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

Rynaxypyr®️ Active was registered for use in India in 2008 and is today available in more than 120 countries. 

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, and its industry-leading insect control technology Rynaxypyr®️ active has been recognised as one of the best brands in agriculture at the Best Brands Conclave 2023. Organised by The Economic Times (ET) Edge, part of India’s leading media group The Times Group, the recognition is testament to the significant impact FMC’s Rynaxypyr®️ active has made in India’s agriculture industry.

Rynaxypyr® active insect control delivers broad-spectrum control of insect pests such as armyworms, loopers, silverleaf whitefly nymphs, leafminer larvae and more. It is the driving force behind India’s two leading crop protection product brands, Coragen® insecticide and Ferterra® insecticide. Through these flagship brands, Rynaxypyr® active provides superior crop protection across 16 major crops in the country. For over a decade, it has served farmers with an unmatched efficacy and remains the most trusted choice for millions of farmers in India. 

 Ravi Annavarapu, President of FMC India, and South-West Asia, expressed, “We are delighted to have been felicitated for Rynaxypyr® active as one of the best brands in agriculture. This not only brings the contribution of the Rynaxypyr® active brand to the fore but underscores the importance of innovative crop protection solutions for the sustainable growth of agriculture. We are committed to partnering with and equipping farmers with advanced, scientifically proven, and sustainable crop solutions, contributing to the enhancement of their productivity and profitability.”

Rynaxypyr® active by FMC emerged as one of the best brands after a rigorous evaluation of more than 120 companies across 10 different industries. Their profiles were analysed independently based on their sales turnover, market size, brand recall, customer reviews, contribution to the industry and overall market influence.  

The ET Edge Best Brands accolade further reinforces Rynaxypyr® active as the industry’s leading ingredient for long-lasting and fast-acting protection against targeted pests. It was registered for use in India in 2008 and is today available in more than 120 countries. 

FMC has one of the strongest research and development pipelines and remains committed to delivering innovation excellence in the crop protection space within the agriculture industry.  By supporting farmers with sustainable technologies, FMC is contributing to a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply, with minimal impact on the planet. 

Rynaxypyr®️ Active was registered for use in

AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Finance, India, Schemes - Banks, Schemes - Govt

Under this initiative, a Technical Support Unit (TSU) has been set up in NABARD with the partnership of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched an initiative to facilitate climate action in India’s agriculture, natural resources, and rural development (ANR) sector. Under this initiative, a Technical Support Unit (TSU) has been set up in NABARD with the partnership of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to enable NABARD to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in the areas of agriculture and rural livelihood sectors in India.

At the launch event, Shaji K V, Chairman of NABARD, highlighted the importance of enhancing climate resilience since close to 55 per cent of assets in the Indian Banking sector is prone to climate risks. He also mentioned, that “NABARD is committed to not just support rural financial institutions in India to identify and abate climate risks but also channel global pools of climate capital into India’s ANR sector. At the same time, NABARD is also focussed on setting up a path to climate neutrality in its own operations.” Mio Oka, Director, Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office, ADB and Srivalli Krishnan, Senior Program Officer, BMGF were also present during the launch event.

Intellecap Advisory Services Private Limited has been appointed to manage this Technical Support Unit. Intellecap has proven experience in on-ground management of large-scale programs in agriculture and other agri-allied sectors, with a climate adaptation as well as mitigation focus. NABARD would like to use this opportunity to call all the ecosystem partners to join us in this journey and make this planet a better place to live.

Under this initiative, a Technical Support Unit

India, Start ups, Sustainability

The project, which is also supported by IFC’s India Agtech Advisory Project (IAAP) aims to shift 100,000 acres from summer paddy to spring maize across six districts in Western UP.

Lucknow based Four Leaf Clover Agro Pvt. Ltd. (Gram UnnatiTM), India’s first truly integrated agri solutions company, announced that it is getting into a strategic partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for a massive transformative initiative aimed at diversifying crop cultivation.

The project was unveiled here at the IIA Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner / Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, and in the presence of Dr K.V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of UP. 

The project, which is also supported by IFC’s India Agtech Advisory Project (IAAP) aims to shift 100,000 acres from summer paddy to spring maize across six districts in Western UP: Amroha, Bareilly, Bulandshahr, Moradabad, Rampur, and Sambhal. Spanning a timeline of three to five years its overarching goal is to elevate farmer incomes and preserve vital natural resources.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Manoj Kumar Singh, IAS Agriculture Production Commissioner / Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh said: “This initiative marks a significant milestone in agricultural sustainability and socio-economic development in Western Uttar Pradesh. We are extremely delighted to have Gram Unnati as a valuable partner for a critical project that will lay the groundwork for a transformative journey toward sustainable agriculture. This project will showcase the potential for socio-economic progress through innovative crop diversification and will reap financial benefits for a number of farmers in these six districts of Uttar Pradesh.”

The primary objectives are to significantly enhance farmer incomes by 15 per cent to 25 per cent and to conserve crucial natural resources, including reducing water usage for irrigation by an impressive 60 per cent to 80 per cent.

Aneesh Jain, CEO & Founder, Gram Unnati said, “We are greatly honoured today to see the fruits of months of effort of fostering collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders come to life. Our commitment is to cultivate synergies among stakeholders, crafting a model that not only bolsters farmer prosperity but also champions environmental preservation. Facilitating partnerships between the government, maize processors, input suppliers, and other essential actors in the agricultural ecosystem is crucial for the project’s success.”

The project, which is also supported by

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

It has once again repeated the feat by crossing the 100 MMT mark, 7th year, in succession and achieved cargo throughput of 100.28 MMT on 18th December in the current fiscal.

Paradip Port achieved yet another 100 million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo handling, in shortest time, in its history, showcasing the Port’s unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency in cargo handling. It has once again repeated the feat by crossing the 100 MMT mark, 7th year, in succession and achieved cargo throughput of 100.28 MMT on 18th December in the current fiscal. Notably, in FY 2022-23 the coveted mark of 100 MMT was achieved on January 9th 2023. Thus by, the record was achieved in 22 days in advance i.e. in 262 days in current fiscal against 284 days in last financial year, by exhibiting 9.64 per cent growth in total cargo throughput. Thus, this century is the fastest by PPA, in its history.

The Port is poised to set all-time record cargo handling of more than 145 MMT in current fiscal. Various system improvement measures, introduced by the Port during this year, fuelled growth. Outbound Iron Ore and Pellet has shown remarkable 69.03 per cent growth in comparison to previous fiscal. Last fiscal, it amounted to 10.56 MMT over the same time period, whereas till 18th December, it stands at 17.85 MMT in current fiscal. Coastal Thermal Coal handling constitutes about 30.38 per cent of total cargo volume handled at the Port. The Port has also registered remarkable improvement in the Key Performance Parameters. Berth productivity stands at 32,689 MT per day per ship, which is the highest among all Major Ports of the country. The vessel turn-round-Time is recorded as 42.01 hrs. as against 47.60 hrs. during the corresponding period of previous year. Similarly, Pre-Berthing Detention is 1.18 hours as against 1.73 hours. during the corresponding period of previous year. Thus, Paradip port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country and started coastal shipping of thermal coal to west coast, for the first time in history, i.e. Maharashtra based Power Plants. It further plans to expand coastal shipping of thermal coal to other regions in west coast.

The Port’s commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industry. Marking the occasion, symbolic cake cutting was done today at Board Room by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA in the presence of other HoDs and Dy. HoDs.

For the above feat, Haranadh, Chairman, PPA expressed his gratitude to Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under whose inspiration, dynamic leadership and guidance, PPA could achieve the incredible success. He congratulated all Officers/Employees, the user industries, Stevedores, Steamer Agents, Trade Unions, PPP Operators for such amazing accomplishment in the ability of the Port to serve them. Chairman, PPA also appreciated the support of Government authorities like Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Govt. of Odisha, Indian Railways, Customs and other departments for their continued support.

It has once again repeated the feat

Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, World

The acquisition encompasses two premix production facilities—known as the Pasuruan site in Surabaya and the Cibitung site in Jakarta—as well as laboratories, warehouses and offices across Indonesia

ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia, a subsidiary of Nutreco and a leading provider of functional and nutritional solutions for livestock farming in Indonesia. 

Incorporated in 2007, PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia is a leading premix manufacturer, providing innovative and comprehensive nutrition solutions for the animal industry. Their premix production facilities feature full automation solutions with intelligent process optimization, and they are industry 4.0-ready with professional project management and execution. 

With the planned acquisition, ADM will be strengthening its premix and feed additives & ingredients (FA&I) business and strategically positioning itself to meet the anticipated market growth to sustain the rising demand for protein. The acquisition encompasses two premix production facilities—known as the Pasuruan site in Surabaya and the Cibitung site in Jakarta—as well as laboratories, warehouses and offices across Indonesia. 

“This acquisition will complement our regional footprint and will represent a step forward in achieving our vision of leading the animal nutrition industry,” said Gerald Wilflingseder, president of ADM’s animal nutrition business in APAC. “It will enable us to enhance our premix production capabilities, ensuring that we are strongly positioned to provide localized solutions and customized services swiftly to customers in Indonesia and the broader region. We believe this move will not only enhance ADM as a major player in premixes and FA&I in Indonesia but also reinforce our reputation as the preferred partner for customers looking for full animal nutrition solutions offerings.” 

Once the acquisition is complete, ADM will integrate PT Trouw Nutrition Indonesia into its wider footprint in Indonesia, creating new opportunities to broaden the portfolio of products and solutions offered to customers. In addition, Dr Pierre Domps, general manager of Animal Nutrition Indonesia at ADM, commented, “Our commitment extends beyond products and solutions; we strive to provide a spectrum of services. We will provide customised solutions and services backed by international technical expertise and support from our lab services. This approach ensures comprehensive support for local production, enabling a tailored strategy to meet the unique market demands in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.” 

The acquisition encompasses two premix production facilities—known

Agrotech, Company News, Vegetables, World

A unique combination of vertically farmed lettuce and dedicated processing design will allow for the longest shelf-life of a cut lettuce product in Japan

Japan-based company Spread has developed the Techno Fresh processing method which allows for an increase in the shelf life of cut lettuce up to 2 times while preserving freshness, taste, and quality. Spread has also started construction on the first large-scale salad processing plant to utilise the method – Techno Fresh Hadano near Tokyo.

The Techno Fresh processing method uses pesticide-free, pristine lettuce grown in a highly hygienic environment within Techno Farm and combines it with the in-house developed processing technologies that prevent bacteria from increasing. Through this method, Spread was able to enhance the shelf life of the cut lettuce by up to 2 times and has become the first company to achieve a record-breaking 6-day shelf life for a fresh-cut lettuce product in Japan. Additionally, the Techno Fresh method prevents lettuce from browning/discolouration and doesn’t have the unpleasant smell associated with certain washing agents.

Techno Fresh Hadano is the first processing facility by Spread and is the first facility to implement the Techno Fresh system. This next-generation processing factory will process 8 tonnes of lettuce per day while automating 85 per cent of the processes, including the implementation of the world’s first AI-based lettuce core remover. Automation will allow for a drastic productivity improvement, while the dedicated processing design developed in-house makes it extremely resource-efficient, lowering water usage by 55 per cent.

A unique combination of vertically farmed lettuce

Biostimulants, Company News, Funding, World

NewLeaf will accelerate its efforts with PPFM technology and adjacent technologies in the areas of biostimulants/microbial inoculants, biocontrol, nitrogen use efficiency and methane mitigation

NewLeaf Symbiotics, a global leader and pioneer of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs), announces the fully funded close of its series D financing round, totalling $45 million. This round was led by new investor Gullspång Re:food and followed by Otter Capital Partners LP, S2G Ventures, Leaps by Bayer and others.

NewLeaf gained tremendous growth over the past three years with its PPFM technology, significantly increasing in product shipments for corn and soy acres. The market saw NewLeaf’s product-applied footprint increase from approximately 800,000 acres in the crop year 2022 to 3.5 million acres in the crop year 2023, with a projected nearly 11 million acres in the crop year 2024.

With this funding, NewLeaf will accelerate its efforts with PPFM technology and adjacent technologies in the areas of biostimulants/microbial inoculants, biocontrol, nitrogen use efficiency and methane mitigation. Its plans for 2024 include a new EPA-registered biopesticide technology shown to repel corn rootworms in corn plants, new biostimulant technologies for peanut and cotton, and continued research and development around rice yield, nitrogen efficiency and methane reduction impact. NewLeaf remains focused on its mission to help growers do more with less as they work to feed the world’s increasing population.

NewLeaf will accelerate its efforts with PPFM

Climate, Company News, World

Groundwork BioAg expands Global commercialisation of mycorrhizal inoculants

Groundwork BioAg announced that its flagship mycorrhizal inoculant – Rootella – has been approved for commercialisation in China, Argentina, and South Africa, expanding farmers’ access to a climate-smart solution to optimise plant and soil health, adding approximately 677 million acres (274 million hectares) of harvested cropland to the company’s potential customer base.  

Over the last few years, Groundwork BioAg expanded commercialisation in the United States, Brazil, India, Canada, Ukraine, and other countries in Europe. With the addition of China, Argentina, and South Africa, the company and its local partners can offer farmers – including those in four of the top agricultural markets – access to the most highly concentrated mycorrhizal inoculant products available.

“Growers face mounting environmental and financial pressures to produce the food, fuel and fibre the world demands,” said Hanan Dor, Chief Commercial Officer at Groundwork BioAg. “As the leading mycorrhizal inoculant supplier, Groundwork BioAg is committed to partnering with local distributors to provide nature-based solutions that fit into modern farming practices and align with the world’s sustainability goals.”

Groundwork BioAg expands Global commercialisation of mycorrhizal

India, Interaction

The summit was a hub for thought-provoking discussions on sustainable trade, biodiversity conservation, sustainable manufacturing, and the pivotal role of gender in sustainable supply chains.

The Sustainable Trade Summit (SUTRA) 2023, held on 16th and 17th December at Le Meridien, Gurugram, successfully concluded, leaving an indelible mark in the realm of responsible sourcing in Indian markets. This groundbreaking event, spearheaded by IDH, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and formulate solutions for the challenges faced in agri-commodity value chains, with a special focus on uplifting smallholder farmers.

The summit was a hub for thought-provoking discussions on sustainable trade, biodiversity conservation, sustainable manufacturing, and the pivotal role of gender in sustainable supply chains. SUTRA 2023 has set a precedent for future collaborations between businesses, governments, and civil societies, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable trade practices and manufacturing.

In the contemporary landscape, there has been a notable shift in perspective, underscoring the essential interconnection between business and sustainability. This transformation reflects a shared understanding among businesses, governments, and civil society organizations that the efficacy of a business hinges on the integration of sustainability at its core. This emphasis is particularly critical in the realm of agricultural commodities and their associated value chains, where a significant portion of food production is carried out by smallholder farmers.

Speaking at the event, Dr Neelam Patel, Senior Advisor at Niti Aayog, emphasized the pivotal role of the agriculture and allied sector, stating, “Agriculture is of paramount importance in India, with over 50 per cent of people depending on this sector. While Indian agricultural practices are predominantly sustainable, there is room for enhancement. The government is actively engaged in promoting sustainable agriculture through initiatives such as providing soil health cards, establishing custom hiring centres for farm machinery, and enhancing accessibility to quality seeds. Additionally, the government is championing Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) models to bolster farmers’ bargaining power, advocating for natural farming, and facilitating training and skilling programs for farmers. It’s a collaborative effort to further refine and fortify the sustainability of our agricultural practices.”

Rajesh Agarwal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, said, “Every country has its unique sustainability journey and requirements. Achieving equity in this transition is crucial, and consumer awareness is key. Continuous dialogue on the sourcing of sustainable products is vital. As we strive to reach Net Zero by 2070, it’s imperative to acknowledge that we contribute 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally. This demands substantial investment and capacity building. Natural farming emerges as a strategy, and small and marginal farmers have the potential to transition towards sustainability. It’s about fostering a collaborative and voluntary transition for a sustainable future.”

Expanding on the discourse during the event, with a specific focus on the Palm oil sector, Sanjeev Asthana, CEO of Patanjali Foods, remarked, “The Palm oil landscape in India faces a significant challenge, given that 90 per cent of the Palm oil is imported. Achieving 100 per cent sustainability and traceability in the supply chain proves to be a complex undertaking. While we are implementing best practices concerning water usage and integrated pest management in our Indian plantations, the broader sector grapples with substantial challenges. To address this, it is imperative to construct a comprehensive narrative that involves active participation from all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NGOs, and other industry players.”

Reflecting on the event, IDH India Country Director – Jagjeet Singh Kandal said, “SUTRA 2023 marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards sustainable and responsible sourcing in Indian markets. I am inspired by the collaborative spirit exhibited at the summit, where industry leaders, policymakers, and experts joined forces to address the challenges within agri-commodity value chains”.

The summit was a hub for thought-provoking

Agrotech, Company News, Seeds

With this acquisition, Fowler Westrup becomes the world’s leading seed and grain processing company

Fowler Westrup India Pvt Ltd, a leading company in providing one-stop solutions for seed & grain processing with its range of equipment and machinery, announced the acquisition of Netherland-based Seed Processing Holland (SPH), a global leading producer of advanced seed processing equipment from H2 Equity Partners.

With this strategic acquisition, Fowler Westrup becomes the world’s leading seed and grain processing company and will serve its customers in the vegetable and field crop seed processing segments in different parts of the world with an extended product portfolio and innovative solutions. Additionally, the group can leverage Fowler Westrup’s global sales and service network, manufacturing footprint and engineering capabilities. Together, the combination will be at the forefront of modernising the seed processing industry, to further develop sustainability and improve automation in the sector.

Shardul Kshirsagar, CEO, of Fowler Westrup India, said, “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of SPH; after the acquisition of Premium Seed Machines in the Netherlands, this is a logical step for us. With this acquisition, Fowler Westrup India, with its “String of Pearls” strategy, takes up a leading position in the industry to provide complete solutions to global seed companies. The high quality of SPH’s solutions reflects the company’s 57 years of dedication to seed processing. With our combined efforts and continued focus on innovation, we will be in a stronger position to transform the seed processing industry in partnership with our customers.”

With this acquisition, Fowler Westrup becomes the

Agro Universities, R&D, Sustainability

The MoU will provide further impetus to agricultural research and expansion activities

Dhanuka Agritech Ltd, India’s leading agri-input company, has signed an MoU with Bikaner-based Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University (SKRAU) to aid and promote soil management, availability of quality seeds, plant protection, better yield of crops and easy transfer of agri innovations’ benefits to the farmers. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by R.G. Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Agritech Limited, and Dr Arun Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SKRAU, Bikaner.

Briefing about the development, R. G. Agarwal, Chairman, of Dhanuka Group emphasised that agricultural knowledge, quality seeds, increasing the yield capacity of soil, water conservation in farming, and plant protection are fundamental requirements of farmers today. To enable this, the University and Dhanuka Group will work together. He also proposed to develop an ideal agricultural village through joint efforts and offered to provide scholarships, internships, and employment to the students of the university.   

Dr Prakash Singh Shekhawat, Research Director of SKRU said that the MoU will provide further impetus to agricultural research and expansion activities. Presiding over the function organized in the ‘Vidya’ pavilion of the university, Dr Arun Kumar, Chancellor said that the MoU will not only facilitate knowledge of the right medicines for plant protection but also Dhanuka Agritech will make arrangements for the availability of medicines through an outlet outside the university. 

The MoU will provide further impetus to

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Funding, India

The startup is building a B2B insurance distribution and servicing platform for institutions working with the underserved, including NBFCs, MFIs, BC networks, Nidhi companies, cooperatives, NGOs, and FPOs.

Finhaat, an insurance platform for India’s emerging segments, announced today that it has raised USD 3 million in Seed funding. Omnivore led the round with participation from Kettleborough VC. Through its proprietary distribution infrastructure, the startup provides digital insurance services to underserved groups, including rural communities and middle and low-income populations in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Finhaat began operations in June 2022 with insurance as their first product vertical. The startup is building a B2B insurance distribution and servicing platform for institutions working with the underserved, including NBFCs, MFIs, BC networks, Nidhi companies, cooperatives, NGOs, and FPOs. With its tech-driven approach, Finhaat has created a suite of unique APIs custom-built for the target segments for instant policy issuance and seamless end-to-end claims process to democratize insurance and reach more customers. Furthermore, Finhaat’s SaaS-based digital platform provides partner institutions with ease of implementation and customer servicing.

Based out of Mumbai, Finhaat was founded in 2021 by Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) graduates and financial services veterans Sandeep Katiyar, Navneet Shrivastava and Vinod Singh. Sandeep began his career at ICICI Bank and later served as Chief Financial Officer at Arya Collateral. He also has an executive MBA from Harvard Business School. Navneet brings over two decades of experience with insurance giants, including Birla Sun Life, Future Generali and Aditya Birla Health. As for Vinod, he managed various banking verticals at HSBC, where he also established their NBFC arm before heading wealth lending at Avendus.

Vinod Singh, Co-founder of Finhaat, commented, “We are happy to have Omnivore’s support in our journey. The firm’s support validates our commitment to using technology to increase access and efficiency of essential financial services for rural India. Our operations already cover over 65 percent of pin codes in India. With this round, we hope to expand further by building robust technological models, enriching product experience, introducing innovative products, enhancing our partner base and hiring resources for new verticals. We are determined to transform the financial services space for the underserved.”

Jinesh Shah, Managing Partner at Omnivore, observed, “Financial inclusion remains dismally low in rural India – just 11.5% of households have net savings, and under 10% have life insurance. This vulnerability is most acute in low-income segments, especially for farmers confronting myriad risks. Yet, tailored products to mitigate uncertainties and boost financial stability and growth are few and far between. Finhaat is transforming this landscape, and we are excited to support its mission of improving financial access and resilience for the millions left behind by formal systems.”

The startup is building a B2B insurance

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India, Live Stock

The total export of fish and related products is Rs 63,969.14 crores in the year 2022-23

The inland fish production has shown rapid growth from 2014-15 to 2022-23. Inland fish production increased from 66.87 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 131.13 lakh tonnes in 2022-2023. This information was given by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry & Dairying in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

The total export of fish and related products is Rs 63,969.14 crores in 2022-23 against Rs 46,662.85 crores in 2019-20. 

During the last three financial years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2022-23) and the current financial year (2023-24), a central budget of Rs 4810 crore has been allocated for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and out of this budgetary allocation, a sum of Rs 3345.28 crore has been released to various State Governments/Union Territories and other implementing agencies for development of fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The share of the Fisheries sector in the total Gross Value Added (GVA), at constant prices, in 2021-2022 is Rs 1,47,519 crores constituting about 1.07 per cent of the total national GVA and 6.86 per cent of Agricultural GVA.

As reported by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, the total import of fish and related products is Rs 1,949.51 crores in 2022-23, against the import of Rs 1,271.11 crores in 2019-20.

The total export of fish and related

AgroPolicy, India

 QCI is providing extensive technical support across various agriculture and allied sectors, fuelling Andhra Pradesh’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat built on quality and sustainability.

 The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh have forged a landmark partnership by signing an MoU to transform the state’s agricultural sector during the Andhra Pradesh Gunvatta Sankalp event, a QCI initiative to foster a quality mission across the states of India. This collaboration will witness QCI providing extensive technical support across various agriculture and allied sectors, fuelling Andhra Pradesh’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat built on quality and sustainability. 

Under this strategic partnership, QCI will lend its expertise in developing and designing a robust conformity assessment framework for the state’s agricultural sector. This framework will establish clear quality standards and ensure adherence to best practices throughout the value chain, from farm to fork. It will provide crucial training programs for stakeholders at all levels, empowering farmers, cooperatives, industry players, and government officials with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the quality ecosystem effectively.

The Andhra Pradesh Gunvatta Sankalp commenced with the lamp lighting in the presence of Minister for Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh Govt. Kakani Govardhan Reddy Garu; Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, QCI;  Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, Chief Commissioner, RBKs, & Special Chief Secretary to A.P. Govt.; Chiranjiv Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Govt. Marketing & Cooperation Development; Dr S. S. Sreedhar, Commissioner of Horticulture & Sericulture and Dr. A. Raj, CEO of the National Board for Quality Promotion, QCI. Minister also launched the QCI IndG.A.P. Portal and presented IndG.A.P. certificates to selected farmers belonging to different villages of the state.

 Additionally, QCI will offer its esteemed accreditation services, further bolstering confidence in the quality and safety of Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural produce.

Kakani Govardhan Reddy Garu, Minister for Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh Govt said, “We are delighted to join hands with QCI in this transformative initiative. Their expertise and support will be invaluable in our vision to make Andhra Pradesh a leader in quality agriculture. Together, we will build a quality ecosystem at the grassroots level for all the stakeholders associated with agriculture and its allied sectors, including farmers.”

Recognizing the importance of integrating the quality mission through state collaborations, Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, QCI, asserted that QCI will actively collaborate with government institutions and agricultural universities in Andhra Pradesh to empower the youth of the state and provide them with an opportunity to contribute in building a holistic quality ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat in its Gaurav Kaal. He further stated, “This collaboration will focus on capacity building and knowledge sharing, ensuring that the state’s institutions are equipped to independently handle quality assurance practices in the long run. In addition to this, youngsters of Andhra Pradesh will also benefit from various youth-empowering initiatives of QCI like Gunvatta Gurukul.”

 QCI is providing extensive technical support across