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Tuesday / November 19. 2024

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Allied Industry, India, Interaction, Oilseeds, Opinions

According to SEA, monthly imports of sunflower oil increased by 56.5 per cent to 239,116 tons, while imports of soy oil declined by 11 per cent to 341,818 tons.

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) reported on Wednesday that India’s imports of palm oil increased 60 per cent from September to 845,682 metric tons in October due to festive demand and refiners increasing purchases to restock supplies that had been depleted by recent lower-than-normal imports. Lower palm oil stocks in major producers Malaysia and Indonesia could support benchmark futures as a result of increased purchases by the largest importer of vegetable oils in the world.

In recent weeks, Indians have been celebrating the festivals of Diwali and Dussehra, which has led to an increase in the consumption of fried food and sweets resulting in greater demand for palm oil consumption. Owing to larger domestic oilseed crops and higher prices that somewhat constrained demand, edible oil imports during the 2023–24 marketing year decreased to 15.96 million tons from 16.47 million tons the year before, according to the SEA.

Imports of sunflower oil increased 16.8 per cent to 3.51 million tons during the year, while imports of soy oil decreased 6.4 per cent to 3.44 million tons. India imports soy oil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine, while it primarily purchases palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Given a probable record domestic oilseed crop, India’s edible oil imports could decrease by one million tons in 2024–2025, according to the SEA.

According to SEA, monthly imports of sunflower

Agribusiness, India, Start ups

SAMARTH featured scientific and technical sessions, gathering industry experts, researchers, and academics from across spectrums and regions to create a collaborative roadmap for sustainable solutions in agro-ecosystems and value chain development.

 BL Agro, one of India’s leading FMCG brands, and its agritech venture, Leads Connect, focused on risk management, climate, and sustainability solutions, launched SAMARTH 1.0 at Krishi Bharat in Lucknow.

The initiative, SAMARTH 1.0, Seminar on Agricultural Modelling and Assessing Risks for Transforming Humanity is designed to unite key stakeholders in a scientific dialogue focused on addressing critical challenges in agriculture. SAMARTH featured scientific and technical sessions, gathering industry experts, researchers, and academics from across spectrums and regions to create a collaborative roadmap for sustainable solutions in agro-ecosystems and value chain development.

Dr Alok B. Mukherjee, Director – Research, Analytics & Modeling at Leads Connect, highlighted the vision behind SAMARTH, saying, “SAMARTH is more than just a research journal. It’ is a way to create real, on-ground impact. By combining advanced technology with an interdisciplinary approach and hyper-local intelligence, we are moving beyond conventional AI to embrace strong AI. SAMARTH is a call to practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders in the agri-ecosystem and climate domain to contribute their work. The best three research papers, rigorously peer-reviewed and by a board, will receive awards of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000, and Rs. 20,000 respectively. Beyond research, SAMARTH is about direct engagement with farmers to ensure real-world relevance. Each edition will focus on pilot studies that drive tangible, sustainable change on the ground.”

In tandem with SAMARTH 1.0, BL Agro and Leads Connect announced a call for papers to contribute to the newly unveiled scientific journal, Satellite Analytics & Transfer Intelligence (SATI). SATI will serve as a hub for breakthrough research, covering themes such as agriculture, climate and disaster management, and value chain analytics. Ten research articles, selected after a peer review process, will be published in SATI, with awards presented to the authors of the top three articles for their contributions.

Navneet Ravikar, Chairman & Managing Director, Leads Connect Services, expressed his excitement, saying, “Our efforts are driven by a deep commitment to develop robust and sustainable solutions for agriculture and the environment. The milk production technology we have introduced has transformed the entire ecosystem, bringing a new level of efficiency and productivity. We are now focused on creating stronger market linkages between agriculture and dairy, fostering a more integrated and sustainable value chain. SAMARTH 1.0 is a testament to our dedication to transforming lives and bringing smiles to people through impactful solutions.”

Special international recognition came from Jan-Kees Goet, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, Netherlands, who also attended the event. He commended the efforts of Leads Connect in supporting farmers and strengthening the agri-ecosystem in India. Speaking on the strides being made in agricultural innovation, Goet remarked, “The Netherlands has been at the forefront of developing technologies that enhance productivity while ensuring sustainability. It is inspiring to see initiatives like SAMARTH 1.0 echoing the same values by bringing together global and local expertise to empower farmers and create sustainable agri-ecosystems.”

SAMARTH featured scientific and technical sessions, gathering

Climate, Environment, R&D, Soil Health, Sustainability

At the multi stakeholder COP29 panel discussion , ADB’s $14 billion food security commitment and the emerging partnerships reflecting the urgency of fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems were highlighted, paving the way for bold and transformative innovations across sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition-focused interventions, and global resilience in Asia Pacific

During the first week of COP29, the urgency to address agriculture’s role in climate resilience and food security has never been clearer. The Asia-Pacific region, home to some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable populations, is at the forefront of this challenge. Climate change, water scarcity, and political conflicts threaten food security, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate nutritional deficiencies across the region.

ADB Senior Director for Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Dr. Qingfeng Zhang pointed to the centrality of International Financial institutions (IFIs) in Asia-Pacific’s food systems and climate goals. “Moving forward, our focus is on three key priorities. First, we will shift from a production-based approach to demand-side interventions, with a strong emphasis on nutrition security. Second, we aim to advance smart agriculture, restore natural capital, and strengthen fisheries and agricultural systems while supporting food productivity, reducing food loss and waste, and promoting open trade. Finally, we will harness digital technology and champion inclusive agricultural policies to drive equitable and sustainable development.”

IFIs play a vital role in shaping global agricultural transformation. Their contributions span multiple areas, including policy dialogue, where they align incentives for farmers and private investors to prioritize climate resilience. In parallel, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Director for Agricultural Development Martien van Nieuwkoop highlighted context-specific and innovations-driven initiatives as natural spaces “where science meets finance” and where IFIs can address market failures and build systems that truly benefit farmers.

“When it comes to technological innovation, there is no universal solution or “Tesla car” that works in all conditions. Instead, solutions must be adapted to local contexts, which highlights the importance of bundling technologies into tailored packages. This is where initiatives like the new ADB-CGIAR Clearinghouse play a critical role,” noted van Nieuwkoop, adding that platforms that can integrate these bundled solutions and address multiple constraints simultaneously will be crucial in ensuring that they are practical, scalable, and impactful.

Amidst all these, innovation and technology play a key role in reshaping farming practices. AI-driven weather forecasting is providing real-time, actionable insights for farmers, optimizing planting schedules and resource use. “AI tools are revolutionizing agriculture, enabling small-scale farmers to make data-driven decisions,” noted Michael Kremer, Director, Development Innovation Lab, University of Chicago.

Nutrition programming was also cited as an invaluable element of this transformation, addressing the broader health and resilience challenges linked to food security. Sarah LaHaye, Lead for Climate Action and Nutrition at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) underscored, “Nutrition is often an afterthought in climate and food security programming. It’s vital to intentionally integrate nutrition to ensure that crop diversification and resilience efforts also improve nutritional outcomes.” LaHaye cited GAIN programs in Indonesia, which tackled food loss and waste while addressing emissions and nutritional benefits, as a key example of how climate and nutrition goals can align effectively.

ADB Director General – Chief Compliance Officer for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department Bruno Carrasco closed the session with a resounding call to action, “We must invest in science, innovation, and partnerships to address today’s challenges while building a food-secure future.”

At the multi stakeholder COP29 panel discussion

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, IT, Start ups, Sustainability

With its fleet of over 2,000 Agri-drones, Garuda Aerospace has recorded 10 lakh hours of flying time in the past year an average rate of one drone every two minutes

Garuda Aerospace, a pioneer in drone technology, has achieved a significant milestone through its recent innovations in agritech. This achievement reflects Garuda’s commitment to revolutionising agriculture through drone technology and highlights the increasing impact of drones in India.

This consistent deployment has enabled the company to support farmers across the country, boosting productivity and sustainability. Garuda Aerospace’s Agri Kisan Drone continues transforming Indian agriculture through advanced technology and application. These high-tech drones, equipped with advanced sensors and GPS guidance, are empowering farmers in conducting Precision Agriculture, Real-Time Monitoring and Data-Driven Decisions.

Rithika Mohan, Co-founder of Garuda Aerospace, said, “Our Agri Kisan Drone represents a new era for Indian agriculture. By bringing affordable, accessible, and powerful technology to every farmer, we’re transforming the traditional farming model and helping make Indian agriculture sustainable and resilient.”

Garuda Aerospace is committed to providing farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively utilise drone technology. Through comprehensive training programs, including the ‘Train the Trainer’ model including this garuda have 6 DGCA approvals. the company is building a network of skilled operators who can independently manage and maintain drones. Garuda Aerospace is collaborating with financial institutions to offer affordable financing options, making drone technology accessible to a wider range of farmers. Aligned with government initiatives like Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and NAMO Drone Didi Program.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, highlighted the company’s broader vision: “Our achievement of 10 lakh hours of agricultural drone operations is a testament to our dedication to revolutionising Indian agriculture. We are deeply committed to providing innovative, accessible solutions for every farmer, and this milestone reflects the progress we’re making in transforming India’s agricultural landscape for a sustainable future. Garuda’s vision is to make drone technology as ubiquitous as tractors, revolutionising Indian agriculture and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable farming practices.”

Garuda Aerospace is dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovative drone technology. Continuing its alignment with government initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding its global footprint into Asia and Australia. Garuda aims to empower more farmers. To achieve this, Garuda will invest in comprehensive training programs, continuously innovate, offer subsidized solutions, collaborate with government agencies, and diversify its product range.

With its fleet of over 2,000 Agri-drones, Garuda Aerospace

Agribusiness, Cold Storage, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Vegetables

According to Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India the all-India average retail prices as on 14th November, 2024 was Rs.52.35 per kg which is 22.4 per cent lower than Rs.67.50 per kg on 14th October, 2024

The retail prices of tomato are on the decline with the fall in mandi prices. During the same period, the modal prices at Azadpur mandi declined by almost 50 per cent, from Rs.5,883 per quintal to Rs.2,969 per quintal with the increase in tomato arrivals. Similar decline in mandi prices are reported from benchmark markets such as Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle and Kolar.

The total annual production of tomato, as per third advance estimate of Department of Agriculture is 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023-24; a 4 per cent increase over 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Even though tomato is produced throughout the year, there is seasonality in the producing areas and the quantum of production. Adverse weather condition and slight logistics disruptions have significant impact on prices due to high susceptibility of tomato crop and high perishability of the fruit. The surge in tomato prices during October, 2024 was on account of excessive and prolonged rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The general seasonality in tomato production across various regions of India showed that October and November are main sowing period in major producing states. Continuous availability of tomato in the market, however, is ensured because of the short duration for cultivation of the crop and multiple picking of the fruits.

Even though the arrivals have subsided at major tomato centres in Madanappale and Kolar, prices have come down on account of seasonal arrivals from pockets in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat that have been filling the gaps in supply across the nation. As on date, the weather has also been favourable for the crop and also for maintaining a good flow across the supply chain form the fields to the consumers.

According to Department of Consumer Affairs, Government

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India, Start ups

The collaboration aims to strengthen the FPO network by improving access to inputs, technology services, credit, and investments.

Chennai-based agri-value chain enabler Samunnati announced a significant partnership with the Punjab and Haryana-based Northern Farmers Mega FPO. This federation comprises over 50 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across multiple states in northern India. The collaboration aims to strengthen the FPO network by improving access to inputs, technology services, credit, and investments. It also focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and creating new opportunities in rewarding markets, including exports, to benefit farmers.

A key objective of the partnership is to enable the FPOs to adopt sustainable agriculture technologies to bring down costs and adapt to climate change.  Another innovative solution focuses on transforming paddy straw waste into clean energy alternatives like compressed biogas, biomass pellets, and biochar, among others. This strategic partnership will help to manage agricultural waste and lower carbon emissions in the region, besides addressing the annual problem of regional pollution caused by stubble burning.

Speaking of the partnership, Samunnati’s Founder and CEO Anil Kumar SG commented, “This collaboration with Northern Farmers Mega FPO is a step toward building a sustainable and economically viable ecosystem for farmers. Together, we are committed to helping farmers to grow, trade more profitably and contribute to a sustainable agri economy in India. The partnership between Samunnati and Northern Farmers’ FPO will present the country with a unique model of collaboration between a company owned by farmers working closely with a market leader to jointly bring prosperity to farmers.”

Puneet Singh Thind, Founder & Director of Northern Farmers Mega FPO, hailed the partnership with Samunnati as a significant milestone for their farmer members. “Through this collaboration, we’re equipping our FPOs with critical access to resources, sustainable practices, new markets and access to the required credit that promise to uplift our farmers and broaden their growth horizons,” he added.

The collaboration aims to strengthen the FPO

Agro Universities, India, Interaction

Key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and ICRISAT scientists, attended the panel discussion.

A delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana engaged in a focused panel discussion and interactive session with ICRISAT to explore collaboration opportunities in agriculture and food processing in Hyderabad. Key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and ICRISAT scientists, attended.

The interactive session held at the ICRISAT auditorium focused on exploring collaborative opportunities. It featured insights from M Raghunandan Rao, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Telangana; Dr Krishna Ella, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech; and Dr Stanford Blade, Interim Director General and Deputy Director General-Research at ICRISAT; Prof V Praveen Rao, Advisor, CII Telangana Agri & Food Processing Panel & Vice-Chancellor; Kaveri University and D Sunil Reddy, Co-Convenor, CII Telangana Agri & Food Processing Panel & Managing Director Dodla Dairy Pvt. Ltd

M Raghunandan Rao, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Telangana, said that mechanisation of agriculture will increase efficiencies, and value addition will increase sustainability. Farmers could come together and opt for mechanization. Farming has to provide social benefits to the population as it has to be an environmental system. In the Indian context, where farm sizes are small, sustainability discussions must prioritise farmers. Our efforts should focus on creating systems that ensure sustainable incomes for smallholder farmers.

Dr Stanford Blade, Interim Director General and Deputy Director General-Research at ICRISAT, remarked, “ICRISAT and CII are natural partners in advancing agricultural and food processing innovation. The combined strengths of ICRISAT’s research expertise and CII’s strong connections with industry, government, and civil society offer great potential for driving sustainable development in India’s agricultural sector.”

Dr Krishna Ella, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International Ltd., said that in the Indian context, given that our farmers are large and our farms are small, we must build algorithms and concepts that will keep the sustainability of the farmer’s income in mind. He stressed the need for convergence in agriculture, particularly amid reduced funding. He urged government intervention to foster partnerships between state agricultural universities and ICRISAT, advocating for collaboration, streamlining, and consolidation to optimise resources and impact.

Sai Prasad, Chairman of CII Telangana and Executive Director at Bharat Biotech International Ltd., invited ICRISAT to join CII’s Food and Agriculture Panel. He emphasized leveraging ICRISAT’s research capabilities for Telangana.

Prof. V Praveen Rao, Advisor to the CII Telangana Agri & Food Processing Panel, highlighted the transformative potential of nurturing small enterprises. He stated that with 6.5 million farmers in Telangana, even enabling 0.1 million Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could significantly improve livelihoods.

D Sunil Reddy, Co-Convenor of the CII Telangana Agri & Food Processing Panel and Managing Director of Dodla Dairy Pvt. Ltd said that we have to look at not only production but also aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal.

Key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders,

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, R&D

Dr Jung-Pil Suh from South Korea’s Crop Breeding Division introduced the “Suweon542” rice variety, a flour-like rice developed to support the country’s processing industry in the 28th annual meeting

The Council for Partnership on Rice Research in Asia (CORRA) held its 28th annual meeting this 30-31 October 2024, bringing together agricultural leaders from across the Asian region to align research strategies and highlight new innovations in sustainable production, low-carbon emissions, and value addition for rice markets.

Convened by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and composed of national agricultural research and extension services (NARES) from 17 member countries, CORRA was established to strengthen partnerships between members and the institute, and to provide a platform for sharing research and development efforts that will shape the future of rice cultivation across Asia.

This year’s meeting was hosted by South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) and held in Seoul, South Korea. The two-day event emphasized discussions on rice sector challenges, innovative solutions, and regional policies designed to bolster food security and climate resilience.

Strategies for low-carbon rice production
Sustainability was at the forefront of discussions. Innovative approaches for mitigating emissions were shared by presenters, including direct seeding, biochar application, and other practical methodologies. IRRI scientist Dr. Van Hung Nguyen noted that incentives for carbon reductions vary from country to country, which can affect the adoption of low-emission practices, while Dr. Ando Radanielson pointed out that emissions stem more from field practices than the rice plant itself.

Countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Malaysia also presented their own low-carbon initiatives, with Cambodia particularly emphasizing biochar’s benefits for organic soil quality.

Innovations in rice value addition
Dr. Jung-Pil Suh from South Korea’s Crop Breeding Division introduced the “Suweon542” rice variety, a flour-like rice developed to support the country’s processing industry. As direct rice consumption declines in Korea, this floury rice aligns with shifting dietary patterns and the growing demand for processed rice items.

Dr. Yejin Oh from CJ Cheiljedang, a South Korean food company, shared insights on the company’s popular Hetbahn line, which uses aseptic technology to prevent bacterial contamination in room-temperature storage. Innovations in low-calorie and low-protein rice products were also discussed, highlighting the different ways to meet the market’s needs and preferences.

Representatives from Indonesia and Pakistan also discussed how breeding and processing technologies could respond to evolving texture and quality demands globally.

Standardizing rice for global markets
IRRI scientist Mary Claire Custodio highlighted the need for global rice quality standards. She presented a case study from Bangladesh, highlighting gaps in the value chain and advocating for better alignment between rice production and consumer preferences. She also showed how universal processes for grading, monitoring, and traceability can help ensure quality along the rice value chain.

CORRA members explored DNA testing as a potential method for quality control, which could help meet consumer preferences and prevent variety mixing in the global market. There was also a discussion on the critical need for suitable rice varieties for dry milling, which offers benefits such as lower production costs and improved product quality.

Future collaboration
The meeting concluded with the approval of the CORRA Declaration, affirming members’ dedication to shared goals, such as germplasm exchange and continuous innovation in low-glycemic rice varieties. Uzbekistan, the newest country member of CORRA and the first from Central Asia, proposed to host the 29th Annual Meeting in 2025.

Dr Jung-Pil Suh from South Korea’s Crop

Agro Universities, Collaborations, Foodgrains, India, R&D, Sustainability

The initiative aims to produce 20,000 kg of millet seed in 2024-25 and plans to expand further as on-ground capacity continues to grow.

With a groundbreaking focus on food and nutrition security, the Bihar Centre of Excellence for Millets Value Chains is harnessing scientific innovation to unlock the full potential of millet production in the state.The initiative aims to position Bihar as a leader in sustainable agriculture, enhancing crop resilience and supporting livelihoods for millions. Trials of various millet types have been conducted at multiple sites, identifying the top-performing varieties ‘lines’ for expanded trials in 2024 / 2025. As on date, 150 farmers have participated in millet seed production across 34 hectares, and improved seed and training have been provided to over 140 farmers.

The initiative aims to produce 20,000 kg of millet seed in 2024-25 and plans to expand further as on-ground capacity continues to grow.

Speaking from ICRISAT HQ, Global Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement Dr Sean Mayes said that millet cultivation in Bihar remained limited with only around 8,700 hectares under production, yielding approximately 11,200 tons annually. “In recent years, farmers have faced restricted access to diverse and high-performing millet varieties, which this initiative aims to address through targeted research and innovation. We know this will have a direct impact on food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable in the state, particularly for women and children,” said Dr Mayes.

To support smallholders, the Centre has also introduced on-site millet processing demonstrations, new mechanization tools, and field days, reaching over 1194 farmers including 240 women, with plans for two permanent secondary processing sites in Bihar. A model farm at Mayapur features rainwater harvesting and optimized irrigation and stands as an inspirational resource for local farmers to adopt resilient millet practices.

The Centre is taking further practical steps across six work packages that span the entire millet value chain—from germplasm enhancement and robust seed systems to mechanization, farming systems featuring rainfall storage, product innovation, and market linkages.

ICRISAT’s Interim Director General, Dr Stanford Blade, applauded the Government of Bihar, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University and Bihar Agricultural University, and ICRISAT teams, and project partners for their progress in advancing the state’s vision for millet development. The Centre is set to reshape Bihar’s food systems, with ICRISAT and its partners directly addressing the state’s food and nutritional security needs, supporting farmer resilience, and establishing a sustainable foundation for agricultural growth.

The initiative aims to produce 20,000 kg

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, Start ups, Vegetables

The company has introduced four premium fruit products- BLISS BERRIES (blueberries), QWEEN KIWI (kiwis), MIGHTY MELON (watermelons), and BRIGHT BANANA (bananas), now available across over 500 vendor partners in the Delhi NCR region

Fresh From Farm (F3), a New Delhi-based agri-startup, has launched its private-label branded fruits in the Delhi NCR region, aiming to redefine India’s fresh produce market with a focus on quality and reliability. This launch comes at a significant time for F3, which is on track to achieve a 100 crore annual recurring revenue (ARR) by the next quarter. With this new branded fruit line expected to contribute around 20% of its overall revenue, F3 is establishing a powerful presence in the fresh fruit sector.

The branded offerings, which include Ace apples, Apples, Bliss Berries (blueberries), Queen Kiwi (kiwis), Mighty melons are (watermelons), and Bright Banana (bananas), now available across more than 500 vendor partners in the Delhi NCR region. F3’s branded fruit initiative is designed to streamline the consumer experience, ensuring quality-assured options that allow customers to simply “pick and go.” The launch represents an industry-first step towards making branded, reliable fruit available directly to consumers in a market where trust in produce quality is often earned through meticulous inspection.

Rohit Nagdewani, Founder of Fresh From Farm, shared his vision, explaining, “We are on a mission to create trust and ease in the experience of buying fresh fruit. For years, fruit shopping has involved checking each piece for quality. By introducing branded options, we hope to provide consumers with a reliable standard that removes the guesswork so they can confidently pick up pre-graded, quality-assured fruit. This approach is expected to transform the way people buy and enjoy fresh produce, enhancing convenience and instilling confidence in every purchase.”

Fresh From Farm’s strategic expansion plans include exploring partnerships with quick commerce platforms to make branded fruits even more accessible to consumers. With continued innovation and the introduction of additional branded varieties like apples by 2025, F3 aims to further strengthen its position as a trusted name in the fresh produce industry.

Founded in 2021, Fresh From Farm has quickly become a leader in addressing logistical and operational challenges in the fresh produce industry. With its network of over 500 vendor partners across Delhi NCR, F3 supports vendors by providing consistently graded, high-quality fruits that maximize sales potential and reduce waste. Through streamlined supply chain processes, the company enables vendors to focus on delivering top-quality produce, while F3 takes care of the complexities of procurement, sorting, grading, and delivery..

The company has introduced four premium fruit

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, World

Kyber® Pro herbicide and Sonic® Boom herbicide will offer growers more effective weed control choices that fit their acres.

Corteva Agriscience continues to provide growers the weed-control solutions they need with the launch of Kyber® Pro herbicide and Sonic® Boom herbicide. Both preemergence products will offer multiple, effective modes of action and extended residual activity to help soybean growers maximize yield potential, while preventing and mitigating weed resistance.

“At Corteva, it’s our job to help soybean growers overcome the challenges of the shifting weed control landscape, and Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom herbicides will do just that — offering diverse modes of action and several weeks of residual control in convenient premix formulations,” says Drake Robards, U.S. Product Manager, Soybean Herbicides, Corteva.

 “By starting the season with one of these two new preemergence solutions, growers will give their soybeans a clean start for optimal growth. Sonic Boom delivers strong performance against many of the key hard-to-control and resistant broadleaf weeds, such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, that soybean growers face today. Kyber Pro also delivers premier weed control of many of the same broadleaf weeds as Sonic Boom, plus has a Group 15 active for additional control of grass weeds.”

Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom herbicides join Enversa™ herbicide as new soybean residual options from Corteva that will be available for growers to use in the 2025 growing season. Plus, both Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom herbicides fit well as preemergence herbicides in a program approach to season-long weed control, especially with Enlist E3® soybeans.

“We know a one-size-fits-all approach to weed control doesn’t cut it; that’s why we decided to launch three new soybean herbicides for 2025,” Robards says. “Earlier this year we announced Enversa herbicide, the preferred layered residual tank-mix partner with Enlist One herbicide for Enlist E3 soybeans. Now with the introduction of Kyber Pro herbicide and Sonic Boom herbicide, we’re giving growers more options to fully customise their weed-control programs to their soybean acres.”

Kyber Pro and Sonic Boom herbicides have received federal registration. State registrations are in progress. Kyber Pro herbicide is currently available for purchase in states where it has already received state registration. Sonic Boom herbicide is expected to be available for purchase in early 2025.

Kyber® Pro herbicide and Sonic® Boom herbicide

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Collaborations, Company News, World

UPL Corp and CAC Nantong will jointly develop, register, and commercialize cyproflanilide products within their respective markets.

UPL Corporation Ltd. (UPL Corp), a global provider of holistic and sustainable agricultural solutions, and CAC Nantong Chemical Co. Ltd. (CAC Nantong), a leading agrochemical company in China, jointly announce a new strategic partnership to develop, register, and commercialise cyproflanilide products within their respective markets.

Cyproflanilide is a new, proprietary insecticide specifically designed to combat pest resistance. It is effective across a wide range of chewing pests in multiple crops, including but not limited to rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables. Cyproflanilide offers high efficacy at low use rates against a broad pest spectrum, including lepidoptera pests resistant to the most established active ingredients, through both contact and ingestion. The compound is exceptionally versatile, making it suitable for applications in foliar and soil as well as the public health sector.

Christina Coen, CMO of UPL Corp, said, “We are excited to enter this long-term agreement with CAC Nantong to introduce this revolutionary insecticide to more growers in new markets. This initiative aligns with our value-added portfolio strategy by introducing a proprietary active ingredient with a differentiated mode of action and underscores our commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and setting new standards in pest management. By adding cyproflanilide to our global portfolio, we strengthen our ability to offer farmers differentiated solutions to effectively and safely manage pests, boost crop yields, and enhance food security outcomes worldwide.”

Norman Wu, Global Marketing Head Crop Protection Business Unit of CAC Nantong, said:” We are delighted to have reached such an important collaboration milestone with UPL Corp. This collaboration further solidifies CAC Nantong’s dedication to continuous development in science and technology and demonstrates our long-term commitment in product innovation. Through this collaboration, CAC Nantong will be able to accelerate application of cyproflanilide globally. This advanced technology will allow growers to better protect their crops and achieve high yield, contributing to global food security.”

Cyproflanilide is expected to be classified as a meta-diamide in IRAC’s Group 30 list of compounds. The registration process for cyproflanilide is underway with approval expected in China in the near future. UPL Corp and CAC Nantong expect the first wave of registrations in various countries over the next 3 years.

UPL Corp and CAC Nantong will jointly

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India, Live Stock

The Department of Fisheries under PMMSY, launched the developing of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, focusing on investment in infrastructure, investor partnerships, training, and capacity-building to strengthen operations and boost global competitiveness in tuna fisheries.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal husbandry & Dairying Organized the Investors Meet 2024: Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture sector of Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 14th November 2024 at Swaraj Dweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the gracious presence of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D K Joshi, Minister of State for MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs George Kurian, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D Secretary, and Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Investors from various parts of the country specializing in technologies related to Tuna Fishing and Seaweed also participated in the event. In this context, The Department of Fisheries, GoI, under PMMSY, launched the developing of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, focusing on investment in infrastructure, investor partnerships, training, and capacity-building to strengthen operations and boost global competitiveness in tuna fisheries.

The global tuna industry, valued at over $40 billion annually, plays a major role in the blue economy. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands represent a prime opportunity for this sector, with a vast 6 lakh square km Exclusive Economic Zone rich in high-value tuna species and an untapped oceanic potential of 60,000 metric tons. This includes 24,000 metric tons for Yellowfin and 2,000 metric tons for Skipjack, while current harvests stand at just 4,420 metric tons, leaving ample room for expansion. Strategically located near Southeast Asia, the islands offer efficient trade routes by sea and air, ideally positioning India to expand its tuna export capabilities.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, envisioned the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a future hub for fisheries exports, noting that the government is also working to strengthen trade with Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, he outlined efforts to promote deep-sea fishing and develop post-harvest processing facilities to help achieve the export target of Rs1 lakh crore. The Union Minister emphasised on creating modern fishing infrastructure in A&N for sustainably utilising huge untapped resources of this region. 

The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D.K. Joshi, addressed key challenges facing the fisheries sector in the region, including logistical issues due to limited connectivity with Southeast Asia, delays in trade clearances caused by the absence of MPEDA and EIC offices (with Chennai being the nearest office), and the need for improved transport infrastructure. To address these challenges, a direct flight connecting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with Southeast Asia though Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, will be inaugurated on 16th November 2024, enabling the trade connectivity. First export consignment may be sent via the return flight. Additionally, for seafood exports promotion from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the MPEDA and EIC have established desk offices at Port Blair enhancing the efficiency of trade clearances and facilitating smoother operations.

The Department of Fisheries under PMMSY, launched

Company News, Environment, India, Sustainability

Supported through Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund (RNCF), the initiative will establish 75 urban food gardens across Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata municipal schools.

Amazon and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia, today announced the launch of an extensive urban food garden initiative to improve nutrition for children in municipal schools in India. The initiative aims to set up a network of 75 urban food gardens in municipal schools across Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. This US$1 million initiative is built on India’s School Nutrition Garden Scheme and is expected to provide 15 million school meals over three years for children in need.

The gardens in these urban biodiversity havens are meticulously designed small cultivation spaces promoting local food production and community engagement. In addition to encouraging state schools to grow food and supplying a greater variety of fresh produce in students’ midday meals, the initiative also supports educational experiences in composting and rainwater recycling. 

The urban food garden initiative is supported through Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, a $100 million initiative supporting climate resilience and nature conservation in communities where it operates. This fund finances nature-based solutions that complement Amazon’s broader operational decarbonisation and sustainability efforts. Urban gardens created through this initiative are designed to be biodiverse, productive, and resilient to the adverse impacts of climate change, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the environment and communities involved.

“The urban garden initiative with ICLEI South Asia is not just about growing food, it’s about nourishing futures. This aligns deeply with Amazon’s commitment to conserving, restoring, and supporting nature and our communities,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President Operations, Amazon India. “By supporting this transformative initiative, we’re investing in the wellbeing of India’s youth and communities, environment, and sustainable development goals.”

In areas where space is limited, machaan (trellis) farming, or multilayer farming, will be employed to support year-round cultivation. This system helps to effectively utilize space, with vegetable plants such as ginger cultivated on the ground, and creepers like gourds covering the top of the trellis. Where there is space in the middle, tomatoes and brinjals can be grown. This practice of creating micro-habitats not only increases crop diversity, but also addresses the challenges of water logging and enhances overall produce availability. The urban gardens will enhance the air-quality while supporting food base for pollinator species such as bees. Improving pollinator diversity and supporting an improved habitat for them will contribute to addressing the global crisis of pollinator decline. Additionally, these urban biodiversity havens will serve as a valuable educational tool, giving students firsthand experience with natural processes such as pollination and plant growth cycles.

Supported through Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund