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Agrotech, Company News, Dairy, Digital Technologies, India

The initiative provides a suite of services to dairy farmers, including supplying IoT enabled collar devices for tracking vital health parameters of dairy animals.

Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation, is helping to modernise farming practices in rural India in partnership with ISAP India Foundation.

The initiative, titled “Economic and Social Development of Indian Village Through Technology-Enabled Dairy Farming,” aims to help modernise dairy farming practices in the water-scarce region of Antargaon (near Nagpur) in Wardha District, Maharashtra. This also involved collaboration with a technology implementation partner – eVerse.AI, to implement this corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.

The on-ground implementation utilises cutting-edge digital technologies and scientific veterinary practices to improve livestock development. The interventions of this project undertaken over the last six to seven months, beginning in May 2023, has already yielded promising results. The initiative provides a suite of services to dairy farmers, including supplying IoT (Internet of Things) enabled collar devices for tracking vital health parameters of dairy animals, providing mobile phone-based alerts and advice to farmers from veterinary experts, use of muzzle-based biometric identification system to provide digital identity to animals along with 12-digit Pashu Aadhar, use of eVerse.

AI’s newly launched CowGPT platform to provide accurate insights and advisory to dairy farmers about animal health, ration balancing advisory services, fodder development activities, supply of quality animal feed, village level animal health services, dairy farming extension programs (training, demos, expert visits), market integration activities for milk sale and the creation of additional revenue sources for families of dairy farmers utilizing animal waste products.

Speaking about the project, Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India, said: “We are thrilled that our CSR project at Antargaon, Maharashtra, is already showing early signs of success and providing tangible benefits to local farmers, and augmenting their incomes. Rockwell Automation is committed to give back to the communities where we operate by engaging in tech-led initiatives to create impact at a societal level. We are confident that this project will continue to help the people of Antargaon to benefit from the technology-enabled scientific management of the health and reproductive cycles of their farm animals. Projects like this will eventually lead to improved incomes and better quality of life in rural communities throughout India.”

The decentralised structure of dairy farming in India and limited awareness about scientific veterinary practices among rural farmers contributes to these issues. By partnering with ISAP India Foundation, Rockwell Automation aims to improve livelihoods of dairy farmers in one of the most water-scarce areas of the country, by using innovative products and services that leverage cutting-edge digital technologies for livestock development through scientifically proven veterinary practices.

The initiative provides a suite of services

Agro chems – Chemicals, India, Speciality Chemicals

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety and positive impact of Ray Nano Science & Research Centre’s Nano Urea, positioning it as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative

In a momentous achievement for the agricultural sector, India has firmly established itself as a global leader in Nano Agri Inputs, encompassing Nano fertilisers and Nano micro-nutrients, heralding a transformative era in sustainable farming practices. The notable progress in nanotechnology-driven agricultural solutions has catapulted India to the forefront of innovation, providing groundbreaking solutions that reduce dependence on conventional bulk fertilisers like Urea, promoting self-reliance, and mitigating environmental impact without compromising crop yield, thereby ensuring food security. Additionally, these advancements significantly alleviate the government’s expenditure on subsidies.

Beyond established fertiliser companies, pivotal contributors to India’s ascendancy in this domain include innovative start-ups such as Ray Nano Science & Research Centre, focusing primarily on Nano technology-driven research. Actively engaged in developing avant-garde products leveraging nanotechnology for agricultural benefits, they have played a key role in shaping India’s leadership.

With a commitment to innovation and technological progress, the organisation has successfully introduced Nano Urea, utilising its patented Green Technology, and initiated operations at its fully automated nano urea plant in Mogar, Gujarat, a mere five months after receiving Fertiliser Control Order permission.

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety and positive impact of Ray Nano Science & Research Centre’s Nano Urea, positioning it as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative. This product not only enhances crop productivity but also ensures the well-being of users and the surrounding environment.

Field efficacy studies have underscored the safety

Agbiologicals, Company News, Fungicides, India

Warden Extra, a highly potent fungicide and insecticide, is the patented product of the company

Best Agrolife Ltd (BAL), a leading agrochemical manufacturer in India, has received the registration for the indigenous manufacturing of a groundbreaking agrochemical from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC). This innovative agrochemical, comprising Trifloxystrobin, Thiamethoxam, and Thiophanate Methyl, holds significant promise in transforming Indian agriculture by mitigating harmful diseases and pests, thereby boosting crop production.

The registration has been granted under section 9(3) FIM to Seedlings India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAL. Scheduled for a nationwide launch in April 2024 under the brand name Warden Extra, this agrochemical is a potent fungicide and insecticide specifically designed to safeguard crops from Damping off disease, as well as combat Leafhopper, Aphid, and Whitefly insects. Its broad-spectrum effectiveness extends to addressing various fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot, along with targeting a variety of insects including aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.

Significantly, Warden Extra stands as BAL’s patented product, following the success of the company’s earlier innovations, Ronfen and Tricolor, which have already made a significant impact on Indian agriculture due to their remarkable effectiveness. With the introduction of Warden Extra, BAL is expanding its product line, generating anticipation for the potential contributions this new agrochemical solution could make to the agricultural sector.

Notably, BAL had also recently secured a 20-year patent for its groundbreaking creation, the “SYNERGISTIC GRANULAR HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION FOR PADDY.” This innovative herbicide, set to debut in the upcoming Kharif season, will be introduced under the brand name ‘Orisulam’. Furthermore, BAL boasts a robust pipeline for more future patent molecules, indicating a promising trajectory for the company’s continued advancements in agricultural solutions.

Warden Extra, a highly potent fungicide and

Agribusiness, Company News, Logistics, Supply Chain, Sustainability, World

Ane Maersk is the first of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels, that will be delivered between 2024 and 2025.

The world’s first large methanol-enabled container vessel has been named “Ane Maersk” at a ceremony in the shipyard of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea. The vessel is named after Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla, the Chair of the A.P. Moller Foundation and A.P. Moller Holding. Ane’s eldest granddaughter served as godmother and christened the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle over the bow.

“Ane Maersk” is the first of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels, that will be delivered between 2024 and 2025. It is the world’s second methanol-enabled container vessel. In the beginning of February, it will enter service on the AE7 string connecting Asia and Europe, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to pioneering low-emissions shipping solutions. The vessels in the new series have an industry-first innovative design with the bridge and accommodation placed at the very front of the vessel, which ensures fuel efficient operations. This series of vessels will have a transformative impact on our ambition to progress on our industry-leading climate ambitions. It is a visual and operational proof of our commitment to a more sustainable industry. With “Ane Maersk” and her sister vessels we are expanding our offer to the growing number of businesses aiming to reduce emissions from their supply chains”, said Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk.

“Ane Maersk” will begin her maiden voyage on green methanol and Maersk continues to work diligently on 2024-2025 sourcing and bunkering solutions for its methanol-enabled vessel fleet.

Maersk defines “green fuels” as fuels with low to very low GHG emissions over their life cycle compared to fossil fuels. Different green fuels achieve different life cycle reductions depending on their production pathway. By ‘low’ we refer to fuels with 65-80 per cent life cycle GHG reductions compared to fossil fuels. This covers, e.g., some biodiesels.” Very low” refers to fuels with 80-95 per cent life cycle GHG reductions compared to fossil fuels.

Ane Maersk is the first of Maersk’s

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Oilseeds

Company plans to commence a palm oil mill in the state by 2029-30, with FFB processing capacity of 10 Metric Tons per Hour (TPH) initially.

Karnataka-based MK Agrotech Pvt Ltd, a leading edible oil and food company in India and M11 Industries, today announced the launch of its ambitious oil palm plantations programme in Odisha. The Karnataka-based companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).

The oil palm plantation programme has been launched in Nuapada and Bolangir districts, with 31 farmers already on board. By 2029-30, the plan is to commence a palm oil mill in the state, with FFB processing capacity of 10 Metric Tons per Hour (TPH) initially. In fact, M11 industries Pvt Ltd’s team has initiated, in full swing, identifying progressive and interested farmers for oil palm plantations in Bolangir and Nuapada district in Odisha.

This will be followed by dedicated training, technical support and capacity building along with assistance in establishment of nurseries and supply of quality planting materials to farmers. Micro irrigation will be the game changer and the focus are to ensure the farmers have irrigation systems installed in their farms. Technically sound with an experienced extension team has been discharging their job responsibilities day and night indefatigably in this arena of oil palm extension and development.

The oil palm plantations will be productive to a greater extent in Bolangir and Nuapada districts as they come into contact with the oil palm farmers from the neighbouring Bargarh district with almost similar climatic and soil conditions.

Currently, India is the largest importer of edible oils in the world. In 2020-21, India imported about 13.35 million tonnes of edible oils worth Rs 80,000 crore. Among the imported edible oils, the share of palm oil is the highest (60 per cent), followed by soybean oil (25 per cent), and sunflower (15 per cent). Domestic edible oil production has not been able to keep pace with the growth in yearly consumption, which has exceeded 25 million tonnes.

Elaborating on MK Agrotech Pvt Ltd’s strategic decision to foray into oil palm plantations in Odisha, Mannan Khan, Director, MK Agrotech Pvt Ltd said, “Oil palm-originated from West Africa is comparatively a new crop in India and around nine million tonnes or more- of   palm oil have been imported every year. Interestingly, Oil Palm has the capability to produce highest oil yield per hectare per year. In comparative terms, its yield is more than three times than the average oil yield per hectare per year we do receive from domestic traditional oilseeds. Over the decades, the Government of India has been making continual efforts to expand the area under cultivation of oil palm across various states in India in order to maximise the domestic production of edible oils and to bring down the excessive reliance on imports.

Nasim Ali, Adviser to MK Agrotech (Former CEO- Oil Palm Plantation Division, Godrej Agrovet Ltd.) said, “The plan is to adopt a cluster approach and develop a few model farming plots with the farmers in Bolangir district and Nuapada district. There are primarily two requirements for oil palm plantation – at least half a hectare of land and assured water availability throughout the year for irrigating the crop. It’s less labour-intensive crop and can easily provide an assured net annual income of Rs 1.5 lakh per hectare per year or more to farmers, once plantation is matured. The need of the hour is greater awareness and we are working on campaigns, especially at the village level, with the support of various government authorities at local level.”

Company plans to commence a palm oil

Acquaculture, Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Funding, India

Funding will enable Aquaconnect to continue scaling its operations and expanding geographically to amplify its impact across India.

Chennai based Aquaconnect, a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that leverages satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of stakeholders in the fish and shrimp farming industry, completed a $4 million (Rs 33 Cr) Pre-Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures.

Aquaconnect will utilise the new capital to continue scaling its operations and enhance its coverage of the major aquaculture production states in India. The company has recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, and achieved 4x revenue growth in the last fiscal year.

With this new funding, Aquaconnect also seeks to double its Aqua Partner network in the next 6 months, strengthening post-harvest linkage solutions and expanding its product portfolio with farmer-focused innovations, formal credit services, and new products to amplify its reach and impact. Aqua Partners are rural entrepreneurs who provide last-mile assistance to farmers while delivering the company’s services, including farm advisory, access to feed and other farm inputs, and post-harvest market linkage to domestic and international buyers.

Commenting on the Pre-Series B funding round, Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder & CEO of Aquaconnect, said, “The investment from S2G reinforces our mission of transforming the Indian aquaculture landscape through a phygital approach. The funds come at a critical juncture as we gear up for our next phase of growth to capture new opportunities, with an intense focus on expanding our operations in major markets. This expansion is more than just scaling. It’s about deepening our impact within the farming communities by strengthening our Aqua Partners and seafood buyer network, thus creating a more sustainable ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing the service offerings and innovative tech-driven solutions to strengthen our position in the aquaculture sector.”

“Aquaconnect’s full-stack solution is revolutionizing aquaculture in India through reliable access to a diverse set of farming input products, working capital financing, marketplace commerce, and streamlined logistics,” said Kate Danaher, Managing Director at S2G Ventures. “Aquaculture is the fastest growing method of food production in the world, and a critical solution for long-term food security. Platforms that contribute to the viability of the sector through sustainable farming practices and trade are paramount. As a leading organization in the second largest aquaculture market in the world, we believe Aquaconnect is ideally positioned to capture meaningful market share and contribute to a future of sustainable growth across the sector.”

Aquaconnect raised $15 million in a Series A funding round last year from Lok Capital, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) Ventures, Suneight Investments, AgFunder, Omnivore, Rebright Partners, Flourish Ventures, and Hatch Blue.

Funding will enable Aquaconnect to continue scaling

India, R&D, Water

The innovative GMI models offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity, crucial for the future of agriculture in Maharashtra.

The research, conducted by W-CReS (WOTR’s research arm), explores an innovative agricultural solution to address water scarcity in the semi-arid regions of Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra. The study, titled ‘Understanding the Mental Models that Promote Water Sharing for Agriculture Through Group Micro-Irrigation Models in Maharashtra, India,’ focuses on Group Micro-Irrigation (GMI) models, treating water as a common good to manage resources judiciously.

 This research paper featured in ‘The Palgrave Handbook of Socio-ecological Resilience in the Face of Climate Change,’ published by Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Springer Nature.

This research aims to reach a wider audience to positively impact various regions dealing with water scarcity and agricultural sustainability. The innovative GMI models offer a sustainable solution to water scarcity, crucial for the future of agriculture in Maharashtra.

Key Highlights:

1. Group Micro-Irrigation (GMI) Models: The research introduces GMI models, treating water as a common good rather than privately owned. This approach aims to manage scarce water resources judiciously and equitably.

2. Semi-Arid Regions: Focusing on the critical areas of Marathwada and Madhya Maharashtra, where water-related adaptation strategies are urgently needed, the GMI models have been successfully implemented in Tigalkheda (Jalna district) and Bhangadewadi and Ranmala hamlet (Ahmednagar District).

3. Results and Impact: The study showcases tangible outcomes, including increased agricultural growth, knowledge, and income. Farmers adopting GMI models have transitioned to organic fertilisers, efficient water use through drip irrigation, and the cultivation of commercial crops.

4. Challenges and Resilience: Despite success, the research highlights challenges such as initial discouragement, diverse perspectives delaying group formation, and climate change effects like dust storms and irregular rainfall. The study emphasises the resilience of these innovative models in the face of adversity.

The innovative GMI models offer a sustainable

Agro Universities, Funding, Start ups

A total of INR 14.6 Crores has been disbursed to startups under startup support schemes out of which INR 1.30 Crores have been sanctioned to 13 Agri-focused startups in FY 23-24 by RKVY RAFTAAR RABI scheme

“Uttishtha 2024,” the 7th edition of the biggest agri start-up expo, has concluded with great fanfare after two days of talent, innovation, and creativity organised by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED] and E-Cell at IIM Kashipur. The event showcased several forward-thinking startups run by bright young people from all around the nation.

IIM Kashipur’s FIED-funded startups were Krushika Naturals Pvt. Ltd. 25 Lakhs, Himshilpi Hunar LLP 5 Lakhs, Zarin Gourmet Pvt Ltd 25 Lakhs, MyPahadiDukan 25 Lakhs, BABA Agrotech 20 Lakhs, SS Agriculture Innovations Pvt Ltd 5 Lakhs, and Svastha Samriddhi Pvt Ltd 25 Lakhs. This funding aims to catalyse the growth of these ventures and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A total of INR 14.6 Crores has been disbursed to startups under startup support schemes out of which INR 1.30 Crores have been sanctioned to 13 Agri-focused startups in FY 23-24 by RKVY RAFTAAR RABI scheme by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare & INR 2.89 Crores have been sanctioned to 13 startups under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

With the aid of IIM Kashipur’s FIED, several brilliant startups, such as Bijak, Loopworm, Greenpod Labs, InfyU Labs, Agronxt, Industill, and Ikayu Foodlabs, have raised INR 320 Crores and more in funding from outside venture capital firms and angel investors. Under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare’s RKVY RAFTAAR RABI scheme, IIM Kashipur FIED has provided funding and business training to 200+ startups since its founding in 2018, including 68 with an agri-focused focus.

100 promising agri-startups and community-focused businesses from the Uttarakhand hills participated in the agriculture fair, showcasing their goods and services that support the agricultural industry and its supporting ecosystems.

A total of INR 14.6 Crores has

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Live Stock, Plant-Based Meat

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines that the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will research early cell line development

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of India has joined forces with Neat Meatt Biotech to create high-value marine fish in bioreactors. The institute is taking on the challenge of lab-grown fish for the first time in India to tackle the increasing demand for seafood and ease the strain on wild fish stocks. To create cultivated or lab-grown fish, scientists isolate specific cells from the fish and grow them in a laboratory setting using animal component-free media.

The final goal is to have a product that mimics the flavour, texture, and nutritional benefits of traditionally raised fish. Initially, the focus will be on developing cell-based high-value marine fish species, such as kingfish, pomfret, and seer. To launch this initiative in a public-private partnership mode, CMFRI has partnered with Neat Meatt Biotech, a start-up dedicated to developing cultivated meat. Dr A Gopalakrishnan, CMFRI director, and Dr Sandeep Sharma, co-founder, and CEO of Neat Meatt Biotech, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the newly formed partnership.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines that the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will research early cell line development. This process involves isolating and cultivating fish cells for further study and analysis. In addition, the CMFRI will be responsible for carrying out genetic, biochemical, and analytical work associated with the project. The institute is equipped with a cell culture laboratory that provides essential facilities for research in cellular biology.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines that

Company News, India, Supply Chain

This is a significant step in establishing integrated end-to-end business planning, response and supply planning processes for domestic and international businesses

Rallis India Limited, a Tata enterprise and a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry, has successfully launched Plan Guru, a tool to simplify supply chain operations in its crop care and seeds divisions. This is a significant step in establishing integrated end-to-end business planning, response and supply planning processes for domestic and international businesses.

Sanjiv Lal, Managing Director, Rallis India Limited, said, “Plan Guru will bring transformations across the entire supply chain management (SCM) landscape, and help enhance individual capability. By transitioning away from manual processes and embracing a digitally integrated planning approach, we aim to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration across the entire supply chain. This shift, from person-dependent planning and independent data views to more accurate planning with interdependent data views, is a significant one. It will pave the way for improved effectiveness and more informed decision-making.”

Elaborating on the platform, Nagarajan S., Chief Operating Officer, Rallis India Limited, said, “Plan Guru will help us handle market disruptions more effectively since digitalisation brings greater visibility across the supply chain. Digitised real-time simulations of various scenarios allow us to better anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and maintain a consistent flow of operations. This tool will help us optimise inventory levels while maximising customer service levels. This will thus help build stronger relationships while improving plant utilisation and optimising capital employed”

This is a significant step in establishing

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, China, Company News, Finance

The court found all the defendants guilty of infringing FMC’s composition of matter patent for a key intermediate to manufacture chlorantraniliprole, FMC’s insect control active ingredient.

FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, announced that the Supreme Court of China (SPC) has ordered several agrichemical manufacturers in China found guilty of patent infringement to pay FMC close to USD 1 million in damages as a result of FMC’s appeal. The amount is among the highest damages awarded in patent infringement suits in China’s pesticide industry in recent times.

In September 2022, the Zhengzhou Intermediate Court in the Henan province of China had ruled in FMC’s favour in a patent infringement lawsuit against Henan Yongfeng Chemical Co., Ltd; Suqian Haide Pharmaceutical and Chemical Co., Ltd; Xinxiang Runyu New Material Technology Co., Ltd; and the individual Wang Shichao (collectively “defendants”). The court found all the defendants guilty of infringing FMC’s composition of matter patent for a key intermediate to manufacture chlorantraniliprole, FMC’s leading insect control active ingredient. All the defendants were ordered to compensate FMC for related damages.

FMC subsequently appealed to the SPC, seeking a higher damage amount. On November 30, 2023, the SPC ordered the defendants to pay FMC approximately USD 1 million in total damages.

“FMC appreciates the Supreme Court and Zhengzhou Intermediate Court protecting FMC’s intellectual property rights in China and requiring infringers such as Henan Yongfeng Chemical Co. Ltd. and the other defendants to compensate patent holders for their acts of infringement. Intellectual property rights encourage the continued innovation of crop protection solutions by recognizing the significant time, money and commitment invested in discovering new active ingredients,” said Michael Reilly, executive vice president and general counsel for FMC. “FMC invests heavily in the discovery of new active ingredients, the development of innovative formulations and biologicals in addition to the advancement of precision and digital agriculture technologies that support sustainable agriculture and improved food security in China and throughout the world.”

The court found all the defendants guilty

AgroPolicy, Carbon Farming, Nature, Sustainability

Introducing farmers to the carbon market will not only benefit them but also accelerate the adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices

Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, launched the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in the Agriculture Sector and Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in Delhi. Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of DARE and Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Senior officials of Central and State Ministries and Various Organisations related to agriculture were present on the occasion, while many stakeholders also joined the programme virtually.

In his address, Munda said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare prepared a framework to promote the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) in the agricultural sector of the country to encourage small and medium farmers to avail benefits of carbon credit. Introducing farmers to the carbon market will not only benefit them but also accelerate the adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices. He requested full cooperation from the concerned ministries of the Centre and the States and other concerned organizations to promote the carbon market in the interest of farmers. He said that work should be done in this direction in collaboration with the farmers of the southern areas, in a manner convenient for them and along with the solution; there is a need to focus its benefits on our farmers. This is the first step in which we want to ensure everyone’s participation. Global challenges like global warming are in front of all of us; hence we have to move ahead with caution. He asked ICAR to play an active role in this direction and do good work in the right manner.

Munda said that the Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries will strengthen the institutional arrangements for production and certification of planting material on a large scale to promote agroforestry in the country. He asked all the stakeholders to adopt it so that quality planting material can provide assured returns and the objectives and goals of the National Agroforestry Policy can be achieved. He also urged for proper use of natural resources.

Introducing farmers to the carbon market will

Biofuel industry, Company News, Sustainability, World

This ethanol-based technology is the world’s first viable next-generation SAF technology capable of scaling production to the levels needed to decarbonize aviation through widely available and sustainable feedstock, emerging commercial waste-based feedstock solutions

LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer joined government officials, industry leaders, partners, and supporters to open LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels, the world’s first ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility.

LanzaJet’s technology is recognised as the pioneering ethanol-to-SAF production process and pathway. This ethanol-based technology is the world’s first viable next-generation SAF technology capable of scaling production to the levels needed to decarbonize aviation through widely available and sustainable feedstock, emerging commercial waste-based feedstock solutions, and promising economic conditions. Located in Soperton, Georgia, LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels represents one of the most promising SAF technologies in nearly a decade to reach commercial readiness and will produce 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel per year from low carbon, sustainable, and certified ethanol which meets U.S. and global standards. LanzaJet’s technology enables current and future supply volume to support a scaled SAF industry as well as the White House’s SAF Grand Challenge, which calls for a supply of at least 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030 to tangibly reduce aviation emissions. With its proprietary ethanol to SAF technology, LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels serves as a blueprint for utilising first-of-its-kind innovation to scale SAF production and combat the worsening climate crisis.

This ethanol-based technology is the world's first

AgroPolicy, India, Pulses

The Federation will soon take the number of mobile outlets from 50 to 100 and add atta, rice, and moong dal

National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF), a unit of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, has launched the ‘Bharat Dal’ brand in Tamil Nadu to sell high-quality pulses and rice to consumers at subsidised price. AASSAAN Global Trade has been appointed as the authorised distributor of Bharat Dal.

Currently, 50 mobile vans sell Bharat Dal brand chana dal directly to customers at main locations in towns and villages in each district. The number of mobile outlets will be increased to 100 and new items such as atta, rice, and moong dal will be added soon. 

This flagship initiative of NCCF aims to stabilise prices, curb food inflation, and augment domestic availability. Bharat Dal is already sold at various places in North India with an overwhelming response from consumers. 


To make pulses available to consumers at affordable prices, the Central Government is maintaining a buffer stock of five major pulses, namely, chana, tur, urad, moong and masur under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). The stocks from the buffer are released in the market in a calibrated and targeted manner to control prices. The chana dal, under this arrangement, is also made available to state governments for supplies under their welfare schemes, police, and jails, and also for distribution through the retail outlets of state government-controlled cooperatives and corporations. 

The Federation will soon take the number