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Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

The program educated medical fraternity to recognize and treat symptoms of agrochemical poisoning effectively.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, concluded a safety awareness program for the farming community in Akola district on using agrochemicals in a safe and judicious manner, in partnership with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The program educated Doctors in the district to recognize symptoms of agrochemical poisoning and treat chemical exposed patients effectively. 

The safety awareness program covered 7,500 farmers and 80 Doctors. The program saw participation from senior Maharashtra government officials, the district health officer, and Dr. Jay Shah from the FMC Poison Control Center.  The workshop was aimed at preparing the medical community in rural Maharashtra, which has experienced a steady stream of reports of exposure cases in recent years. This was done by teaching local physicians the fundamentals of treating accidental pesticide exposure. 

FMC India started the awareness program in 2020 in Akola district to promote the adoption of safe agricultural practices and prevent accidental cases of agrochemical poisoning amongst the farming community. This year, the workshop was attended by more than 75 doctors operating across Akola, including the District Agriculture Officer and the District Health Officer with their respective teams.  

 Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India said, “FMC India has always demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of India’s farming community. Through this safety awareness program, we want to improve farmers’ awareness and knowledge of using agrochemicals in a safe manner, while preventing accidental poisoning. Every year, FMC provides more than a million farmers in India with training on the responsible and safe use of pesticides. We believed it was appropriate to provide local physicians with the same training in order to assist them in detecting and treating any cases of pesticide exposure. We will steadily scale up the program to reach the wider farming community in the state.”

FMC India has a track record in supporting the farming community through initiatives and outreach programs like Project Samarth (Safe Water Initiative), UGAM (promotion of good soil health practices), and Project Madhushakti (collaboration with GB Pant University to develop entrepreneurship among rural women through beekeeping). 

The program educated medical fraternity to recognize

Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Middle East countries

Foundation calls for donors to support global agriculture research network CGIAR’s 2025-2027 investment need to reach 500 million farmers by 2030.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has joined the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to accelerate the development of innovations that will help smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia build resilience and adapt to climate change. Together, they made new commitments totalling US $200 million in response to immediate and long-term threats to food security and nutrition caused by climate change.

The announcement was delivered at the World Climate Action Summit by foundation Co-Chair Bill Gates, who was joined by H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, minister of climate change and environment of the UAE. Gates also called on global leaders to elevate agriculture as a focus of global climate finance initiatives and support the global agriculture research network, CGIAR.

The foundation’s US $100 million investment announced, which matches the UAE’s commitment of US $100 million, will support organizations, like the CGIAR, that are on the forefront of developing agricultural innovations. Additional foundation funding will support the work of AIM4Scale, a new climate adaptation initiative to be launched by the UAE. The foundation will also join partner countries, philanthropies, and financial institutions to help accelerate access to high-impact agricultural innovations for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia by reducing policy and funding-related barriers.

Sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 60 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for food and income, accounts for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, a surge of extreme climate events, such as devastating droughts in East Africa and catastrophic flooding in West Africa, has contributed to reduced economic growth and increased income inequality with wealthy countries—primarily by eroding crop and livestock production. While numerous innovations exist to help smallholder farmers in the region, less than 2 per cent of global climate finance is devoted to meeting their needs.  

“We need to make big bets on innovation to ensure smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the tools they need to adapt their practices, feed their people, and build resilience in the face of climate change,” said Gates. “The needs of farmers are an integral part of the global climate agenda.”  

“We are ready to quickly scale up proven innovations that already are helping farmers in vulnerable regions like Africa and South Asia adapt to more challenging climate conditions,” said Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, chair, CGIAR System Board. “That includes increasing access to improved varieties of naturally stress tolerant crops like cassava and millets, employing new tools and strategies farmers are using to support healthy ecosystems by reviving degraded lands, and providing long-range climate forecasts that help farmers anticipate and navigate weather extremes and shifting rainfall patterns.”

With the foundation’s commitment announced, it has exceeded its current pledge to CGIAR of US $315 million and joins a growing global movement for action on climate adaptation. This includes new funding from donor countries to CGIAR totaling over US $800 million for the 2023-2024 funding cycle. 

The foundation’s support for agriculture adaptation at COP28 builds on previous commitments dating back to 2017 to help smallholder farmers cope with climate change. To learn more about the foundation’s work to create a pipeline of climate-smart agricultural solutions, new applications of digital technologies, low-emission approaches to small-scale livestock farming, and innovations that address the neglected needs of women farmers,

Foundation calls for donors to support global

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Opinions

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and CEO, Satyukt Analytics

The fusion of agriculture and analytics empowers farmers with the actionable insights and tools needed to overcome the uncertainties of a changing climate and increasing demand for food. The right investments and partnerships can help agri-analytics revolutionise the agriculture sector. This will facilitate a sustainable and secure food supply for the future.

India stands as a prominent player in the agriculture sector globally. It is a major source of livelihood for a significant part of its population and also a huge contributor to the world’s agricultural landscape. Boasting expansive wheat, rice, and cotton plantations, the largest cattle herd, and being the leading producer of milk, pulses, and spices, India plays a key role in ensuring food security on a global scale. Employing nearly half of the nation’s workforce, the Indian agricultural sector will witness substantial growth, with forecasts indicating that it will be valued at $24 billion by 2025, as per the latest reports. However, the journey toward sustainable food production is not without challenges, and a synergy between agriculture and analytics holds the key to overcoming them.

Agriculture Analytics is helping bridge the gap

The combination of agriculture and analytics, commonly referred to as agri-analytics, has evolved as an important solution to the challenges confronting modern agriculture. Today, advancements in technologies such as satellite data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and many analytics tools have found their way into the sector. Moreover, the key driver of growth in the agriculture analytics market is the increasing government initiatives aimed at deploying improved agricultural techniques. The volumes of data generated by the agriculture sector are rising steeply, and the adoption of IoT devices that collect data from connected farm equipment, such as smart tractors and drones, is further adding to the growth momentum of agriculture analytics. This, in turn, leads to noteworthy progress in plant genomics, soil health, livestock management, and the instant development of new technologies using satellite data and analytics.

Agri-Analytics for a Sustainable Future

Being the foundational pillar of economies worldwide, agriculture plays an essential role in meeting the demands of a fast-growing global population. The world’s population will witness a 33 per cent increase by 2025; that is, it will touch 9.7 billion, approximately, as per the United Nations. This brings to the fore the demanding issue of food security, which is dependent on the ability of agriculture to adapt to the changing world. In addition, the sector must also deal with the challenges put forth by climate change, which is likely to have a substantial impact on agricultural production.

Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change is a significant challenge that threatens the very foundation of agriculture. The erratic weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and changing precipitation levels associated with climate change pose a considerable challenge to crop production. The unpredictability of weather events can result in crop losses, putting food security at risk. Thus, the sector urgently needs to adjust to these changing conditions and reduce their impact. This is where agri-analytics enters the scene as a powerful tool for both understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Data-driven insights can help farmers make informed decisions with respect to crop varieties, ideal planting duration, and irrigation schedules, which in turn can impact crop yields. Analytics tools can help detect early signs of stress in crops, enabling farmers to take proactive measures to mitigate potential damage. By integrating previous climate data and real-time weather information, farmers can plan their operations more competently, lowering the risks linked to extreme weather events.

The Role of Satellite Data in Agriculture

The use of satellite data in agriculture is witnessing an unprecedented increase, and it is set to revolutionize the sector. Through advanced analytics, farmers can use data to gain actionable knowledge about their operations. These understandings entail a wide range of factors, from soil health and pest management to crop quality and yield predictions.

With the advent of predictive analytics, farmers can take a proactive approach to addressing challenges. Subscription-based services offer real-time alerts about crop conditions, enabling farmers to make timely interventions. This level of control over the farming process empowers farmers to optimize their daily tasks, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and resource efficiency.

Challenges in implementing Farm Analytics

While the potential benefits of farm analytics are apparent, there are challenges to overcome. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies needs high initial investments. Moreover, competent farming tools and awareness among farmers are necessary to make the most of these technologies.

The Future of Agri-Analytics

Agri-analytics is set to transform the agricultural landscape in the coming years. It promises to not only enhance productivity but also ensure the sustainability of farming practices. By providing farmers with data-driven insights, it allows them to make informed decisions, adjust to changing conditions, and optimize their operations.

Collaboration between the agricultural sector and technology companies, both established and startups, is key to realizing the full potential of agri-analytics. Through partnerships and investments, the industry can develop solutions that are both accessible and affordable for farmers of all scales.

Conclusion

Agriculture analytics has become an indispensable instrument in dealing with the challenges of food security, climate change, and a growing global population. The fusion of agriculture and analytics empowers farmers with the actionable insights and tools needed to overcome the uncertainties of a changing climate and increasing demand for food. The right investments and partnerships can help agri-analytics revolutionise the agriculture sector. This will facilitate a sustainable and secure food supply for the future.

 By Dr Sat Kumar Tomar, Founder and

Agbiologicals, Agrotech, Drones, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Sustainability

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly visible across the country with the adoption of modern technologies. The transition to sustainable farming is being facilitated with tools like remote sensors, crop nutrient management, farm management software, drones, predictive data analytics, bioengineering, and more. Technologies including agri-drones, blockchain technology, agri-biologicals, farm robotics, AI and IoT in farm management, and precision farming, are contributing to the growth of sustainable farming in India.

The global sustainable agriculture market is on a trajectory to reach over $31.35 billion by 2031, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.17 per cent from 2023 to 2031. India has a major role in this transformative journey, where sustainable farming is emerging not just as a necessity but as an economically viable, socially supportive, and ecologically sound approach to crop cultivation. This transformation has been enabled over the past year by a synergy between government support, the complementary development of cutting-edge technologies by industry and a proactive push from the corporate sector.

To explore the milestones in the growth of the sustainable agriculture market in India, the theme of the AgroSpectrum cover story is ‘Sustainable Agriculture,’ which is consistent with the outline set by 14th Agrovision i.e. “Sustainable Farming through Skilling and Technology”. In our special Dec ’23 issue, AgroSpectrum delves deep into the realm of growing sustainable farming technologies through a series of analytical and informative articles on advancements in sustainable agriculture.

On November 6, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) in collaboration with Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI) launched Krishi 24/7, the first-ever AI-powered solution for automated agricultural news monitoring and analysis, with support from Google.org. Krishi 24/7 will aid DA&FW to identify relevant news, generate timely alerts, and take prompt action to protect farmers’ interests and promote sustainable agricultural growth through improved decision-making.

The introduction of Krishi 24/7 addresses the need for an efficient mechanism to identify and manage agricultural news articles of interest to aid timely decision-making. The tool scans news articles in multiple languages and translates them into English. It extracts essential information from news articles, such as headline, crop name, event type, date, location, severity, summary, and source link, ensuring that the ministry receives timely updates on relevant events published on the web.

Wadhwani AI noted that it wants to build AI solutions for existing challenges where news monitoring and validation have been manual and time-consuming. A similar event tracking and analysis solution for disease outbreaks has been successfully deployed by the institute with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). By collaborating with the DA&FW and other central government bodies, it is dedicated to equipping the farmers with effective tools that improve the information flow through enhanced data-driven decisions.

The government of India in the last couple of years has taken various measures to provide access to technology and information across the country, through various Digital Initiatives as information technologies are finding increasing use in the agricultural value system, and farmers are increasingly becoming more informed. The aim of these measures is to achieve a doubling of farmers’ income in real terms. Keeping this in mind, the government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee in 2019, which, inter-alia, appreciated the role of Digital Technology, in modernising and organising how rural India performs its agricultural activities in a sustainable way. The technologies include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things (IoT) etc. Using modern/advanced technologies and AI and giving accurate and timely information regarding crops, weather and insects etc. to the farmers may improve the crop productivity, reduce the risk and improve the income of farmers.

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly visible across the country with the adoption of modern technologies. The transition to sustainable farming is being facilitated with tools like remote sensors, crop nutrient management, farm management software, drones, predictive data analytics, bioengineering, and more. Technologies including agri-drones, blockchain technology, agri-biologicals, farm robotics, AI and IoT in farm management, and precision farming, are contributing to the growth of sustainable farming in India. Notable examples include Sikkim, achieving 100 per cent organic farming, and Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious goal to move to 100 per cent zero-budget natural farming by 2027.

The Indian corporate sector too has shown a growing commitment to building a future of sustainable agriculture. They have begun to focus on driving innovations in crop protection, post-harvest solutions, soil health improvement and planning simulations to identify and address farmers’ critical challenges. These corporate endeavours aim to provide a comprehensive solution platform to farmers, enhancing their resilience against climate risks and ensuring maximum farm yields at affordable costs. The industry’s partnership with farmers has helped them increase their yields and annual incomes.

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

The shift towards sustainable farming is increasingly

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Animal Health, Live Stock, Opinions

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, Loopworm

Though the cost of producing and processing insect protein is now higher than that of more conventional sources, such as fishmeal, the business is expected to grow and economies of scale could eventually result in lower costs. Efforts are being made to address potential obstacles and hurdles in order to optimize the use of insect protein in aquaculture feeds.

Insects serve as a natural and highly nutritious food source for numerous fish species, primarily in their native habitats. In the unspoiled ecosystems of rivers, ponds, lakes, and other aquatic realms, fish extensively depend on a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic insects as a substantial component of their dietary intake.

The spotlight has increasingly shifted towards insect protein as a sustainable and environmentally friendly substitute for traditional protein sources in the context of farmed aquaculture and ornamental fish nourishment. This approach yields several prospective advantages, encompassing heightened feed efficiency, diminished environmental repercussions, and mitigation of competition for conventional protein resources such as fishmeal, krill meal, shrimp meal, and squid meal.

Insects, including silkworm pupae, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets, are teeming with protein, rendering them an outstanding nutritional source for aquaculture species. Insect protein offers a well-rounded amino acid profile, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients that cater to a diverse range of aquaculture species. For juvenile fish, insects play a pivotal role in fostering growth and survival, providing a high-energy food source that facilitates rapid development and progression. In essence, the incorporation of insect protein in fish diets stands as an ecologically responsible and nutritionally sound approach, offering promising prospects for the aquaculture and ornamental fish industries.

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

 By Ankit Alok Bagaria, Co-Founder, LoopwormThough the

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Opinions, Sustainability

By Naresh Deshmukh, Crop Nutrition Business – Chief Operating Officer, Mahadhan AgriTech Ltd

Effective resource utilisation is essential for ensuring food security, conserving natural resources, and mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture. Therefore, sustainable agriculture is the need of the hour as it strikes a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and the responsible use of natural resources. This can motivate farmers to adopt more nutrient-responsible approaches, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future.

Agriculture holds undeniable importance in numerous nations, serving as a vital sector that furnishes both food and essential raw materials for diverse industries. It also plays a significant role in the global economy. Within the context of India, the agricultural sector takes on paramount significance, contributing approximately 17 per cent to the nation’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and serving as the primary source of livelihood for over 60 per cent  of its population.

Resource utilisation in agriculture encompasses the efficient and responsible deployment of various resources, including land, water, mineral fertilisers, energy, labour, and more, to foster sustainable and productive farming practices. Effective resource utilisation is essential for ensuring food security, conserving natural resources, and mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture. Therefore, the primary goal of sustainable agriculture is to strike a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and the responsible use of natural resources, mainly soil and water, to safeguard long-term soil health for sustained productivity. Sustainable practices aim to address a spectrum of challenges prevalent in Indian agriculture including soil degradation and water scarcity, by implementing more resilient and climate-change-ready farming practices. The adoption of these practices can significantly contribute to the development of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector in India.

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

By Naresh Deshmukh, Crop Nutrition Business –

Agrotech, Drones, Opinions

By Rishabh Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, BharatRohan Airborne Innovations 

To sustainably boost the country’s economic prowess, agriculture in India is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this revolution is hyperspectral technology. Hyperspectral imaging has rapidly become an indispensable tool for modern farming, offering a powerful and precise means to harness data beyond the visible spectrum. This extraordinary capability allows farmers to make data-driven decisions, contributing to sustainable and effective agricultural practices. In this article, we explore the various ways in which hyperspectral technology is reshaping agriculture and promoting sustainability.

Traditional farming methods often rely on the human eye to evaluate crop health, quality, and environmental conditions. However, hyperspectral imaging extends our perception by capturing data across hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands that go beyond the limits of human vision. Here we explore the implications of this technology in agriculture:

Visible Data Range (400 to 700 nanometers): While hyperspectral sensors encompass wavelengths beyond human vision, they also excel in capturing data within the visible spectrum with unparalleled precision. This data range is invaluable for assessing crop health, quality, and more. It detects subtle variations in colour and pigmentation, serving as an indicator of crop stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies.

Data Analytics: Hyperspectral data is processed using advanced analytics and machine learning, generating actionable insights that guide data-driven decisions in crop management. These insights include the ability to pinpoint specific irregularities in crop health, detect patterns related to nutrient deficiencies, and track the progression of diseases in plants.

Enhancing Crop Quality: With hyperspectral imagery-based decision support system, farmers can assess the quality of their crops more accurately. This is particularly significant for high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, where appearance and quality are crucial for market success. Hyperspectral imaging can analyse the spectral signature of produce, helping farmers evaluate factors such as sugar content, ripeness, and the presence of blemishes or diseases.

Optimising Resource Use: By monitoring fields throughout the crop cycle, hyperspectral imaging contributes to the efficient use of resources, such as water and irrigation. Farmers can make data-driven decisions about when and how much to irrigate, thereby promoting water conservation. Hyperspectral data enables precise assessments of soil moisture levels and plant stress, allowing for irrigation schedules responsive to crop needs.

Nutrient Management: By analysing the spectral signatures of crops, hyperspectral technology evaluates plant nutrient levels. This data empowers farmers to precisely apply fertilisers and soil supplements where necessary, minimising excess use and its environmental impact. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging can identify nutrient deficiencies by scrutinising the plant’s spectral reflectance.

Supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Hyperspectral technology supports IPM practices by offering insights into the presence of pests and their impact on crops. This information allows farmers to implement targeted pest control strategies, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and minimising ecological harm. Hyperspectral imaging can even detect early signs of pest infestations through alterations in the spectral signature of crops.

Precision Agriculture: Hyperspectral imaging provides precise information about crop health and nutrient levels. With this data, farmers can apply fertilisers and other inputs only where and when needed, minimising wastage and environmental impact while maximising crop yields. It supports variable rate application, enabling farmers to adjust the application of fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides based on the specific conditions in different field areas.

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

By Rishabh Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief

Company News, Vegetables, World

This strategic acquisition enhances South Mill Champs’ position in the overall produce space, combining its expertise in mushrooms with World Fresh Produce’s experience with speciality produce items

South Mill Champs, a vertically integrated North American grower and supplier of fresh mushrooms and functional mushroom foods, proudly announces the acquisition of World Fresh Produce, a dynamic global fresh produce sourcing organisation. This strategic acquisition enhances South Mill Champs’ position in the overall produce space, combining its expertise in mushrooms with World Fresh Produce’s experience with speciality produce items.

Founded by Michel Matouk in 2018, World Fresh Produce’s management team has decades of collective produce industry experience with a commitment to quality. The company’s focus on offshore, direct-from-grower, supply relationships creates value chains where customers obtain efficient and consistent supply, and growers gain access to key markets in North America.

“World Fresh Produce’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with our goals and values at South Mill Champs,” said Michael Richmond, Vice President of Sales at South Mill Champs.

“Our goal has always been to provide top-notch speciality products and services to our customers,” added Matouk. “With World Fresh Produce now part of the South Mill Champs family, we are even better positioned to meet the diverse needs of customers across North America.” Matouk will lead SMC’s produce sourcing operations as Vice President of Global Produce Sourcing going forward.

This strategic acquisition enhances South Mill Champs'

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

The facility will initially house a team of 25 Ocean Transportation experts responsible for the execution of Cargill’s global trade of physical vessel voyages and time charters.

Cargill Ocean Transportation announced the expansion of its footprint in India by opening a new facility in Pune. The move will help the company to strengthen its presence in India, getting closer to its customers and being more in touch with the country’s maritime sector, according to a statement.

‘Being a satellite city of Mumbai and one of the largest shipping hubs globally, Pune together with Bengaluru and Varna in Bulgaria will form the core of Ocean Transportation Operations and allow the business to access a large diverse talent pool and key customers of the company,’ it said in a statement.

The new facility, which will join other businesses of the company located in Pune, will initially house a team of 25 Ocean Transportation experts responsible for the execution of Cargill’s global trade of physical vessel voyages and time charters, with plans for further expansion in the years to come, company mentioned.

Cargill Ocean Transportation charters around 650 vessels worldwide. Founded in 1956 in Geneva, the company benefits from the heritage and capabilities of Cargill’s global operations in food, agriculture and commodities trading.

The facility will initially house a team

AgroPolicy, Floriculture, Sustainability

Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar region, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Jammu, and is referred to locally as ‘Kung’ and nationally as ‘Kesar.’

Kashmir’s Kishtwar saffron has recently been awarded a GI tag for its exceptional quality. Saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, with hand-collected strands from crocus flowers costing lakhs per kilogram. Kashmir produces some of the most expensive and highest-quality saffron, and Kishtwar Saffron, from the Kishtwar Region of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry according to the local news.

A GI tag is an indication of quality that acts as a mark of intellectual property and confirms that the product originates from a specific geographical region and has unique and valuable characteristics due to its place of origin. Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar region, nestled in the mountainous landscapes of Jammu, and is referred to locally as ‘Kung’ and nationally as ‘Kesar.’ This spice holds pivotal economic importance in this secluded district, with Mandal, the saffron production area, encompassing around 120 hectares of cultivable land, establishing Kishtwar as a significant hub for saffron cultivation.

Kishtwar saffron has not only won the GI tag but also a Grade 1 quality rating. To achieve this rating, 1150 grams of saffron flowers harvested from Berwar underwent a thorough physical and chemical analysis at the India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC) in Dussu Pampore. As a result of this process, 110 grams of fresh saffron filaments and 20 grams of top-tier dry Lacha saffron were extracted and subsequently designated as Grade 1.

Kishtwar saffron comes from the scenic Kishtwar

Agbiologicals, Biostimulants, Company News, Europe

YaraAmplix will begin commercial rollout in China, Brazil, and France during the end of 2023, and will gradually be rolled out to the rest of the world in 2024.

Climate change is putting many of the world’s most popular foods such as maize, tomato and wheat at risk of reduced crops. With the average global temperature on earth having already increased by over 1 degree Celsius in the last 100 years*1, agriculture is now experiencing more extreme weather than ever before with temperature increases being most severe on land.

To meet the increasing demand for solutions to protect crops against climate change and optimize nutrient use efficiency, Yara has launched YaraAmplix™. A new brand that will expand the range of biostimulants, at the Biostimulant World Congress in Milan, Italy.  YaraAmplix will begin commercial rollout in China, Brazil, and France during the end of 2023, and will gradually be rolled out to the rest of the world in 2024.

“Extreme weather is destroying crops all over the world with drought, flooding and frost. Biostimulants helps farmers make their crops stronger, and more resilient to stress from climate change. Farmers are the first line of defense against food insecurity, and we are adapting to their needs with solutions that allow them to prosper when the environment is not always on their side,” says Svein Tore Holsether, CEO Yara.

In the last five years, Yara has developed a comprehensive product portfolio of biostimulants, with each one based on a unique formulation, and with the ability to stimulate plant metabolism and performance. Since 2018, this portfolio has grown with a compound annual growth rate of more than 50 per cent.

These products will now become part of a new brand family, YaraAmplix, with several new products in the pipeline for 2024. The portfolio is formulated with mostly natural ingredients such as seaweed and plant extracts, to deliver targeted effects such as enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress, improved nutrient use efficiency, crop yield and quality. YaraAmplix is a vital solution for regenerative agriculture addressing climate, soil health, resource use, biodiversity and prosperity.

 YaraAmplix is a complement to Yara’s fertilizer portfolio, providing a complete crop nutrition solution; in what will become a key offering for farmers in the future.  Yara’s ambition is to grow a nature-positive food future, and the company is conducting scientific and independent trials on biostimulants in all regions to evaluate and validate their effects in various conditions and crops. A dataset of 359 data points from 2018 to 2020 shows an average yield increase of 7.5 per cent with a win rate of 74 per cent over control treatment.

YaraAmplix will begin commercial rollout in China,

Dairy, Live Stock, R&D, World

The first-of-its-kind project, supply chain best practice to improve the health and welfare of free-range buffalo harvest

A new research project by AgriFutures Australia and the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) is set to examine the wild-harvest buffalo supply chain in the Northern Territory (NT).

The first-of-its-kind project, Supply Chain Best Practice to Improve the Health and Welfare of Free-Range Buffalo Harvest in Arnhem Land – Northern Territory, aims to identify the barriers and potential opportunities to ensure the industry’s sustainable growth.

Since the introduction of buffalo to Australia in the 1880s, the industry has developed a free-range sector in the NT and a dairy buffalo sector which operates in most states.

Most free-range buffalo in the NT are found in unrestricted herds across Arnhem Land and other areas of Indigenous land, where they have important and often competing economic, environmental and social-cultural impacts on the land and local communities.

Despite the steady growth of the meat and dairy buffalo sectors in Australia, there are risks and challenges which threaten industry viability.

As identified in the AgriFutures Buffalo Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2025), the industry’s highest priority is addressing animal welfare.

Ellen Buckle, AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager – Levied and Emerging Industries, said this project will ultimately provide information on best practices in the buffalo supply chain.

“There’s a real willingness in the industry to work together on this and it is often difficult to get that sort of consensus and movement,” Buckle said.

“The project, funded by the AgriFutures Buffalo Program and the CRCNA and led by The University of Queensland (UQ), will run until June 2026 and involves a consortium of seven research entities, including the Northern Territory Government, Northern Territory Buffalo Industry Council, Central Queensland University, and industry experts Neil MacDonald and Dr Rodd Dyer.”

The CRCNA will additionally support research on the impact and involvement of Arnhem Land Indigenous communities in the buffalo industry.

The first-of-its-kind project, supply chain best practice

AgroPolicy, India, Sugar industry

India achieves 12% ethanol blending with petrol in ESY 2022-23 while the ethanol production has increased from 173 crore litres to more than 500 crore litres during the same period.

In its 63rd council meeting, International Sugar Organisation (ISO), headquartered in London, has announced India to be the Chair of the organisation for 2024. This is a huge achievement for the country to lead the global sugar sector and reflection of growing stature of the country in this domain. While attending the ISO Council Meeting, Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary (Food), Government of India remarked that during its period of chairmanship of ISO in 2024, India seeks support and cooperation from all member countries and would like to focus on bringing together all member countries to adopt more sustainable practices in sugarcane cultivation, sugar and ethanol production and better utilisation of by-products.

India has been the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world. With about 15 per cent share in global sugar consumption and about 20 per cent production of sugar, Indian sugar trends affects the global markets profusely. This leading position makes India as the most suitable nation to lead International Sugar Organisation (ISO) which is the apex international body on sugar and relating products having about 90 countries as members.

With Brazil in the Western Hemisphere, India is the market leader in Eastern Hemisphere for sugar market. Now, being the 3rd largest country in the world in ethanol production after USA and Brazil, India has shown commitment towards green energy and its capability to twist the challenges of surplus sugar in domestic market to solution of fossil fuels imports and a tool to meet COP 26 targets for India. It is remarkable that ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5 per cent in 2019-20 to 12 per cent in 2022-23 while the production has increased from 173 crore litres to more than 500 crore litres during the same period.

Indian sugar industry has come a long way in modernisation and expansion as well as in diversification to exploitation of potential of its by-products to generate additional revenue streams to make the whole business model both sustainable and profitable. It has proven its robustness during Covid pandemic by operating its mills while the country was facing lockdown and rising to the occasion by producing hand sanitisers sufficient to meet the demand in the country.

India has a unique distinction of being the Payer of the Highest Cane Price to its farmers and still efficient enough to make profits and operating in self-sufficient manner without any Government financial assistance. Synergy between Government and sugar industry has made it possible to rejuvenate Indian sugar industry and to transform into a major player in green energy in the country. The era of pending cane dues of farmers has become a thing of past. More than 98 per cent cane dues of last season 2022-23 have already been paid and more than 99.9 per cent cane dues of previous seasons are clear. Thus, cane dues pendency is at all time low in India.

India has set the example by not only taking care of farmers and industry but also by putting consumers first. Domestic sugar retail prices are consistent and stable. While the global prices are hiked by about 40 per cent in one year, India has been able to contain sugar prices within 5% increase from last year without putting additional burden on the industry.

On technical side also, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has spread its wings and is collaborating with many countries including Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Fiji etc. for sharing the latest technologies in the sector and best practices.

India achieves 12% ethanol blending with petrol

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Company News, Seeds, World

Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed by BASF specifically to maximize seed flow, optimizing singulation, seed spacing and plant population to help increase yield potential.

BASF Agricultural Solutions is introducing the next level of seed coating with Flo Rite Pro 02 plantability polymer. Flo Rite Pro 02 uses advanced polymer-based technology to combine adhesion properties with exceptional seed flow helping to provide maximum yield potential.

Seed singulation and uniform spacing are critical to yield, and with the size of today’s planters, seeds are required to travel long distances at high speeds to achieve uniform spacing. Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed by BASF specifically to maximize seed flow, optimizing singulation, seed spacing and plant population to help increase yield potential.

Flo Rite products are compatible with major fungicides, insecticides, nematicides and can be easily blended with any Color Coat product by BASF. In addition, the visual appearance of Flo Rite Pro 02 on corn is glossier and shinier than the industry standard.

Flo Rite Pro 02 was specifically developed for stewarding Clothianidin products, with dry flowability improved across all Clothianidin rates. Dust levels on corn averaged less than 0.2 grams of dust per 100,000 seed.

Flo Rite Pro 02 has been developed