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Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector

Arete Group, a renowned business conglomerate, announced a significant transaction involving the acquisition of 35 acres of prime industrial land by Silox India Private Limited at PIP (Payal Industrial Park) in Dahej Gujarat. Silox India is a leading manufacturer of inorganic chemicals headquartered in Belgium. This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector.

PIP, developed and promoted by Arete Group, stands as India’s largest privately integrated industrial park, strategically located within the Gujarat PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region). Approved by the Government of Gujarat, PIP offers world-class infrastructure and facilities, creating an ideal environment for manufacturing plants and large-scale industries. The park, sprawling over 3,500 acres, has been meticulously planned by engineering and construction giant CH2M Hill, catering to the specific requirements of water-intensive and polluting industries.

The facilities at PIP, including water access, an effluent treatment plant, and environmentally friendly plans, align perfectly with Silox’s commitment to sustainability. The collaborative environment at PIP is expected to enhance Silox India’s capacity by 30-40 per cent compared to its current capabilities, fostering growth and innovation.

Prakash Raman, MD of Silox India Private Limited, shared his perspective on the partnership: “As a manufacturer of inorganic chemicals, our collaboration with PIP signifies a strategic move towards achieving our growth objectives. The facilities offered by PIP, coupled with its environmentally conscious approach, provide us with a collaborative environment to thrive. We anticipate that this partnership will not only enhance our production capacity but also contribute to the overall success of both Silox India and PIP.”

This strategic collaboration aims to foster growth,

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fruits, India, Interaction, Live Stock, Poultry, Start ups, Sugar industry

Agrovision attracts lakhs of farmers from Maharashtra and adjoining states, as well as experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders from the agri domain.

Agrovision India is Central India’s largest Agri summit that showcases the best of innovations, technologies, new products and services in the agricultural sector. It is an annual event that attracts lakhs of farmers from all over Maharashtra and adjoining states, as well as gets active participation from 100+ experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders.

Central India’s largest agricultural exhibition, Agrovision – 2023, an important vehicle for agricultural transformation in Vidarbha, is being organised from November 24 to 27 at PDKV Ground, Dabha, Nagpur. The theme of this year’s summit is “Sustainable Farming Through Skilling and Technology”. Agrovision India showcases the best of innovations, technologies, new products and services in the agricultural sector.

The Agrovision Conference is an annual one-day event that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, agri-entrepreneurs, and experts from all over India to discuss critical agricultural issues. 14th Agrovision will hold the conferences on Dairy Industry in Vidarbha, Food Processing: Opportunities and Challenges in Central India and Inland Fisheries: Opportunities in Vidarbha and Farming for energy production during 24th to 27th November 23.

Some of the highlights of Agrovision 2023 are:

– 25,000 sq mt of display area

– 400+ Exhibitors

– 70+ categories

– 100+ experts

– Exclusive pavilion for Agritech Startups

– Exclusive schemes for NSAI members and MSME companies

– 2-day conference on Food Processing with 20+ industry experts and scientists

– 30+ Free interactive workshops for farmers

– An Animal Husbandry expo to exhibit the best practices and products in animal husbandry, dairy, inland fisheries, and sugarcane.

Agrovision attracts lakhs of farmers from Maharashtra

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India

IIL reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation in agriculture, empowering farmers, and contributing to the advancement of the agricultural industry.

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a frontrunner in the crop protection and nutrition sector, is once again at the vanguard of innovation. This time they have introduced four cutting-edge solutions– Nakshatra, Supremo SP, Opaque and Million– designed to redefine modern agriculture.

‘Nakshatra’, marks a new milestone for Indian agriculture for sugarcane as IIL pioneers an innovative approach by coming up with a combination of two highly potent herbicides. Positioned as a game-changer– ‘Nakshatra’ delivers effective protection precisely when it is most critical in the sugarcane crop. This strategic product instills confidence in farmers, enabling them to rely on ‘Nakshatra’ to safeguard their sugarcane crop from unwanted weeds, thus contributing significantly to the sustainability of India’s vital sugar industry. Functioning as a post-emergence herbicide, ‘Nakshatra’ effectively controls variety of weeds, while ensuring the safety of the crop.

‘Opaque’, a trailblazing patented herbicide product again from the R&D wing of IIL, is all set to revolutionize the weed control for farmers pan India. Featuring a combination of two herbicides in ZE formulation, ‘Opaque’ delivers robust control over a variety of weeds creating optimal growth conditions for crop. Notably, its versatility to be used in multiple crops other than Onion will be a boon to the farmers. Already label expansion on crops like cotton and wheat is under way. For the effective control of weeds ‘Opaque’ should be used within 0 to 3 days following transplanting or sowing.

‘Supremo SP’, a versatile broad-spectrum systemic and contact insecticide, stands as a formidable tool against chewing and sucking insects. Its effectiveness extends to combating pests like stem borer and leaf folder in paddy, making it a valuable asset for farmers across India. Moreover, it is also effective for control of insects in vegetables.

Lastly, ‘MILLION,’ an innovative herbicidal solution, targets the notorious Phalaris minor weed in Wheat. ‘MILLION’ presents a strategic advantage for wheat farmers. Recommended at a dosage of 60 grams per acre through a pre-emergence application within 0-3 days of sowing, this application method ensures maximum efficacy in managing resistant Phalaris with no adverse effect on wheat.

 Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), emphasized the company’s dedication to bring the latest technology products for the Indian farmers through its R&D initiatives and stated, “We firmly believe that innovation is the bedrock of agricultural progress. Embracing state-of-the-art solutions is not a mere option, but a critical imperative for the future of farming. Our unyielding dedication centers on furnishing farmers with the requisite technologies for their prosperity. Through the introduction of these crop protection products, we envisage not only the well-being of individual farmers but also the holistic progress and sustainability of the entire agricultural sector, thereby bolstering the nation’s prosperity.”

In presenting these four pioneering solutions, IIL reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation in agriculture, empowering farmers, and contributing to the advancement of the agricultural industry.

IIL reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation

Agrotech, Company News, Sustainability, World

The Positive Agriculture Outcomes Accelerator will now catalyse more than $30 million in investments to support nearly 40 agricultural projects through 2028.

PepsiCo announced the third year of its global agriculture program, the Positive Agriculture Outcomes (PAO) Accelerator, by backing eight new innovation projects across nine countries. PepsiCo’s continued investment aims to address some of the most urgent challenges facing agriculture today, while moving the company’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) agenda forward. The PepsiCo Positive Agriculture Outcomes (PAO) Accelerator will now catalyze more than $30 million in investments to support nearly 40 agricultural projects through 2028.

PepsiCo’s PAO Accelerator offers local farming communities co-investment to accelerate diverse and results-driven Positive Agriculture projects, as well as funding for ag-tech start-ups that offer proven products or technology with the potential to scale. This year’s innovations will build resiliency through climate related analysis, improve soil health, and strengthen farms’ climate resilience – engaging farmers in Australia, Colombia, Egypt, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom.

“We can’t motivate systemic change on our own, and our PAO Accelerator continues to provide a forum for farming communities to bring forth ideas and opportunities, and receive the funding needed to get promising innovation off the ground,” said Margaret Henry, Vice President, Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo. “With this latest round of projects, we’re not only fostering this powerful network of innovators across global farmland, but growing closer to achieving a more regenerative future, with farmers’ insight at the forefront.”

Among the roster of 2023 projects, will be a project with Australian grain growers to test and validate soil health management practices to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions on-farm. In Colombia, funding will support increasing potato crop quality and yield by installing sprinkler irrigation systems that will also reduce water use. And, in collaboration with 3Keel, a UK-based landscape innovation firm, funding will help connect Europe-based organizations interested in supporting regenerative solutions with local farmland managers who can deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes.

“Investing in pioneering agriculture projects is a key action in combatting the evolving climate crisis and setting farmers around the world, up for long-term success,” shared Tom Curtis, Director, 3Keel Group Ltd. “Support from PepsiCo’s PAO Accelerator will powerfully enable our team to work with local farmers across Europe to further broker the partnerships needed to accelerate climate action on the ground to strengthen agricultural supply chains for the long-term.”

Since its launch in 2021, the PAO Accelerator has supported diverse projects – from adopting efficient irrigation systems in response to increased drought, developing kilns to turn agricultural waste into fertilizer, improving soil health, and more.

“Speaking from experience, prioritizing and investing in climate-smart innovation can uncover solutions for our entire global agricultural supply chain,” said Chris Seymour, Seymour Farms, Canada, and 2022 PAO Accelerator funding recipient. “With support from PepsiCo’s PAO Accelerator, my team gained new insights that helped improved soil health and profitability for my business, even as weather conditions became more unpredictable over time.”

The Positive Agriculture Outcomes Accelerator will now

Company News, India, Start ups, Supply Chain, Sustainability

Achieving a staggering year-over-year growth rate of 150 per cent, FarMart is setting new benchmarks for efficiency and growth in the agri-tech sector.

FarMart, one of the leaders in sustainable and futuristic food supply network, has released its Impact Report – “Tracing Impact at FarMart” and continues to seize the spotlight for its extraordinary impact on agriculture. From green logistics to AI-powered food testing, FarMart boasts of unparalleled performance and is also recognized as India’s fastest-growing tech company in 2022 by Deloitte.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Food

FarMart, now recognized for its ground-breaking achievements, remains steadfast in its mission to create a sustainable and tech-driven future for agriculture. The company’s focus on innovation, community empowerment and environmental sustainability positions it to continue breaking new ground in the agri-tech sector.

Adding to its environmental commitment, every ton of food sold through FarMart emits 33 per cent fewer emissions than the conventional food supply chain. Collaborating with 2,000 food businesses and establishing partnerships with suppliers in 7,000 pin codes, FarMart has, within five years, avoided 41,974 Metric Tons of CO2 emissions and prevented 28,350 Metric Tons of food waste until March 2023. FarMart is not only revolutionizing agriculture but also paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food ecosystem.

“At FarMart, our climate commitments are not separate from our core business. Sustainability is deeply integrated into our model, and we reduce carbon emissions with every transaction. In the next 5 years, FarMart aspires to be an industry leader in driving supply chain decarbonisation efforts for food businesses across the globe,” says Tannya Garg, Impact and ESG Head at FarMart.

Transforming Lives Through Unprecedented Growth

Impacting the lives of over 30 lakh farmers (150 per cent increase from FY22) and counting, FarMart is not merely a platform—it’s a catalyst for change. In the dynamic realm of agriculture, where every decision holds immense consequence, FarMart ensures that farmers receive real-time market rates on a daily basis, empowering them with invaluable insights. From 2021 to 2023, a staggering Rs 1,085 crore value transfer to farmers at fair market rates underscores FarMart’s commitment to fostering economic growth at the grassroots level. FarMart is not just enhancing productivity but elevating the entire agricultural ecosystem. Furthermore, through efficient logistical arrangements and a strategic reduction in transport costs, FarMart has saved 20 per cent of farmers’ income, marking a significant stride towards sustainable and profitable farming. This, coupled with 17 lakh retailer-farmer SMS inputs, solidifies FarMart’s position as the driving force behind positive and measurable change in Indian agriculture.

Deloitte has acknowledged FarMart’s exceptional growth, naming it the fastest-growing tech company in India. Achieving a staggering year-over-year growth rate of 150 per cent, FarMart is setting new benchmarks for efficiency and growth in the agri-tech sector.

Impact Report Unveiled

FarMart is proud to unveil its Impact Report, spotlighting the tangible and positive changes ushered in by its platform.

  • Over 30 Lakh Farmers Empowered: Daily access to real-time market rates, along with the many tech-enabled services are empowering an ever-growing number of farmers, enabling informed decision-making and profit maximization.
  • Rs 1,085 Crore Value Transfer: From 2021 to 2023, FarMart facilitated a fair market value transfer of Rs 1,085 crore to farmers, ensuring just compensation for their produce.
  • 20 per cent of Farmers’ Income Saved: Efficient logistical arrangements and reduced transport costs led to a 20 per cent saving in farmers’ income, contributing to their financial well-being.
  • 17 Lakh Retailer-Farmer SMS Inputs: FarMart’s platform facilitated 17 lakh retailer-farmer SMS inputs, fostering communication and collaboration in the agricultural ecosystem.
  • Economic Impact:
  • Value transferred to farmers at fair market price increased from Rs 1,900,600,000 (FY 2022) to Rs 8,951,300,000 (FY 2023)
  • Number of village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) empowered increased from 30000000 (FY 2022) to 138400000 (FY 2023), posting a 361 per cent increase.
  • Earnings by logistics partners increased from ₹3,993,289,000 (FY 2022) to Rs 10,847,574,000 (FY 2023).

Achieving a staggering year-over-year growth rate of

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agrotech, Company News, Europe, Sustainability

Yara Sluiskil will capture approximately 800,000 tons of CO2 from the process gas from its ammonia production each year.

Yara International, a leading global ammonia player, and Northern Lights, a CO2 transport and storage supplier, sign a binding commercial agreement, enabling the first cross-border transportation and storage of CO2. Yara aims to reduce its annual CO2-emissions by 800,000 tons from the ammonia production at Yara Sluiskil. The CO2 will be liquefied and shipped by Northern Lights from the Netherlands to permanent storage on the Norwegian continental shelf, 2.6 kilometres under the seabed.

Facts about the agreement

  • Yara Sluiskil will capture approximately 800,000 tons of CO2 from the process gas from its ammonia production each year
  • Yara Sluiskil will expand its CO2 liquification capacity to liquify 12 million tons of CO2 over the next 15 years with an estimated capex of approximately EUR 200 million
  • Northern Lights will ship liquified carbon dioxide from Yara Sluiskil in the Netherlands to Øygarden in Norway
  • The liquefied CO2 will initially be stored in onshore tanks at Øygarden, prior to injection into an offshore saline aquifer via pipeline for permanent and safe storage, 2,600 meters below the seabed
  • Operations will start in 2025 and continue for 15 years. 

This is a milestone for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industry in Europe and for Yara it’s an important step towards decarbonizing our ammonia production, product lines and the food value chain at large, says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara International.

We are very pleased that Yara has selected Northern Lights as CO2 transport and storage provider. This commercial agreement gives us the opportunity to further utilise the capacity at our storage site below the North Sea. It confirms the commercial potential for CCS and demonstrates that the market for transport and storage of CO2 is evolving rapidly, says Børre Jacobsen, Managing Director of Northern Lights.

Cutting 12 million tons of CO2 over the next 15 years

Cutting 800,000 tons CO2 in Yara Sluiskil corresponds to 0.5% of the total annual emissions (2022) in the Netherlands. Over the next 15-years Yara will remove approximately 12 million tons of CO2 from its production in Sluiskil.

 Yara Sluiskil is showing the way forward for European industry by taking another step on the decarbonization journey. Since 1990 Yara Sluiskil has cut 3.4 million tons of CO2 equivalents per year from its ammonia and fertilizer production, whilst at the same time almost doubling its production. Now we continue by reducing one of the biggest emission points in the Netherlands, says Michael Schlaug, VP Yara Netherlands.

Decarbonized future for food-production and shipping

 Clean ammonia can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, chemical production, and power production. It will enable the hydrogen economy, and the time to start using clean ammonia and hydrogen to decarbonize Europe is now, says Magnus Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia.

This project forms part of Yara’s ongoing strategic transition to decarbonize and future-proof its core production assets as Yara Sluiskil is one of the world’s largest ammonia and mineral fertilizer plants. In addition to this project, Yara is evaluating potential large-scale blue ammonia production projects with CCS in the US. Coupling these investments with its leading global ammonia position, Yara can profitably decarbonize its premium product operations in Europe while also diversifying its energy position. To allocate capital to this transition, Yara is considering a number of options including a minority divestment of YCA, asset divestments and other available funding sources.

CCS is key to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries in Europe

The world is closing in on 2030 and action is required to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. UN Secretary General Guterres stated in an address to the UN General Assembly on 20th September 2023: “We can – and we must turn up the tempo”. On 27th October 2022 in Oslo, EU Commissioner Simson expressed her conviction “that CCUS has incredible potential in our race to reach climate neutrality”. CCS provides a decarbonization solution to reduce climate emissions. The agreement between Yara and Northern Lights will kickstart the commercial market for CCS in Europe.

Yara Sluiskil will capture approximately 800,000 tons

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

10 foreign missions from different countries along with various International organisations attend the conference

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, the Dept. of Fisheries, GoI is organising a Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 which began at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying inaugurated the Special Pavilion and main Exhibition of Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Minister of States for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Dr Sanjeev K. Balyan, and Dr L Murugan, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Ministers of various states, Ambassador of various countries, other dignitaries and heads of various organisations and fisheries research institutes were present in the event.

Parshottam Rupala released the “State Fishes of India Booklet” to encourage each state in India to adopt a fish and conserve its biodiversity. The booklet contains details of 21 fish species adopted as State Fish and declared as State Aquatic Animals. The other key publication released was “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics year 2022” which aims at providing key data points and performance indicators for the Fisheries sector making accurate and reliable fisheries data available to all.

Further, Rupala distributed Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) claim cheques (Rs 5 lakhs each) to beneficiaries /legal heirs from the states of Odisha and Puducherry, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to eligible beneficiaries with the loan amount of Rs 35 thousand to Rs 3 lakhs for beneficiaries from Gujarat, Green Fuel conversion kit for sustainable development of fisheries sector that included beneficiaries from Kerala and transponders for beneficiaries from Gujarat.

Sagar Mehra Joint Secretary for DoF, highlighted that the Department of Fisheries organised an event of this scale and magnitude for the first time. He said it is a moment of pride for DoF (MoFAH&D, GoI) to host 10 foreign missions from the countries of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece along with International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC), Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The delegation interacted with the exhibitors in the special pavilion that included a demonstration of aquariums, Artificial reefs, Seaweed Cultivation, capture fisheries, marine cage culture, bio floc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction and nucleus implantation, model of Setcom satellite terminals communication system, eco-friendly movable kiosks, multi-species hatchery etc.

10 foreign missions from different countries along

Agrotech, India, Interaction

The conference provides opportunity for Startups in Agro Processing Sector, FPOs, Exporters, Technology Providers, and Research Institutes to gain insights, and interact with industry experts, and government representatives.

Central India’s largest agricultural exhibition, Agrovision – 2023, an important vehicle for agricultural transformation in Vidarbha, is being organised from November 24 to 27 at PDKV Ground, Dabha, Nagpur. The theme of this year’s summit is “Sustainable Farming Through Skilling and Technology”. Agrovision India showcases the best of innovations, technologies, new products and services in the agricultural sector.

Agrovision in collaboration with Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) Alumni Association has organised a 2-day conference on Food Processing: Opportunities and Challenges in Central India. The conference provides opportunity for Startups in Agro Processing Sector, FPOs, Exporters, Technology Providers, and Research Institutes to gain insights, and interact with industry experts, and government representatives.

 This two-day conference is dedicated to contributing to the holistic development and economic growth of Agriculture and Food Sectors in Central India. This initiative, guided by LIT, not only provides value-added services to regional farmers but also fuels local economic growth and facilitates employment opportunities for the youth.

Highlights of the Conference:

•Government Initiatives: Learn about subsidy schemes, incentives, and initiatives from top officials – MoFPI, MSME, and state representatives.

•Finance Insights: Gain insights from bankers and financiers about their offerings for the food processing industry.

•Stakeholder Engagement: Connect with key stakeholders such as MoFPI, FSSAI, MSME, FDA, AFSTI,

CFTRI, NIFTEM, CASMB, IIM Nagpur, LIT Nagpur, bankers, and more.

•Expert Presentations: Industry experts with decades of experience will share insights on manufacturing, operational scaling, and setting up food industries.

•Case Studies: Explore case studies from successful ventures and startups in the agro-processing sector, with special awards presented.

•Sessions on Quality Control: Dive into sessions on quality control, labelling, certification, compliance, safety, hygiene, and packaging concepts.

•Roadmap Development: Collaboratively develop a fact-based pathway and roadmap, integrating

perspectives from industry leaders, academicians, and government officials. LIT incubation center and experts shall be providing services to the Food Industries during operation stage also.

The conference provides opportunity for Startups in

Oilseeds, Supply Chain, Trade

Improved price competitiveness and the shortage of Argentine export supplies have increased foreign demand for Indian soybean meal

India’s oilmeal exports inched up 36 per cent to nearly 290,000 tonnes last month due to increased shipments of soybean and rapeseed meal, according to industry data.

Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) data indicates that oil meal exports in October increased by 36 per cent YoY, reaching 289,931 tonnes.

Soybean meal exports surged to 87,060 tonnes in October from 40,196 tonnes in the same period last year. During the same period, shipment of rapeseed meal increased to 1,69,422 tonnes from 98,571 tonnes.

Improved price competitiveness and the shortage of Argentine export supplies have increased foreign demand for Indian soybean meal, according to SEA.

Between April and October of this fiscal year, the total export of oilmeals increased by 30 per cent to 2,566,051 tonnes, compared to 1,975,496 tonnes during the same period last year. The export of soybean meal saw a significant jump to 673,910 tonnes in the first seven months of this fiscal year, from 161,534 tonnes in the year-ago period.

Improved price competitiveness and the shortage of

Animal Health, Company News, Finance, World

Funding will support efficient scaling & customer acquisition in the pet chicken market

Grubbly Farms, a speciality pet food company using black soldier fly grub protein as a healthier and more sustainable protein alternative, announced it has closed its Series A funding round. The round was jointly led by internal investors Overline and Oval Park Capital with reinvestment from Chris Klaus, Founder of Internet Security Systems and current CEO of Fusion World and Gina Del Vecchio, Co-Founder and General Partner at Off Leash Ventures.

With this capital infusion, Grubbly Farms plans to double down on its historical focus on the pet chicken market, currently estimated at $4 billion per year. Since its inception in 2015, Grubbly Farms has become the dominant premium brand for backyard, pet chicken feed with over 15,000 five-star reviews and a 50 per cent subscriber retention rate after 12 months (compared to the pet industry average of 33 per cent). Pet chickens are the 3rd most popular pet in America, only trailing dogs and cats. Grubbly Farms has answered the demand for high-quality, all-natural options for flock owners who want healthier options for their chickens.

“When it comes to pet chicken feed, backyard flock owners with a higher standard for quality ingredients were largely underserved. There’s immense potential for how we can use the black soldier fly grub to support pet nutrition and we know this is just the beginning,” said Sean Warner co-Founder and CEO.

Over 1 billion dollars has been invested in insect manufacturers as they strive to develop and produce sustainable proteins at a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional proteins. The grubs are raised from food waste diverted from landfills. By partnering with insect manufacturers around the world, Grubbly Farms has helped divert over 30 million pounds of food waste.

Funding will support efficient scaling & customer

Company News, Sustainability, World

The project aims to empower young people aged 16 to 35 by improving skills, expanding market access and offering inclusive financing in key sectors including poultry, horticulture, oilseed, dairy and beef value chains

Heifer International and the Mastercard Foundation will extend their collaboration in a new partnership to expand access to agribusiness opportunities for over 250,000 young people in Uganda.

The Stimulating Agriculture for Youth Employment (SAYE) project, led by Heifer International and local partners, will run from 2023 to 2029 in the Busoga sub-region of Eastern Uganda. The project aims to empower young people aged 16 to 35 by improving skills, expanding market access and offering inclusive financing in key sectors including poultry, horticulture, oilseed, dairy and beef value chains. Young women will make up 70 per cent of participants, while three per cent will be young persons with disabilities.   

“Our goal is to transform the market ecosystem in Busoga in a way that drives inclusion and economic resilience for the many young people who currently have trouble securing dignified and fulfilling work,” said Surita Sandosham, Heifer International President and CEO.  

The $48 million SAYE project will build on the work of Heifer International’s East Africa Youth Inclusion Program (EAYIP), which was also in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and created 33,000 new jobs for more than 25,000 young people between 2016 and 2022. EAYIP leveraged an agri-hub model to boost young people’s access to technical, business and financial products and services. 

Under SAYE, Heifer will lead the formation and strengthening of youth- and farmer-led agri-hubs, while local partners will focus on business incubation, skills training, promoting micro, small and medium enterprises, and improving access to financial services. 

The SAYE project will roll out in 11 districts of the Busoga sub-region: Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Namutumba, Bugweri, Luka, Buyende, Bugiri, Namayengo. The high rates of poverty in these districts partly stem from an overreliance on low-value crops like sugar cane and limited opportunities for income generation. SAYE is targeting sectors with low entry barriers for young people and high market potential, aiming to boost local income opportunities.  

The project aims to empower young people

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

The course highlights the use of space technology applications in the agricultural sector like Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Remote Sensing applications.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has organised an innovative ‘Train the Trainers’ short-term program in the use of space technologies in the agriculture sector. The 5-day course on ‘Using Space Technology for the Agriculture Sector’ has been designed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Meerut Institute of Technology (MIT), various Non-Government Entities (NGEs), and academia.

Dr Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe said, “The new course is an important step towards realizing the transformative potential of space technology in boosting the agriculture sector. It aims to equip individuals with both theoretical and practical knowledge of space technologies in the agriculture sector. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of benefiting the common man, embodying the spirit of (Antyodaya) as well as our commitment to using advanced technology for the betterment of its agricultural practices and ultimately, for ensuring food security and sustainability”

The Short-Term course on Using Space Technology for the Agriculture sector covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to leverage space technology in agricultural practices. The use of space technology can revolutionise precision farming and leverage satellite data and space-based assets to empower farmers with the power of information to optimize their agricultural practices with unprecedented precision. By analysis of climate data and weather forecasting, it will help to safeguard crops against unpredictable weather patterns.

The course includes modules on Agriculture Land Monitoring, Pest/Disease Detection & Incidence Forecast, Crop Area Estimation & Production Forecast, Cropping Systems Analysis, Soil Mapping & Monitoring, and Agriculture Drought Assessment & Monitoring. Additionally, there are sessions on Horticulture Crop Area Estimation & Monitoring and Command Area & Water Resource Monitoring.

The course also examines topics such as the study of plant nutrient deficiency symptoms, advances in sensing and analytics for precision agriculture, and the fundamental applications of phytotron technology. There’s a focus on the practical aspects of agriculture, including soil sampling, soil processing, drone and robot demonstrations, and methods of soil analysis. Other practical aspects include preparation of growing media, testing of seed germination, measurement and handling of humidity, and the qualitative and quantitative exposure of light.

The course highlights the use of space technology applications in the agricultural sector, introducing participants to the basics of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Remote Sensing applications in agriculture. Sessions on Crop Inventory and Health using optical methods, Earth Observation (EO) based Digital Agriculture and Global crop monitoring systems, and microwave remote sensing for crop inventory with hands-on training round off the course. Participants are also introduced to various ISRO portals like Bhoonidhi, BHUVAN, VEDAS, and MOSDAC, integrating space technology with AI and ML for comprehensive farm management.

The course highlights the use of space

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Seeds, Supply Chain

The report covers an in-depth analysis of the current state of agriculture, examining schemes, seed production systems, agrochemicals, and supply chains.

Technologies like artificial intelligence and analytics can significantly improve efficiency in Indian agriculture even as integration of data-driven practices will be pivotal for informed decision-making across the agri-supply chain, according to an ASSOCHAM report.

” Artificial intelligence and analytics can optimize routes, manage inventory and predict demand, contributing to overall efficiency in agriculture,” the ASSOCHAM study jointly undertaken with its knowledge partner Nangia Andersen emphasised.   It said financial incentives, credit and insurance plans are needed to encourage technology adoption.

The report commences with an in-depth analysis of the current state of agriculture, examining schemes, seed production systems, agrochemicals, and supply chains. Ongoing projects and research updates offer a dynamic snapshot of the agricultural landscape. Delving into agricultural productivity, it explores advancement in seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, shedding light on technologies like genetic modification, biofortification, and precision farming.

It also explores good farming practices and global benchmarks, in the form of case studies/success stories serving as a practical guide. A critical analysis of doubling farmers’ income explores technologies, productivity, and diversification.

Efforts to enhance farmer collectives, accessibility to inputs, and the impactful 10,000 FPOs scheme are scrutinized. The report also explores the policy environment, incentives for technology adoption, and a comprehensive database on inputs. Addressing challenges posed by climate change, it emphasizes farmer empowerment, sustainable practices, and the transformative role of technology.

Farmer training through extension education, capacity building, and promoting farmer-led enterprises can enhance soil productivity. Stakeholders must creatively use ICT in local contexts, adapting it to agricultural challenges and macroeconomic needs.

”Indian farmers are increasingly becoming open to new technologies and practices for enhancing productivity. They can be our champions of sustainability at the grassroot level, ‘ASSOCHAM Secretary General Mr Deepak Sood said, underscoring the importance of continued scientific advances in raising farm productivity.

The report also highlighted the role of biotechnology in agriculture. ” Role of biotechnology in agriculture is pivotal, particularly in precision breeding for climate-resilient crops and genetic modification for pest and disease resistance”.

The report also highlights successes in developing drought-tolerant varieties and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Addressing climate change challenges, it explores crop adaptation to shifting climatic patterns and sustainable water management practices, drawing insights from Bangladesh and Israel.

Continued focus must be placed on integrated agri logistics hubs strategically located to facilitate seamless connectivity between production centres and consumption zones. These hubs could incorporate warehousing, cold storage, processing units, and efficient transportation networks.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

With the support of ESCAP, BharatRohan aims to incorporate inclusive business practices and expand its reach and mission in the states of Telangana and Haryana.

 BharatRohan, a pioneer in providing drone services in the agricultural sector, has entered into a partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This collaboration is primarily focused on transforming agricultural methods in Telangana and Haryana, two states poised to promote sustainable crops, and is part of the “Regional Inclusive Business Models in Agriculture and Food Systems” initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

BharatRohan’s mission is diverse, to empower smallholder farmers, improve export opportunities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With the support of ESCAP, BharatRohan aims to incorporate inclusive business practices and expand its reach and mission in the states of Telangana and Haryana.

The adoption of an inclusive business model by BharatRohan underlines its commitment to sustainable and equitable growth in agriculture. This model goes beyond the simple pursuit of profits and emphasizes value creation for all stakeholders, especially those at the base of the economy. By focusing its work on small farmers, BharatRohan not only addresses their challenges in accessing resources and markets but also ensures their active participation and autonomy in the value chain.

Furthermore, a significant commitment of this project is to involve women farmers in value chain activities actively. This ensures their active participation in the production process and promotes gender-inclusive agricultural practices. BharatRohan has also demonstrated its commitment towards inclusive business by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Endeva and Ecociate to receive coaching services as part of the ESCAP-supported inclusive business program.

Amandeep Panwar the CEO of BharatRohan said, “I am thrilled about our partnership with ESCAP. Our mission is to empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in Telangana and Haryana. We’re leveraging advanced hyperspectral technology to provide farmers with precise insights, reducing costs, and ensuring top-quality, residue-free yields. Our dedication to inclusivity extends to gender- inclusive practices, actively involving female farmers in value chain activities to create additional income opportunities. This partnership is not just about innovation; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers and fostering a sustainable future for agriculture.”

“We are delighted to welcome BharatRohan as a valued member of the Cohort participating in the Inclusive Business Coaching program supported by ESCAP. BharatRohan’s technology-driven solutions hold great significance for smallholder farmers, aiding them in crop monitoring and optimizing input usage effectively. Moreover, their drone-based services have the potential not only to generate employment opportunities for local youth but also to provide essential last-mile services to farmers in a sustainable fashion. Ecociate and Endeva look forward to working with Bharat Rohan on their path towards incorporating inclusive business practices ” Santosh Gupta, Director, Ecociate Consultant.

ESCAP is supporting BharatRohan by providing inclusive business coaching services that will be key in identifying critical resources and expert connections, which will ensure the successful implementation of the comprehensive strategic plan for the transformative project.

BharatRohan will enhance its expertise with the support of ESCAP to address regulatory challenges, enter international markets and provide essential training services to farmers. A key element of the strategic plan is the integration of technology solutions, such as drone crop monitoring services. Periodic training sessions, with the support of ESCAP, will be organized to promote effective communication with farmers, guiding them to adopt advanced agricultural practices.

With the support of ESCAP, BharatRohan aims