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Dairy, India, Live Stock, People

Dr Shah has been instrumental in sensitising the world about the unique smallholder-based Indian dairying system in different international forums.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been elected to the Board of International Dairy Federation (IDF) during the General Assembly of IDF on 15th October 2023. 

Accepting this responsibility and thanking the IDF delegates for the trust bestowed on him, Dr Shah mentioned that a representative from India, contributing more than 23 per cent of the global milk production, is on the Board of IDF, which will ensure a more inclusive and better global dairying ecosystem. This will also help putting forth the voice of millions of dairy farmers from the smallholder-based dairying system to the global forum and help design suitable policies, frameworks, systems and processes. 

He further said that the collective journey with other countries will help bring out the best for the global dairy sector. While India continues to contribute to the growth of the global dairy sector, it will also be able to leverage the expertise of other nations towards advanced scientific measures and technologies to make Indian dairying more efficient, effective and sustainable. 

Dr Shah has been associated with IDF since long in different capacities and has been instrumental in sensitising the world about the unique smallholder-based Indian dairying system in different international  forums. He is the Member Secretary of the Indian National Committee and also a member of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policy and Economics. He had spearheaded successful organisation of the World’s largest Dairy Conference – IDF WDS 2022 in India in September 2022, which was inaugurated by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India in presence of Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation, Govt of India also chaired the concluding session on relevance of cooperative institutions for dairy sector on the opening day. The event saw large scale participation of ministers, policy makers, experts, scientists, farmers from India and abroad. 

IDF is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. IDF’s network of dairy experts has provided a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products. IDF members are National Committees, generally constituted by dairy organizations in each country and India is represented by the National Committee (INC) of the IDF.

Dr Shah has been instrumental in sensitising

Agro Universities, Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

Through this partnership BharatRohan will have an opportunity to connect with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), to offer drone crop monitoring.

 BharatRohan, a pioneering agri-tech startup specializing in UAV/Drone based Decision Support System (DSS) for farmers, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with ABI-ICRISAT, the Agri-Business Incubator of ICRISAT. This dynamic alliance marks a significant milestone in agricultural technology, set to revolutionise crop monitoring through hyperspectral technology.

In this partnership with ICRISAT, BharatRohan will have an opportunity to connect with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), to offer drone crop monitoring services to uplift farmers’ livelihoods and ensure a resilient and sustainable food supply chain. This collaboration creates a unique platform for networking opportunities within the agriculture industry. To foster innovation, BharatRohan will gain access to state-of-the-art office facilities and expert branding counsel. This support will further help BharatRohan establish an esteemed position in the dynamic agricultural sector.

Rishabh Choudhary, CTO of BharatRohan, sees this partnership as a significant step forward in harnessing hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies for the benefit of farmers and the entire agricultural industry. “This partnership equips us with the expertise and resources to advance our hyperspectral technology, enhancing the precision and efficiency of crop monitoring. We are not just innovating; we are pioneering a future where agriculture is smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Harshaditya, Remote Sensing Engineer at BharatRohan, emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating, “The R&D on hyperspectral data-driven solutions will be pivotal in developing spectral indices and libraries, essential components in hyperspectral data analysis. The spectroscopy-based hyperspectral technique’s ability to detect crop issues even before they are visually apparent will empower us to address challenges such as pest infestations, nutrient management, and precision farming.”

Hyperspectral imaging, a cornerstone in collecting crop phenotypic data, enables early disease detection and the identification of crop health. When integrated with drone technology, it becomes essential for weed and disease monitoring, offering applications that range from early disease detection to severity quantification. In collaboration with ABI-ICRISAT, BharatRohan is expanding its research in hyperspectral imagery, aiming to bolster its product suite and reaffirm its commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art technology for sustainable farming and a secure food supply chain. This partnership signifies a significant stride towards revolutionizing agriculture and empowering farmers with innovative solutions.

Through this partnership BharatRohan will have an

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, People

During the 43rd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi, Anil Kakkar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Sumitomo Chemical India was re-elected as the Vice Chairman, 3rd year in a row and Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. has been elected as the second Vice Chairman.

CropLife India; the association of leading domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies; is pleased to announce that Dr K. C. Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Board, 4th year in a row; during the 43rd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi. Anil Kakkar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Sumitomo Chemical India was re-elected as the Vice Chairman, 3rd year in a row. Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. has been elected as the second Vice Chairman of the Board by the members.

With his immense experience, Dr Ravi would continue to lead the agenda of the crop protection industry in championing innovative technologies that enable farmers to sustainably increase productivity while managing the critical challenges facing our environment.

Dr. K. C. Ravi, shared, “As India emerges as a Global Food Hub, the need for a predictable, stable, and science-based policy and regulatory regime in the crop protection sector is imperative. As the Chairman of CropLife India, our unwavering commitment to working passionately for the betterment of Indian farmers; remain unhindered. We are dedicated to provide our farmers, with science-based, science-led, and science-bred products to ensure the effective and enduring protection of their crops”.

 Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India shared, “CropLife India with the support of new Board will continue to engage with all the stakeholders for the growth of the agriculture sector and also of the crop protection sector. CropLife also continues to create awareness amongst the farmers for the safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions”.

Crop protection industry is one of the most important segments of the agriculture sector and contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the farming community, rural economy and also to the Indian economy. CropLife members are committed to work closely with farmers, scientific community and policy makers to address current as well as future challenges and work towards bringing latest and safer innovations for the farmers. However, the cost of research has gone up and it is estimated that the cost of discovery and development of a new active ingredient is around Rs 2000 crores. If Indian agriculture must flourish, be more competitive, quality driven, reducing wastages as well as losses to enable our farmers to be more successful, it is absolutely essential that a progressive policy environment is in place that fosters innovations.

During the 43rd Annual General Meeting

Cold Storage, India, Supply Chain

By the end of 2027, the cold chain logistics segment is expected to hold a share of around 55.51 per cent of the overall market

REFCOLD India, 2023, South Asia’s leading exhibition and conference dedicated to refrigeration and cold-chain technologies commenced at the Chennai Trade Centre. The three-day expo will host over 200 exhibitors, along with more than 10,000 visitors and innovators from retail, pharma, seafood, milk and dairy products, fruits & vegetables, frozen foods, food service, processing, production, distribution, logistics, and transportation Industries.

Organised in collaboration between the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and Informa Markets, REFCOLD India 2023 is set to redefine the industry landscape. This well-reputed event represents a significant step forward in the refrigeration and cold-chain sector, unveiling a vast potential cold-chain market of around Rs 4.3 trillion by 2027.

The event’s grand inauguration was spearheaded by a rich array of dignitaries including Guest of Honour – Dr R Velraj, Vice Chancellor, Anna University; Raja M Sriraam, Chairman, RECFOLD Chennai, ISHRAE; Yogesh Thakkar, National President, ISHRAE, Anoop Ballaney, National President-Elect, ISHRAE and Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.

India’s cold chain market is segmented into cold chain storage and cold chain logistics. As of 2022, the cold chain logistics segment accounted for 55.42 per cent of the total market share. By the end of 2027, the cold chain logistics segment is expected to hold a share of around 55.51 per cent of the overall market. The wastage levels in perishables in India are significantly high- 4.6- 15.9 per cent in fruits, 5.2 per cent in inland fish, 10.5 per cent in marine fish, 2.7 per cent in meat and 6.7 per cent in poultry. Adequate and efficient cold chain infrastructure from farm gates to consumers is required to arrest the high losses in the supply chain of perishables.

Many global cooling and logistics companies are stepping up their operations in the cold chain sector in India eyeing the huge potential in a large agriculture-driven country, which also happens to be the world’s second-largest producer of grains, vegetables, and fruits. The country’s vast production base, which includes meat, seafood, exotic fruit and vegetable varieties has a sizable agro-export market as well, with India exporting fruits and vegetables worth Rs 160 billion.

Sharing his ideas on the way to sustainable refrigeration and cold chain solutions, Dr R Velraj, Vice Chancellor, Anna University, said “Technology empowers us and represents the contribution of the engineer. 15 per cent of agricultural production is wasted, while over 10 per cent of marine products lose value owing to inadequate preservation. Sustainability in economic progress depends on inclusivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Yogesh Thakkar, National President of ISHRAE said, _”The adoption of integrated cold chain solutions has the potential to significantly revolutionize the traditional perishables sector, bringing about substantial changes in the market landscape and overall growth. This is especially important in a country where agriculture employs 60 per cent of the population.

By the end of 2027, the cold

AgroPolicy, Dairy, India, Live Stock, R&D

Rahuri Semen station in Maharashtra tops the list of 55 players with 97 per cent score in the Evaluation report by Central Monitoring Unit followed by 95 per cent for Animal Breeding Centre, Salon In U.P

The government of India has put the NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) owned Rahuri Semen Station in Maharashtra as India’s numbero Uno on parameters ranging from quality and animal genetics to health and safety protocols, with its other semen station getting an “A” ranking, the Company said here.

 A Technical Audit report of 55 Semen Station across the country for 2022-23 by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) was submitted to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Government of India earlier this month where Rahuri was given a marking of 97 followed by 95 for Animal Breeding Centre Salon, a NDS station, in Utter Pradesh.

 The CMU report accorded a total of nine semen stations a score of 90 and above under Grade A. The other seven include the two NDS stations – Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Bidaj in Gujarat and Alamadhi Semen station in Tamil Nadu; Karnataka Govt’s station at SLBTC Hessarghetta; Kerala Government’s station at Dhoni; Bihar Govt’s station at Purnea (Under NDS), BAIF’s station at Uralikanchan and BSSRC Hisar.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, of NDDB, who is also the Chairman of NDS said “It is a proud moment for all of us and this will spur us to do more for the service of the dairy farmers. Credit for this goes to the dedication of the teams of Veterinary experts and scientists who are working to enhance the productivity of the milch animals and propagation of the genetics of the indigenous breeds. 

“The semen stations run by NDDB Dairy Services are amongst the best professionally managed semen stations not only in India but also in the world. These stations adhere strictly to the quality protocols and have in place stringent bio-security measures to produce disease-free semen. The evaluation report of CMU and the scores received by our stations revalidate our processes and expertise,” he said. 

 The NDS stations have close to 1800 high genetic merit bulls of 35 breeds and together sold over 5.2 crore doses during the evaluation period 2022-23. These stations are also actively involved in In vivo and Invitro embryo production and transfers.

Rahuri Semen station in Maharashtra tops the

Agrotech, Company News, India, Seeds, Sustainability

Potential to transform India’s rice production: 75 per cent of total rice cultivation area expected to shift to direct-seeded rice practices by 2040.

Bayer has announced the introduction of its direct-seeded rice (DSR) system at the 6th International Rice Congress in Manila. Moving from transplanted puddled rice cultivation to direct-seeded rice can help farmers to reduce water use by up to 40 percent, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by up to 45 percent and reduce farmers’ dependence on scarce and costly manual labor by up to 50 percent. The introduction of the DSR system is fully in line with Bayer’s recently announced approach to regenerative agriculture which will enable farmers to produce more while restoring more.

Driven by these advantages, DSR has the potential to be transformational with 75 percent of total rice fields in India expected to switch to this cultivation method by 2040, in comparison to roughly 11 percent today. By 2030, Bayer plans to bring the DSR system to one million hectares in India, supporting over two million early-adopter smallholder rice farmers through its DirectAcres program.

Already underway, DirectAcres has seen considerable success with 99 percent of Indian farmers achieving successful plant establishment and 75 percent a higher return on investment compared to rice grown using the conventional transplanted method. Bayer plans therefore to introduce DirectAcres in other rice growing countries in Asia Pacific, starting with the Philippines in 2024.

“We are building entire systems based on regenerative agriculture practices that create value for farmers and nature alike and that help address the issue of global food security,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science division.

Traditionally, rice farmers first grow seedlings in nurseries before transplanting them in ploughed, levelled and flooded paddy fields. Over the subsequent months the water level must remain constant to ensure that the plants establish and grow. Shortly before the harvest the farmer drains the field. Some 80 percent of the world’s rice crop is today produced using this method.

Now, using advanced R&D capabilities, Bayer is designing climate-resilient rice hybrids with higher yields that can be sown directly in the soil and bred specifically for the different farm environments. By removing the standing water, machinery can perform much of the otherwise time consuming and arduous, manual farming practices. The reduced dependence on excess water – used partly to prevent weeds – means access to crop protection solutions will be key to the transformation. To address this, Bayer is developing new crop protection solutions including a new rice herbicide to ensure a successful and durable weed management program for the direct-seeded rice system.

DSR has the potential to change this by reducing the water use and the GHG emissions created by methane emitting bacteria that thrive in the standing water. The reduction of on-farm manual labor – through mechanization – addresses the issue of continuous labor shortage in the Indian countryside due to rapid urbanization. This has been recently confirmed in the Farmer Voice study supported by Bayer: 22 per cent of Indian smallholder farmers see labor costs as one of the biggest challenges to their operations.

At the 2023 UN Water Conference, Bayer committed to improving water use by 25 percent per kilogram of rice produced by its smallholder farmer customers enrolled in the DirectAcres program by 2030. Bringing direct-seeded rice to one million hectares by 2030 also contributes to the company’s sustainability goals of reducing customers’ on-field GHGs per kilogram of crop produced by 30 percent and empowering 100 million smallholder farmers to sustainably increase their productivity, improve the quality of their produce and enhance their livelihoods.

Potential to transform India’s rice production: 75

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

Conclave to develop global guidelines for climate-resilient marine fisheries management 

Leading marine scientists, policymakers and high-ranking government officials from 16 regional fisheries bodies in the Indo-Pacific region covering 80 countries will gather in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu to discuss climate change in marine fisheries. The Three-day International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala on Tuesday at Welccomehotel, Kences Palm Beach, Mahabalipuram. 

Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the conclave seeks to develop guidelines for climate-resilient fisheries management and formulate strategies for the integration of climate change into international fisheries governance.

Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State will deliver a special address and Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries will deliver the keynote address. India’s developmental, research and policy initiatives for climate-resilient marine fisheries will be presented during the inauguration of the conclave.  
The conclave will also feature a workshop exclusively to discuss India’s preparedness for adapting to climate change in marine fisheries. This workshop will encompass discussions on the current status of climate change impacts on marine fisheries in India, steps taken to address these impacts, gaps and limitations in knowledge and techniques, and actions needed in the short and long term. In addition, it will also feature presentations on cutting-edge research advancements in building climate resilience in the fisheries sector, preparedness of coastal communities, and knowledge sharing and capacity development for climate-proofing marine fisheries in the BOB region. 

“The Indo-Pacific Region comprises nearly half of the global oceanic area and accounts for about 70 per cent of global marine fisheries production. Fisheries in this region are small-scale in nature. This international conclave will help fishery experts in this region to develop strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change and build more resilient marine fisheries”, said Dr P Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO. 

 “The Indo-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to climate change, leading to adverse impacts on marine fisheries. These effects range from the increased frequency of extreme weather events to the threats of flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise. By fostering and executing strategies to adapt to climate change, this region can effectively safeguard the sustainable management of marine fisheries and the livelihoods of the millions of individuals who depend on them, Dr Krishnan said. 

Conclave to develop global guidelines for climate-resilient

Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Seeds

The center addresses growing farmer demand across the EU for biological seed treatment solutions providing best-in-class service and application support for its customer.

Syngenta Seedcare is strengthening its focus on biologicals and extending its leadership in seed treatment with the opening of its first biologicals service center at The Seedcare Institute in Maintal, Germany.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the center addresses growing farmer demand across the EU for biological seed treatment solutions providing best-in-class service and application support for its customers. Syngenta Seedcare currently operates 18 Seedcare Institutes with more than 120 experts globally. Additional biological service centres are set to be added to more Seedcare Institutes in future.

The biologicals service center in Maintal offers specialized expertise to support the application of new biological seed treatments. These include extensive competence in microbiology – from understanding the viability on-seed and in-mixture with other active ingredients, the ability to develop assays for all microbial products, to expertise on the handling of sensitive biologicals throughout the process. It will also provide value-adding services, including advisory on water quality and recipe compatibility, on-seed survivability measurement, guidelines for storage, handling and cleaning, and specialized training on proper stewardship of biologicals.

Biological seed treatment solutions ensure healthy crop establishment, by safeguarding plants from pests and improving their ability to access available nutrients – right from the beginning of life. Only tiny amounts are necessary to coat the seed, helping increase soil health and protecting biodiversity and the environment. However, the incorporation of living organisms can present new challenges to developing biological seed treatment solutions, which will need to take into account factors such as biological compatibility and on-seed survivability.

“Our leadership in biological innovation and seed treatment is built on our ability to constantly enhance and adapt our service offers,” said Jonathan Brown, Global Head Seedcare. “This new biological service centre enables the successful use of biologicals as seed-applied solutions through shared practical knowledge and resources. As the industry collaborator of choice, we look forward to launching new solutions together with our partners.”

Syngenta Seedcare offers a broad portfolio of biological seed treatment solutions, comprising the EPIVIO™ range of biostimulants for healthy crop establishment; ATUVA™ to promote nutrient use efficiency for soybean and legume crops, and NUELLO™ biofertilizers that leverage nitrogen fixation and promote soil health.

The center addresses growing farmer demand across

Agro chems – Chemicals, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

Sluggish exports and domestic demand will weigh on the operating profitability of agrochemicals manufacturers.

For the first time in a decade, Indian agrochemicals makers will see a drop in revenue – by up to 3 per dent on-year in fiscal 2024 – for three reasons: one, falling prices globally following a supply deluge from China; two, muted demand for exports (53 per cent of revenues) owing to destocking by global manufacturers; and three, the impact of lower reservoir levels on rabi sowing according to CRISIL Ratings.

Operating margins, too, may plunge by 400-450 basis points (bps) to a decadal low of 10-11 per cent this fiscal, due to lower volumes and realisations, impacting cash accruals for agrochemicals players.

The current tepid demand is prompting agrochemicals manufacturers to prune capital expenditure (capex) plans. That, along with healthy balance sheets for most, should provide sufficient headroom to withstand business pressures.

An analysis of 48 companies rated by CRISIL Ratings, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the Rs 78,000 crore agrochemical sector as of fiscal 2023, indicates as much.

 Poonam Upadhyay, Director, CRISIL Ratings said ″Increased supplies of low-priced products from China prodded global agrochemicals companies to increase inventory by 45 days between January and June 2023 (see chart 2). The subsequent destocking amid a slowing global economy led to slump in exports from India in the first half of this fiscal. However, with global manufacturers restocking before the onset of the cropping season in Latin America and the US – which accounts for 55 per cent of India’s exports – a recovery in overseas demand should begin from November 2023. ″

Volume growth within India will be in low single digit this fiscal given that inventories with domestic manufacturers are high because of lower exports. Erratic monsoon, resulting in low reservoir levels and posing a risk to rabi sowing, which typically accounts for 35% of domestic pesticide consumption, could also be a challenge.

Sluggish exports and domestic demand will weigh on the operating profitability of agrochemicals manufacturers. Already, the operating margin of most of them had shrunk 700-1,000 basis points on-year in the first quarter this fiscal due to substantial inventory losses following steep price erosion. With product realisation bottoming out and demand likely to pick up from the third quarter, operating profitability should improve sequentially. Yet it will be lower at 10-11 per cent this fiscal, compared with 15.2 per cent last fiscal.

″With sectoral challenges constraining cash flows, prudence in capital spend is imperative. CRISIL Ratings rated agrochemicals companies are expected to lower their annual capex by up to one-third this fiscal to Rs 4,000 crore to reduce reliance on external debt and keep debt metrics at adequate levels. Due to lower profitability, interest coverage and the ratio of total-debt-to-Ebitda1 are expected to moderate yet shall remain comfortable at ~6.4 times and ~1.5 times, respectively, this fiscal, compared with ~10 times and ~1.0 time, respectively, last fiscal”, explained Shounak Chakravarty, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings .

Demand momentum – both, in India and abroad, weather conditions in key export markets and prices of key products and raw materials, especially Chinese, will bear watching in the road ahead.

Sluggish exports and domestic demand will weigh

Finance, India, Schemes - Banks, Start ups

Both the companies will launch ‘Innovators For Bharat: Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods’ program for startups.

SBI Foundation, through its SBIF LEAP (Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program), has introduced the ‘Innovators for Bharat’ initiative. This initiative aims to support high-impact incubators that provide incubation and acceleration services to start-ups addressing critical development challenges in India. SBI Foundation has partnered with Villgro, a leading social enterprise incubator, to launch the ‘Innovators For Bharat: Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods’ program. The program will assist up to 15 promising start-ups in making a significant impact on agricultural livelihoods, reducing agriculture’s climate impact, and bolstering the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change.

The program will facilitate the sustainable scaling of agricultural start-ups by offering them equity seed funding, grant capital, and tailored incubation support. This support encompasses strategic business mentoring, opportunities for field trials, access to rural distribution networks, guidance on quantifying and assessing climate impact, and technical aid for developing carbon projects. Additionally, the program will focus on assisting start-ups in establishing financially stable business models and accessing debt financing to support their growth. Furthermore, it will serve as a platform to promote awareness of start-up innovations through various channels. In a joint effort, Villgro and SBI Foundation will provide financial support totalling Rs 3.25 crores, combining grants and equity investments. Villgro will assume a central role in this initiative by devising program implementation, selecting start-ups through rigorous evaluation and due diligence, offering ongoing incubation support, and advocating for startup success. SBI Foundation will extend financial assistance to the selected startups and facilitate access to its network of banking experts for mentorship, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.

“As the funding and implementation partner, SBI Foundation is wholly devoted to empowering startups and cultivating an innovative culture within the agricultural sector. In collaboration with Villgro, our shared goal is to create a meaningful and enduring impact. Our dedication extends to driving substantial environmental transformations, with particular emphasis on waste recycling/upcycling, CO2 emissions reduction and removal, and the sustainable management of land and resources. With this program, we aim to improve the lives of 10,000 people in two years, including creating jobs for many of them,” said Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director, SBI Foundation.

Sharing about the program, Maithili Rege, Associate Lead, Agriculture, Villgro, said, “Climate resilience in agriculture has become crucial due to unpredictable weather, extreme events, and shifting climate conditions. The Innovators for Bharat’ program is a fantastic opportunity to harness innovation to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while making agriculture more environmentally sustainable. The program stands out by offering strong go-to-market support to enterprises, enhancing startups’ readiness for debt financing, and providing dedicated advocacy for startup success.”

The program invites startups at various stages of development, from early MVP stage to more mature enterprises in the growth phase. Agritech startups, Agri Fintech startups, and Climate Tech Startups with a primary focus on themes such as climate-resilient agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, waste-to-value solutions, and carbon impact and measurement are encouraged to submit their applications. The program particularly encourages women entrepreneurs to apply. The selection of startups for the program will be based on the innovativeness of their solutions, the current stage of their enterprise, business viability, team composition, and potential to create a significant impact on a larger scale.

Both the companies will launch 'Innovators For

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Trade

Present arrangement of 1200 USD/MT in place till a decision is taken on the FOB value.

The Government of India has taken a series of measures in order to check the domestic prices of rice and ensure adequate availability for domestic consumers.  One of the measures being that contracts for Basmati rice exports with the value of USD 1200 per MT and above only may be registered for issue of Registration – cum – Allocation Certificate (RCAC) effective from 25th August 2023. This measure was necessitated as the Government had received credible field reports regarding misclassification and illegal export of non-basmati white rice, exports of which have been prohibited with effect from 20th July 2023. It had been reported that non-basmati white rice was being exported under the HS code of Basmati rice.

Now, the new crop of Basmati has started arriving and there is generally a decline in prices when the new crop starts arriving.  Based on the representations received from the Rice Exporter Associations that the high FOB value is adversely affecting the export of basmati rice from the country, Minister, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution had attended a consultative meet with the basmati rice exporters. Based on the discussions in this meeting, review of Free on Board (FOB) price of contract for issue of RCAC by APEDA for export of basmati rice is under active consideration of the Government. The present arrangement will continue until an appropriate decision is taken by the Government.

Present arrangement of 1200 USD/MT in place

Animal Health, India, Poultry, World

The approval of self-declaration by WOAH, is expected to open up new opportunities for Indian poultry in the global market.

In a significant development for India’s poultry industry, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments. This achievement is a testament to India’s commitment to maintaining high standards of animal health and biosecurity.

Approval of Self-Declaration by WOAH

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, has submitted a self-declaration of freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in 26 poultry compartments to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). On October 13, 2023, the self-declaration was approved by WOAH, coinciding with World Egg Day.

These poultry compartments are located in four states of India, namely Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This recognition by WOAH signifies India’s commitment to international biosecurity standards and will contribute to enhancing the export potential of Indian poultry and poultry products, including meat and eggs. India, as the third-largest producer of eggs (129.60 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (4.47 million tonnes) globally, is poised to capitalize on this achievement.

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of 134 million USD. The approval of this self-declaration is expected to open up new opportunities for Indian poultry in the global market, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Background on Zoning and Compartmentalization

Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses for the purposes of international trade and disease prevention or control. Compartmentalisation involves defining a sub-population of animals with a specified health status within the national territory. The maintenance of this status relies on stringent management and husbandry practices that adhere to the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Code (Chapters 4.4 and 4.5) and recommendations related to specific disease chapters.

Avian Influenza in India

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, was first detected in India in the state of Maharashtra in February 2006. Since then, the country has experienced annual outbreaks of HPAI in different regions, leading to substantial economic losses. The disease has been reported in 24 states and union territories, resulting in the culling of over 9 million birds to control its spread.

India’s approach to controlling HPAI follows a “detect and cull” policy as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised – 2021). This comprehensive response includes the humane destruction of infected and exposed animals, eggs, feed, litter, and other contaminated materials. Additionally, measures such as restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products, disinfection and clean-up of infected premises, and a Post-Operative Surveillance Plan (POSP) have been implemented. It’s important to note that vaccination against HPAI is not permitted in India.

Compartmentalisation: A Key Control Measure

Despite these challenges, India has taken a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with HPAI by adopting the concept of poultry compartmentalisation. Compartmentalisation is a crucial tool that enhances animal health, reduces the risk of disease outbreaks within and outside the compartment, and facilitates the trade of poultry and poultry-related products.

The approval of self-declaration by WOAH, is

Award, Company News, India, Poultry

 Chitturi becomes the first Asian to win IEC’s “International Egg Person” of the Year Award 2023.

Chitturi Jagapati Rao, Chairman of Srinivasa Farms Group, and one of the founders of the National Egg Coordination Committee in India has been bestowed with the prestigious Denis Wellstead Award “International Egg Person of the Year 2023” by The International Egg Commission (IEC). He is the first Asian to receive this highest award.

The International Egg Commission (IEC) recognised and presented the award for his notable success and outstanding achievements across the global egg industry at the recent IEC Global Leadership Conference Lake Louise 2023.

Presenting the award IEC Chairman, Greg Hinton said “Chitturi has contributed significantly to the development of the Indian poultry sector throughout his lifetime. He not only built his own business, Srinivasa Farms Group, from the ground up, but he has also been instrumental in working closely with the government to streamline processes for the industry, creating better employment opportunities and raising the calibre of poultry products in India.”

“Chitturi was one of the founders of the National Egg Coordination Committee in India, an association for producers which has been instrumental in supporting the industry to grow exponentially. Chitturi’s contributions to the Indian layer industry have not only revolutionised the sector but also improved the lives of many people, so we are thrilled to honour him with this award.” Greg added.

On being honored with the “International Egg Person Award” Chitturi Jagapati Rao said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the prestigious ‘International Egg Person of the Year’ award. Eggs are not just a source of nutrition but also a symbol of hope and sustainability for a brighter future. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of countless individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the egg industry globally. I share this honour with all those who are committed to promoting the benefits of eggs, and the family of Srinivasa Hatcheries Group.”

IEC Chairman Greg Hinton said, “The IEC awards are always a highlight of the Global Leadership Conference, offering an opportunity for us to honour the passion, commitment, and enthusiasm of brilliant individuals and organisations within our industry every year.”

 Chitturi becomes the first Asian to win

India, Interaction, Sustainability, Textile industry

IDH and Better Cotton organised ‘Agriclimate Nexus: Food, Fibre and Regeneration for Sustainable Growth in India’.

 IDH and Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, brought together thought leaders, actors and innovators to build consensus on the scope and merits of regenerative agriculture, as well as to identify opportunities for action across policy, business, finance, and research. The event was hosted in New Delhi to promote regenerative agriculture in India through collaboration, innovation, and creating an enabling environment.

The event provided a platform for participants from farming communities, private sector, civil society and government to collaborate, share insights, and drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable and regenerative agricultural future that would protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of millions of small farming communities involved in the production of food and fiber crops in India.

Discussions reiterated the importance of regenerative agriculture to address issues of climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil, preventing soil degradation & water scarcity, and the loss of biodiversity, thereby enhancing food security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring ecosystems.

The event enabled participants to share the barriers faced and hear about solutions, including the adoption of the Better Cotton Principles and Criteria as well as the importance of promoting a ‘Landscape’ approach that supports change within a geographic jurisdiction in collaboration with all the stakeholders in that region. Participants agreed to continue sharing their learning, tools, and approaches even after the event to keep the conversation going and accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture.

Pramit Chanda, Global Director Textiles & Manufacturing – IDH, emphasized the need for collective action, saying, “Through this event, we aspire to create a dynamic, multi-sectoral network and mobilize stakeholders towards a more sustainable and regenerative future for agriculture in India. In this, it is paramount that each stakeholder group considers the role they can play to make this a reality.”

Jyoti Narain Kapoor, Country Director – India, Better Cotton, commented on the importance of the event, stating, “Scaling the use of regenerative agricultural practices will be important to farming communities globally if they’re to ensure their operations are resilient in the face of climate change. This convening will go a long way in strengthening cross-commodity relations and aligning organizations committed to supporting this cause.”

Regenerative agriculture offers a sustainable solution to address the pressing challenges faced by Indian agriculture. Through their joint efforts, IDH and Better Cotton aim to accelerate the adoption of regenerative practices, create an enabling environment, and contribute to the revitalization of India’s agriculture sector. As next steps, IDH and Better Cotton commit to continuing to engage in multi-stakeholder dialogue on regenerative agriculture, drawing participation from stakeholders across the food and fashion industries, as well as other key groups such as government entities, civil society organizations, academia, and the financial sector. A common framework and enabling environment will help in advancing discussions on regenerative agriculture across policy, finance, and industry.

IDH and Better Cotton organised ‘Agriclimate Nexus: