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Company News, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

Under this arrangement, Sami-Sabinsa Group and its subsidiaries will hold 17 per cent of the equity on a fully diluted basis for the utilisation of 8.30 MWDC of renewable energy

Sami-Sabinsa Group Limited, a research-focused global health science company, has signed a mutual agreement with O2 Renewable Energy VIII Private Limited to establish a total installed capacity of 240 MW (100 MW of wind and 140 MW AC of solar) for renewable energy generation through non-conventional sources to operate a captive structure on a long-term power supply basis.

Under this arrangement, Sami-Sabinsa Group and its subsidiaries will hold 17 per cent of the equity on a fully diluted basis for the utilisation of 8.30 MWDC of renewable energy. Towards this joint venture, Sami-Sabinsa Group this week paid a subscription amount of Rs. 3.30 crore as equity capital.

The renewable energy project is being commissioned in Kotturu and Kudligi Talukas of the Bellary District of Karnataka and will power Sami-Sabinsa’s manufacturing facilities in Karnataka. The project is underway and is expected to be completed by January 2024.

Dr Muhammed Majeed, Founder and Group Chairman, of Sami-Sabinsa Group, said, “Sustainability remains an imperative to our overall growth, and we are making strong progress towards our ESG ambitions. On the environmental front, Sami-Sabinsa remains focused on reducing the carbon footprint, promoting environmental conservation, minimising waste, and increasing the resource efficiency and sustainability of the bioresources. The investment further demonstrates our commitment to adopting sustainable best practices in every aspect of our business,

Under this arrangement, Sami-Sabinsa Group and its

Agrotech, Start ups, Sustainability

First end-to-end Sustainability Program for Rice Cultivation

nurture.farm, India’s leading Agtech startup has rolled out its Sustainable Rice Program for the Rabi’23 season. Hundreds of farmers have pledged & joined the program to lead the change by transforming the way they cultivate rice. The program aims to make the rice value chain sustainable by implementing techniques that streamline cultivation practices, leveraging artificial intelligence & water conserving technologies to help farmers cultivate more from less, creating traceable data sets, improving soil health, and boosting farm productivity to deliver sustainable outcomes for the farmer, the buyer, and the environment.

The implementation of the program is being monitored with the help of agri-industry experts & researchers from the Regional Agriculture Research Station, Marateru under the leadership & guidance of Dr M Bharatalakshmi, Associate Director at the Institute. In addition to the institute partnership, leading ag-industry leaders like Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL SAS, are lending their support and guidance, and committing their resources to help make the program a success.

Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL SAS, said, “India is the largest producer and consumer of rice, accounting for 21 per cent of the world’s total rice production. The rice cultivation alone contributes to 1.5 per cent of total GHG emissions. Furthermore, rice cultivation requires a lot of water; flooded fields lead to the anaerobic decomposition of soil organic matter, which leads to methane emissions and impacts the soil quality, often leading to the leaching of nutrients and soil erosion resulting in reduced farm productivity. Thus making the transition to sustainable cultivation practices a necessity.
The Sustainable Rice Program is a testament to the core mission of building a resilient and sustainable agriculture ecosystem for a brighter, inclusive and more abundant tomorrow. The program is unique and ambitious as it promises to deliver end-to-end implementation, helping improve yield quality, soil health and acreage, optimise input usage and water consumption, shorten crop cycles, boost farm productivity, and reduce the cost of cultivation while ensuring profitability and measurable sustainable impact on GHGs.”

First end-to-end Sustainability Program for Rice Cultivationnurture.farm,

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News

The product controls aphids on contact, ensuring a healthy crop and better yield

Corteva Agriscience, a global leader in agriculture announced the launch of SpadinTM 11.7 per cent SC (Isoclast™ active), a new insecticide with a unique mode of action for aphid control. Its broad-spectrum activity and excellent residual control make it an ideal addition to control aphids protect crops and preserve yield potential.

Spadin™ operates differently from traditional insecticides, providing immediate control of aphids upon contact, ensuring a robust crop. This innovative solution belongs to a novel chemical class known as sulfoximines.  Spadin™ delivers outstanding residual control, providing long-lasting protection against aphids even under challenging environmental conditions. This extended efficacy ensures steady control of aphids. With minimal impact on beneficial insects, It is a sustainable agricultural product that promotes a healthy ecosystem. The insecticide with its favorable environmental profile, degrades rapidly in soil and has very low acute toxicity to fish and mammals. This makes Spadin an excellent addition to integrated pest management (IPM) programs and an attractive replacement for other generic insecticides.

Spadin™ is currently registered for use in wheat, but in future, we shall be getting labels on cotton, green gram and vegetables. It is applied as a foliar spray and is available in both liquid and water-dispersible granule formulations.

This environment-friendly product is a testament to Corteva Agriscience’s commitment to providing farmers with innovative and sustainable solutions that help them protect their crops and improve their productivity and profitability.

The product controls aphids on contact, ensuring

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Award, Company News

This accolade acknowledged the company’s commitment to Urea production and its achievement as the second most energy-efficient plant with maximum production

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd, one of India’s rapidly growing fertiliser companies, received the prestigious FAI Award at the Fertiliser Association of India’s Seminar in New Delhi. This accolade acknowledged the company’s commitment to Urea production and its achievement as the second most energy-efficient plant with maximum production. In less than a year of operation, Matix’s “Dr. Fasal” brand has claimed the leadership position in India’s Eastern Urea fertilizer market, securing a substantial 25 per cent market share. This success is attributed to a robust distribution network comprising nearly 700 dealers.

Matix owns and operates a fully integrated, gas-based Urea plant in Panagarh, West Bengal, boasting a significant capacity of 1.27 MTPA. This makes it one of India’s largest single-stream fertiliser plants.

The 59th FAI seminar, themed “Innovations in Fertilizer and Agriculture Sectors,” aimed to advance environmental sustainability in the fertilizer and agriculture industries through the adoption of cutting-edge innovations. The seminar served as a platform for discussions on innovative practices in production, distribution, marketing, and fertiliser utilisation.

This accolade acknowledged the company's commitment to

Company News, Herbicides

Through the ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Award’ the primary objective is to acknowledge, inspire and elevate the profession of farming in India by recognising farmers

Mahindra Tractors, India’s leading tractor brand, celebrates the remarkable achievements of India’s successful farmers through a ground-breaking initiative called the ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Award’. The inaugural edition of the awards held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi witnessed the esteemed presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport, and Highway, Government of India, Acharya Devvrat Governor of Gujarat, P Sathasivam – Former Chief Justice of India and Former Governor of Kerala, along with other dignitaries.

Through the ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Award’ the primary objective is to acknowledge, inspire and elevate the profession of farming in India by recognising farmers who through their unwavering efforts and innovative agricultural practices, have not only doubled their farm incomes but have also achieved millionaire status. These farmers have consistently adopted best practices, and integrated technology, attaining record levels of productivity and profitability from their farmlands over the years.

The 3-day event honours over 700 farmers, across 15 categories, at the district, state, and national levels, such as horticulturists, spice farmers, poultry, dairy etc. and includes prominent personalities from India’s agriculture industry. Mahindra also showcased a wide range of cutting-edge tractors and farm mechanisation solutions at the event.

Nitin Gadkari also flagged off the Kisan Bharat Yatra, a special roadshow covering 26,000 kilometres, over 4,000 touchpoints and engaging with over 100,000 millionaire farmers over a year.

Through the ‘Millionaire Farmer of India Award’

AgroPolicy, India

Arjun Munda, Cabinet Minister, will be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignations of Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel and Renuka Singh Saruta from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.

Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, The President has directed the following:-

Arjun Munda, Cabinet Minister, will be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in addition to his existing portfolio.

Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State, will be assigned the charge of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in addition to her existing portfolio.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State, will be assigned the charge of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in addition to his existing portfolios; and Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar, Minister of State, will be assigned the charge of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in addition to her existing portfolio.

Arjun Munda, Cabinet Minister, will be assigned

Company News, Herbicides, India

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop Protection’s portfolio will play a vital role in extending its reach to more farmers across India and is expected to contribute significantly

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, one of the fast-growing R&D-based crop protection manufacturing and marketing companies in India, has announced the acquisition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® for use in the Indian market, from Syngenta, a global leader in agriculture.

With increasing herbicide adoption of an impressive 15-20 per cent in the last decade, farmers have been open to using innovative methods for increasing crop yield. A paradigm shift from manual weeding to the use of herbicides is expected to enhance agricultural production in India significantly.

Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited, stated, “In a pursuit to improve protect yield and increase profits for farmers, herbicides have become the fastest-growing segment in crop protection. The acquisition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® represents a significant step forward in our pursuit of expanding our footprint within the herbicide category. GRAMOXONE® is a widely recognised trademark in the broad-spectrum herbicide category.”

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop Protection’s portfolio will play a vital role in extending its reach to more farmers across India and is expected to contribute significantly. Crystal Crop Protection’s non-selective herbicide portfolio already features industry-leading brands.

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop

Agribusiness, Sustainability, World

The project will enhance the resilience of farmers, including women, against market volatility, natural hazards, and climate change, and increase household and national food security

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a $20 million loan and a $20 million grant to the Kyrgyz Republic to help small and medium-sized agribusinesses improve their processing and storage capacity and reduce post-harvest handling losses, through inclusive, resilient, and climate-adaptive horticultural value chains.   

“The project will enhance the resilience of farmers, including women, against market volatility, natural hazards, and climate change, and increase household and national food security,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia. “By equipping them with climate-smart agricultural technologies and strengthening value chains, farmers and all stakeholders along the value chains will be able to minimise resource cost and increase profitability.”  

The Climate-Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project will provide long-term funds to qualified participating financial institutions to extend better-structured loans for horticulture value chain investments, including fruit and vegetables. Aiyl Bank, the most prominent bank financing the country’s agriculture sector, has been selected as the first financial institution to participate in this project. 

“About 80 per cent of small businesses in the Kyrgyz Republic are currently funded by family, friends, and informal sources,” said Giap Minh Bui, ADB Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist. “To stimulate private investment in modernizing agricultural value chains, local banks must have access to stable long-term funding sources and offer a range of term-lending products that are appropriate for and affordable to horticulture entrepreneurs, including women.” 

Aside from establishing modern processing, storage, and refrigerated facilities, the project will also help establish contract farming arrangements between farmers and processors and/or exporters; train women business owners; and implement measures to facilitate cross-border trade and branding for products that are unique to the Kyrgyz Republic. 

These measures aim to increase profitability for horticultural producers and agribusiness enterprises and strengthen market linkages to increase national food security.  

The project will enhance the resilience of

Company News, Floriculture, India

This trial event coincided with the prestigious HortiProIndia 2023 International Exhibition & Conference, which attracted many growers to the region

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Syngenta Flowers presented the first-ever Syngenta Flowers Show in Pune, Maharashtra, India, along with distributor Dhandeep Seeds and Shree Balaji Nursery.

This trial event coincided with the prestigious HortiProIndia 2023 International Exhibition & Conference, which attracted many growers to the region.  

Anil Ambekar, owner of Shree Balaji: “Including all stakeholders from the flowers value chain, the audience included over 500 visitors. Flower growers from across India took the opportunity to see the innovative and tailormade assortment that Syngenta Flowers selected for this event. Our team worked very well together with the team of Dhandeep Seeds and Syngenta Flowers during the event to provide information and tips to growers. Everybody enjoyed the face-to-face conversations on the unique challenges of growing in Indian conditions.”  

These conditions include hot and humid climates and local substrate mixtures with native soil, coir, and dried cow dung. 

The hot and humid climate of Pune put the genetics to the test with several heavy rainfalls, just a week before the show. Yet the resilient plants withstood these adverse conditions, which highlighted once again their genetic robustness. 

The event not only highlighted the top-quality genetics of Syngenta Flowers but also revealed the collective effort required for such a monumental initiative. Hosting this large-scale event for the first time required careful planning and a significant amount of commitment.

This trial event coincided with the prestigious

Agro chems – Fertilizers, AgroPolicy, India

The Union Minister also inaugurated an exhibition where a total of 56 exhibitors from India and abroad showcased their products and services provided to fertiliser and agriculture sectors

The Indian Fertiliser Sector has achieved the twin objectives of supporting our 14 crore farming families by providing timely fertilisers, driving agronomic services, and emerging as a strong force in the fertilisers sector by playing a significant role in shaping up the global market. This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare during his inaugural address to the 59th Fertiliser Association of India Annual Seminar 2023. The theme of the seminar was “Innovations in Fertiliser and Agriculture Sectors”.

During the function, various awards were distributed by the Union Minister to companies, scientists and other individuals to recognize excellence in production, environment performance, safety, marketing and promotion of micronutrients, bio-fertilisers, etc. and for their contribution to research and development towards improving agricultural productivity. Three publications issued by the Fertiliser Association of India were also launched on the occasion, namely, The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order 1985; Fertiliser Statistics 2022-23; and Specialty Fertiliser and Micronutrient Statistics 2022-23.

The Union Minister also inaugurated an exhibition where a total of 56 exhibitors from India and abroad showcased their products and services provided to fertiliser and agriculture sectors.

The Union Minister also inaugurated an exhibition

Agrotech, Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock

Anitoa’s turn-key swine flu test delivers breakthrough workflow simplicity and consistent, accurate results at the point of care

Anitoa Systems, LLC, a Silicon Valley biotechnology company and market leader in rapid, portable molecular testing, announced worldwide availability of its all-in-one swine flu test solution for live stocks. Included in the test kit are an Anitoa’s Maverick portable qPCR instrument, lyophilised swine flu test qPCR reagent, and a one-time-use sample collection tube with pre-filled lysis buffer solution. The complete turn-key test kit delivers breakthrough workflow simplicity and consistent, accurate results at the point of care for medium and small-size farms with limited access to centralized lab tests. Anitoa’s All-in-one swine flu test kit is expected to be available for sampling in Q4’2023 and the company expects to ship the product in volume in 2024.

Founded in 2013, with a focus on point of care, on-site molecular tests on human, livestock and environment samples, Anitoa Systems made its first product debut by providing portable qPCR instruments to farms in Asia, mainly China, for testing farm animals. The All-in-one Swine Flu Test is part of a comprehensive menu of livestock and pet test kits offered by Anitoa. Other animal molecular tests offered by Anitoa include foot-and-mouth disease, tuberculosis, vesicular stomatitis and peste-des-petits-ruminants virus. The test kits combine sample collection, purification, and amplification detection in one package, which includes the instrument, reagent, and plastic consumables. The whole solution can easily fit into a backpack or medium suitcase. The product qualifies as a true a “lab-in-a-backpack” solution. 

Included in the all-in-one swine flu test kit is a 16-well Anitoa Maverick qPCR instrument with an integrated Android touchpad interface. The instrument weighs less than 5 lb. and comes with a laptop-style power adapter. A special adapter to draw power from car batteries or similar rechargeable batteries is also available from Anitoa systems.

Anitoa's turn-key swine flu test delivers breakthrough

Agrotech, Company News, World

Through our partnership with TerraNova, Neogen will be able to further showcase our biosecurity and equine health products, including the COMPANION® line of cleaners and disinfectant solutions

Neogen Corporation announced that it has partnered with the TerraNova Equestrian Centre in Myakka City, Florida, making the company the official biosecurity provider of the facility.

TerraNova Equestrian Centre, a premier Florida equestrian destination, is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for competitors and horses while keeping safety a priority. The equestrian centre features multiple world-class facilities, including six all-weather arenas, a cross-country course, and stables, welcoming riders and horses at all levels of equestrian competition.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen businesses of all kinds refocus on the necessity to take stronger precautions to stop the spread of disease,” said Brittny Arbour, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Neogen. “Through our partnership with TerraNova, Neogen will be able to further showcase our biosecurity and equine health products, including the COMPANION® line of cleaners and disinfectant solutions. We are proud to work with TerraNova to protect horses, their owners, and all others who visit the showgrounds.”

“TerraNova is excited to work with Neogen, an innovative company dedicated to elevating the level of animal safety,” says Hannah Herrig-Ketelboeter, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at TerraNova. “Neogen’s line of products makes it easy for us to maintain our commitment to excellence at our facilities.”

Through our partnership with TerraNova, Neogen will

AgroPolicy, Finance, Sustainability

During a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, Prime Minister Modi announced

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister said India and Kenya will continue to explore new opportunities to realise the full potential of economic cooperation between two nations. He stressed that India has remained a trusted and committed development partner for Kenya.

During a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, Prime Minister Modi announced that India will provide Kenya with a $250 million line of credit to modernise its agricultural sector.

He announced, “As two agricultural economies, we have agreed to share our experiences. We have also decided to provide a $250 million line of credit to modernise Kenya’s agricultural sector.”

“Today, we thought of strengthening our cooperation in all sectors and identified many new initiatives,” said PM Modi, laying the foundation for a progressive future.

“We are pleased to report that the mutual trade and investment between India and Kenya is steadily progressing, and we will continue to explore new opportunities to fully realise the potential of our economic cooperation. India has been a trusted and committed development partner for Kenya, and through ITEC and ICCR scholarships, India has made a significant contribution to the skill development and capacity building of the people of Kenya,” stated the Prime Minister.

After discussions in various areas, including sports, information technology, and education, five Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness over the visit of Kenyan President Ruto to India, especially after the inclusion of the African Union in the G20. He stated that Ruto’s visit would provide a fresh impetus to India’s relations with Kenya and the African Union.

During a joint press conference with Kenyan

Agrotech

The mobile facility will operate in the Medchal-Malkajgiri districts of Telangana, India, and offer on-site soil testing services to farmers, promoting the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices at the grassroots level

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) marked World Soil Day 2023 with the inauguration of ‘Technology on Wheels’, a new initiative designed to promote sustainable soil and water management practices among farmers.

This year’s World Soil Day theme, “Soil and Water: A Source of Life,” holds particular relevance for drylands, where there is a deficit of both water and soil nutrients. 

Cognizant of this inherent challenge, and the fact that soil and water account for 95 per cent of global food production, ICRISAT remains steadfast in addressing the urgent challenges posed by land degradation and the decline in soil health—particularly in the context of climate change. 

The newly launched ‘Technology on Wheels’, a mobile soil and water testing laboratory, reflects ICRISAT’s commitment to bridging the gap between scientific advancements and in-the-field implementation.  

Developed in partnership with the Laurus Charitable Trust, the mobile facility will operate in the Medchal-Malkajgiri districts of Telangana, India, and offer on-site soil testing services to farmers, promoting the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices at the grassroots level. 

Speaking at an event to mark the occasion, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, highlighted ICRISAT’s longstanding efforts to bolster soil health across Asia and Africa by advancing scientific knowledge and fostering awareness of the interconnectedness between soil and water for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. 

“We recognise that science and society, particularly farmers through their farming practices, help preserve life on Earth. At ICRISAT, we aim to provide innovative, easily implementable solutions that safeguard soils and secure water for our present and future,” Dr Hughes shared.

ICRISAT’s digitalised interventions include localised soil testing and soil-test-based crop management technologies, guiding farmers in crop and variety selection, and offering suitable technologies and inputs to enhance productivity, efficiency, and system profitability.

The mobile facility will operate in the