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Company News, India, People

Bala has been associated at the apex level with several reputed organisations such as Adama India Pvt. Ltd

Best Agrolife Ltd. (BAL) announced the appointment of Suradevara Bala Venkata Rama Prasad as its new Executive Director. The appointment came into effect on July 31, BAL said in a statement.

A business leader with an excellent track record across leading companies Bala has been associated at the apex level with several reputed organisations such as Adama India Pvt. Ltd. An Agri graduate from Kanpur University Bala comes with more than 40 years of substantial experience in the chemical industry. As a Founder member and Director of the Board of Adama India Pvt. Ltd. from 2009 to till date, he has delivered significant portfolio and organisational change as part of transforming it into a more focused, growth-driven and sustainable business.

Prior to joining Adama India Pvt. Ltd. in 2009, Bala worked for Nagarjuna Group (Fertilisers & Pesticides) for more than two decades (1986-2009). With his analytical and strategic mindset and his ability to turn challenges into great success, Bala took Nagarjuna Agrichem & Adama to new heights and turned them into high-revenue-earning companies.

“We are delighted to welcome Bala as our new Executive Director,” said Vimal Kumar, MD, BAL. “He is a dynamic, values-driven business leader with a diverse background of experience and an excellent track record of delivering outstanding results. He has exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and strong experience in both domestic and global markets. The Board looks forward to Bala realising the full potential of BAL as a winning business that delivers long-term growth and value for all its stakeholders.”

Bala, newly appointed ED of BAL said, “I am delighted to have been appointed to lead BAL. It is a great organization with a rapidly growing global footprint, a strong brand portfolio, a talented team, and an impressive reputation in the industry. I will be very focused on working with the BAL team to deliver a step-up in business performance.”

Bala has been associated at the apex

Company News, Environment, India, Start ups, Sustainability

The support offered by the accelerator programme includes financial readiness, innovation potential and market reach to the startups.

Kochi-based agritech start up, Farmers Fresh Zone, the only start-up from India to be recognized for FAO and Seed’s SDG Agrifood accelerator programme for innovators, to receive tailor-made help. Farmers FZ model focuses on bringing in fresh food to the plates and also on lowering carbon emissions. Farmers Fresh Zone (Farmers FZ), a, was one among the 12 agri-food start-ups selected across the world by Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations.

For the first time, UN hosted the SDG Agrifood accelerator programme and Farmer’s Fresh Zone stood out for its unique module and practices which are scalable at any part of the world. Farmers Fresh Zone was one of the three start-ups to be part of the panel discussion happened in the event. While six were invited to present their unique SDGs, a total of 12 were selected for the programme. 

Under this programme, Farmers FZ will receive grands and other funds to make the necessary changes needed for each market, thus helping them widen their reach and making their business global. The support offered by the accelerator includes financial readiness, innovation potential and market reach. The core objective of the programme is to help agrifood startups to scale while conforming to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Farmers Fresh Zone business model contributes majorly towards SDG 1, SDG 2 and SDG 12 along with others.

Sharing more details, Pradeep P S, Chief Executive Officer, AgriTech D2C & FAAS (Farm to fork as SaaS), said, “India is the second largest country in agriculture production and we, at Farmers Fresh Zone, are super proud to represent as the only one from India at a global forum. The event was at Rome, Italy aiming to attain the UN sustainable development goals. Being recognized as a leader of sustainability in the agriculture sector is no mere feat. I am extremely elated that our sincere thoughts and efforts to bring down carbon emissions have garnered attention. We presented our model before an august audience in the event. Participation at UN function in Rome also opened roads to network with global names in this sector.”

The support offered by the accelerator programme

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

As per directives from Department of Consumer Affairs, NCCF will sell onions at retail price of Rs 25 per kg.

In an unprecedented move the Government raised the quantum of onion buffer to 5.00 lakh metric tonnes this year, after achieving the initial procurement target of 3.00 lakh metric tonnes. In this regard, the Department of Consumer Affairs has directed NCCF and NAFED to procure 1.00 lakh tonnes each to achieve the additional procurement target alongside calibrated disposal of the procured stocks in major consumption centres.

Disposal of onions from the buffer has commenced, targeting major markets in States and UTs where retail prices are above the all-India average and/or are significantly higher than the previous month. As on date, about 1,400 MT of onions from the buffer has been dispatched to the targeted markets and are being continuously released to augment the availability.

Apart from releasing in major markets, onions from the buffer are also being made available to retail consumers at a subsidized rate of Rs.25/- per kg through retail outlets and mobile vans of NCCF from tomorrow i.e., Monday 21st August 2023. Retail sale of onion will be suitably enhanced in coming days by involving other agencies and e-commerce platforms.

The multipronged measures taken by the Government onion like procurement for the buffer, targeted release of stocks and imposition of export duty will benefit the farmers and consumers by assuring remunerative prices to the onion farmers while ensuring continuous availability to the consumers at affordable prices.

As per directives from Department of Consumer

AgroPolicy, India, Trade, Vegetables

The central government had already planned to keep 3 lakh tonnes of onions on hand as a buffer stock for the 2023-24 season.

In order to improve domestic availability and stabilize soaring onion prices, the government on Saturday imposed a 40 per cent duty on the export of onions to check price rise and improve supplies in the domestic market. The Finance Ministry through a notification imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions till December 31. The export duty comes amid reports that onion prices are likely to rise in September.

The move comes in the context of the government using trade-related measures to combat inflation. The government has already placed restrictions on the export of wheat and rice. Earlier, the Centre had reduced the import duty on edible oils.

The central government had already planned to keep 3 lakh tonnes of onions on hand as a buffer stock for the 2023-24 season. The government kept 2.51 lakh tonnes of onion as a buffer stock in 2022-23. If rates rise dramatically during the low supply season, a buffer stock is kept on hand to meet any emergencies and to keep prices stable.

Rabi onions harvested between April and June account for 65 percent of India’s onion production and sustain consumer demand until the Kharif crop is harvested between October and November.

The central government had already planned to

Agrotech, Company News, Horticulture, India, Start ups

The plant with the capacity of processing 100 tonnes of cashew per day while processing cashew will also produce oil from cashew shells.

India’s leading grape exporter Nashik-based Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company has set up Maharashtra’s biggest cashew processing plant at its Mohadi campus in Nashik district in an effort to build a value chain of cashew which is a vital crop in Konkan and the tribal belt of the State.  

The plant with the capacity of processing 100 tonnes of cashew per day while processing cashew will also produce oil from cashew shells which will help to elevate the economic status of the farmers.

Vilas Shinde, President and Managing Director of Sahyadri said that despite being the leading cashew producer in the world, India is not even able to meet the domestic requirement. “There is immense opportunity in cashew farming and business as cashew has the potential to revolutionize the economy of Konkan and areas in the Sahyadri mountain range,” he said.       

Shinde added that along with increasing the average productivity of cashews, it is necessary to focus on setting up big projects for cashew pulp and cashew nut products.  “This will not only increase the income of the cashew farmers but also create job opportunities in the villages and curb migration to cities”  

Started in 2010 with a group of 10 farmers, Sahyadri Farms took the initiative in collectively producing and exporting fresh grapes to Europe. That initiative has grown into the leading fruits and vegetable export and processing company that Sahyadri Farms is today, servicing over 18,000 farmers, covering more than 31,000 acres and 9 crops. The company walks with its farmers from their choice of crops to the farming practices they employ, from the inputs they use to how they harvest and sell their agricultural products.

The plant with the capacity of processing

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India

Drone spraying initiative involves deploying an impressive fleet of 500 agricultural drones across the country, making it the largest agri-drone fleet in India.

In a demonstration of the significance of drones in agriculture, Syngenta India launched an awareness drive by simultaneously using 100 drones across Punjab and Haryana to spray Incipio, its new crop protection solution. The Syngenta drone yantra is travelling in Punjab and Haryana and is targeting to cover approx. 10,000 farmers across multiple districts about the benefits of drone spraying.

Based on the new age PLINAZOLIN® technology, these products promise effective defence against various pests, ensuring improved yields and crop quality. These are developed to efficiently meet the challenges arising from climate change and pest resistance, which are responsible for major crop losses every year. During the launch event, over 600 farmers from Macchiwara in the Ludhiana district participated in the demonstration.

Susheel Kumar, Country Head and Managing Director Syngenta India, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in achieving sustainable agriculture. He said that Syngenta India is at the forefront of enabling farmers to embrace innovation, not only for a greener future but also for increased productivity and improved income.

 Highlighting the significance of technology integration in agriculture, Kumar noted that the world faces escalating food demand and environmental challenges. He underlined how technology adoption in agriculture can ensure food security, resilience, and resource-efficient farming systems.

Syngenta India’s drone spraying initiative involves deploying an impressive fleet of 500 agricultural drones across the country, making it the largest agri-drone fleet in India. The company has also trained 150 drone pilots to support this endeavour.

Sachin Kamra, Head of Farmer Centric Ecosystem at Syngenta India, highlighted the company’s commitment to technology-driven progress. He mentioned the launch of drone spray solutions and the successful implementation of commercial spray services across several states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. He said that 2643 acres have been sprayed commercially so far using Syngenta’s drone technology. In 2022, Syngenta’s Drone Yatra covered 13 states completing a milestone of 17,000 km to create awareness of drone spraying among farmers.

“We aim to strengthen and expand the drone ecosystem by collaborating with manufacturers, suppliers, and technology providers. This involves working closely with industry experts to improve drone capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and address any technical limitations,” he added.

Drone spraying initiative involves deploying an impressive

Agrotech, Company News, India, Sugar industry, Sustainability

It aims to achieve a minimum 15% increase in yield per acre, equating to approximately 5 metric tons per acre, resulting in an additional income of Rs 12,000 to 15,000 for farmers.

UPL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, keeping the “Farmers First’ approach, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NSL Sugars Ltd (NSL), one of the leading sugar producers in the country, for Sustainable Sugarcane Production. The collaboration is also aimed at promoting green agriculture through optimised usage of natural resources. The MOU with NSL will indirectly add approx. 50000 beneficiaries across three states of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra and will encompass an impacted area of nearly 1 lakh acres. This partnership between UPL SAS and ASL Sugars brings forth mutual benefits. UPL SAS gains market penetration while ASL Sugars reaps the advantages of sustainable sugarcane cultivation. This creates a win-win situation for the entire ecosystem of the sugar value chain, including customers seeking to purchase sustainable sugar.

The primary objective of this partnership is to achieve a minimum 15 per cent increase in yield per acre, equating to approximately 5 metric tons per acre, resulting in an additional income of Rs 12,000 to 15,000 for farmers. This also aims at significantly reducing input costs for farmers while promoting sustainable agri practices. This collaborative effort is expected to save an estimated 6 lakh litres of water and 50 kilograms of urea per acre thus promoting green agriculture practices and reducing environmental impact.

This collaboration serves as an extension of UPL SAS’s Shashwat Mithaas – Sustainable Sugar Program initiative, which has already made significant strides in Pune, Maharashtra, covering over 10,000 acres. Over the course of three years, UPL SAS and NSL will take this collaboration to the next level by implementing the program in a phased manner. The initial phase will cover 30,000 acres in the first year, gradually expanding to encompass the entire operational area.

The anticipated impact of the program on the initial 30,000 acres is significant. It is expected to conserve approximately 1,800 crore litres of water, amounting to approximately 6 lakh litres per acre. Additionally, the program aims to save 1,500 metric tons of urea consumption, approximately 50 kilograms per acre, resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in nitrous oxide (GHG) emissions. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This collaboration between UPL and NSL demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices in sugarcane cultivation, highlighting their dedication to conserving resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable farming methods.

Govinda Rajulu Chintala, NSL Group Chairman, “By implementing environmentally-friendly methods, we aim to maximize cane production per acre, leading to improved yields and increased income for our esteemed farmers. This partnership signifies a significant stride towards empowering our farmers and securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Sugarcane farming.

Sagar Kaushik, President Global Corporate & Industry Affairs at UPL ltd, said, “Through the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to foster a harmonious relationship between farming and the environment. The introduction of our sustainable sugarcane program marks the initial phase of our expansive vision. Looking ahead, we are determined to extend these sustainable interventions to encompass a wider range of crops, as we endeavor to redefine sustainability across the entire food value chain”.

It aims to achieve a minimum 15%

Biostimulants, Company News, Europe, Inputs

New range of biofertilisers is suitable for use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, sport turf and amenities.

Bionema Group Ltd, a leading UK-based biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer of biocontrol, biostimulants and biofertilisers, has announced the launch of a new range of biofertiliser products in the UK for use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, sport turf and amenities.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio 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.

Bionema Group Ltd is launching four biofertilisers comprising living microbes that enhance plant nutrition by mobilising or increasing nutrient availability in soils and substrates. The BioNFix™ range and Rhizosafe™ include Paenibacillus azotofixans BNL1913, Azospirillum lipoferum BNL714, Bradyrhizobium japonicum BNL1061, and Rhizophagus irregularis BNL2414 encapsulated in a novel Incapsulex™ technology platform. This technology effectively encapsulates naturally derived microorganisms and delivers them on target, safely and effectively. 

These biofertilisers restore the soil’s natural nutrient cycle and build soil organic matter, enhancing plant growth while avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers that can pollute the world’s waters and its atmosphere.

Field trials conducted by Bionema in different parts of world demonstrated significantly enhanced growth in agricultural crops grown with biofertilisers, and positive changes in soil organic matter content and pH, soil type and agroecological condition. These effects resulted in yield improvements as well a 40–50 per cent reduction in synthetic fertiliser use.

As the benefits of these products have become more recognised, and consumer preference for organic foods has intensified, there has been growing interest in biofertilisers. The biofertilisers market was valued at $2.6 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026 at 11.9 per cent CGAR (Markets and Markets, 2022). In particular, the mycorrhizae-based biofertilisers market is projected to reach $1.087 billion by 2027, and the use of mycorrhizal biofertilizers (especially arbuscular mycorrhizae species for agriculture crops) is expanding.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group Ltd said “Bionema’s collection of exclusive microorganisms and its novel delivery system provides a unique solution to soil fertility and crop health improvement. With a wide range of microbes that support Nitrogen fixation, Phosphorus solubilisation, Potassium mobilisation, and more, these biofertilisers are the ideal choice for anyone seeking to boost their soil’s health and vitality.”

Dr Sarah Harding, Global Head of Innovation at Bionema said, “These new products are the results of many years of research, not just into the microbes used for promoting and protecting plant growth, but also into the technology used for formulating these products in a way that ensures their survival and efficacy in the field.”

Meraj Syeda, Operations Director & Co-founder of Bionema Group Ltd said, “We believe in strict loyalty to ‘Innovation’ and in building value by supplying products and services that conform to global standards, ensuring consistent availability of world class products”.

New range of biofertilisers is suitable for

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

The company has invested more than Rs 300 crore over a period of two years to set up Dahej unit.

Leading agrochemicals company Dhanuka Agritech Ltd. announced the commencement of trial production at its new plant in Dahej, Gujarat. Company’s  Dahej plant is a technical manufacturing plant that will provide raw material security and the benefit of backward integration in the form of lower raw material costs. The company has invested more than Rs 300 crore over a period of two years to set up the unit, Dhanuka Agritech mentioned in filing to the stock exchanges.

Brokerage firm Prabhudas Lilladher said in its research report dated August 2 that it expected nearly Rs 50 crore of revenue contribution from the technical plant at Dahej in 2023-24, with an initial operating loss due to lower utilisation.

Dhanuka Agritech had also said that declining prices of agrochemicals would have an impact on the company’s margins as the delayed onset of monsoons led to delayed sowing and increased agrochemical inventories.

The company has invested more than Rs

Company News, Finance, India, Sugar industry

Total income up by 18 per cent over the previous year from Rs 19,401 million to Rs 22,865 million Refinery contributed 70 per cent of the topline.

Shree Renuka Sugars Limited – one of India’s largest sugars and green energy (ethanol and renewable power) producers and a subsidiary of Wilmar Sugar Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore has reported its financial performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Highlights of the results for Q1-FY24 are summarized below –

  • Total income up by 18 per cent over the previous year from Rs 19,401 million to Rs 22,865 million. Refinery contributed 70 per cent of the topline.
  • Gross profit has improved from Rs 3,048 million to 3,562 million up by 17 per cent.
  • EBITDA has improved from Rs 1,102 Mn to 1,468 million up by 33 per cent. EBITDA margin improved by 74 bps.
  • Volume growth was led by 1) Domestic sugar sales (up by 33 per cent) of which Consumer pack sales (grew by 9 per cent) and 2) Refinery (2 per cent).
  • Distillery had a record production of 4.67 crore litres despite being off season due to availability of stored molasses, compared to 4.62 crore litres produced in the previous year.

Atul Chaturvedi, Executive Chairman said, “This quarter’s results must be seen in the light of inflationary headwinds, high interest rates, weakening currency and disruption caused at our Kandla refinery by cyclone Biparjoy. We have commenced the first quarter on a positive note and achieved healthy growth. Our total income for the quarter has increased by 18 per cent over the previous year. Revenues have grown significantly across all segments with upside in our refinery and sugar business. The delay in the onset of monsoon in the country was offset due to the torrential rains in the sugarcane belts of Maharashtra and Karnataka in June and we anticipate adequate sugarcane availability in the upcoming season. With the further thrust on ESG initiatives, our organic manure “BHU SANJIVANI” was launched at our Munoli unit (Karnataka) recently which is expected to improve soil health and increasing farmer’s income by increasing quantity and quality of their crop yield.

 Sunil Ranka, Chief Financial Officer said, “Shree Renuka Sugars has delivered one of the best performances in the first quarter with a gross profit growth of about 17 per cent and EBITDA growth of 33 per cent. The current results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and providing superior results to our stakeholders.

High volumes and margins propped EBITDA up to Rs 1,468 Mn from EBITDA of Rs 1,102 million in the previous year. Even after increase in the FRP (fair and remunerative price), which is likely to lead to some cost escalation, the same should not pose a problem as the macro environment is supportive and the industry expects further upward improvement in the ethanol purchase price. Good monsoon, strong sugarcane planting and government policies will continue to keep Renuka on the accelerated growth path.”

Total income up by 18 per cent

Agrotech, Biostimulants, R&D, World

The founding members of Visionary Steering Council (VSC) will provide strategic guidance, oversight and direction in BioAg.

At the forefront of agricultural transformation lies Biological Agriculture (BioAg), encompassing biocontrol, biostimulants, and biofertilisers. This dynamic field promises sustainable solutions for pest management, disease control, and elevated plant vitality on a global scale. However, bridging the gap between pioneering research and practical farming solutions has proven frustratingly sluggish.

The catalyst for change arises from the diverse landscape of innovators, entrepreneurs, and corporations, each engrossed in their unique pursuits. The time has come to reimagine our approach. A fresh business model must unite these stakeholders, weaving their efforts together to drive the creation and adoption of innovative bioprotection solutions – pivotal for tackling our world’s urgent agricultural and ecological challenges, said Professor Shashi Sharma, Chairman of the World BioProtection Research Foundation.

This was the rationale for the creation of the Research Foundation, a dynamic not-for-profit institution that is dedicated to promoting research and innovation in BioAg. By harnessing the power of nature and leveraging global research expertise, the Foundation aims to revolutionise and work towards finding unique microbial strains which can be used for crop protection and plant health management. Our mission is to pioneer distinctive microbial strains for crop protection and plant health. The Research Foundation will spearhead research, foster collaboration, share knowledge, and create a hub for diverse stakeholders.

Since the Research Foundation was launched in May 2023, Professor Sharma has been recruiting high-calibre individuals to populate its governing councils. The Research Foundation is guided by two governing bodies: the Visionary Steering Council (VSC) and the Program Advisory Council of Experts (PACE). Further information about Governance of the Foundation can be found here.

Seven world class experts have joined the VSC, with the goal of providing leadership in setting the research agenda, evaluating progress, and making informed decisions to advance the foundation’s objectives:

Dr Keith Davies PhD, Director, KG Davies Limited, Associate Professor and Visiting Research Professor, United Kingdom.

Mr Marco Brini MBA, Digital Agriculture Expert and Independent C-Level Consultant, Switzerland.

Prof Patricia Stock PhD, Emerita Director and Professor, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Dr Minshad Ansari PhD, Founder and CEO at Bionema; Founder and Chairman of The World BioProtection Forum (WBF), United Kingdom.

Dr D. Joseph Bagyaraj PhD, Chairman, Centre for Natural Biological Resources & Community Development (CNBRCD), Anand Nagar, Bangalore, India.

Dr Suhas Wani PhD, Former Research Program Director – Asia and Director, ICRISAT Development Centre (IDC) at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India.

Prof Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed PhD, Chairman at the Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh.

The VSC will ultimately comprise 10 experts from across the world. Highly experienced individuals with foresight, long-term vision, and wisdom, who are interested in filling the final spaces on the esteemed VSC can express their interest here. This voluntary role provides an outstanding opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Research Foundation, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

The Foundation offers numerous other opportunities to actively contribute to ground-breaking research. It provides a platform to collaborate with esteemed experts and shape the future of our world.  The Research Foundation stands as a driving force behind the advancement of novel scientific discoveries.

The founding members of Visionary Steering Council

Agrotech, Company News, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

OJA range will subsequently be launched in North America, ASEAN, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Europe and the SAARC region.

Mahindra Tractors, a part of the Mahindra Group and the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, has officially launched its much-anticipated, future-ready range of tractors – the Mahindra OJA – at Futurescape, an event held in Cape Town, South Africa. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Ojas”, meaning Powerhouse of Energy, OJA is Mahindra’s most ambitious global lightweight tractor platform. Developed in collaboration between the engineering teams of Mahindra Research Valley, India, the R&D centre for Mahindra AFS and Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture Machinery, Japan, at an investment of Rs 1200 crore, the new OJA range brings about a transformative shift in Light Weight 4WD Tractor design and engineering, to deliver cutting-edge innovation in tractor technology.

In Cape Town, Mahindra unveiled new tractors on 3 OJA platforms – the Sub Compact, Compact and Small Utility platforms, addressing diverse market needs. With 4WD as standard, Mahindra launched 7 new tractor models for the Indian market on the Compact and Small Utility platforms. These models range from 20HP – 40HP (14.91kW – 29.82kW), for a wide array of applications, for unparalleled platform versatility and efficiency to handle diverse agricultural tasks.

After kickstarting its exciting journey in India, the OJA range will subsequently be launched in North America, ASEAN, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Europe and the SAARC region. Mahindra will also mark its debut in the ASEAN region starting with Thailand in 2024.

Speaking on the launch of the new OJA tractor range, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “The new OJA range of lightweight tractors is a powerhouse of energy, aimed at progressive farmers. Embodied with innovation and technology, OJA tractors empower Mahindra to address 25 per cent of the Global Tractor industry, while opening new markets like Europe and ASEAN. Unveiling 7 agile Lightweight 4WD Tractors Light Weight 4WD OJA tractors (21-40HP) in India, equipped with pioneering technologies, truly embodies our commitment to revolutionize farming worldwide.”

Further talking about OJA’s launch plans for India, Vikram Wagh, CEO, Farm Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “The OJA tractor range introduces a paradigm shift in Indian agriculture. With 4WD capabilities as standard, pioneering automation controls amplify precision and performance across the range. Reducing operator effort and elevating farm productivity enables us to further embrace fast growing segments like horticulture and grape farming to redefine mechanized farming. Featuring three advanced technology packs – PROJA, MYOJA, and ROBOJA – we proudly present OJA as India’s global innovation. OJA will be exclusively made in Zaheerabad, our youngest tractor manufacturing facility. The range will be available for customers in India starting October.”

OJA range will subsequently be launched in

Agrotech, Company News, Finance, India, Institutions

In addition to the pension fund, Zetta Rozgaar Yojna will also offer an insurance plan that safeguards farmers against unforeseen challenges that can impact their livelihoods.

Zetta Farms, pioneers in introducing sustainable and organized practices in the agriculture sector, proudly announces the launch of Zetta Rozgaar Yojna, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering farmers across India. This visionary scheme sets a new benchmark by introducing innovative benefits that will significantly elevate the lives of farmers and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector. Zetta Farms has been working closely with the farm community across states and is actively working towards strengthening their vision – DeshKaCultureAgriculture through key initiatives.

Zetta Rozgaar Yojna is an ambitious endeavor that reflects Zetta Farms’ deep commitment to transforming the farming landscape in India. The core principle of the scheme is to provide meaningful employment opportunities to farmers, thereby fostering economic growth and prosperity. Under this initiative, Zetta Farms has pledged to employ one farmer for every two additional acres of land acquired, thus creating regular employment opportunities for those who are vital to the agricultural ecosystem. Zetta Farms would be offering each associated farmer an assured income every month, without the dependency on farm yields.

The scheme also incorporates several unprecedented features, including the introduction of a first-of-its-kind pension fund exclusively designed for farmers. This marks a historic milestone as Zetta Farms will be the first private entity to extend such a benefit to the farming community. In addition to the pension fund, Zetta Rozgaar Yojna will also offer an insurance plan that safeguards farmers against unforeseen challenges that can impact their livelihoods.

Rituraj Sharma, Co-Founder of Zetta Farms, spoke about the launch of Zetta Rozgaar Yojna. He commented, “Coming from a farming community myself, I have firsthand experienced the plight of farm workers. Through Zetta Farms our goal has been to establish agriculture as a profitable, organized, and sustainable industry. We hope to create a lasting mindset shift when it comes to addressing the farm community. With Zetta Rozgaar Yojna, we are proud to take a bold step towards transforming their lives by providing them with not only employment opportunities but also holistic benefits that have never been offered by a private entity before. This Independence Day, we are excited to launch a program that embodies the spirit of self-reliance and empowerment.”

In addition to the pension fund, Zetta

Agro Universities, AgroPolicy, India, R&D

Prem Singh Tamang, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, laid the foundation stone for the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University (SOAU)

Prem Singh Tamang, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, laid the foundation stone for the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University (SOAU) in Mondegaon, Soreng district.

According to Tamang, the Sikkim state is now the first organic state in the country. He stated that SOAU will be a centre of excellence for organic farming education.

He said that hundreds of students from the state are studying agriculture, horticulture, and forestry outside, and he has met over 500 students in Dehradun who are doing undergraduate and post-graduate courses in these subjects.

The students of Sikkim will no longer have to travel outside the state to study for the SOAU, according to Tamang.

He directed officials to identify temporary spaces for the commencement of courses at the earliest.

The Sikkim assembly passed the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University Act, 2023 earlier this year.

The varsity will also boost economic activities in the remote Mondegaon area, the chief minister said.

Prem Singh Tamang, the Chief Minister of