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Home2023 (Page 44)
Cold Storage, Company News, India, Supply Chain

In the next 2 years, the company plans to open 20 Experience centres in Tier-II cities in India

Rockwell Industries, a leading refrigeration innovator, and cold chain appliance manufacturer announced the opening of its state-of-the-art ‘Rockwell Experience Centre’ in Hyderabad.

The first of its kind in India spread over a 4000 sq ft immersive centre, aims to transform the way consumers and businesses understand the importance and benefits of cold chain and refrigeration technologies.

On the eve of the ‘Rockwell Experience Centre,’ the company unveiled its new line of cold chain products, which includes Domestic & Professional Ice Cube Machines, Confectionary Showcase Coolers, Audio Video Merchandising Visi Coolers including a new line of Electronically Commutated appliances. 

The Experience Centre was formally opened by Soma Bharat Kumar, Chairman of Telangana State Dairy Development Co-operative Federation in the presence of Sunil Reddy, Director, of Dodla Dairy, Sudhir Shah, Managing Director, of Scoops Ice Cream, Sama Murthy Jangam, COO of Heritage Foods and B2B and B2C consumers.

“The commercial refrigeration industry in India lacked a proper experience centre,” said Soma Bharat Kumar, Chairman of Telangana State Dairy Development Co-operative Federation. “There were showrooms, but no place where a person could walk in, engage with different products in different settings, and make a well-informed decision regarding their choices. “Rockwell Experience Center”, fills that void and provides a customer-benefiting experience.”Bharat Kumar added.

The Experience Zone also features the first-in-country EC motors (electronically commutated) low-noise, maintenance-free refrigeration systems, which are known for their energy efficiency, further showcasing Rockwell International’s commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge technologies.

Ashok Gupta, Managing Director of Rockwell Industries said, “The Rockwell Experience Center brings together the best industry technologies and products not only from India but also from other countries, showcasing a diverse array of innovations. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore five realistic sets, including a bakery, a Professional Kitchen, a Bar, an Ice Cream Parlor, and a Supermarket, where they can interact with cutting-edge refrigeration solutions.”

“We believe that education is the key to making informed decisions,” Prateek Gupta, Director, Rockwell Industries expressed,“Rockwell Experience Zone enables consumers and businesses to touch, feel, understand, and use cases of a wide range of products, all under one roof. By providing relevant and accurate information, we empower our customers to make informed buying decisions.”

Through this initiative, Rockwell hopes to make a significant impact within the cold chain and refrigeration industry.

As for the future, the company plans to replicate the Experience Zone concept in all Tier 1 cities, further expanding its reach and providing top-notch experiences to customers nationwide.

In the next 2 years, the company

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Foodgrains, India, Sustainability

The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation

The Indian government has introduced a Digital Crop Survey (DCS) pilot project in 12 states during this year’s Kharif season. The goal is to establish a single and trustworthy source of data on crop cultivation. The DCS reference application is an open-source, inter-operable public good, and cadastral maps with GIS and GPS technologies ensure accurate farmland positioning. States were chosen based on their readiness for DCS, including geo-referencing of village maps and digitised Record of Right (RoR) with ownership extent.

The project aims to create reliable data on crop sowing, which is useful for accurate crop area estimation and the development of farmers’ centric solutions. The project is significant as India faces wheat and rice shortages despite record production estimates. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare also acknowledged climate change’s impact on crop yields, particularly for rainfed rice, wheat, kharif maize, and mustard.

The ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) network project projected a 20-47 per cent reduction in crop yield by 2050-2080 for rain-fed rice. Similarly, the projected reduction in crop yield could be 19.3-40 per cent for wheat and 18-23 per cent for kharif maize. Mustard’s crop yield is expected to decrease by 7.9-15 per cent.

ICAR has identified 109 districts as very high risk and 201 districts as high risk under its NICRA network project. The Minister also provided data on the availability of certified/quality seeds, which was 514.26 lakh quintals, exceeding the requirement of 464.14 lakh quintals for 2022-23.

The goal is to establish a single

Horticulture, India, North America, Supply Chain, Trade

The consignment was air-shipped from the Vashi market in Navi Mumbai to New York as part of a pilot project

In partnership with the National Plant Protection Organisation of India, US-APHIS, the Maharashtra government, and the Agriculture Marketing Board and National Research Centre on Pomegranate, APEDA facilitated the export of the first trial consignment of pomegranate to the US by air route. The shipment, consisting of 150 boxes (450 kg) of the ‘Bhagwa’ variety of pomegranate with high antioxidant content from Maharashtra, was transported by APEDA-registered INI farms, one of the largest exporters of fruits and vegetables in India. Bhagwa, the most popular pomegranate variety in India, has gained significant demand. The consignment was air-shipped from the Vashi market in Navi Mumbai to New York as part of a pilot project.

In 2017-18, the US banned Indian pomegranate due to concerns over fruit fly infestation in the pomegranate seeds. However, after the Indian government’s efforts to address the issue with the US, the ban was lifted in 2022 once quality standards were met.

According to APEDA, Indian pomegranate production is growing at a rate of 20 to 25 per cent annually, with increasing demand both domestically and in the export market. India is a significant player in destinations such as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and is known for its unique pomegranate varieties. UAE is the largest importer of Indian pomegranates, accounting for approximately 32 per cent of Indian global exports. As India produces pomegranates year-round, its production basket is larger than in other countries.

The consignment was air-shipped from the Vashi

AgroPolicy, SAARC, Supply Chain, Trade

The government has approved exports of 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour, and 15,226 tonnes of maida to Bhutan during this period

The Indian government is offering exporters the opportunity to apply for a quota to export wheat, ‘atta’, and ‘maida’ to Bhutan in 2023-24. The allocation of this quota will be based on humanitarian and food security grounds, in accordance with requests made by Bhutan.

The government has approved exports of 14,184 tonnes of wheat grain, 5,326 tonnes of wheat flour, and 15,226 tonnes of maida to Bhutan during this period. Exporters are invited to apply for a quota, with a minimum threshold of 100 tonnes for land transport to the neighbouring country.

Applications will only be accepted for quantities greater than this minimum threshold. In addition, the DGFT has issued a notification prohibiting the export of de-oiled rice bran until November 30, 2023. This amendment to the export policy has been put in place with immediate effect.

The government has approved exports of 14,184

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Sustainability

The meeting between Shobha Karandlaje MoS (Agriculture) and Vladimir Bolea Deputy PM and Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries of Moldova held in Delhi

A meeting between Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Vladimir Bolea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries of Moldova was held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Both Ministers emphasised the potential for increasing bilateral trade in agricultural commodities and for strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation through the exchange of knowledge and technology.

Vladimir Bolea congratulated India on becoming the 5th largest economy and also for India’s G20 Presidency. He proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the field of Agriculture which would provide an institutional mechanism for cooperation between the two countries.

Bolea also expressed Moldova’s interest in exporting vegetable oils to India and importing fertilisers and pesticides from India. He expressed Moldova’s support to India for its membership of the UN Security Council in 2027 and informed that Moldova is a candidate to become an EU member and follows the EU standards and therefore their products are safe to consume.  He highlighted the Moldovan culture of producing wine and apples as a way of life and expressed their interest in exporting these products to India.

MoS agreed to the proposal of the signing of an MoU and proposed that India will soon share a draft MoU with them. She also requested the Moldovan side to send a proposal for cooperation in exchange for technology.

The meeting between Shobha Karandlaje MoS (Agriculture)

Animal Health, Company News, Europe

IUNGO is the first EFFPA member from a country of the 2004 EU Enlargement

The European Former Foodstuff Processors Association (EFFPA) has announced its new member IUNGO, which manufactures, stores and trades feed materials and compound feed based in Poland.

EFFPA has accepted IUNGO, a former foodstuff processor, as a new Observer Member to its association as of 1st of July 2023. IUNGO was established as a result of joining forces with several companies in fields, such as trade, transport, by-products, and feed materials that are generated in the food sector. The company, involved in many sectors, also manufactures, stores and trades feed materials and compound feed. Since this year, IUNGO has started to operationalise its former foodstuff processing activities, aiming to serve customers in the compound feed manufacturing sector. IUNGO is the first EFFPA member from a country of the 2004 EU Enlargement.

“I am very pleased EFFPA is able to welcome a member from a part of Europe where there is so much potential for former foodstuff processing to contribute to food waste prevention and sustainable feed production,” said Valentina Massa, President of EFFPA. “Through membership to EFFPA, IUNGO can learn from the experiences gained in other countries, while in turn their membership reinforces EFFPA as the representative of the European former foodstuff processing sector.”

Wilfried de Moor, President of IUNGO, commented, “Joining the EFFPA organisation is undoubtedly a milestone in the history of IUNGO. We are extremely happy that we have become part of the EFFPA organization. We hope that by working together and following the same ideas, having representatives in Brussels, we will be able to work together to prevent food waste and to use food production residues as feed materials. Thanks to the exchange of experience and meeting new partners from the industry around the world, we are sure that we will build our capital for the future, for the good of our planet.”

IUNGO is the first EFFPA member from

Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, India, Interaction

Rajavelu N K, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd

Godrej Agrovet Limited’s (GAVL) Crop Protection Business made headlines with the launch of PYNA, an umbrella brand for sustainable cotton production in May, 2023. As a pioneer in introducing the concept of selective cotton herbicides in various markets, GAVL is set to offer three of its cotton weed management products, Hitweed, Hitweed Maxx, and Maxxcott under the PYNA brand. The brand aims to minimise crop–weed competition and facilitate the establishment of cotton crops during their early stages, which has a positive impact on the yield. In an interaction with AgroSpectrum, Rajavelu N K, CEO of the Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet Ltd, shared his views on how the company is addressing the challenges faced by cotton farmers and its future plans. Edited excerpts:

When you already have a host of effective cotton weed management products such as Hitweed, Hitweed Maxx and Maxxcott, what prompted you to launch the PYNA brand? How will this make a difference for farmers?

Of the total 333 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation globally, India ranks first with 120.69 lakh hectares area under cotton cultivation. However, in terms of productivity, it ranks 38th with a yield of 510 kg/ha. The primary reason for this is the weed infestations which can reduce cotton yields by up to 45 – 50 per cent due to wider spacing between the crops.

We are the sole manufacturer of selective cotton herbicide — Pyrithiobac sodium — in India. Our three weed management products for cotton – Maxxcott (Pre-Emergent Stage), Hitweed Maxx (Early Post Emergent Stage) and Hitweed (Post Emergent Stage) – offer farmers an extensive range of weed management options, starting from seed sowing to the active flowering stage of the crop. We noticed that only 10 per cent of the total cotton acreage area is treated properly today, with these products. We realised that there is a significant opportunity to make a greater positive impact on cotton yield and overall productivity by consolidating all our selective cotton herbicide products under the PYNA brand, to enable sustainable cotton production.

PYNA brands minimise the crop-weed competition and facilitate the healthy establishment of cotton crops in their early growth stages, thereby positively impacting the yield. To support the maximum number of farmers, we have partnered with Bayer CropScience, Rallis India, Dhanuka Agritech, PI Industries and Indofil Industries. With these companies also having their own products based on the active ingredient Pyrithiobac sodium, extending the PYNA brand would ensure quality supply to farmers every time and aid farmers to reduce dependency on manual and mechanical methods of weed control too. Brands can leverage the trust that the Godrej brand has earned amongst the farmers in the last 36 years and collectively tap into the remaining 90 per cent of untapped cotton acreage.

Why is only 10 per cent of the total cotton acreage area treated properly in the country? 

Cotton crops are vulnerable to pest infestations caused by the lack of crop rotation, monoculture practices, adverse weather conditions, poor soil quality, and inadequate pest management. Amidst this, India’s lower cotton productivity per hectare, compared to other countries also stems from outdated farming practices, insufficient irrigation facilities, and poor seed quality. The lack of access to proper irrigation, high costs of inputs like seeds and pesticides, and dependence on unpredictable monsoon rains further hinder effective treatment practices. These challenges collectively impact the productivity and quality of cotton crops, making it difficult for farmers, especially small-scale ones, to afford necessary treatments and maintain crop health.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

Rajavelu N K, CEO, Crop Protection Business,

Agrotech, Europe, Industry Reports / Analysis, Japan, Middle East countries, Singapore

In India, while vertical farming has gained some momentum, its adoption remains limited to urban areas, as traditional farming is still the more convenient and profitable choice for rural cultivators. Yet, there is a new crop of startups that are keen to make vertical farming widely accepted by farmers and consumers alike. Let’s explore this further.

The past decade has witnessed an increased dependence on technology and tech-enabled agriculture. The government, too, has been actively promoting the adoption of agri innovations, including AI, ML and monitoring of crops via satellite. With a focus on increasing productivity and providing precise data to cultivators for informed planning, technology has made significant inroads. Vertical farming is one such technological marvel gaining traction worldwide. It is particularly popular in smaller countries facing land constraints and water scarcity. Countries such as Singapore, the Middle East, the UK, and Japan have embraced vertical farming, revolutionising their agriculture. However, in India, while vertical farming has gained some momentum, its adoption remains limited to urban areas, as traditional farming is still the more convenient and profitable choice for rural cultivators. Yet, there is a new crop of startups that are keen to make vertical farming widely accepted by farmers and consumers alike. Let’s explore this further.

Around the world, sustainability has become a driving force across industries, including agriculture. Many countries are shifting towards farming solutions that demand less land, water and pesticides, with a focus on organic practices. Of course, these countries, either aren’t blessed with favourable climatic conditions, adequate and reliable rain, rich soil, and in some cases, a vast expanse of arable land. Vertical farming is one such solution empowering cultivators to grow produce with minimal land and water usage, and almost no pesticides or insecticides. Despite its promising prospects, vertical farming still has a long way to go to match the scale of traditional farming. The industry is presently valued at close to $200 million, with estimates suggesting it will double in size over the next five years.

The demand for eco-friendly, regionally produced, and natural products is witnessing a significant rise, a trend mirrored in the commercial feasibility of vertical farms. Technological advancements have driven down production costs, making vertical farms a viable alternative to traditional farming methods that heavily rely on pesticides and fertilisers. In the US alone, the number of active vertical farms exceeds 2,000. Buildings or shipping containers can house these farms, achieving greater yields than conventional outdoor farming, using 70-95 per cent less water.

Vertical farming entails growing crops vertically, optimising yield from the same land area by stacking crops. These stacked layers are often installed in structures that are not naturally suitable for farming, such as skyscrapers, warehouses, shipping containers, greenhouses, and even indoor facilities.

While plant stacking is an integral part of vertical farming, controlling environmental factors like natural light, humidity, and temperature is crucial to its success. Similar to conventional farming, failure to meet the right conditions can lead to catastrophic losses, especially in the face of natural disasters like drought or flood.

Vertical farming presents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture, but it also poses unique challenges. We explore the potential and opportunities this transformative technology offers to the agricultural landscape while delving into the hurdles it faces in India and beyond.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

In India, while vertical farming has gained

Agrotech, Interaction, R&D, Seeds

Tim Glenn, Executive Vice President, Seed Business Unit, Corteva Agriscience

Corteva Agriscience is a global pure-play agriculture company that excels in industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement, and operational execution to provide profitable solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. With a unique distribution strategy, and a balanced mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services, Corteva generates advantaged market preference on a global scale. Recently, Corteva Agriscience commemorated the 50-year legacy of Pioneer Seeds in Hyderabad. To mark this milestone, Tim Glenn, Executive Vice President of the Seed Business Unit at Corteva Agriscience, graced the event and sat down with AgroSpectrum for an exclusive interview. In this discussion, he shared his insights into the latest trends and technologies in the seed industry, shedding light on their vision to establish India as an innovative seed hub. Edited excerpts;

How do you foresee the future of the seed industry in the APAC region?

In India, the seed market is very dynamic. We are focusing on four crops- rice, mustard, millet and corn, while continuing to be one of the nation’s leading suppliers. These hybrid seeds have great opportunities and have shown tremendous growth. The growth in agriculture is primarily driven by farmers, as they continuously strive to enhance productivity and meet the demands of growing population. In India, we have been operating in the seeds segment, with our global seed brand – Pioneer, for the last 50 years. Our contributions to innovating and introducing hybrid mustard have been significant. As a result, hybridization and the adoption of hybrid technology in these crops have experienced substantial growth. In India, we have 5 R&D facilities, serving 10 million farmers and  150 million hectares of farmland in India. Our Multi-Crop Research Center (MCRC) in Telangana serves as the technology hub for Corteva, not only in India but also for the entire Asia-Pacific region.

What are the strategies and plans of the company to expand the seed treatment segment in the Asian market?

In the last 10 to 20 years, there has been a tremendous amount of development and focus in the seed space. The seed treatments, which has become more technically oriented, penetrating crops that otherwise maybe have not had as much exposure. Today we use seed treatments, essentially in all markets where we do business. The interesting thing about seed treatment is obviously the seed applied technology, which is of two parts. Firstly, the treatment must deliver tangible benefits, such as pest or disease management or other desirable traits. Secondly, it should be compatible with the seed it is applied to. Both factors play a vital role in the effectiveness and success of seed treatment methods.

The environment in Asia, due to the climate, ensures a high level of compatibility. To develop the value proposition, we work directly with farmers, understanding their needs. The benefit proposition about seed treatment is that you can use the same product in different countries. In India we are investing in farmer education programs, bridging the knowledge gap and promoting understanding of seed technology. We actively engage with farming communities, offering training, demonstrations, and technical support to empower farmers in making informed decisions about adopting seed technology. Corteva’s success in India is a result of the strength of our seed technology and dedication to farmers. Through our sustainable seed portfolio, we aim to make India a global hub for seed innovation. With increased R& D investments, we continue to introduce agricultural innovations that will continue to progress farmers productivity and sustainability.

 What are the latest seed technologies by Corteva and what will be the strategies of the company to introduce them to the APAC and US market?

The year 2023 marks a milestone year for Corteva, as we have taken lead in becoming the number one in soybean herbicide resistant technology in North America, where we have been for over 25 years. Recently we have introduced three other seed technologies in different markets. These include Optimum GLY in canola, a new herbicide technology in Canada, the US and Australia this year. Also introduced Vorceed Enlist corn in North America, offering above ground and below ground next generation insect control in maize.

In the future, as we get more clarity on the regulatory environment for whether it has for GM (Genetically Modified) crops or for gene editing, the door opens for more applications there. We are optimistic and feel positive about the Indian regulators and in leaders have indicated openness to new technologies in seed, we think that will be healthy for continued development of agriculture in India and continue to improve the competitiveness of Indian agriculture on a world scale and help meet the long-term goals, both for sustainability but also for self-sufficiency. We are going to continue to invest in India, we will continue to work with policy makers and help any way we can to help ensure that there is a good process in place so that those new technologies can be ultimately brought to the market and put in the hands of Indian growers. We have enabled millions of farmers to maximize productivity and profitability by infusing technology into agriculture. From the adoption of hybrid seeds, to empowering the use of sustainable solutions in communities, we have been at the forefront of supporting resilience through proven science.

In 2022, Corteva has announced insecticide for coating paddy seeds as a complete Seed Treatment Technology (SAT) package. What are the plans of the company to introduce this product in the Indian market?

We have introduced it in a handful of markets in Asia today. In India, obviously it is a new technology. It is about collaboration and working through the regulatory process. And then taking the time to go through the field evaluation and fine tune how we were able to position the technology to growers that were optimistic about the technology. It has been introduced in rice and other markets in Asia and other countries as well. It has proven to be effective. I think it is about how we just got to go through the process here. And again, it is about going and working with farmers side by side and helping demonstrate what that value is once we have that opportunity.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

Tim Glenn, Executive Vice President, Seed Business

AgroPolicy, Opinions, Supply Chain, Warehousing

 By Sanjay Gupta, MD and CEO, National Commodities Management Service Limited (NCML)

In light of the recent announcement by Union Minister Anurag Thakur about introducing the ‘world’s largest food grain storage plan’ with warehouses in every block across the country under cooperative societies, it becomes essential to assess and emphasise the role of warehousing reforms for agricultural growth.

According to the annual report published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation, the agriculture and allied sector engages 54.6 per cent of the total workforce (Census 2011) and contributes 18.6 per cent to India’s gross value added (GVA) at current prices during 2021-22.

The production trend in India also indicates positive growth with foodgrain production estimated at 315.72 million tonnes, an increase of 4.98 million tonnes compared to 2020-21.

Pulses production during 2021-22 reached a record 27.69 million tonnes, exceeding the last five years’ average, by 3.87 million tonnes, and oilseeds production hit a record 37.70 million tonnes, up by 1.75 million tonnes from 2020-21.

While the upward trend in production is promising for an agrarian nation, it also poses the challenge of having sufficient infrastructure to support such growth. Achieving self-sufficiency requires an ample supply of well-equipped warehouses to handle the increased production.

Studies by Chaturvedi and Raj (2015) reveal that India experiences post-harvest losses of foodgrains as high as 12 to 16 million tonnes annually, amounting to Rs 50,000 crore per year (Singh, 2010).

This highlights the significance of warehousing in preventing losses and ensuring efficient storage and distribution of agricultural produce. The importance of warehousing was recognised as early as 1928 in India, when the Royal Commission on Agriculture mentioned it in its report. All India Rural Credit Survey, in 1954, recommended the creation of storage facilities near production areas to minimise post-harvest losses. However, even after a century, the state of warehousing in India remains far from desired.

As seen in the adjoining table, a major portion of the organised warehousing capacity in the country is still managed by the government through Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs), State Marketing Federations, State Civil Supplies Corporations, and others.

The current situation not only calls for the creation of appropriate infrastructure but also significant reforms in warehousing. Warehousing reforms are of paramount importance in driving agricultural growth and ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Storage and Preservation

Proper storage is crucial for many agricultural commodities, including perishable goods, as they have a limited shelf life. Warehousing reforms offer modern storage techniques, temperature control systems, and inventory management practices that optimise the preservation of agricultural produce. These reforms enable farmers to store their produce for extended periods, reducing post-harvest losses including spoilage, minimising wastage, and maintaining the quality of goods. Reliable storage facilities enhance farmers’ confidence, allowing them to produce more without fear of immediate market saturation and ensuring a steady supply of goods to the market.

Market Stability

Warehousing reforms play a pivotal role in achieving market stability, a key requirement for sustained agricultural growth. In times of excess production, when there is a surplus of agricultural commodities, warehouses can be used to store the surplus and release  it gradually into the market as demand increases. By preventing sudden price crashes, these reforms shield farmers from significant losses and stabilise market prices. Stable prices incentivise farmers to invest in production, as they are assured of fair returns, while consumers benefit from consistent pricing and improved food security.

 Access to Finance

Warehousing reforms create opportunities for farmers to access financial resources vital for agricultural growth. Warehouses meeting prescribed standards can be used as collateral for obtaining loans from banks and financial institutions. Farmers can pledge their stored produce, ensuring a reliable and tangible asset that facilitates credit access at favourable interest rates. By leveraging their stored goods, farmers can manage their cash flow efficiently, invest in agricultural inputs, and meet various financial obligations. The committee formed under the chairmanship of Mr Dinesh Rai for Strengthening Negotiable Warehouse Receipts emphasised the role of Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (eNWRs) as an instrument to access finance. These eNWRsoffer advantages over paper warehouse receipts, reducing manual handling, eliminating transportation of paper receipts, minimising chances of forgery, and providing quick access to information.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Sanjay Gupta, MD and CEO, National

Agrotech, Opinions, R&D

By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO, BioPrime Agrisolutions

In a rapidly growing and urbanising India, a sustained agricultural growth and food security must be factored. Biotechnology holds great promise for enhancing crop resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. One particularly promising approach gaining traction in recent years is the development of microbe–plant interactions for plant‐growth promotion and disease control. The interaction of plants and microbes forms an integral part of the Earth’s ecosystem and have applications in various fields. Studying and harnessing this communication can improve our understanding of natural phenomena that affect our daily lives and enable us to adopt practices that lead to sustainable resource utilisation, reduced environmental impact, pollution cleanup, and even influence on global atmospheric gases.

The connection between the plants and microbes is highly complex, regulated by specialised metabolic products that alter gene expression. This intricate relationship can result in plant growth, inhibition of soil pathogens, improved nutrient availability, biofilm development, accumulation of soil microbes, or a combination of these effects. Such interactions eliminate the need for artificial fertilisers that can contribute to pollution. Utilising these interactions in biotechnology offers numerous advantages. By employing naturally occurring plant-microbe pairings for plant development and biocontrol, the reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticide treatments can be minimised. Technologies involving plant–microbe interactions provide economically viable and environmentally sound alternatives to conventional processes. The mutualistic nature of these interactions enables plants to directly acquire nutrients (acting as biofertilisers) or facilitates the uptake of substances like iron or phosphate, making them more accessible to plants.

Leveraging Biological Agents

Microbials, which encompass naturally occurring microorganisms and their byproducts, provide sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to address climate-related stressors in crops. These biological agents work in harmony with nature, promoting plant health, improving nutrient uptake, and combating diseases and pests. By harnessing the power of biologicals, farmers can enhance the resilience of their crops, ensuring sustainable and consistent yields even in challenging climates.

Deploying Biostimulants

Biostimulants, derived from natural sources such as seaweed extracts, humic acids, and beneficial microbes, play a crucial role in strengthening crop health and resilience. These substances stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake efficiency, and improve stress tolerance. By incorporating biostimulants through biologicals, farmers can fortify their crops against drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, ultimately leading to improved yields.

Using Abscisic Acid

Small molecules play a critical role in plant physiology and have been leveraged to enhance crop resilience. Notable examples include the use of abscisic acid (ABA) and proline, which are small molecules involved in plant stress responses. ABA is known to regulate stomatal closure, reducing water loss through transpiration and improving drought tolerance. In a study conducted by Smith et al. (2021), maize plants treated with exogenous ABA showed a 35 per cent reduction in water loss, enhancing their ability to withstand drought stress.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO,

Company News, Horticulture, India

The event will be held from September 25th to 28th at the Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru

The 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 has been announced by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), in partnership with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Government of Karnataka, and the coffee industry. The event will be held from September 25th to 28th at the well-known Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru.

During the unveiling, the global coffee community gathered to celebrate the future of the coffee sector, with the theme of ‘Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture,’ reflecting the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Dr S. Selvakumar, Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the investment and employment opportunities across the coffee value chain.

Dr K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO, and Secretary, of the Coffee Board of India, announced Rohan Bopanna, India’s top Tennis Player and Arjuna Awardee, as the Brand Ambassador for the event, which marks the first time Asia will host the conference.

Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications and Event Curators, presented an exciting lineup of activities, including a Conference, Exhibition, Skill-Building Workshops, CEO & Global Leaders Forum, Growers Conclave, Competitions & Awards, Plantation Tours, Cultural Evenings, Buyer-Seller Meet, and B2B Meetings, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for attendees.

The event will be held from September

Acquaculture, Company News, Live Stock, World

The termination is based on Yotta’s inability to comply with the provision of its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

NaturalShrimp Incorporate a Biotechnology Aquaculture Company announced that it has terminated its previously announced Merger Agreement with Yotta Acquisition Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Yotta Merger Sub, Inc.

The termination is based on Yotta’s inability to comply with the provision of its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that prohibits Yotta from consummating an initial business combination unless it has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon consummation of such initial business combination, in connection with the transactions contemplated with the Merger Agreement, which makes impossible the satisfaction of certain conditions to NaturalShrimp’s obligations to consummate, and the consummation of, such transactions.

“After working on this for almost twelve months, we are naturally disappointed in this news,” stated William Delgado, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of NaturalShrimp. “We are currently in negotiations with another entity which will involve a Re-IPO and a new Capital raise of between $10-$12M. This opportunity has the full support of management, its advisors, and its Investment Banking team. The timing of this Re-IPO, if executed, will result in an up list on similar timing as the previous business combination agreement. That timetable for the up list remains at the end of September-beginning of October. Our team remains highly focused on commercialization and production ramp-up of farm-to-table sushi grade shrimp and fresh seafood including a planned U.S. facility expansion, and we look forward to additional announcements in the weeks to come.”

The termination is based on Yotta’s inability

Horticulture, New Zealand, Supply Chain, Trade

This year’s mango exports to New Zealand surpassed 100000 kilogrammes, with the possibility of further imports by the end of the month

According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, mango imports from India to New Zealand have tripled this year compared to last year. In 2022, New Zealand imported less than 30000 kilogrammes of mangoes from India, but this year’s figure has already surpassed 100000 kilogrammes, with the possibility of further imports until the end of the month.

Mango season in India typically starts in April and ends in July after the onset of monsoon rains. The increase in the volume of mango imports from India can be attributed to the resumption of services at the Maharashtra Agricultural Marketing Board vapour heat treatment facility in Mumbai, which is one of two facilities licensed to treat mangoes for export to New Zealand.

The suspension of mango exports from Mumbai to New Zealand in July 2020 was lifted in May this year following a virtual audit in February and an in-country audit in April. Mangoes imported into New Zealand must comply with the Import Health Standard and the bilateral agreement between the two countries. The facility in Mumbai has treated approximately 87407 kilogrammes of mangoes in the past three months, which accounts for about 80 per cent of total mango imports from India to New Zealand. However, despite the improvement in trade figures, mango exports from India to New Zealand still lag behind those from Latin America, with Peru leading the pack at 65.7 per cent of overall mango imports to New Zealand, followed by Mexico at 15.3 per cent, Australia at just under 10 per cent, and India at 6.9 per cent. Australia has been overtaken by South and Central American nations as the country’s largest source of mango.

This year's mango exports to New Zealand