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Home2023 (Page 9)
AgroPolicy, Drones

The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.

Aligning to the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bringing new technologies through drone services in agriculture sector.

The highlights of this scheme are as under:

  • The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural development (DoRD) and Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
  • Appropriate clusters where usage of Drones is economically feasible will e identified and progressive 15,000 women SHGs in various States in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones.
  • Central Financial Assistance @ 80 per cent of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs.8 Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones.  The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).  Interest subvention @ 3 per cent on the AIF loan will be provided.
  • One of the members of the women SHGs who is well qualified, 18 and above years of age will be elected by the SRLM and LFCs for 15-day training comprising of 5 day mandatory drone pilot training and additional 10 day training for agriculture purpose of nutrient and pesticide application.  The other member / family member of the SHG with inclination to take up repairs of electrical goods, fitting and mechanical works will be selected by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFCs who will be trained as drone technician/assistant.  These training shall be provided as a package along with the supply of drones.
  • Considering the difficulties which SHGs may face in procuring the drones, repair and maintenance of drones through drone companies, the LFCs will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs.
  • LFCs will also promote use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by the drones with SHGs.  SHGs will rent out the drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide applications.
  • It is envisaged that the approved initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum.

The scheme will help infusing advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhance crop yield and reduced cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.

The scheme aims to provide drones to

Company News, Packaging & Labelling, Supply Chain, Sustainability, World

The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its packaging materials by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2021.

Yara is reducing its environmental impact and is introducing packaging made with at least 30 percent recycled plastic all over Europe during 2023. In agriculture, widespread and long-term use of plastic, coupled with lack of systematic collection and sustainable management, leads to plastic accumulation in soils and aquatic environments.

“Plastic pollution constitutes a planetary crisis demanding change in our approach to secure a sustainable future. To deliver on Yara’s ambition of growing a nature-positive food future, we are committed to continuously reducing our climate impact as well as the environmental footprint from the use of our products. That includes reducing the environmental impact of our plastic packaging materials by using recycled plastic, reducing plastic packaging, ensuring packaging is recyclable and working with other players in the value chain to collect and recycle material. Yara’s sustainable packaging roll out is a promising start to ensure that our packaging does not cause harm to nature,” says Bernhard Stormyr, VP Sustainability Governance at Yara International.

In agriculture, plastic is used for various purposes, such as protected cultivation films, nets, piping, irrigation, drainage, and packaging materials. While they can increase productivity and efficiency in all agricultural sectors and help minimize food loss and waste, plastics are a major source of contamination.

“The growing challenges of hunger, soil degradation, climate change, and supply chain disruptions demand immediate action from all of us. At Yara, we recognize that we need to take part in it. Across industries, there is an urgent need to better monitor the quantities of plastic products used that leak into the environment from agriculture. That is why we are taking measures in Europe and beyond to have all packaging recyclable by 2030, whilst at the same time securing the safety and quality of our product,” says Stormyr.

Here are Yara’s initiatives:

1. Using recycled plastic where possible

We strive to maximize the use of recycled plastic in our packaging materials, and several projects show promising results:

Big and small bags containing at least 30 percent recycled plastic are being rolled out all over Europe during 2023. If all Yara’s bags in Europe are replaced with these bags, it is estimated that we would reduce the amount of virgin plastic we use by around 3,000 tons per year and avoid some 6,000 tons of CO2e.

In Brazil, Yara has signed an agreement with a supplier to jointly develop a revolutionary new type of big bag. These new bags will be made from 100 percent recycled PET, and therefore have a substantially reduced impact on the environment, practically halving greenhouse gas emissions compared with the conventional bags, while maintaining the same technical properties. This project aims to replace around 2,000 tons of virgin plastic and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4,000 tons each year. The main benefit of PET compared to other plastics currently used for the production of big bags is that it can be recycled endlessly without losing its strength and quality.

We are also working actively to launch similar initiatives in other markets around the world, e.g., in South Africa our big bag liners are now made with recycled plastic.

2. Ensuring packaging is designed for recycling

Our packaging materials are designed for recyclability and for avoiding excessive material use, and we continue to work on further improvements. Almost all the plastic that is used in our packaging can be recycled, provided that local collection and recycling schemes are available. The limited packaging materials that cannot yet be recycled will be re-designed for recyclability where possible.

3. Reducing the amount of plastic packaging material

We are also working on reducing the amount of plastic used per bag by optimizing specifications without compromising quality or safety, for instance by using thinner material. During the last few years, we have reduced plastic use by close to a thousand tons due to such optimizations in various markets around the world.

In Thailand, Yara developed a new, innovative fertilizer packaging material that drastically reduces the use of plastic. The special fabric called Light and Strong results in a fertilizer bag that is overall lighter, stronger, more durable and reusable. Current implementation of the solution saves around 150 tons of virgin plastic per year, with the potential to increase this by up to about 800 tons per year in the near future.

In India we reduced the thickness of the material for our 45 kg urea bags. Reducing the amount of plastic used per bag by a few grams cuts total plastic use for these bags by around 200 tons per year.

In our West African markets, optimizing bag specifications reduces our plastic use by more than 500 tons per year.

4. Working with other players in the value chain on collection and recycling schemes

As we do not produce or collect plastic packaging ourselves, we engage with various stakeholders to try to influence the way our plastic packaging is produced and the way it is handled after use. As with all complex value chains, one company cannot solve these challenges alone. We are using our purchasing power and strong supplier relationships to drive change in the areas where it is needed.

We are engaged with, and contribute to, collection and recycling schemes for agricultural plastics and our product packaging materials, including establishing such schemes together with others.

The company aims to reduce the carbon

Company News, Farm Mechanisation, India, People

In his new role, Kannan will be responsible to combat the low-cost imports and bring back the market for CLAAS with current products as well as develop, produce and launch new products locally.

Bengaluru based CLAAS Agricultural Machinery Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of the German agriculture machinery manufacturers and the pioneer in multi-crop harvesting, has announced the appointment of Sriram Kannan as the new Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director for CLAAS India.

Sriram Kannan comes with extensive industry experience of over 25 years and was leading the manufacturing operations as Managing Director of CLAAS India before he was elevated to the role of CEO & MD of the entire operations of CLAAS in India. He also worked with Bosch (Formerly MICO), Kurlon Ltd., Lapp India Private Limited at various capacities before joining CLAAS India in 2014.

Speaking on the appointment, Sriram Kannan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, CLAAS Agricultural Machinery Pvt. Ltd, said, “I am delighted to take over the role of CEO & MD position for CLAAS India. I would like to thank the management of CLAAS global for their trust in my ability to lead the India operations of CLAAS.  I am excited to lead the India market operation of CLAAS and play a key role in its next level of growth.”

In his new role, Kannan will be responsible to combat the low-cost imports and bring back the market for CLAAS with current products as well as develop, produce and launch New Products locally, as well as find markets for the products produced outside India which has also a huge potential. In a nutshell, growing the business of CLAAS India would be the prime focus.

In his new role, Kannan will be

Award, Company News

The recognition of the ‘India ka Pranam Har Kisan ke Naam’ campaign is a true acknowledgement of the sweat and toil of the hardworking farmers of India

India’s leading agri-input company – Dhanuka Group’s unique brand campaign ‘India ka Pranam Har Kisan ke Naam’ has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Silver Award’ at the ET DigiPlus Awards 2023.

The recognition of the ‘India ka Pranam Har Kisan ke Naam’ campaign is a true acknowledgement of the sweat and toil of the hardworking farmers of India and is also a reflection of the contribution of the unsung heroes of our fields i.e. farmers in the nation-building.

Dhanuka launched the unique campaign on its 42nd Foundation Day to honour and appreciate the tireless efforts of the country’s hardworking farmers who have made our country a net exporter of food grains, which is in sharp contrast to the situation in the 1950s & 1960s.

The achievement of Indian farmers is significant, especially considering the fact that they had to battle many adversities, mostly natural calamities like floods, drought, storms, etc. The Group’s ‘India Ka Pranam Har Kisan Ke Naam’ salutes their immense contribution.

The Group had also launched a new TVC as a part of this special campaign, which was promoted on print, television, and digital platforms across the country.

Dhanuka Group has been at the forefront of contributing its best for the betterment of Indian farmers. Much like our hard-working farmers, the Group has been making a tireless effort to promote scientific methods of farming and is promoting products and services that are backed by research and evidence. The Group has tie-ups with well-known multinational companies, mostly Japanese, UK and US-based. 

The recognition of the ‘India ka Pranam

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock, R&D

With this finding, the total number of top-demanding seer fish species in Indian waters rose to six from the existing four species.

In a breakthrough in the marine fisheries sector, the researchers of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have identified two more species of seer fish, the most sought-after high-value marine fish.  They discovered one species named Arabian sparrow seer fish (Scomberomorus avirostrus) as entirely new to science and resurrected the other, Russell’s spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus leopardus) which was previously a synonym of the spotted seer fish.

According to the findings by a team of taxonomists led by Dr E M Abdussamad, Principal Scientist of ICAR-CMFRI, the spotted seer fish (Scomberomorus guttatus) that was once considered a single species, is a complex of three distinct species. These include the newly discovered seer fish, the resurrected seer fish, and the existing spotted seer fish.  With this finding, the total number of top-demanding seer fish species in Indian waters rose to six from the existing four species.

This discovery emerged from a comprehensive taxonomic study on spotted seer fish found along the Indian coast. The study highlighted considerable divergence in the morphometry and genetic structure of these fishes collected from different regions of the coast.

The new species was given the common name of Arabian sparrow seer fish by the ICAR-CMFRI team, owing to its typical bird-beak-like snout. This inhabits the Arabian Sea coast north of Mangalore and its distribution extends up to the Arabian Gulf based on the available scientific information. Distribution of the other two was along the Bay of Bengal coast north of Nagapattinam, including the Andaman Seas, and China Sea.

These three seer fish species are smaller in size compared to their counterparts and are mostly found in nearshore waters. Their tasty flavour and high market value make them a prized catch.

Potential to marine fisheries 

“This is a significant achievement that adds to our understanding of marine biodiversity and has the potential to contribute to the country’s marine fisheries sector in several ways”, said Dr Abdussamad. This achievement represents a significant milestone in marine taxonomy and fisheries research, shedding light on the rich and diverse marine life along the Indian coast, he said. These are the fourth and fifth species in the series discovered and gifted by the team to science.

With this finding, the total number of

Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, R&D

The technology will be highly beneficial for in-situ residue management in rice-wheat and sugarcane-wheat areas of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal developed an innovative machine-Rotary Disc Drill for in-situ crop residue management.

Indian Patent Office granted a Patent for Rotary Disc Drill technology. It is an innovative conservation agriculture technology that can be used for direct seeding of different crops like wheat, rice, soybean, pea, barley, green gram, and pigeonpea in the presence of anchored and loose crop residue (rice straw, sugarcane trash, maize, and leguminous crop residue) with minimum soil disturbance and lesser power requirement.

The technology will be highly beneficial for in-situ residue management in rice-wheat and sugarcane-wheat areas of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, etc., and will help in mitigating the problem of residue burning. The technology is ready for commercialization through licensing process.

The technology will be highly beneficial for

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India, Interaction, Live Stock

Tunas alone contributing an estimated annual value of trade of US$41 billion in 2018.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI is organizing the 19th Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) from 28th November to 2nd December 2023. The meeting inaugurated at Hotel St. Regis, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

This is an important meeting organized by the IOTC and hosted by Department of Fisheries, GoI, which will bring together the renowned Scientists and Experts in the field of Tuna fisheries from all around the world.  Joint Secretary, Dept. of Fisheries, GoI, Neetu Kumari Prasad and Commissioner of Fisheries, Govt of Maharashtra, Atul Patne was also present during the event.

Tunas and other large pelagic species, such as billfishes, sharks, and rays, hold immense economic significance, with tunas alone contributing an estimated annual value of trade of US$41 billion (in 2018). The international scope of these species necessitates collaborative efforts for improved management and conservation, given their susceptibility to overfishing by multinational fisheries.

There were participants from countries namely, Indonesia, France, Spain, other countries of the European Union (EU), Seychelles, Tanzania, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Oman and India attending the meeting in person. Besides, many participants from various other countries, IOTC and scientific organizations are attending the meeting in Virtual Mode as well.

The scientist will brainstorm and analyse the existing scientific methods adopted by various countries in data collection, compilation, and reporting to IOTC for the purpose of resource assessments and will come out with advanced and simplified methods of data collection and statistics in the Indian Ocean Region. This meeting will be followed by the main Scientific Committee meeting of the IOTC to be held at the same venue during 4th – 8th December 2023 which will consider the recommendations of the WPDCS and various other working parties for scientific recommendations relating to sustainable management of tuna and tuna like species in the Indian Ocean. 

Tunas alone contributing an estimated annual value

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Seeds

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers influential topographic and soil attributes and their impact on soybean growth and development.

BASF is introducing xarvio® SeedSelect, a novel seed variety placement technology based on an algorithm derived from plot trial field research, local topographic and soil attributes, and variety-specific yield building characteristics. Using advanced data and analysis methods, xarvio SeedSelect evaluates soybean varieties based on how they build yield, which provides a foundational understanding of what field characteristics will best support growth and matches them to growers’ fields based on those characteristics. Soybean success starts with understanding a field’s environment, and that means much more than weather.

“We have conducted trials across multiple fields with a lot of variability to isolate and understand the influence of subfield environments,” said Greg Ury, BASF Agronomist “We look at how a variety interacts with multiple attributes such as organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), slope, and other factors that contribute to yield. This helps guide us in placement and management so we can make sure varieties are in fields where they belong and diminish the impact of unpredictable weather.”

With xarvio SeedSelect, retail seed professionals can confidently recommend the best seed for every acre.  “Seed selection is the most important factor in soybean yield and selecting the correct variety can be a complex and time-consuming process,” said Amy Pawlick, Digital Farming Manager for BASF. “With xarvio SeedSelect, retailers gain access to prescriptive variety selection and field placement, endeavoring to confidently improve growers’ yield potential from the very first year.”

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers influential topographic and soil attributes and their impact on soybean growth and development. When customer field data is paired with information about an individual variety’s yield-building characteristics, the algorithm recommends the best Xitavo soybean seed varieties for a specific field’s characteristics. The outcome is an increased probability of successful product placement and performance.

xarvio SeedSelect is available as part of xarvio FIELD MANAGER, an advanced crop optimization platform that helps agricultural retailers deliver unrivaled service and value to customers, through timely, field-specific agronomic recommendations. xarvio FIELD MANAGER supports retailers and growers throughout the entire season, from planning to harvest. xarvio SeedSelect and xarvio FIELD MANAGER will enhance retailers’ ability to visualize crop and product performance across a range of indicators, such as biomass maps, crop phenology staging and satellite imaging.

xarvio SeedSelect utilises an algorithm that considers

Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

APEDA is working towards exploring new markets for cashews in the international markets of Japan, Saudi Arabia, UK, Spain, Kuwait, Qatar, USA European countries, etc.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), an organisation under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, played an instrumental role as an export facilitator and flagged off its Cashew Nut shipment to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia and the USA to mark National Cashew Day. Bangladesh will be receiving its first-ever shipment of Cashew Nuts all the way from Odisha.

After Côte d’Ivoire, India is the second largest producer and exporter of Cashew Nuts with a share of more than 15 per cent, followed by Vietnam in the world’s cashew export. India’s top export destinations are the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the major cashew-producing states in India. India primarily exports Cashew Kernels with small quantities of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Cardanol.

With the UAE and the Netherlands remaining as the top export destinations for Indian Cashew Nuts, APEDA is working towards exploring new markets for cashews in the international markets of Japan, Saudi Arabia, UK, Spain, Kuwait, Qatar, USA European countries, etc.

The demand for cashew products has been on the rise, and to see the industry evolve and thrive is a heartening moment. The growth is a testament to the hard work of the farmers, processors, and exporters.

As soon as Cashew Nut and its product has come in the ambit of APEDA, it has been engaging with the stakeholder of Cashew Nut sector to address the various issues and challenges facing the industry in the form of modernization and the processing facilities, logistics, quality and strict international competition.

In the future, APEDA may intervene in the automation of the cashew industry. Training of professionals, registration of cashew processing units, and a traceability system will be formulated for cashew, replicating peanuts. APEDA will disseminate cashew-related information to stakeholders. APEDA is dedicated to continually exploring innovative methods, leveraging technology, and strengthening trade relations to ensure that Indian cashew products reach every corner of the world.

APEDA is working towards exploring new markets

Agro Universities, India, People, R&D, Soil Health

In his new role, Dr Choudhari will represent the network in meetings and webinars organised by the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the Center of Excellence for Soil Research in Asia (CESRA).

Dr Pushpajeet L Choudhari, Manager at the Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory at ICRISAT, has been elected as the Chair of FAO’s Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) for 2023-2025.The appointment underscores ICRISAT’s experience in connecting global institutes with Asia’s National Agricultural Research Systems paving the way for enhanced soil health.

The election took place during the 7th SEALNET meeting, conducted virtually on 19 and 20 September 2023, under the leadership of Filippo Benedetti, Secretariat at the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the participation of approximately one hundred representatives from various countries.

In extending her congratulations to Dr Choudhari, Director General of ICRISAT Dr Jacqueline Hughes emphasized the significance of the appointment for fortifying regional food systems across Asia.

“The quality and health of soil are foundational to strong food systems as they directly impact the growth, yield, and nutritional content of crops.”This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable soil management practices, and we look forward to working with the FAO and other partners in this endeavour,” said Dr. Hughes.

Dr ML Jat, the Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, stressed the importance of uniform soil laboratory methods in propelling SEALNET’s objectives. “Drawing on ICRISAT’s wealth of experience and expertise in soil, Dr. Choudhari’s leadership seamlessly aligns with SEALNET’s vision, with a focus on both standardizing soil laboratory methods and fostering informed decision-making,” said Dr Jat.

Working closely with Vice-Chair Professor Derrick Yuk Fo Lai, Associate Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the regional steering committee, GLOSOLAN leadership, and coordinators, Dr Choudhari plans to encourage registration of regional soil laboratories.

Simultaneously, he plans to support working groups in harmonizing targeted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Speaking at a recent event hosted by GLOSOLAN and CESRA, Dr Choudhari highlighted the growth of SEALNET’s membership, now with 140 labs from 19 countries registering since its inception in 2017. He also stated that SEALNET proficiency testing for 2023 will be led by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management, Philippines (BSWM), and shared details on testing methods for targeted soil parameters.

He also shared that SEALNET plans to have technical experts pilot the Asian Soil Health Action Framework. This initiative aims to make it easier for countries to report on soil health in the region. It will ensure that data can be compared by creating national action plans within a common regional framework.

“We are committed to enhancing soil laboratory capacity in Asia and supporting the development of soil health policies and programs” concluded Dr Choudhari.

In his new role, Dr Choudhari will

AgroPolicy, India, Poultry

According to Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023, major contribution in the total Egg production comes from Andhra Pradesh with a share of 20.13 per cent of total Egg production.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023 (milk, egg, meat and wool production 2022-23) based on Animal Integrated Sample Survey (March 2022-February 2023) during the National Milk Day event at Guwahati. The main features of the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics are:

Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool Production 2022-23

Union Miniter Parshottam Rupala informed that the Production of Milk, Egg, Meat and wool in the country is estimated annually based on the results of Integrated Sample Survey (ISS) which is conducted across the country in three seasons i.e., Summer (March-June), Rainy (July-October) and Winter (November-February).

Egg Production:

Parshottam Rupala stated that the total Egg production in the country has estimated as 138.38 billion nos. during 2022-23 registered a growth of 33.31 per cent growth over the past 5 years as compared to the estimates of 103.80 billion numbers during 2018-19. Further, the production has increased annually by 6.77 per cent during 2022-23 over 2021-22. In past the annual growth rate was 9.02 per cent in 2018-19; 10.19 per cent in 2019-20; 6.70 per cent in 2020-21 and 6.19 per cent in 2021-22.

Rupala informed that the Major contribution in the total Egg production comes from Andhra Pradesh with a share of 20.13 per cent of total Egg production followed by Tamil Nadu (15.58 per cent), Telangana (12.77 per cent), West Bengal (9.94 per cent) and Karnataka (6.51 per cent). In terms of AGR, the highest growth rate was recorded by West Bengal (20.10 per cent) and followed by Sikkim (18.93 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (12.80 per cent).

According to Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023,

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, India, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) aims to encourage investment and facilitate establishment of 750 CBG projects by 2028-29.

CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) will promote production and consumption of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) in the country, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs. In a major step towards enhancing use and adoption of CBG, the National Biofuels Coordination Committee (NBCC), chaired by Union Petroleum Minister announced yesterday the introduction of phase wise mandatory blending of CBG in CNG (Transport) & PNG (Domestic) segments of CGD sector.

The key objectives of the CBO are to stimulate demand for CBG in CGD sector, import substitution for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), saving in Forex, promoting circular economy and to assist in achieving the target of net zero emission etc. Highlighting the key outcomes of the CBO, Puri Said that it will encourage investment of around Rs. 37500 crores and facilitate establishment of 750 CBG projects by 2028-29.

It was, inter-alia, decided that:

CBO will be voluntary till FY 2024-2025 and mandatory blending obligation would start from FY 2025-26.

CBO shall be kept as 1 per cent, 3 per cent and 4 per cent of total CNG/PNG consumption for FY 2025-26, 2026- 27 and 2027-28 respectively. From 2028-29 onwards CBO will be 5 per cent.

A Central Repository Body (CRB) shall monitor and implement the blending mandate based on the operational guidelines approved by Minister, PNG.

Discussions also took place for promoting production of ethanol from maize with all stake holders especially with Department of Agriculture and Department Food and Public distribution (DFPD) to make it a prominent feedstock in coming years. It was discussed that the last few years there is increase in Maize cultivation area, yield per hectare and production. Work has been initiated by this ministry in consultation with Department of Agriculture and DFPD to further develop high starch yielding varieties, improve quality of maize DDGS (Dried Distillers Grain Solids) by removing aflatoxins, faster registration of new seed varieties with high starch. To further promote maize training program for distillers with seed companies has also been initiated.

Another important announcement was made for promoting biofuels in the country. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF/Bio- ATF) initial indicative blending percentage targets were set by the committee. Based on the comments received from the stakeholders, like MoCA, Niti Aayog, OMCs, etc., the capacities of Sustainable Aviation Fuel plants coming up in the country and projected ATF sales, the following initial indicative blending percentages of SAF in ATF are approved:

1 per cent SAF indicative blending target in 2027 (Initially for International flights)

2 per cent SAF blending target in 2028 (Initially for International flights)

CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) aims to encourage

Agribusiness, Company News, Machinery – Post-harvesting

New Holland has developed the Comfort Ride™ suspension system for T4V and T4N vineyard tractors with an overall width of up to 1.06m.

New Holland is using SITEVI 2023 as the launchpad for its new Comfort Ride™ cab suspension system on T4V and T4N vineyard tractors, bringing the health and productivity benefits of greater comfort and fatigue reduction to operators.

The cab suspension, well established on higher powered New Holland tractors, needed to be adapted to vineyard’s width. This new suspension, patented, allow a vibrations reduction of 15 per cent in the field and more than 60 per cent on the road and has been welcomed by many drivers. Comfort Ride™ suspension will be available on all New Holland T4 specialty tractors by the end of 2024, including the F and LP versions.

The number of hours spent behind the wheel of vineyard tractors increases with the average size of farms, the growing mechanization of work and the evolution of cultivation techniques. With this comes an increase in the hours during which operators experience the persistent vibrations that can be transmitted through to them. Comfort Ride™ addresses this by integrating components including the tractor’s front axle suspension, rear hitch suspension, air seat suspension and progressive engagement of PTO-driven implements. In this way it counters all key sources of vibration, including mechanical, travel speed, ground impacts, implement forces, tire impacts and more.

To ensure that all specialty tractor drivers benefit from greater operator comfort regardless of the constraints imposed by the tractor’s size, New Holland has further developed the Comfort Ride™ suspension system for T4V and T4N vineyard tractors with an overall width of up to 1.06m. The suspension consists of a combination of a Panhard bar, – hydraulic shock absorbers and a pneumatic cushion located at the rear of the cab of the tractors, with no impact on their overall width of 1.06m.

“The Comfort Ride™ Cab is a great example of our focus on customers when developing new technologies and innovations,” said Marco Gerbi, New Holland Global Product Manager Head of Specialty & Compact tractors “Agriculture is evolving, and so is the equipment required to meet today’s demands, with operator comfort at the centre of those. Comfort Ride™ has proven its value in larger tractors across the New Holland range, and its now time for vineyard operators to experience its benefits.”

New Holland has developed the Comfort Ride™

Collaborations, Company News, Europe, Logistics, Sustainability, Transportation

Commercially viable long-term offtake agreement for annual volumes of 500KT to enable low carbon operations for the first 12 large methanol-enabled Maersk vessels on order.

The offtake agreement between A.P. Moller – Maersk and Chinese developer Goldwind, a global leader in clean energy, reaches into the next decade and marks the first large scale green methanol offtake agreement for the global shipping industry.

This deal is a milestone for Maersk as it enables us to significantly reduce our emissions footprint in this decade and stay aligned with the 1.5-degree Celsius trajectory as set out in the Paris Agreement, ensuring continued supply of low carbon shipping services to our customers in the second half of this decade. The volumes combine a mix of green bio-methanol and e-methanol, all produced utilising wind energy at a new production facility in Hinggan League, Northeast China, around 1000km northeast of Beijing. Production is expected to begin in 2026. Following this signed offtake agreement, Goldwind expects to confirm a final investment decision for the facility by the end of the year.

A.P. Moller – Maersk will take delivery of its first large ocean-going methanol-enabled vessel (16,000 TEU) in the first quarter of 2024 and is diligently working on sourcing solutions with a broad range of global partners for the entire vessel series being delivered in 2024-25.

Rabab Raafat Boulos, Chief Infrastructure Officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk said, “A.P. Moller – Maersk aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across its business. The deal significantly de-risks the initial stages of Maersk’s net-zero journey and supports expectations for a competitive green methanol market towards 2030. The record-high volumes can annually propel more than half the methanol-enabled capacity Maersk currently has on order.”

“Goldwind respects Maersk as a pioneer in the field of maritime green fuel and we are excited to jointly promote the green transition with Maersk. With this project, Goldwind will continue to explore the innovative application of new technologies, pursue the organic combination of green electricity and green fuel production, and optimize the production process of green methanol. Goldwind is committed to collaborating with companies involved in the green methanol industry, with the aim to make green methanol one of the most important and economically feasible clean maritime fuels in the future”, said Wu Gang, Chairman, Goldwind

Rabab Raafat Boulos also mentioned that we are encouraged by the agreement because its scale and price confirm our view that green methanol currently is the most viable low-emission solution for ocean shipping that can make a significant impact in this decade. The deal is a testament to the momentum and vast efforts we see among ambitious developers driving projects forward across geographies, however, we still have a long way to go in ensuring a global green fuels market that can enable the decarbonisation of global shipping.

Commercially viable long-term offtake agreement for annual