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

The company has also signed technology partnership agreements with MECS (Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems) and TKIS (ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions).

Hyderabad based Coromandel International Limited, the country’s second largest Phosphatic fertilizer player and part of Murugappa Group, announced the project initiation for setting up a new 1650 Metric Tonnes per day design capacity sulphuric acid plant at its fertiliser complex in Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 400 crores. The announcement was made by Arun Alagappan, Executive Vice Chairman, Coromandel International Limited. The company has also signed technology partnership agreements with MECS (Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems) and TKIS (ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions).

The new sulphuric acid plant for which the investment has been announced will increase the sulphuric acid production capacity by a further 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum from the current level of 6 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum, thereby resulting in a combined capacity of 11 lakh Metric Tonnes. The investment is in line with Coromandel’s long-term objectives to secure key raw materials for its fertiliser production. The 1650 TPD sulphuric acid plant project will be setup within Coromandel’s existing Visakhapatnam plant premises. The Visakhapatnam manufacturing unit of Coromandel has a production capacity of 1.3 million Tonnes per annum complex fertilisers and a captive phosphoric acid production capacity of close to 4 Lakh Tonnes per annum. The new Sulphuric acid plant at Vizag will reduce the import dependence considerably and ensure sustainable production of Phosphoric acid, one of the key raw materials for phosphatic fertiliser manufacturing.

The new state of the art sulphuric acid plant is being built on par with globally best technology standards to control emissions. The steam generated from the process shall also be used for captive power generation.

Commenting on the setup of new sulphuric acid plant, Arun Alagappan said, “India is a net importer of sulphuric acid, and the 3rd largest importer globally, accounting for close to 20 Lakh Metric Tonnes of imports. Coromandel has announced the setting up of a new 1650 TPD sulphuric acid plant at Visakhapatnam. Considering the essential nature of fertilisers, this investment will improve the self-sufficiency and availability of phosphatic fertiliser in the country. I would like to thank the leadership team of MECS and TKIS for being with us here today for the event. This project is an important one for all of us involved and will play an important role in reducing the sulphuric acid imports into our country.”

Speaking on the event, Brian Blair, Global Licensing Manager, MECS USA said, “We have worked in close partnership with Coromandel International Limited to be able to guarantee the precise performance and emissions control needed for the project to meet stringent environmental standards and production objectives. We are excited to be part of a project that provides Coromandel a state-of-the-art sulphuric acid plant with carbon free power generation and to be ableto support it with our many decades of expertise in sulphuric acid plant technology.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kamath, CEO & MD TKIS India said, “Coromandel International remains one of our most esteemed customer in the Phosphatic Fertiliser space. Our relationship with them dates back to the nineties when we set up a ammonia tank terminal in Ennore. This was followed by many Di-Ammonium Phosphate/NPK Fertiliser plants, cryogenic ammonia storages and Phosphoric acid plant. The sulphuric acid project is one more opportunity to take our excellent business relationship forward.”

The company has also signed technology partnership

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Oilseeds, Pulses

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23 is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22.

The Final Estimates of production of major crops for the year 2022-23 have been released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. As per Final Estimates for 2022-23, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at record 3296.87 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 140.71 Lakh tonnes than the production of food grains of 3156.16 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, the production during 2022-23 is higher by 308.69 Lakh tonnes than the previous five years’ (2017-18 to 2021-22) average production of food grains.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said on the record production of food grains that our farmer brothers and sisters are continuously working hard, while agricultural scientists and institutions are also doing very good work, along with this Under the leadership of  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Agriculture is smoothly implementing  the schemes and programs, thus everyone’s efforts are reflecting better results in the agriculture sector including record food grains production.

As per Final Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2022-23 is as under:

Foodgrains  –  3296.87 Lakh tonnes.

Rice  –  1357.55 Lakh tonnes.

Wheat  –  1105.54 Lakh tonnes.

Nutri / Coarse Cereals  –  573.19 Lakh tonnes.

Maize  –  380.85 Lakh tonnes.

Pulses  –  260.58 Lakh tonnes.

Tur  –  33.12 Lakh tonnes.

Gram – 122.67 Lakh tonnes.

Oilseeds  –  413.55 Lakh tonnes.

Groundnut  –  102.97 Lakh tonnes.

Soyabean  –  149.85 Lakh tonnes.

Rapeseed and Mustard – 126.43 Lakh tonnes.

Sugarcane – 4905.33 Lakh tonnes.

Cotton  –  336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each)

Jute  & Mesta – 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each)

Total production of Rice during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1357.55 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 62.84 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s Rice production of 1294.71 Lakh tonnes and by 153.65 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 1203.90 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Wheat during 2022-23 is estimated at record 1105.54 Lakh tonnes. It is higher by 28.12 Lakh tonnes than previous year’s wheat production of 1077.42 Lakh tonnes and by 48.23 Lakh tonnes than the average wheat production of 1057.31 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Nutri / Coarse Cereals estimated at 573.19 Lakh tonnes, which is higher by 62.18 Lakh tonnes than the production of 511.01 Lakh tonnes achieved during 2021-22. Further, it is also higher by 92.79 Lakh tonnes than the average production. Production of Shree Anna is estimated at 173.20 Lakh tonnes.

Total Pulses production during 2022-23 is estimated at 260.58 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 14.02 Lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average pulses production of 246.56 Lakh tonnes. Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at record 413.55 Lakh tonnes which is higher by 33.92 Lakh tonnes than the oilseed production during 2021-22. Further, the production of oilseeds during 2022-23 is higher by 73.33 Lakh tonnes than the average oilseeds production of 340.22 Lakh tonnes.

Total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2022-23 is estimated at 4905.33 Lakh tonnes. The production of sugarcane during 2022-23 is higher by 511.08 Lakh tonnes than the previous year sugarcane production of 4394.25 Lakh tonnes.

Production of Cotton is estimated at 336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each) is higher by 25.42 Lakh bales than the previous year’s cotton production.  Production of Jute & Mesta is estimated at 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg each).  

Total estimated food grain production in 2022-23

AgroPolicy, Bee keeping, Horticulture, India

Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers and honey are expected to increase in 2022-23.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the 2nd Advance Estimates of the area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23. According to this estimate, total horticulture production in the country is expected to be a record 351.92 million tonnes in the year 2022-23.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has said that along with food grains, horticulture is also continuously recording record production in the country, which is the good result of the hard work of our farmers, the efficiency of scientists and the farmer-friendly policies of the Central Government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is committed to the welfare of farmers.

Highlights of the year 2021-22 (Second Advance Estimates)-

• Total horticulture production in the year 2022-23 is estimated to be 351.92 million tonnes, an increase of about 4.74 million tonnes (1.37 per cent) as compared to the year 2021-22 (final).

• Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers and honey are expected to increase.

• Fruit production is estimated to be 108.34 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 as compared to 107.51 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

• The production of vegetables is estimated to be 212.91 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 compared to 209.14 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

• Production of plantation crops is estimated to increase from 15.76 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 16.05 million tonnes in 2022-23, which is an increase of about 1.78 per cent.

• Potato production is expected to be 60.54 million tonnes, compared to 56.18 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

Production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, flowers

Biostimulants, Company News, Europe, Horticulture

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico.

Bionema Group, a prominent biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer specialising in crop protection and plant health management, has unveiled a new biostimulant product in the UK developed for application in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf, and amenities.

After a decade of dedicated Research and Development, Bionema Group is proud to introduce RootVita®, a groundbreaking product that harnesses the power of nature to revolutionise plant growth and soil health. RootVita® is a potent blend of biofertilisers, PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), essential nutrients, prebiotics, and vitamins.

Plants treated with RootVita® exhibit improved resistance to abiotic stress factors such as heat, drought and salt. Additionally, their roots tend to access more nutrients and absorb water more effectively.

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico. The results of these trials suggest that RootVita® has the potential to enable farmers to reduce their fertiliser usage by up to 30 per cent, all while maintaining approximately 93 per cent of their crop yields. Specifically, in Bionema’s glasshouse trials, root growth was observed to be 35 per cent more robust when using a recommended mixture of 50 per cent fertiliser in combination with Bionema’s RootVita® product.

According to Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, “There has been a notable surge in interest surrounding biostimulants in recent years, driven by the increasing recognition of their benefits. Looking ahead, with the overall Biocontrol market anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7 per cent over the next five years, the biostimulant segment within this market is expected to grow at a rate of 11.8 per cent, reaching a value of $6.2 billion by the year 2027 (source: Markets and Markets, 2022). This rapid market expansion mirrors public concerns regarding the impacts of agrichemicals on human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Consequently, there is a growing demand for natural solutions to enhance crop yields and promote plant health”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio enhances the company’s offering to the Biological Agriculture sector, and complements its ongoing research, training and other services in the continuing development of novel biological solutions. It reflects Bionema’s evolution in focus and strategy, announced in 2022 following the company’s deal with Syngenta that secured Bionema’s position as a top 20 world-leading biocontrol company.

Dr Ansari further emphasised Bionema’s aspiration to become a prominent developer of biocontrol technology, with the aim of diminishing reliance on chemical pesticides. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a transformation, marked by increasing calls for reduced chemical usage in agriculture. In order to sustain high crop yields and provide for a growing global population, it is imperative that we explore alternative, more sustainable approaches. Biostimulants emerge as a promising option to meet these demands.

The Bionema team conducted a series of

Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, Water

PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination.

A path-defining memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, ICAR-Indian Institute of Seed Science, Mau, Uttar Pradesh and Plasma Water Solutions India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of a fast-emerging US Ag Tech company, Plasma Water Solutions Inc.

The agreement was signed by Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, JD(R), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, ICAR- IISS, Mau & Ms. Pragya Kalia, MD, PWS India in the presence of Dr. Shiv Kumar Yadav, Principal Investigator & Principal Scientist, Division of Seed Science and Technology (DSST), ICAR-IARI, Dr. Sangita Yadav, Principal Scientist, DSST, ICAR-IARI and Dr. Pramod Kumar, In-charge PME Cell, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Plasma Water Solutions proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real time to Plasma-ized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crops cycle. Under this MOU, IARI and IISS of ICAR will undertake standardization of seed treatment (ST) in various crops, validating the standardized ST in demonstrations/field trials at different locations and generating data under the research project entitled “Standardization, Performance Evaluation and Field Demonstrations of PW Treatments for Enhanced Planting Value in Wheat, Mustard, Lentil, and Tomato crops against heat stress and normal conditions.”

Complimenting the two teams from Germany, Robert Hardt, President and CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, said, “Ours is a science-based technology & we believe in continuous refinement by joining hands with the leading science & research institutes globally keeping customers at the centre of all our R&D efforts. We are extremely proud to be associated with the Apex organisation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in India & wish to see this working in favour of Indian farmers.”

Enhancing productivity in the most climate smart sustainable manner is a key objective of IARI. We look forward to work on this tech along with PWS India to study the utility of PW technology to enhance crop productivity sustainably, said Dr Chinnusamy Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Pragya Kalia, MD, Plasma Water Solutions India, said, “This is a strategic step towards making our technology effective for small farmers of India. Through ICAR partnership, we would not just validate & demonstrate benefits of our tech for natural farming & productivity but also standardize the applications considering various agro-climatic conditions & local practices.”

PW technology is used for seed treatment,

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers

Best Agrolife, a leading name in the agricultural industry, and Sudarshan Farm Chemicals jointly organised a successful North Karnataka dealer’s meet at Sindhanur. The event held recently saw an impressive turnout of approximately 700 dedicated dealers across the region.

During the meeting, Best Agrolife proudly unveiled an extensive range of innovative products targetting crop segments in the Karnataka region.

The event’s highlight was the official launch of Best Agrolife’s blockbuster product, Tricolor. Harnessing the combined power of Trifloxystrobin, Difenoconazole and sulphur, Tricolor represents a revolutionary approach to crop protection. This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum fungicide with prophylactic, curative, and eradicative action. Tricolor’s triple-action protectant fungicide significantly improves crop health, ensuring quality and abundant yields for farmers.

“As a company rooted in agriculture, we prioritize sustainability and affordability in all our offerings. We aim to empower farming communities with cutting-edge solutions that enhance crop health and promote bountiful harvests. We believe in fostering agricultural practices that lead to economic growth and food security,” said Sara Narsaih, National Marketing Manager of Best Agrolife Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, SBVR Prasad, Executive Director, Best Agrolife Ltd., shared insights into Best Agrolife’s present and future product portfolio. He emphasised the value of indigenous technology in delivering cost-effective solutions to farmers compared to multinational companies, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Satish Kumar Malhotra, Director of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals, highlighted their commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. He emphasised that the company is proud to introduce a range of ternary products that offer both cost-effectiveness and substantial benefits to the farming community, contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in agriculture.

Aiyanath Reddy, Vice President of the Karnataka State Dealer Association, expressed his satisfaction with the widespread acceptance of Best Agrolife products at the farmer level. He attributed this success to the company’s diverse product range, uncompromising quality, and continuous innovation in the form of tri-combination products.

This unique blend results in a broad-spectrum

Agrotech, India, People, Seeds

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company as Vice Chairman.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the prominent industry association of R&D based seed companies in India, is delighted to announce the successful leadership transition with Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah Seeds Private Limited, assuming the role of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. FSII held its Annual General Meeting on 25 Sep 2023, which marked the occasion of the new leadership team formally taking over the mantle.

 Rajvir Rathi, Head – Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability IBSL and Lead – Traits Licensing Business, Bayer CropScience Limited and Shirish Barwale, Director, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, assumed the roles of Vice Chairmen. Dr Venkatram Vasantavada, MD & CEO, SeedWorks International Private Limited, took charge as the Finance Director. 

The new leadership team expressed their profound gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the founding and former Board members who, since its inception, have been instrumental in shaping FSII into a respected industry association at the forefront of India’s seed sector.

FSII’s rich legacy, built upon the vision and relentless dedication of these early pioneers, has led to its establishment as a pioneering industry association for the Indian seed sector. Over the years, FSII has achieved remarkable growth, recognition, and respect within the industry, primarily due to the tireless commitment of those who have steered its course.

Under the guidance of the newly appointed leadership, FSII is now poised to take its mission to the next level. With a renewed focus on becoming a ‘knowledge-driven’ federation of research-based seed companies in India, FSII aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian seed sector. The organization envisions a future where innovative research, sustainable practices, and knowledge-sharing will drive the industry to new heights.

“On behalf of the new leadership team, we acknowledge the great efforts of our founding and former leadership who have brought FSII to what it is today as the voice of Indian seed sector. FSII is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future, leading the way towards a knowledge-driven and prosperous Indian seed sector. Our commitment is unwavering, and we are determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors. As we embark on this exciting journey of leadership continuity and renewed focus, we invite all the industry stakeholders, partners, and collaborators to join hands with us in shaping the future of the Indian seed sector. Together, we can collectively contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of this most important industry.” said Ajai Rana on the occasion.

FSII’s leadership transition represents a vital step on the continuum of progress, ensuring that the organization remains relevant, dynamic, and influential in the years to come. The new team is dedicated to preserving the values and vision of FSII while simultaneously adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.

Focusing on strategic stakeholder engagement and targeted policy advocacy, FSII is all set to bolster its collaboration with Central and State governments, various Ministries, departments, and statutory bodies to ensure that policy and regulatory frameworks are holistic and conducive to the growth of the seed industry and aligned with nation’s Amrit Kaal aspirations.

This leadership transition not only ensures that FSII remains agile and expands its sphere of influence in the ever-evolving Indian seed industry but also places a strong emphasis on fostering enhanced collaboration and communication with key stakeholders.

FSII will actively seek collaboration and partnerships with industry players, research institutions, academia, scientific fraternity, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and knowledge exchange within the sector. FSII committed to disseminating industry insights and promoting best practices among its members and stakeholders.

FSII ropes in Ajai Rana, CEO, Savannah

Agrotech, Company News, India, IT, Seeds

The ‘SeedSure’ app helps deal with critical operations such as data collection and crop assessment during different stages of the crop life cycle.

Rallis India Limited, a Tata enterprise and a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry announced the roll out of a mobile application, ‘SeedSure’, for monitoring and managing its Hybrid Seed Production (HSP) program. The ‘SeedSure’ app helps deal with critical operations such as data collection and crop assessment during different stages of the crop life cycle. Seedsure is developed with the help of TCS.

Management of Hyrbrid Seed Production is a complex task for many organisations and inefficient seed production monitoring leads to problems like measurable reduction in crop yield or unanticipated yield drops.

Commenting on the introduction of ‘SeedSure’, Sanjiv Lal, MD & CEO of Rallis India Limited, said, “This hybrid seed production monitoring app marks a significant milestone in our journey towards efficient operations. At Rallis India, we recognise the critical role that technology plays in addressing the challenges of the complex seed production process. ‘SeedSure’ is a testament to our unwavering commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to solve these complex challenges”.

Commenting on the diverse merits of ‘SeedSure’, S Nagarajan, Chief Operating Officer of Rallis India Limited, said, “In today’s times, interventions such as ‘SeedSure’ are important for agri input players as they help seamless data collection, monitoring and management of the Hybrid seed Production program. The robust data collected will help in improving production quality, apart from providing early signals of any production challenges. In future, we aim to integrate it with remotely sensed weather and crop data to support AI/ML based predictions on crop yields at a plot level. It is a robust, data-driven and an at-scale approach towards seed management, which paves the way for improved & predictable yields and quality.”

The ‘SeedSure’ app helps deal with critical

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India

The government takes a series of steps for price stabilisation

Prices of essential food commodities remain stable in festival season, as the government has taken a series of steps for price stabilisation, said Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, of the Department of Food and Public Distribution.

To ensure sufficient availability of sugar for domestic consumers at reasonable prices throughout the year, the Government of India has continued ‘restriction’ of sugar exports till further orders. This would also ensure healthy stocks of sugar in the country and maintenance of consistency in India’s efforts towards greener fuel under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme.

With this policy, the Government has again shown its commitment towards prioritising the interest of 140 crore domestic consumers while ensuring no constraints in sugar availability to them. It is noteworthy that despite international sugar prices being at 12 years high, sugar in India is among the cheapest in the world and there is only a nominal increase in retail sugar prices in the country, which is in tune with an increase in FRP of sugarcane for farmers. In the last 10 years, the average inflation in retail sugar prices has been about 2 per cent per annum.

In addition, the Government is monitoring the monthly dispatches of sugar mills to ensure sufficient availability of sugar in the domestic market. Further, all the Traders/Wholesalers, retailers, Big Chain retailers and Processors of Sugar have been directed to disclose their sugar stock positions on the portal enabling the government to monitor sugar stock across the country. These measures are intended to ensure better monitoring of the sugar sector and facilitate a sufficient supply of sugar in the market.

This sugar export policy would also ensure consistency towards the production of ethanol from sugar-based feedstocks. In ESY 2022-23, India has diverted about 43 LMT of sugar towards ethanol, which is expected to generate revenue of about ₹ 24,000 crores to sugar-based distilleries. This revenue has helped the sugar industry in clearing cane dues of farmers in time and making the sugar sector self-sufficient.

Appropriate Government policies on sugarcane and sugar have ensured that sugar mills have made payments of about ₹ 1.09 lakh crores and thus, cleared more than 95 per cent of cane dues of Sugar Season 2022-23 while 99.9% of cane dues of earlier seasons have been cleared. Thus, cane dues are at an all-time low level and efforts are being made to clear the balance dues also at the earliest.

The Government, in order to check the domestic prices and to ensure domestic food security, has taken several pre-emptive measures to restrict the export of rice from India. The export of broken rice was prohibited and an export duty of 20 per cent was imposed on non-basmati white rice on 9th September 2022. Subsequently, the export of non-basmati white rice was also prohibited on 20th July 2023.

In FY 2022-23, India exported 17.8 million tonnes of non-basmati rice and 4.6 million tonnes of basmati rice. Out of the non-basmati rice exports, around 7.8-8 million tonnes was parboiled rice. W.e.f. 25th August 2023, the export duty of 20 per cent has been imposed on the export of parboiled rice. The duty was initially imposed till October 15, 2023, which has now been extended to 31st March 2024. The purpose of extending the duty regime on parboiled rice is to keep a check on the price rise of this crucial staple and maintain adequate availability in the domestic market. This measure taken by the Government in August of this year has seemed to have the intended effect, as there has been a decline of 65.50 per cent in quantity terms and 56.29 per cent in value terms in the case of Parboiled rice. Further, Customs authorities have been given directions for stricter essential checks so that no other variety of rice can be exported in the guise of parboiled rice.

In spite of the prohibition on Non-Basmati White Rice, India has decided to relax restrictions on the export of specific quantities of non-basmati white rice to specific countries. The countries eligible for these rice exports include Nepal (95,000 MT), Cameroon (1,90,000 MT), Malaysia (1,70,000 MT), Philippines (2,95,000 MT), Seychelles (800 MT), Core d’Ivoire (1,42,000 MT), and the Republic of Guinea (1,42,000 MT), UAE (75,000 MT), Bhutan (79,000 MT), Singapore (50,000 MT) and Mauritius (14,000 MT).

The government takes a series of steps

Company News, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Water

The pumps feature a superior Cathodic electro-deposited (CED) coating, ensuring unmatched corrosion resistance and durability, making them reliable in challenging environments

Kirloskar Brothers Limited (KBL), a pioneer in fluid management solutions announces the launch of its latest innovation, the ANIIKA-I and ANISA-I, I HP mini-series pumps. These state-of-the-art pumps mark a significant advancement in fluid handling technology, catering to the diverse needs of industries and households alike.

The ANNIKA-I and ANISA-I pumps from KBL offer a host of key features that set them apart in the fluid management landscape. With a superior Cathodic electro-deposited (CED) coating, these pumps ensure unmatched corrosion resistance and durability in challenging environments. Operating seamlessly across a wide voltage range, they guarantee consistent performance, even in areas with fluctuating power supply. Safety is prioritized through the integration of a Thermal Overload Protector, preventing overheating and ensuring long-lasting durability. Additionally, these pumps prioritize safety with robust casing and secure fittings, providing user and infrastructure protection. Beyond their key features, the ANIIKA-I and ANISA-I pumps are designed for versatile applications, catering to domestic water supply for households, facilitating efficient irrigation in agriculture with their powerful I HP capacity, and proving to be ideal for various industrial processes requiring reliable fluid handling.

Apart from these features, what sets these pumps apart is their capacity to function with comparatively lower noise levels.

Rama Kirloskar, Joint Managing Director at KBL, expressed her enthusiasm about the new product launch, stating, “Kirloskar Brothers Limited has always been at the forefront for using its cutting-edge technology for manufacturing high-end pumps. As part of another progressive step, we have launched ANNIKA – I and ANISA – I, highly efficient pumps for domestic, agriculture and industrial use. They have the most advanced design, which is compact and lightweight, with enhanced safety features.

Kirloskar also informed that ANNIKA and ANISA pumps are being built to stand the test of time, thus ensuring the buyer of its long-lasting dependable operation. These mini pumps are available in the I.0 hp variant.

The pumps feature a superior Cathodic electro-deposited

Animal Health, Company News, World

The agreement combines Tyson Foods’ global scale, experience and network with Protix’s technology and market leadership to meet current market demand and scale production of insect ingredients

Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, has reached an agreement for a two-fold investment with Protix, the leading global insect ingredients company. The strategic investment will support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient industry and expand the use of insect ingredient solutions to create more efficient sustainable proteins and lipids for use in the global food system. The agreement combines Tyson Foods’ global scale, experience and network with Protix’s technology and market leadership to meet current market demand and scale production of insect ingredients.

Through a direct equity investment, Tyson Foods will acquire a minority stake in Protix to help fund its global expansion. In addition, Tyson Foods and Protix have entered a joint venture for the operation and construction of an insect ingredient facility in the continental United States. Upon completion, it will be the first at-scale facility of its kind to upcycle food manufacturing byproducts into high-quality insect proteins and lipids which will primarily be used in the pet food, aquaculture, and livestock industries.

“Our partnership with Protix represents the latest strategic investment by Tyson Foods in groundbreaking solutions that drive added value to Tyson Foods’ business,” said John R. Tyson, chief financial officer of Tyson Foods. “The insect lifecycle provides the opportunity for full circularity within our value chain, strengthening our commitment to building a more sustainable food system for the future.”

Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, says: “We are very excited to announce the next step in our international growth strategy. Tyson Foods’ and Protix’s strategic partnership advances our joint work towards creating high-quality, more sustainable protein using innovative technology and solutions. Moreover, we can immediately use their existing byproducts as feedstock for our insects. This agreement is a major milestone for Protix and significantly accelerates our ambition to grow through international partnerships.”   

The to-be-built facility in the U.S. will house an enclosed system to support all aspects of insect protein production including the breeding, incubating, and hatching of insect larvae. In addition to ingredients for the aquaculture and pet food industries, processed larvae may also be used as ingredients within livestock and plant feed.

Protix is a fully integrated insect ingredients company, producing and processing 14,000 metric tons LLE annually in its Netherlands facility which has been in operation since 2019. It serves major global companies in the pet food, aquaculture feed, livestock feed and organic fertiliser industries as the demand for insect ingredients continues to grow.

The agreement combines Tyson Foods’ global scale,

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Horticulture, R&D

This innovative plant, which is yet to be named, is built upon the success of previous projects such as the ‘Pomato’ and ‘Brimato’ plants

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Varanasi has embarked on a groundbreaking project to develop a new plant that can produce three vegetables simultaneously: brinjal, tomato, and chilli. This innovative plant, which is yet to be named, is built upon the success of previous projects such as the ‘Pomato’ and ‘Brimato’ plants. The scientists at IIVR are at the forefront of this effort to create a plant that can increase agricultural productivity and provide a more diverse range of vegetables to consumers.

Through the use of grafting techniques, a breakthrough was made with the creation of ‘Pomato’. The process involved germinating potato tubers, followed by grafting tomato plants onto the germinated potato tubers. The resulting plant grew successfully, with tomatoes growing above ground and potatoes developing below the surface. On average, a single ‘Pomato’ plant yielded approximately 3 kilograms of tomatoes and 1.25 kilograms of potatoes.

The ICAR-IIVR in Varanasi has demonstrated the dedication and ingenuity of its scientists through the successful development of the ‘Pomato’ and ‘Brimato’ plants, and their ongoing efforts to create a new triple vegetable plant using grafting techniques. These researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in maximising crop yields and providing innovative solutions for sustainable food production.

This innovative plant, which is yet to

AgroPolicy, Finance, Foodgrains, India, Oilseeds, Pulses

The absolute highest increase in MSP has been approved for lentil (masur) at Rs 425 per quintal followed by rapeseed & mustard at Rs 200 per quintal.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25.

Government has increased the MSP of Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25, to ensure remunerative prices to the growers for their produce. The absolute highest increase in MSP has been approved for lentil (masur) at Rs.425 per quintal followed by rapeseed & mustard at Rs.200 per quintal. For wheat and safflower, an increase of Rs.150 per quintal each has been approved. For barley and gram an increase of Rs.115 per quintal and Rs.105 per quintal respectively, has been approved.

The increase in MSP for mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production.  The expected margin over All-India weighted average Cost of Production is 102 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent for rapeseed & mustard; 89 per cent for lentil; 60 per cent for gram; 60 percent for barley; and 52 percent for safflower. This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification.

The Government is promoting crop diversification towards oilseeds, pulses and shree anna/millets to enhance food security, increase farmers’ income, and reduce dependence on imports. Besides the Price Policy, the Government has undertaken various initiatives such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), and the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) with the objective to provide financial support, quality seeds to encourage farmers to cultivate oilseeds and pulses.

Moreover, to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer across the nation, Government has launched the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), KCC Ghar Ghar Abhiyaan, and Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) with the aim to provide timely and accurate weather information to empower farmers in making timely decisions regarding their crops. These initiatives aim to revolutionize agriculture, enhance financial inclusion, optimize data utilization, and improve the lives of farmers across the nation.

The absolute highest increase in MSP has

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Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products.

BASF invests a high double-digit million euro amount in a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products at its Ludwigshafen site. The plant will manufacture products that bring value to farmers including biological fungicides and biological seed treatment. BASF also plans to utilize the plant to produce the main building block of Inscalis®, a novel insecticide derived from a fungal strain. Commissioning is planned for the second half of 2025. The plant will employ 30 people in production, logistics, engineering and maintenance.

The plant will use microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into the desired products – a process known as fermentation.

“We see a growing demand for biological crop protection products. This investment is an important step in building an even stronger and more competitive portfolio in this area,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “In addition, fermentation is a very flexible technology that will allow us to bring more innovative biotechnology-derived products to the market in the future.”

“For production at our Ludwigshafen site, this development is another step in the transition to innovative manufacturing processes with lower energy intensity based on renewable raw materials,” said Christian Aucoin, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The site offers excellent synergies due to its good infrastructure, the integration into an existing high-performance production organization and the proximity of research units such as White Biotechnology.”

Strengthening the portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based