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AgroPolicy, Finance, Horticulture, India

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $98 million loan to improve horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials, which will boost their crops’ yield, quality, and resilience to climate impacts. 

This project supports India’s agricultural transformation. ADB’s financing will support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program (CPP), which was announced in February 2023 to establish clean plant centres and a certification scheme that will ensure farmers can purchase disease-free planting materials from private nurseries. 

“Horticulture is considered a primary engine for enhancing Indian farmers’ income due to its high value and nutritional importance. Ensuring the health of plants is vital to improving the productivity of farmers, especially since India has become among the top global producers of horticulture crops,” said Sunae Kim ADB Senior Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist. “Plant health management will also help farmers adapt to climate change, as rising temperatures not only cause extreme weather events but also affect pest and disease behaviour.” 

The project will establish at least six clean plant centres dedicated to maintaining disease-free foundation materials. These centres will feature laboratories equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic testing methods and will be staffed with experts who are trained in clean plant operating procedures and diagnostic testing protocols. The project will also develop regulatory frameworks for the CPP, in partnership with private nurseries and researchers. It will roll out a clean plant certification scheme, accrediting private nurseries, and testing and certifying their planting materials. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.    

The project will be implemented by the

Award, Company News, India

The flagship Agri Entrepreneurship program, operating in 14 states, has empowered 16,131 Agri Entrepreneurs across 19,000+ villages, benefitting 1.4 million farmers

Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) has been awarded the first prize in the Sustainable Farmer Income Enhancement category at the FICCI awards, for the second time in a row. The award, a testament to the SFI’s unwavering commitment to uplift smallholder farmers, recognises SFI’s impactful Agri Entrepreneurship model, fostering sustainable practices in agriculture and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

The flagship Agri Entrepreneurship program, operating in 14 states, has empowered 16,131 Agri Entrepreneurs across 19,000+ villages, benefitting 1.4 million farmers. Notably, 42 per cent of these entrepreneurs are women, contributing significantly to gender equity.

The program’s success is amplified by collaboration with philanthropic institutes and corporates, including CiNi by Tata Trusts, IDH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DCM Shriram Foundation, Environment Defense Fund, GAIN, Harvest Plus, Swiss Re Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, GiZ, NABARD, IFC, Unilever, IFDC, Marico, Syngenta India Pvt. Ltd. and State Rural Livelihood Missions like Jeevika, MPSRLM etc. It has garnered support from various governmental initiatives, making it the largest Agri-Entrepreneurship program in India with a robust ecosystem.

Affiliation with esteemed institutes such as CCS National Institute of Agriculture Marketing, Jaipur (CCS NIAM) and National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad (MANAGE) reflects the program’s commitment to quality and excellence. The certification of the Agri Entrepreneurship program and curriculum development, in collaboration with these institutes, ensures a comprehensive and well-structured approach.

The flagship Agri Entrepreneurship program, operating in

Agrotech, Environment, Europe, Nature, R&D, Soil Health, Uncategorized

Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners to identify focus areas for the development of cutting-edge biological solutions and support science-based regulations.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in agricultural innovation, has become a sponsor of the International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research, cementing a partnership between the research community and industry that is aimed at advancing both fundamental science and sustainable agriculture.

Phytobiome is a collective term for plants within a specific growing environment, for example soil, and the complex interactions influenced by microbes, nutrients, animals, climate, weather, and management practices. This complex and dynamic ecosystem plays a crucial role in the health and functioning of crops, affecting their growth and overall well-being. For example, beneficial microbes in the phytobiome provide essential aid to plants, such as protection against pathogens and acquisition of nutrients. At the same time, there can also be elements of the phytobiome that cause diseases or stress to the plants, such as pathogenic microbes, high heat, or low water availability.

Interactions within the phytobiome are highly complex, with much of it yet to be fully understood. Through its partnership with the Phytobiomes Alliance, Syngenta will contribute towards international research into understanding the interactions of the phytobiome’s diverse components. The results of these studies will play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable food security for a growing population over the next decades.

In a key aspect of this collaboration, Syngenta will lead a dedicated working group focused on soil health. Furthermore, Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners to identify focus areas for the development of cutting-edge biological solutions and support science-based regulations that facilitate farmers’ access to the biological products they need.

“As a leader in agricultural innovation with a strong global presence, we possess an in-depth understanding of the phytobiome,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research, Syngenta Crop Protection. “We have invested in sophisticated tools to unravel intricate interactions within the phytobiome, such as chemical signaling and its influence on various facets, from root growth to a plant’s stress response. We are excited to collaborate with others at the forefront of scientific research, translating our discoveries into practical solutions for farmers, and jointly establishing the foundation for a more sustainable future in agriculture.”

“Syngenta’s expertise and resources will significantly contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of phytobiomes research, benefitting agriculture and the environment,” said Kellye Eversole, Phytobiomes Alliance Executive Director. “We welcome Syngenta’s commitment to this collaborative effort between industry leaders and the research community and are particularly thrilled to have them play a leading role in our newly formed soil health working group.”

Syngenta invests significantly in delivering new solutions that improve farming’s environmental footprint. From novel technologies that precisely address farmers’ pest challenges to biologicals that improve a plant’s ability to leverage available nutrients, Syngenta is at the forefront of agriculture’s transformation. Its participation in the International Phytobiomes Alliance reflects its strong commitment to be a collaborator of choice.

Syngenta will work with fellow Alliance partners

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, IT

The app introduces groundbreaking tools such as “map-my-farm,” real-time weather updates, a fertilizer calculator, and a digital leaf colour chart for accurate nitrogen assessment in crops.

Yara India, a subsidiary of the Norwegian multinational Yara International and a global leader in crop nutrition, proudly introduces the upgraded FarmCare app on World Soil Day. The app redefines the landscape of digital solutions tailored to farmers’ needs. Launched initially in 2021, the revamped app stands as a testament to Yara’s commitment to providing real-time agricultural solutions and empowering farmers through technological innovation.

The enhanced FarmCare app features a user-friendly interface and introduces groundbreaking tools such as “map-my-farm,” real-time weather updates, a fertilizer calculator, and a digital leaf colour chart for accurate nitrogen assessment in crops. A noteworthy addition is an integrated marketplace offering Yara product details, store locations, personalized crop insights, and knowledge advisories.

With over 4.5 million downloads and 2.2 million registrations, the FarmCare app has become an indispensable resource for 1.3 million active farmers across key states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Providing insights for a diverse range of crops, including wheat, paddy, sugarcane, maize, beans, onions, and cotton, the app empowers farmers to optimize their agricultural practices.

Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “In the dynamic landscape of India’s agri-tech revolution, the revamped FarmCare app exemplifies Yara’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge agricultural solutions. Empowering farmers with a user-friendly interface, the app facilitates insightful weather pattern comprehension, digital soil analysis booking and resource optimization. Yara is dedicated to Indian agriculture beyond technology and continues to actively contribute to the enrichment of soil health and working towards growing a nature-positive food future. It is important to note that depletion of secondary and micronutrients in the soil is fast becoming a limiting factor in improving yields as well as nutritive value of the crops. This can be addressed by easier registration of new generation micronutrients at state as well as national level.”

Highlighting the pivotal role of soil health in Yara’s mission, it operates a state-of-the-art soil analysis lab in Babrala, UP. The cutting-edge facility conducts assessments covering chemical, physical, and biological aspects of soil, providing farmers with invaluable insights to manage soil effectively, optimize food production, and enhance the environmental benefits of soil. In line with Yara’s dedication to fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in India, the soil analysis lab is a key component of its comprehensive approach.

Yara is committed to Indian agriculture beyond technology, encompassing community development, environmental sustainability, and strategic initiatives that uplift local farming communities. This strategic approach reinforces Yara’s enduring dedication to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in India.

The app introduces groundbreaking tools such as

Live Stock, Sustainability, World

To recognise and celebrate the vital contributions these animals make to livelihoods, food security, and nutrition

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) officially launched the International Year of Camelids 2024 at its Rome headquarters, to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions these animals make to livelihoods, food security and nutrition.

Camelids, including Bactrian camels, dromedary camels, and wild camels, as well as South American camelids such as domesticated llamas and alpacas, and wild vicuñas and guanacos, play a pivotal role in diverse ecosystems. They are particularly important in desert and mountain regions, where they form an integral part of the livelihoods and traditional practices of indigenous communities.

At the launch event, QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General underscored the cultural and environmental importance of camelids.

“Even in the most extreme climatic conditions, they produce milk, meat, fibre and organic fertiliser, and provide transport, boosting food security, nutrition, and livelihoods while helping to conserve fragile ecosystems. Camelids also build resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis – particularly in mountains and drylands and can contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems,” he said.

“The International Year of Camelids is a great opportunity to highlight and value the economic, social and cultural importance of camelids around the globe – especially highly vulnerable communities.”

Camelids, vital for millions of households in over 90 countries, originated in America 45 million years ago. Serving as working animals, they support Indigenous Peoples and local communities in South America’s Andean highlands, as well as the deserts of Africa and Asia. Bactrian camels and dromedaries, for example, known as “ships of the desert,” are crucial for nomadic life in drylands.

The Year seeks to raise global awareness of the multifaceted role of camelids not only as sources of fibre, milk, and meat but also as resilient and sustainable contributors to local economies. In challenging environments, camelids are indispensable for their ability to endure harsh conditions and provide crucial support to communities.

To recognise and celebrate the vital contributions

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, Finance, Investments, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, North America, R&D

The Brazil Technology Development Center will be built in Indaiatuba (SP) with opening planned for the end of 2024.

John Deere, a global technology company that provides software and equipment for the agriculture, construction and forestry sectors, has announced the construction of the Brazil Technology Development Center, its first development and testing center for tropical agriculture in the world. The company will invest around R$180 million in the project, with the aim of promoting synergy between the multiple R&D teams that are dedicated to designing and validating new products and technologies for the main production systems – grain, sugarcane, and special crops.

Now with this new Center the company is underlining the relevance of tropical agriculture as it continues investing in the country, both in product development and infrastructure. Its combined businesses in the country employ directly more than 9,000 people and produce equipment that is exported to more than 55 countries.

“Aware of the growing global demand for food and understanding the fundamental role that Brazil plays in this context, this Center will promote the development of everything that’s applicable to tropical agriculture. We’re going to be offering the Brazilian market a faster and more excellent service than we do currently”, points out Jahmy Hindman, CTO for John Deere.

The new Center, which will cover an area of 500,000 m², will be located in Indaiatuba (SP). Construction started in November 2023 and the finished building is expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. Around 150 employees will work at the Center in the engineering and R&D areas.

“The center will allow products to be conceived and tested in Brazil considering all the variables: soil, climate, connectivity levels, etc. This will ensure that solutions are delivered to local customers more quickly so small, medium and large Brazilian producers can work in an even more productive, profitable and sustainable way”, says Antonio Carrere, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Latin America.

With the setting up of the new Brazil Technology Development Center, John Deere expects to reduce the development time for new solutions by up to 40 per cent, depending on the type of project. The company has already launched products with a specific focus on the local market, such as its CH950 sugarcane harvester, a Brazilian project designed to meet the needs of the country’s sugarcane producers, and the S400 grain harvester, created for small and medium-size farms. This new Center will make it possible to speed up the delivery of solutions to the Brazilian market and considering its specific needs more and more.

The company’s Center for Precision Agriculture and Innovation (CAPI), which was set up in 2017 for research into and the development of the very latest trends in technological efficiency for farmers, with a focus on the use of hardware and software in precision agriculture, will now become an integral part of the new Center in Indaiatuba.

The Brazil Technology Development Center will be

Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Middle East countries

The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class agricultural practices, capacity building programs as well as undertaking comprehensive vegetable seed trials.

 Silal and Bayer a global leader in life sciences with a strong focus on healthcare and nutrition, have joined forces in a pioneering collaboration set to strengthen the agricultural landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), addressing climate change as a pivotal concern.

The partnership was announced during a signage ceremony of a Collaboration Agreement during the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai on December 4th, 2023, in attendance of key private and public sector stakeholders.

This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in the journey towards advancing best-in-class agricultural practices, especially under the challenging climatic conditions of the UAE, which are only expected to intensify due to the ongoing threat of climate change. Recognizing the vital role of agriculture in mitigating climate change and enhancing resilience, Silal and Bayer are steadfast in their commitment to bolster the agricultural sector in the battle against global warming.

 Together, Silal and Bayer will partner to enhance the capabilities of local agronomists, fostering an environment conducive to agricultural innovation and excellence, leveraging Bayer’s BayG.A.P. capacity building programa. The program encompasses modules on essential topics such as Integrated Pest Management, Safe Use, Crop Protection Products, Application Technology, and Irrigation. The implementation of the program foresees to follow a train-the-trainer approach. In the first step, agricultural engineers and farm managers will be trained. In the second stage, these trainers will then extend the capacity building efforts to potentially reach over 300 growers in the UAE, who are part of Silal’s network.

Another pivotal aspect of this partnership will be the undertaking of comprehensive vegetable seed trials. These trials will encompass a wide array of tomato, cucumber and melon seed varieties, each meticulously tested in diverse open field and mid-tech greenhouse setups. Further, these trials will embody a range of over 30 vegetable seeds varieties and aim to investigate how these varieties perform under challenging desert farming conditions, assessing their increased crop endurance, quality, and shelf-life characteristics. The research and data collected from these trials will not only benefit agricultural practices in the UAE but will also play a crucial role in informing agricultural practices in regions worldwide grappling with the challenges posed by climate change, especially rising temperatures in combination with high levels of humidity, also known as wet-bulb temperatures.

Furthermore, this collaboration with Silal is firmly aligned with Bayer’s overarching mission of “Health for All, Hunger for None.” It exemplifies the company’s dedication to addressing the critical challenges of our time by promoting sustainable agriculture and food production, ensuring that no one goes hungry while safeguarding the health and well-being of all.

 Salmeen Al Ameri, CEO at Silal, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “This collaboration between Silal and Bayer holds immense promise for the future of agriculture in the UAE. By leveraging Bayer’s global expertise and our local knowledge, we aim to develop innovative solutions that will bolster the sustainability of our agricultural practices, against the climate change challenges.”

 Hugo Hagen, Senior Bayer Representative – Middle East at Bayer, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Silal, a partner that shares our vision for a world where hunger is eradicated, and health prevails. Together, we will harness the power of innovation to support transforming agriculture in the UAE and contribute to the country’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, all while addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change.”

Dr. Shamal Mohammed, Head of AgriTech at Silal added: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s AgriTech innovation landscape. Our partnership with Bayer will significantly contribute to our Innovation Oasis, and together, we are well-positioned to drive positive change in the agriculture sector.”

 Sami Joost, Global Communications Director International Relations & License to Operate – Crop Science and Open Innovation Lead – United Arab Emirates at Bayer, underlined: “At Bayer, we have leading research and development capabilities in plant breeding, biotechnology, chemistry, and data science, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions to farmers faster than ever before. Collaboration with external partners and complementing our in-house expertise with the know-how of excellent partners such as Silalis an integral part of driving innovation impact at Bayer.”

The partnership will focus on implementing best-in-class

Award, Company News, Environment, India, Soil Health, Sustainability

 Company is addressing all aspects of soil health, farm productivity, nutritional security and climate change.

SML Limited (Formerly Sulphur Mills Ltd.) has been awarded first position in the FICCI Sustainable Agriculture Awards 2023 for the category of Initiatives on Agri Based Decarbonisation. Its products such as Fertis, TechnoZ, and TrackonGold help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions promoting sustainable agriculture while increasing the farm productivity and farmer income.

SML Limited is addressing all aspects of soil health, farm productivity, Nutritional Security and climate change.

 “SML’s solutions decrease GHG emissions while increasing farm productivity. The company has planned for agriculture 50 years from now and is addressing all aspects of soil health, farm productivity and climate change”, said Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Ltd.

SML Limited has the world’s largest manufacturing capacity of highly effective low-dose and safer WDG formulation. The company strives to ensure that the nutritional content of the output by balanced nutritional to the crops. SML strives to create an eco-friendly environment so that all their fertilizers are natural and do not harm agricultural produce.

 Company is addressing all aspects of soil

Climate, Live Stock, World

The 10-year pilot project is expected to demonstrate the world’s first carbon-inset beef supply chain

EcoBalance Global, a US-based leader in carbon storage projects, Kazbeef, a subsidiary of Yerkin Tatishev’s Kusto Group, and rTek, a Rakurs Consulting Group company, have partnered to launch the first-ever pilot ranch outside the United States that will deliver the world’s first climate-smart beef, using carbon insets, backed by 3rd party validation and blockchain technology.

The pilot has been launched at COP28 in Dubai following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the companies. The project will not only enable blockchain-transacted environmentally sustainable cattle outside the United States but will also show the world that the livestock and farming industry can be part of the net-zero solution.

The foundation for the KazBeef pilot is EcoBalance Global’s Framework which supports ranches in deploying a specialised rotational grazing program which allows increased carbon capture in the soil and utilising machine learning satellite technology to monitor sustainable land management, focusing on accurate carbon accounting. This is backed up by the Framework’s carbon trade and risk management platform to administer all the requirements of the Framework in conjunction with the blockchain.

As part of the program, rTek, a Rakurs Consulting Group company based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, will leverage its expertise in remote sensing and MRV development, particularly in precision agriculture, to support the pilot program.

The 10-year pilot project is expected to demonstrate the world’s first carbon-inset beef supply chain. It is scalable, to use EcoBalance’s Framework as a global standard for sustainable and climate-smart beef supply.

The 10-year pilot project is expected to

AgroPolicy, Environment, Foodgrains, India, Nature, Sustainability

Punjab recorded an overall 27% decrease in the total fire counts owing to paddy stubble burning during 2023 as compared to 2022.

Recording of paddy straw burning events, through a standard protocol developed by ISRO, is carried out on year-to-year basis from 15th September to 30th November. Paddy harvesting season 2023 now comes to an end and with it, the efforts made towards management of paddy straw for the current season have also been concluded. Over the last 3 years, incidences of paddy stubble burning have witnessed a significant decrease, including in 2023, both for Punjab and Haryana.

Formulation of district specific action plans, intensified monitoring at the level of Chief Secretary, Dy. Commissioners and officers concerned in the State Govts., improving availability and utilisation of machines for in-situ / ex-situ management and a quantum rise in utilisation of paddy straw for various industrial / commercial applications has led to substantial decrease in paddy straw burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.

Against cumulative 83,002 fire counts on account of paddy stubble burning in Punjab during 2020, the fire counts in the corresponding period were 71,304 during 2021, 49,922 during 2022 and 36,663 during 2023.

For the State of Haryana 4,202 fire counts were reported in 2020. Against this figure, paddy stubble burning cases were 6,987 in 2021, 3,661 in 2022 and 2,303 in 2023 respectively.

Punjab thus recorded an overall 27 per cent decrease in the total fire counts owing to paddy stubble burning during 2023 as compared to 2022. The percentage of  reduction in the farm fires in 2023 with respect to the figures in 2021 and 2020 has been 49 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.

Likewise, substantial reduction has also been witnessed in the total number of paddy farm fires in Haryana i.e., 37 per cent reduction in 2023 vis-à-vis 2022. The reduction in farm fire incidences in 2023 with respect to 2021 has been much higher at 67 per cent while a reduction of 45 per cent has been witnessed as compared to the incidences in 2020.

In terms of district wise performance of Punjab in this context, 4 districts namely Muktsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar recorded more than 50 per cent reduction in the paddy farm fires during 2023 as compared to 2022, while 5 districts viz. Bathinda, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran and Patiala recorded an improvement of 27 per cent – 50 per cent in their respective fire counts over figures in 2022. 11 districts namely Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Sangrur and SBS Nagar also witnessed a reduction ranging up to 27 per cent in the farm fires during 2023. Three districts in Punjab namely Amritsar, SAS Nagar and Pathankot emerged as a concern with increase in the number of their respective fire counts during 2023 vis-à-vis 2022.

For the state of Haryana, the 3 districts which achieved more than 50 per cent reduction in the fire counts during 2023 as compared to 2022 are Kaithal, Karnal and Panipat while 3 districts viz. Kurukshetra, Sirsa and Yamuna Nagar recorded a reduction between 37 per cent – 50 per cent over the corresponding figures in 2022. There were 5 other districts viz. Ambala, Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar and Sonipat where the improvement ranged up to 37 per cent over the 2022 figures.  5 districts in Haryana viz. Rohtak, Bhiwani, Faridabad, Jhajjar and Palwal however recorded higher paddy farm fire counts in 2023 over their corresponding figures for 2022.

Punjab recorded an overall 27% decrease in

Collaborations, Sustainability, World

The two organisations will specifically collaborate on helping countries meet the ambitious targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding that recognises the critical role of investment in rural infrastructure, nature resources management and climate resilience in transforming agrifood systems. The two organisations will specifically collaborate on helping countries meet the ambitious targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

AIIB and FAO will explore collaboration opportunities in infrastructure investments that improve water resource management, agriculture and irrigation productivity, logistics and climate change adaptation and resilience. The two organisations will focus on digital solutions and innovations that increase efficiency productivity and preparedness. Special attention will be given to addressing the social development needs of vulnerable groups and gender issues.

“AIIB and FAO are united by our vision of realising human prosperity through sustainable development,” said Jin Liqun, AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors. “This partnership represents our commitment to working together to finance sustainable Infrastructure for Tomorrow. By partnering with the FAO, together we help to ensure efficient and effective use of resources and expertise across the development sector.”

The two organisations will specifically collaborate on

Agrotech, Cold Storage, Company News, Digital Technologies, Horticulture, India, IT, Supply Chain, Warehousing

The platform facilitates farmer connectivity, enabling the exchange of insights on available technologies and facilitating supply-demand interaction.

Chennai based Covestro (India), a pioneering high-tech polymer materials manufacturer, has initiated a significant venture aimed at combatting post-harvest losses prevalent in India’s horticulture and fisheries sector. The company unveiled the groundbreaking Covestro Food Security Platform during a hybrid event held at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai. This digital platform marks a collective effort bringing together government authorities, industry leaders, and farmers with the mission of empowering farmers through innovative postharvest technologies, thereby minimizing losses and augmenting the value of agricultural produce.

 Over the last decade, Covestro (India) has dedicated its efforts to a social transformation project under Inclusive Business, with the Food Security vertical being its inaugural pillar. Through this initiative, the team has spearheaded the installation of advanced solutions such as greenhouses for drying and cultivation, solar conduction dryers, solar cold stores, and the promotion of portable cold boxes. The Covestro Food Security Platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub, providing farmers with access to tools and knowledge to enhance postharvest processes, ultimately prolonging the shelf life of their produce.

 The platform facilitates farmer connectivity, enabling the exchange of insights on available technologies and facilitating supply-demand interactions. Additionally, it showcases produce that has undergone advanced post-harvest management techniques like solar drying and temperature-controlled preservation.

 India’s horticulture and fisheries sectors collectively encounter an average postharvest loss of 15- 20 per cent, leading to increased CO2 emissions and missed opportunities for value addition. Covestro responds to this challenge by introducing cutting-edge technologies and establishing a virtual platform to encourage widespread adoption. The integration of digitalization and modern technologies is pivotal in ensuring farmers receive equitable returns for their efforts, and the Covestro Food Security Platform stands as a significant stride towards achieving this at scale.

Anand Srinivasan, Managing Director, Covestro (India) Private Limited, emphasized the Food Security Platform as a testament to the global mission of Covestro: To make the world a brighter place. “We aim to foster innovation and growth through products, technologies, and partnerships that benefit society while minimizing environmental impact. I am confident the Food Security Platform will significantly add value to the hard work of our farmers.”

The event culminated in an interactive session between the audience and the Covestro team, featuring a live demonstration of the app’s features and potential benefits to farmers.

Speaking from his office, K Lakshminarayanan, Minister for Public Works, Fisheries, and Fisherman Welfare, Pondicherry, commended Covestro for its solutions, acknowledging their positive impact on both farmers and the fishing community.  

The platform facilitates farmer connectivity, enabling the

Agro chems – Chemicals, Finance, India, Investments, Trade

This strategic move is expected to significantly contribute to BAL’s expansion of formulation manufacturing capacity, resulting in an approximate addition of Rs 350 crores to its overall returns.

Best Agrolife Ltd. (BAL), a prominent player and one of the largest agro-input manufacturers in India, has executed a strategic investment in Kashmir Chemicals and acquired 99 per cent stake in the company. This move is aimed at expanding its manufacturing capacity in response to the growing market demand for branded agrochemical products and formulations. On October 20, 2023, a Reconstitution Deed of Partnership was formalized, retroactively effective from September 16, 2023, and duly registered with the Competent Authority in Samba.

Kashmir Chemicals is situated in Phase-1 of the Industrial Growth Centre in Samba and registered with the District Industries Centre. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery spread across 16 kanals of leasehold land allocated by J & K State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. The company specializes in the production of pesticide formulations, including Emulsified Concentrates, Wettable Powders, and Granules. The former partnership company was equally shared between Shyamanand Sharma and Pardeep Kumar Jain, with an annual turnover of approximately 100 crores and a healthy profit margin, as indicated by the company’s financial statements.

During their board meeting on September 2, 2023, the board of directors reached a resolution acknowledging the escalating market demand for branded formulations. To address this demand, the company recognized the necessity to augment its manufacturing capacity. In evaluating potential solutions, such as in-house expansion and a greenfield project, the board noted the time constraints, estimating a minimum of 15-18 months and the risk of missing business opportunities.

Given the current commitments of the company’s existing partners to other business ventures, Kashmir Chemicals extended an invitation to BAL to enter into a partnership to facilitate the seamless operation of the manufacturing unit. Subsequently, the board decided to invest in Kashmir Chemicals by acquiring a 99 per cent stake in the partnership, alongside the participation of the existing partners. This strategic move is expected to significantly contribute to BAL’s expansion of formulation manufacturing capacity, resulting in an approximate addition of Rs 350 crores to its overall returns.

It is important to note that BAL has also been granted a 20-year patent for their innovative creation, the “SYNERGISTIC GRANULAR HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION FOR PADDY”. The company intends to introduce this one-shot herbicide in the upcoming Kharif season under the brand name “Orisulam”.

This strategic move is expected to significantly

AgroPolicy, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, India, Poultry

 The visit aims to promote exports of EU agricultural food and beverage products to India, facilitating its presence in the Indian market while enabling matchmaking between the businesses of both sides.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski will be visiting India on 7-9 December 2023, leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector. During his visit, he would be inaugurating the EU Pavilion at the two prestigious exhibitions in New Delhi, SIAL and VINEXPO on 7th December, which will host a wide array of agri-food products from across Europe, offering an immersive experience into the quality, safety, authenticity, and sustainability standards of European food and beverages. The visit and the participation at the exhibition aim to promote exports of EU agricultural food and beverage products to India, facilitating its presence in the Indian market while enabling matchmaking between the businesses of both sides.

During his visit, Commissioner Wojciechowski will hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, as well as the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and with Niti Aayog, the policy think tank of the Government of India. It will be an occasion to exchange on the agricultural policy of the EU and India and raise the market access challenges faced by EU operators on the Indian market.

The EU is the Region of Honour of SIAL and VINEXPO 2023 with the EU Pavilions forming part of the ‘More than food’ campaign, with which the EU is actively promoting outstanding European agricultural products to Indian businesses and consumers. Commissioner Wojciechowski will participate in the opening ceremony of the fairs. The 50+ businesses accompanying the EU Commissioner will not only showcase their products to the Indian buyers from the food distribution, retail, manufacture, and hospitality industries at SIAL and VINEXPO, but will also explore business and match-making opportunities with their Indian counterparts. The EU Pavilions will play a crucial role in creating excellent, centralised matchmaking opportunities for Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors. They are meant to lead to the establishment of new business partnerships that are mutually beneficial for both EU companies and their Indian counterparts. The direct interactions during the sessions will also contribute to a better understand-ing of the specific needs and preferences of the Indian market. This knowledge exchange can contribute to in- formed decision-making and enhance the potential for successful market entry.

“At the EU Pavilions, we offer an immersive journey into the world of European agricultural products, focusing on quality, safety, authen-ticity, and sustainability. We aim to inform and inspire Indian buyers, retailers, and distributors through cooking demonstrations, information sessions, and tastings over three exciting days. The EU Pavilions also offer excellent match-making opportunities for Indian buyers, with representatives from more than 50 European companies attending from various food and drink sectors,” Janusz Wojciechowski European Union Commissioner for Agriculture.

 The visit aims to promote exports of