consists of the transformation by Black Soldier Fly larvae of agrifood industrial by-products into highly valuable products: insect protein meal, insect oil and organic fertiliser. Everything produced by the bioconversion process can be used in agriculture, green energy production and animal feed.

Veolia Bioconversion Malaysia Sdn Bhd operates one of the largest insect industrial facilities in Asia. The facility adheres to the highest industrial standards with ISO 22000, GMP and HACCP certification and meets the most stringent regulation requirements. The company has a production capacity of 3,000 tonnes of insect products per year and is thus a solid and stable partner to work with.

Fabrice Latchoumanin, General Manager, Veolia Bioconversion Malaysia, commented, “There is an increasing requirement for sustainable, and functional ingredients in the pet food and the aqua feed industry. Insect-based feed offers many benefits for these applications such as high digestibility and nutritious feed source. We are thrilled to provide a sustainable alternative source of protein to the European market.”

Insect meal Entomeal and insect oil Entolipid

Company News, People, World

With Zacka’s appointment, the Board has expanded from 11 to 12 members, five of whom are independent

Nouryon, a global speciality chemicals leader, announced the appointment of Michael Zacka to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective October 23, 2023. With  Zacka’s appointment, the Board has expanded from 11 to 12 members, five of whom are independent.

“We are pleased to welcome a highly experienced global executive of Michael’s calibre to our Board,” said Charlie Shaver, Nouryon Chairman and CEO. “His appointment reflects our commitment to bringing the right mix of skills and expertise to our Board to guide Nouryon’s long-term strategy and drive growth.”

Michael Zacka is President, of Flexibles Europe, Middle East & Africa for Amcor plc, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions. Zacka joined Amcor in July 2017 as Chief Commercial Officer, and from November 2017 to July 2019, he assumed additional responsibility as President of Amcor’s Flexible Packaging business in Asia Pacific. Prior to Amcor, he was a member of the Tetra Pak Global Leadership Team and was the President of Asia based in Singapore. He was also the President of their North American business, and had senior assignments including Global Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Management, and led the Tetra Pak businesses across Greater China, Vietnam, and Australia.

Zacka’s appointment to the Nouryon Board as an independent Director follows that of Melanie Steiner, Julie Aslaksen and Curtis Espeland in 2021, and Noelle Walsh in 2020. 

With Zacka’s appointment, the Board has expanded

Finance, India, Start ups

Company plans to enable 10,000 farmer loans and 400 enterprise loans in the next one year.

Agri-fintech start-up KiVi, operated by Agrosperity Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, has announced that it has raised Rs 15 crore in a seed round from investors led by Caspian Leap for Agriculture Fund, Piper Serica Angel Fund, YAN Angel Fund, Impact Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation, among others.

The IIT-Madras Research Park incubated firm, which started in April 2022, plans to utilise the fund to build an AUM of Rs 70 crore over the next 12 months, up from a little over Rs 5 crore now. It is also planning to obtain an NBFC license, a move that may help it forge co-lending pacts with banks and other lenders. It plans to enable 10,000 farmer loans and 400 enterprise loans in the next one year.

The start-up has already onboarded about 3,700 farmers from Tamil Nadu and Bihar and enabled disbursements of Rs 6.5 crore worth of loans to more than 2,000 farmers. The company has five lending partners, including Federal Bank, EASF Small Finance Bank, and Samunnati.

The start-up was established to serve the farmgate ecosystem comprising farmer households and agri entrepreneurs such as input retailers, output aggregators, farmer producer organisations, and equipment renters. KiVi connects suppliers and consumers of capital suppliers, and buyers of agri commodities.

“While the farmgate ecosystem presents a huge market opportunity for credit and commerce, it has been under-served by the formal markets due to a lack of solutions that serve the needs of the stakeholders,” Joby CO, Founder & CEO of KiVi, said.

“Microfinance loans are not suitable for farmers and agri entrepreneurs, while farmers and agri entrepreneurs did not have market linkage services to effectively sell their output at the farmgate. On the supply side, financial institutions are keen to lend to the agri sector but do not have the capability to lend to the sector. KiVi platform is addressing these gaps,” he added.

Supported by its last mile capability, KiVi takes into account seasonal cash flows, the absence of formal income proof and land ownership proof, and fragmented landholding to design loan and repayment solutions for rural farmers and agri entrepreneurs.

Company plans to enable 10,000 farmer loans

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

The company has also signed technology partnership agreements with MECS (Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems) and TKIS (ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions).

Hyderabad based Coromandel International Limited, the country’s second largest Phosphatic fertilizer player and part of Murugappa Group, announced the project initiation for setting up a new 1650 Metric Tonnes per day design capacity sulphuric acid plant at its fertiliser complex in Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 400 crores. The announcement was made by Arun Alagappan, Executive Vice Chairman, Coromandel International Limited. The company has also signed technology partnership agreements with MECS (Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems) and TKIS (ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions).

The new sulphuric acid plant for which the investment has been announced will increase the sulphuric acid production capacity by a further 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum from the current level of 6 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum, thereby resulting in a combined capacity of 11 lakh Metric Tonnes. The investment is in line with Coromandel’s long-term objectives to secure key raw materials for its fertiliser production. The 1650 TPD sulphuric acid plant project will be setup within Coromandel’s existing Visakhapatnam plant premises. The Visakhapatnam manufacturing unit of Coromandel has a production capacity of 1.3 million Tonnes per annum complex fertilisers and a captive phosphoric acid production capacity of close to 4 Lakh Tonnes per annum. The new Sulphuric acid plant at Vizag will reduce the import dependence considerably and ensure sustainable production of Phosphoric acid, one of the key raw materials for phosphatic fertiliser manufacturing.

The new state of the art sulphuric acid plant is being built on par with globally best technology standards to control emissions. The steam generated from the process shall also be used for captive power generation.

Commenting on the setup of new sulphuric acid plant, Arun Alagappan said, “India is a net importer of sulphuric acid, and the 3rd largest importer globally, accounting for close to 20 Lakh Metric Tonnes of imports. Coromandel has announced the setting up of a new 1650 TPD sulphuric acid plant at Visakhapatnam. Considering the essential nature of fertilisers, this investment will improve the self-sufficiency and availability of phosphatic fertiliser in the country. I would like to thank the leadership team of MECS and TKIS for being with us here today for the event. This project is an important one for all of us involved and will play an important role in reducing the sulphuric acid imports into our country.”

Speaking on the event, Brian Blair, Global Licensing Manager, MECS USA said, “We have worked in close partnership with Coromandel International Limited to be able to guarantee the precise performance and emissions control needed for the project to meet stringent environmental standards and production objectives. We are excited to be part of a project that provides Coromandel a state-of-the-art sulphuric acid plant with carbon free power generation and to be ableto support it with our many decades of expertise in sulphuric acid plant technology.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kamath, CEO & MD TKIS India said, “Coromandel International remains one of our most esteemed customer in the Phosphatic Fertiliser space. Our relationship with them dates back to the nineties when we set up a ammonia tank terminal in Ennore. This was followed by many Di-Ammonium Phosphate/NPK Fertiliser plants, cryogenic ammonia storages and Phosphoric acid plant. The sulphuric acid project is one more opportunity to take our excellent business relationship forward.”

The company has also signed technology partnership

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Oilseeds, Pulses

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23 is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22.

The Final Estimates of production of major crops for the year 2022-23 have been released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. As per Final Estimates for 2022-23, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 3296.87 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, the production during 2022-23 is higher by 308.69 Lakh tonnes than the previous five years’ (2017-18 to 2021-22) average production of food grains.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said on the record production of food grains that our farmer brothers and sisters are continuously working hard, while agricultural scientists and institutions are also doing very good work, along with this Under the leadership of  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Agriculture is smoothly implementing  the schemes and programs, thus everyone’s efforts are reflecting better results in the agriculture sector including record food grains production.

As per Final Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2022-23 is as under:

Foodgrains  –  3296.87 Lakh tonnes.

Rice  –  1357.55 Lakh tonnes.

Wheat  –  1105.54 Lakh tonnes.

Nutri / Coarse Cereals  –  573.19 Lakh tonnes.

Maize  –  380.85 Lakh tonnes.

Pulses  –  260.58 Lakh tonnes.

Tur  –  33.12 Lakh tonnes.

Gram – 122.67 Lakh tonnes.

Oilseeds  –  413.55 Lakh tonnes.

Groundnut  –  102.97 Lakh tonnes.

Soyabean  –  149.85 Lakh tonnes.

Rapeseed and Mustard – 126.43 Lakh tonnes.

Sugarcane – 4905.33 Lakh tonnes.

Cotton  –  336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each)

Jute  & Mesta – 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each)

Total production of Rice during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1357.55 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 62.84 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s Rice production of 1294.71 Lakh tonnes and by 153.65 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 1203.90 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Wheat during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1105.54 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 28.12 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s wheat production of 1077.42 Lakh tonnes and by 48.23 Lakh tonnes than the average wheat production of 1057.31 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Nutri / Coarse Cereals estimated at 573.19 Lakh tonnes, which is higher by 62.18 Lakh tonnes than the production of 511.01 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, it is also higher by 92.79 Lakh tonnes than the average production. Production of Shree Anna is estimated at 173.20 Lakh tonnes.

Total Pulses production during 2022-23 is estimated at 260.58 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 14.02 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average pulses production of 246.56 Lakh tonnes. Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at record 413.55 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 33.92 Lakh tonnes than the oilseed production during 2021-22. Further, the production of oilseeds during 2022-23 is higher by 73.33 Lakh tonnes than the average oilseeds production of 340.22 Lakh tonnes.

Total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at 4905.33 Lakh tonnes. The production of sugarcane during 2022-23 is higher by 511.08 Lakh tonnes than the previous year sugarcane production of 4394.25 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Cotton is estimated at 336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each) is higher by 25.42 Lakh bales than the previous year’s cotton production.  Production of Jute & Mesta is estimated at 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each).  

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23

AgroPolicy, Bee keeping, Horticulture, India

Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers and honey are expected to increase in 2022-23.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the 2nd Advance Estimates of the area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23. According to this estimate, total horticulture production in the country is expected to be a record 351.92 million tonnes in the year 2022-23.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has said that along with food grains, horticulture is also continuously recording record production in the country, which is the good result of the hard work of our farmers, the efficiency of scientists and the farmer-friendly policies of the Central Government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is committed to the welfare of farmers.

Highlights of the year 2021-22 (Second Advance Estimates)-

• Total horticulture production in the year 2022-23 is estimated to be 351.92 million tonnes, an increase of about 4.74 million tonnes (1.37 per cent) as compared to the year 2021-22 (final).

• Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers and honey are expected to increase.

• Fruit production is estimated to be 108.34 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 as compared to 107.51 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

• The production of vegetables is estimated to be 212.91 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 compared to 209.14 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

• Production of plantation crops is estimated to increase from 15.76 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 16.05 million tonnes in 2022-23, which is an increase of about 1.78 per cent.

• Potato production is expected to be 60.54 million tonnes, compared to 56.18 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers

Biostimulants, Company News, Europe, Horticulture

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico.

Bionema Group, a prominent biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer specialising in crop protection and plant health management, has unveiled a new biostimulant product in the UK developed for application in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf, and amenities.

After a decade of dedicated Research and Development, Bionema Group is proud to introduce RootVita®, a groundbreaking product that harnesses the power of nature to revolutionise plant growth and soil health. RootVita® is a potent blend of biofertilisers, PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), essential nutrients, prebiotics, and vitamins.

Plants treated with RootVita® exhibit improved resistance to abiotic stress factors such as heat, drought and salt. Additionally, their roots tend to access more nutrients and absorb water more effectively.

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico. The results of these trials suggest that RootVita® has the potential to enable farmers to reduce their fertiliser usage by up to 30 per cent, all while maintaining approximately 93 per cent of their crop yields. Specifically, in Bionema’s glasshouse trials, root growth was observed to be 35 per cent more robust when using a recommended mixture of 50 per cent fertiliser in combination with Bionema’s RootVita® product.

According to Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, “There has been a notable surge in interest surrounding biostimulants in recent years, driven by the increasing recognition of their benefits. Looking ahead, with the overall Biocontrol market anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7 per cent over the next five years, the biostimulant segment within this market is expected to grow at a rate of 11.8 per cent, reaching a value of $6.2 billion by the year 2027 (source: Markets and Markets, 2022). This rapid market expansion mirrors public concerns regarding the impacts of agrichemicals on human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Consequently, there is a growing demand for natural solutions to enhance crop yields and promote plant health”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio enhances the company’s offering to the Biological Agriculture sector, and complements its ongoing research, training and other services in the continuing development of novel biological solutions. It reflects Bionema’s evolution in focus and strategy, announced in 2022 following the company’s deal with Syngenta that secured Bionema’s position as a top 20 world-leading biocontrol company.

Dr Ansari further emphasised Bionema’s aspiration to become a prominent developer of biocontrol technology, with the aim of diminishing reliance on chemical pesticides. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a transformation, marked by increasing calls for reduced chemical usage in agriculture. In order to sustain high crop yields and provide for a growing global population, it is imperative that we explore alternative, more sustainable approaches. Biostimulants emerge as a promising option to meet these demands.

The Bionema team conducted a series of

Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Water

PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination.

A path-defining memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau, Uttar Pradesh and Plasma Water Solutions India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of a fast-emerging US Ag Tech company, Plasma Water Solutions Inc.

The agreement was signed by Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, JD(R), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, ICAR- IISS, Mau & Ms. Pragya Kalia, MD, PWS India in the presence of Dr. Shiv Kumar Yadav, Principal Investigator & Principal Scientist, Division of Seed Science and Technology (DSST), ICAR-IARI, Dr. Sangita Yadav, Principal Scientist, DSST, ICAR-IARI and Dr. Pramod Kumar, In-charge PME Cell, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Plasma Water Solutions proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real time to Plasma-ized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crops cycle. Under this MOU, IARI and IISS of ICAR will undertake standardization of seed treatment (ST) in various crops, validating the standardized ST in demonstrations/field trials at different locations and generating data under the research project entitled “Standardization, Performance Evaluation and Field Demonstrations of PW Treatments for Enhanced Planting Value in Wheat, Mustard, Lentil, and Tomato crops against heat stress and normal conditions.”

Complimenting the two teams from Germany, Robert Hardt, President and CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, said, “Ours is a science-based technology & we believe in continuous refinement by joining hands with the leading science & research institutes globally keeping customers at the centre of all our R&D efforts. We are extremely proud to be associated with the Apex organisation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in India & wish to see this working in favour of Indian farmers.”

Enhancing productivity in the most climate smart sustainable manner is a key objective of IARI. We look forward to work on this tech along with PWS India to study the utility of PW technology to enhance crop productivity sustainably, said Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Pragya Kalia, MD, Plasma Water Solutions India, said, “This is a strategic step towards making our technology effective for small farmers of India. Through ICAR partnership, we would not just validate & demonstrate benefits of our tech for natural farming & productivity but also standardize the applications considering various agro-climatic conditions & local practices.”

PW technology is used for seed treatment,

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers

Best Agrolife, a leading name in the agricultural industry, and Sudarshan Farm Chemicals jointly organised a successful North Karnataka dealer’s meet at Sindhanur. The event held recently saw an impressive turnout of approximately 700 dedicated dealers across the region.

During the meeting, Best Agrolife proudly unveiled an extensive range of innovative products targetting crop segments in the Karnataka region.

The event’s highlight was the official launch of Best Agrolife’s blockbuster product, Tricolor. Harnessing the combined power of Trifloxystrobin, Difenoconazole and sulphur, Tricolor represents a revolutionary approach to crop protection. This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers.

“As a company rooted in agriculture, we prioritize sustainability and affordability in all our offerings. We aim to empower farming communities with cutting-edge solutions that enhance crop health and promote bountiful harvests. We believe in fostering agricultural practices that lead to economic growth and food security,” said Sara Narsaih, National Marketing Manager of Best Agrolife Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, SBVR Prasad, Executive Director, Best Agrolife Ltd., shared insights into Best Agrolife’s present and future product portfolio. He emphasised the value of indigenous technology in delivering cost-effective solutions to farmers compared to multinational companies, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Satish Kumar Malhotra, Director of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals, highlighted their commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. He emphasised that the company is proud to introduce a range of ternary products that offer both cost-effectiveness and substantial benefits to the farming community, contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in agriculture.

Aiyanath Reddy, Vice President of the Karnataka State Dealer Association, expressed his satisfaction with the widespread acceptance of Best Agrolife products at the farmer level. He attributed this success to the company’s diverse product range, uncompromising quality, and continuous innovation in the form of tri-combination products.

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum

Agrotech, India, People, Seeds

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company as Vice Chairman.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the prominent industry association of R&D based seed companies in India, is delighted to announce the successful leadership transition with Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Private Limited, assuming the role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. FSII held its Annual General Meeting on 25 Sep 2023, which marked the occasion of the new leadership team formally taking over the mantle.

 Rajvir Rathi, Head – Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability IBSL and Lead – Traits Licensing Business, Bayer CropScience Limited and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, assumed the roles of Vice Chairmen. Dr Venkatram Vasantavada, MD & CEO, SeedWorks International Private Limited, took charge as the Finance Director. 

The new leadership team expressed their profound gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the founding and former Board members who, since its inception, have been instrumental in shaping FSII into a respected industry association at the forefront of India’s seed sector.

FSII’s rich legacy, built upon the vision and relentless dedication of these early pioneers, has led to its establishment as a pioneering industry association for the Indian seed sector. Over the years, FSII has achieved remarkable growth, recognition, and respect within the industry, primarily due to the tireless commitment of those who have steered its course.

Under the guidance of the newly appointed leadership, FSII is now poised to take its mission to the next level. With a renewed focus on becoming a ‘knowledge-driven’ federation of research-based seed companies in India, FSII aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian seed sector. The organization envisions a future where innovative research, sustainable practices, and knowledge-sharing will drive the industry to new heights.

“On behalf of the new leadership team, we acknowledge the great efforts of our founding and former leadership who have brought FSII to what it is today as the voice of Indian seed sector. FSII is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future, leading the way towards a knowledge-driven and prosperous Indian seed sector. Our commitment is unwavering, and we are determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. As we embark on this exciting journey of leadership continuity and renewed focus, we invite all the industry stakeholders, partners, and collaborators to join hands with us in shaping the future of the Indian seed sector. Together, we can collectively contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of this most important industry.” said Ajai Rana on the occasion.

FSII’s leadership transition represents a vital step on the continuum of progress, ensuring that the organization remains relevant, dynamic, and influential in the years to come. The new team is dedicated to preserving the values and vision of FSII while simultaneously adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Focusing on strategic stakeholder engagement and targeted policy advocacy, FSII is all set to bolster its collaboration with Central and State governments, various Ministries, departments, and statutory bodies to ensure that policy and regulatory frameworks are holistic and conducive to the growth of the seed industry and aligned with nation’s Amrit Kaal aspirations.

This leadership transition not only ensures that FSII remains agile and expands its sphere of influence in the ever-evolving Indian seed industry but also places a strong emphasis on fostering enhanced collaboration and communication with key stakeholders.

FSII will actively seek collaboration and partnerships with industry players, research institutions, academia, scientific fraternity, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge exchange within the sector. FSII committed to disseminating industry insights and promoting best practices among its members and stakeholders.

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah