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

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

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

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Food

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

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

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

Transforming Lives Through Unprecedented Growth

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

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

Impact Report Unveiled

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

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

Achieving a staggering year-over-year growth rate of

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

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

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

Facts about the agreement

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

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

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

Cutting 12 million tons of CO2 over the next 15 years

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

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

Decarbonized future for food-production and shipping

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

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

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

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

Yara Sluiskil will capture approximately 800,000 tons

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 foreign missions from different countries along

Agrotech, India, Interaction

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

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

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

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

Highlights of the Conference:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The conference provides opportunity for Startups in

Oilseeds, Supply Chain, Trade

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

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

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

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

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

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

Improved price competitiveness and the shortage of

Animal Health, Company News, Finance, World

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

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

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

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

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

Funding will support efficient scaling & customer

Company News, Sustainability, World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The project aims to empower young people

Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The course highlights the use of space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report covers an in-depth analysis of

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the support of ESCAP, BharatRohan aims

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

To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot program is underway, integrating 500 farmers in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh into the Zinc Wheat value chain.

Yara India, a subsidiary of Yara International and the world’s leading crop nutrition company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS). HPS’s objective is to seamlessly incorporate nutrient-rich seeds and foods into global agricultural systems, empowering vulnerable communities to boost their intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Together they are committed to the successful implementation of the project “Establishing Nutri-Farms with Smallholder Farmers in India.”  To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot program is underway, integrating 500 farmers in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh into the Zinc Wheat value chain. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the approach, with the ultimate aim of expanding its reach to benefit a larger number of farmers and communities in the future.

The strategic partnership seeks to transform food systems through a focus on delivering nutritious food to all individuals, with a special emphasis on vulnerable communities. The project employs a comprehensive approach that combines the use of biofortified seeds with capacity strengthening of farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including efficient nutrient management. This approach aims to enhance farm productivity and bolster farmers’ resilience toward food and nutrition security.

In ensuring a sustainable supply chain, the project facilitates the connection of farmers to relevant markets, enabling them to access businesses in the biofortified value chain. This not only contributes to improved food quality but also positively impacts the income and livelihoods of farmers. Additionally, the project fosters collaboration with public sector stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the adoption of nutrition-smart agricultural techniques.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia said, “We are delighted to collaborate with HarvestPlus Solutions on a transformative journey towards nutritional security, focusing on sustainable solutions to shape a nature positive food future. Our partnership focuses on enhancing farm productivity, improving food quality, uplift farmer livelihoods and revolutionize food systems for a healthier and more resilient future.

Ravinder Grover, Regional Coordinator – Asia, HarvestPlus said,” “We are excited to join hands with Yara India to set up nutrition smart farms in India. By combining our expertise, we aim to introduce innovative bundles that promote sustainable farming practices and enhance crop nutrition and yield. This collaboration stands as a testament to our shared dedication to building a healthier, more resilient future for communities around the world.”

To kickstart this comprehensive approach, a pilot

Company News, India, Sugar industry

Company aims to clock a revenue of Rs 120 crores per annum in the segment.

Bengaluru based Sunpure, South India’s largest edible oil brand, today announced its foray into a new product category – packaged jaggery. Sunpure Jaggery Powder and Sunpure Jaggery Block (available in 500g packs) have been launched in Bengaluru and Mumbai, as a part of the company’s vision to become India’s favourite food brand that advocates chemical & preservative-free healthy living. The company will introduce the new products to all its existing markets across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Tamil Nadu over the next one month.

MK Agrotech, the parent company of Sunpure, is a Karnataka-based organisation known for bringing together the best of technology and tradition in the food space. The company has ambitious plans to become a Pan-India FMCG brand that empowers Indian consumers to embrace healthy living. Given that Indian consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and looking to replace refined, white sugar in their diets with a healthier alternative, the company decided to venture into the new segment with Sunpure Jaggery.

The packaged jaggery market in India touched Rs 55.6 billion in 2022, as per market reports. By 2028, it is expected to reach Rs 122.1 billion, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1 per cent during the five-year period. Sunpure aims to clock a revenue of Rs 120 crores per annum in the segment. In Mumbai, the products have been launched under Riso Jaggery powder and Riso Jaggery block. In February this year, Sunpure had acquired Riso, a premium edible oil brand in Maharashtra to strengthen its position in the Western market.

Commenting on the product launch, Sridhar Vaidyanathan, Chief Operating Officer, MK Agrotech, said, “India is one of the leading exporters of jaggery in the world and the domestic market for packaged jaggery is ripe for disruption. With mounting health concerns due to growing incidence of diabetes, heart diseases and obesity-related issues, more and more Indian consumers today are replacing white sugar with jaggery, an unrefined natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice. What’s more, jaggery also offers numerous nutritional benefits, making it a healthy addition to the household pantry staples.”

Company aims to clock a revenue of

Dairy, India, Interaction, Live Stock

Conference aims to enhance the income and livelihood of dairy farmers in Vidarbha and explore the new opportunities in dairy sector.

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

India is a global leader in the dairy sector, producing and consuming more milk than any other country. Dairy farming is a vital source of income and nutrition for millions of farmers in India. However, the demand for milk and milk products is growing faster than the supply, especially in urban areas. This creates a challenge and an opportunity for the dairy sector to increase its productivity, quality, and value addition.

One of the regions that has a huge potential and opportunity for dairy development is Vidarbha. However, the dairy sector in Vidarbha faces various challenges such as lack of awareness, infrastructure, market linkages, processing facilities, etc.

To overcome these challenges and to enhance the income and livelihood of dairy farmers in Vidarbha, several initiatives have been taken by various stakeholders such as government, NGOs, cooperatives, private players, etc.

Agrovision and Dairy Sector in Vidarbha

Agrovision Foundation’s Chief Patron, Nitin Gadkari has been a strong advocate and supporter of dairy development in Vidarbha. His vision is to make dairying a viable alternative for farmers in drought-prone regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada. To that end, Agrovision India – central India’s largest agri summit, organised by Agrovision Foundation, provides a platform for knowledge and technology transfer to farmers, and introduces businesses to the growth opportunity in the region.

Every year, Agrovision attracts lakhs of farmers from Maharashtra and adjoining states, as well as experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from the agri domain. Agrovision India aims to educate, empower, and encourage farmers to adopt latest technologies and farm practices, as well as to create a platform for farmer-industry partnership.

Businesses in the dairy farming industry and food processing, should take a keen interest in Vidarbha region, as it is poised to be the next growth frontier. Favourable government policies, abundant availability of land, low cost of production, skilled workforce, committed investments by Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., strong demand for milk and milk products, and central location makes it a lucrative market for dairy producers.

Nitin Gadkari, Agrovision Foundation’s Chief Patron said, “The plant would come up in the second phase of Butibori Industrial Estate. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has granted in-principal approval for setting up the unit on 25 acres. The plant would generate 500 direct and over 2500 indirect jobs”.

Conference aims to enhance the income and

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India

Company’s total income rose by 14 per cent to Rs 617.92 crore in the July-September period of from Rs 542.90 crore a year ago.

Agrochemical major Dhanuka Agritech reported a 39 per cent rise in its net profit to Rs 101.77 crore in the September quarter. Company’s net profit stood at Rs 73.02 crore in the year-ago period. Total income rose 14 per cent to Rs 617.92 crore in the July-September period of from Rs 542.90 crore a year ago, the company said.

“The company did reasonably well during challenging times amid erratic rainfall, falling prices, and subdued exports demand,” Dhanuka Agritech Managing Director M K Dhanuka said in a statement.

“The uneven rainfall in the country also impacted our revenue and bottom line. We are cautiously optimistic about the demand in the remaining part of the fiscal year amid El Nino conditions and global inventory in the agrochemicals”, he added.

The demand for agrochemicals is expected to improve in the third quarter of the fiscal onwards, the MD noted.

“In the backdrop of higher MSPs for the rabi crop announced by the government, and increased water levels in the reservoirs, the demand for agrochemicals in the domestic market is expected to improve,” Dhanuka said in the statement.

During the second quarter of the current financial year, the company brought two new products into the market Tizom and Semacia, which have been very well received by farmers.

Dhanuka Agritech mentioned that it is working on both medium-term and long-term strategies to further expand its market, both in terms of products and geographies. The company has four manufacturing units in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Company’s total income rose by 14 per