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AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Vegetables

Fruit production is estimated to increase 109.53 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 from 107.51 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released Third advance estimate of area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23. The estimation of total horticulture production for the year 2022-23 is 355.25 million tonnes, which is about 8.07 million tonnes more (increase of 2.32 per cent) than the year 2021-22 (final).

On the basis of information received from States/UTs and other government source agencies, production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, spices, flowers and honey are estimated to increase as per the third advance estimate for 2022-23. Fruit production is estimated to increase 109.53 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 from 107.51 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

Similarly, the production of vegetables is estimated to be 213.88 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 while Production in the year 2021-22 was 209.14 million tonnes. Production of plantation crops is estimated to increase 16.84 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 as compared to 15.76 million tonnes in the year 2021-22 i.e. an increase of about 6.80 per cent.

Potato production is expected to be 60.22 million tonnes while the production in the year 2021-22 was 56.18 million tonnes. Tomato production will be 20.37 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 as compared to 20.69 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Arjun Munda said that this achievement of continuously increasing horticulture production in the country is due to the hard work of our farmer brothers & sisters, scientists and agriculture and farmer friendly policies of the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Fruit production is estimated to increase 109.53

Agro Universities, People, R&D

Dr Pinto makes IRRI history as its first female Director General.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Board of Trustees officially announced Dr Yvonne Pinto as IRRI’s new Director General, effective April 22, 2024. Dr Pinto will also serve as the CGIAR Regional Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific and Country Representative for the Philippines.

Dr Pinto brings a wealth of experience and expertise to IRRI and CGIAR, having previously excelled in roles such as Director of Strategy, Innovation, and Sustainability at Eagle Genomics Ltd., and Managing Director of ALINE Impact Limited. Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Chair of IRRI’s Board of Trustees, said, “Dr Pinto brings a wealth of experience and expertise to both IRRI and CGIAR. Her life’s work has been dedicated to improving agriculture systems through science, and she has a proven track record in innovation and its commercialization, ecosystems management, gender, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, environmental, social, and governance, design and implementation, capacity building, international development, and policy influence. These experiences will surely contribute to achieving our overall mission.”

Through her work, Dr Pinto has collaborated with both private and non-government agencies stationed in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. In her most recent role, she led a team that developed a unique AI-augmented software that aims to understand the microbiome in soil, plant, farm, fork, animal, and human gut. The initiative contributes towards data-driven health, disease prevention, and a generative bio-economy with more sustainable farming solutions.

Dr. Pinto has a rich background in plant genetics and has worked in various positions with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gatsby Foundation, UN FAO, and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College. She sat on various Boards, Program Advisory, and Steering Committees, most notably, as former Chair of the WorldFish Board of Trustees. She also previously contributed to creating the strategy for OneCGIAR Biosciences for Africa Hub, including capacity development, research into the use of biosciences and biotechnology, and an organizational M&E system. Dr. Pinto was a Program Advisory Committee member of the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB).

Dr Pinto was born a Kenyan, raised in Ethiopia, and became a UK and ultimately a global citizen. She has a BSc in Plant Sciences and Agriculture from Reading University, an MSc in Biotechnology and a Ph.D. in Virology from Imperial College, and a General Management Executive Education from Cambridge University.

As IRRI’s Director General, she will be responsible for leading the institute’s strategy and governance to meet the needs and expectations of donors, investors, partners, stakeholders, and ultimately the smallholder farmers in rice-based systems. Of particular importance will be leading IRRI in developing and scaling sustainable innovations that help solve some of the biggest global issues of climate change, poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

As CGIAR Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEA&P), she will coordinate ongoing and new efforts to build CGIAR’s presence in SEA&P by showcasing CGIAR’s work, the value of working as one team, building a vibrant pipeline of opportunities, and shaping the new organizational culture across the region, focusing on inclusion, transparency, and trust.

Dr Ismahane Elouafi, CGIAR Executive Managing Director, said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Pinto to CGIAR as IRRI Director General. Dr. Pinto is highly respected in the area of agricultural systems transformation and brings with her an excellent track record, starting with a rich background in plant genetics. Her demonstrable strategic vision, drive and energy will continue to solidify IRRI’s world-class reputation and contribute to our shared goals in tackling growing global hunger, malnutrition, and climate change.”

Dr Pinto makes IRRI history as its

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Digital Technologies

A Tripartite MoU signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI and Wadhwani Foundation

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for the benefit of farmers and to increase overall productivity. As a pioneering force in the integration of AI, the Ministry is setting a precedent for leveraging advanced technologies to address the challenges faced by the farmers in India. It is championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, designed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India.

A significant milestone in this journey is the development of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot addressing farmers’ queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This comprehensive solution, available in Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bangla, and English, is evolving to support other government programs and has been accessed by more than 21 lakh farmers within 2 months.

Additionally, the Ministry is developing a National Pest Surveillance System in collaboration with the private sector. AI and Machine Learning (ML) models detect crop issues, offering timely information to farmers for swift action. This initiative is expected to result in healthier crops, potentially boosting yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI under Digital India Corporation, and Wadhwani Foundation. The MoU was signed in the presence of Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary, Ruchika Gupta, Advisor(Digital), Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary(Extn.), Muktanand Agrawal, Director (Digital), other senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Electronics & IT and Prakash Kumar, CEO, Wadhwani Institute of Technology and Policy.

Per the MoU, the Wadhwani Foundation will provide critical support in formulating and executing an AI strategy. The Foundation commits to assisting the Ministry in establishing India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation, aligning with MeitY’s National Plan for AI. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural landscape, where the Ministry has institutionalised the use of AI in transforming digital agriculture through the creation of an AI cell within the Ministry.

A Tripartite MoU signed between the National

Company News, Farm Mechanisation, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting, World

Award winning designs includes CNH’s flagship products and world first electric tractors with autonomous features.

Product designs from CNH’s global agriculture brands Case IH and New Holland have been honored with four Good Design Awards. Winners of this renowned global prize for design excellence are determined by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd. This edition saw submissions received from over 55 countries.

“Our CNH Design Team is always thrilled to be recognized by the Good Design Awards. The unique talents within this global team are on full display in these designs which include our brands’ flagship products and world first electric tractors with autonomous features,” said David Wilkie, Head of Design at CNH.

Our Winners

The Case IH Farmall 75C Electric is the brand’s first fully electric tractor. The electrification of the iconic Farmall model gave the CNH Design team an opportunity to reimagine it with a brand-new design that evokes its powerful, diesel-equivalent performance and ability to tackle agriculture’s toughest jobs.

The Case IH Quadtrac 715 – the world’s most powerful tractor – sports a new signature look that suggests its vast technological and performance capabilities, which work in unison to deliver customers greatly increased productivity.

The New Holland CR11 is the brand’s next-generation flagship combine. It integrates world-class iron with AI and machine learning to automate tasks and optimize all aspects of harvesting, from maximizing crop value to minimizing fuel usage. It showcases a new design and style for the brand, developed through close collaboration between the CNH Design, Engineering, Product and Brand Marketing teams. The result is iconic: a refreshed design that is stylish yet timeless. The flow of the harvest is underlined on the exterior body panels by the flowing blue line that runs across the combine, highlighting the various functions of the machine.

Award winning designs includes CNH’s flagship products

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, Europe, Fungicides, Herbicides, R&D

With its newest collaboration, Enko and Syngenta will focus on discovering herbicide solutions to combat widespread resistance and eliminate aggressive weeds, such as Palmer Amaranth.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and crop health company Enko announced today the discovery of novel chemistry to control fungal disease in crops, using a platform that reduces the time required for R&D discovery.

With its newest collaboration, Enko and Syngenta will focus on discovering herbicide solutions to combat widespread resistance and eliminate aggressive weeds, such as Palmer Amaranth.The new chemistry features a new mode of action designed to target diseases that can devastate cereal crops. This breakthrough was achieved by screening billions of chemical molecules within Enko’s DNA-encoded libraries, and then using artificial intelligence and machine learning models to identify potent, selective molecules. This significantly shortens the time required for the discovery process, while ensuring molecules meet specified safety criteria.

Fungal pathogens are a major challenge to the health of crops worldwide. Diseases caused by these pathogens alone cause growers to lose between 10-23 percent of their yield; for the top 5 staple crops – rice, wheat, corn, soybeans and potatoes – this is estimated to be enough to feed as much as 4 billion people a daily diet of 2,000 calories for a whole year. Experts predict such losses will worsen with global warming widening the spread of fungal infections, as well as rising resistance to existing fungicides.

The fungicide discovery milestone is part of Syngenta and Enko’s multi-year collaboration to bring new, affordable, safe and sustainable crop protection solutions to farmers globally. The companies have now entered into the next phase of their collaboration, to optimize the fungicide’s attributes and rigorously test them for safety and efficacy. The two companies further aim to build on the success of the fungicide collaboration, and have signed a new agreement to discover novel chemical starting points for a new herbicide.

“We are excited to partner with Enko to apply the latest in drug discovery and development approaches used in the pharmaceutical industry to agriculture, and to be able to bring new and effective agricultural solutions even more quickly to farmers,” said Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research at Syngenta Crop Protection. “With a new mode of action, this novel chemistry promises to help farmers sustainably manage crops, protect yields, and combat resistance.”

“The world faces a food security crisis that climate change is steadily worsening,” said Enko CEO and founder Jacqueline Heard. “By proving that digital tools can cut discovery time for new crop protection solutions, we hope to accelerate the digital transformation shift within the agricultural industry as growers’ needs become more urgent.”

With its newest collaboration, Enko and Syngenta

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Europe

The acquisition will broaden EMIS’ product offering in the French market, taking full advantage of the Group’s wide range of solutions for crop protection.

Arrigoni S.p.A., a leading player in the production and distribution of solutions for crop protection, has successfully completed the acquisition of Financiere European Trade S.A.S. and its subsidiary European Trade S.A.S. (“EMIS”), a French company based in Aix-en-Provence, active in the distribution of products mainly related to the agricultural sector.

EMIS offers a wide product portfolio, including nets and films for multiple applications and related accessories. The company has been led since its establishment by the Moulias family, in particular by Sébastien Moulias and his father Philippe.

The acquisition of EMIS, which is consistent with the Group’s growth strategy, will enable Arrigoni to (i) strengthen its presence in foreign markets, in particular in France, through a direct presence; (ii) broaden EMIS’ product offering in the French market, taking full advantage of the Group’s wide range of solutions for crop protection; and (iii) improve customer service through a better understanding of their specific needs, greater geographical proximity and the development of tailor-made solutions.

The Moulias family, which has reinvested in the Group sharing the soundness of the transaction, will continue to lead the Group’s business activity in France under the leadership of Sébastien Moulias.

Sébastien Moulias said, “I am very happy for the successful completion of the transaction with Arrigoni, a leading player in the world of crop protection, which will enable us to consolidate our growth path in the French market thanks to the multiple commercial synergies”.

Paolo Arrigoni added, “We are thrilled about EMIS joining the Group, allowing us to have a direct access to an interesting and fast-growing market such as the French one. I would like to thank the Moulias family, whom we have been working with since a long time, that has now chosen to share with us its future path”.

Arrigoni has been assisted by Ashurst Studio Legale Associato for legal due diligence and legal aspects and by KPMG for financial and tax due diligence.

The acquisition will broaden EMIS' product offering

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, India, Investments, Oilseeds

Under the MoU, the company plans to invest Rs 500 crores in Telangana and employ 5000 people.

Witnessing the potential in the Southern parts of India, BL Agro, India’s fastest-growing FMCG company, has signed an MOU with Chief Minister of Telangana, Anumula Revanth Reddy to set up a manufacturing unit in the State. The MoU was signed recently at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland. Under the MoU, the company plans to invest Rs 500 crores in Telangana and employ 5000 people. With this, BL Agro sets its footprints in South India, after becoming a household name in North and East India.

The new manufacturing unit will be engaged in producing the entire range of ‘Nourish’ products-wheat flour, pasta, vermicelli, spices, papad, etc., along with rice bran and cotton seed oils. This plant will be instrumental in providing employment to 5,000 workers, including skilled workforce, farmers and other workers.

On signing the MoU with Telangana Government, Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro said, “It is a moment of pride for us as a Group company to sign an MoU with Telangana Government and expand our footprints in the Southern part of the country. The MOU signed at WEF represents our shared commitment to redefining the agricultural landscape, bringing forth a new era of sustainable development in the State, and our country eventually”.

“The new manufacturing unit will set the stage for innovation, empowerment, and prosperity for the State’, added Khandelwal.

As per the guidelines laid in the MoU, BL Agro, along with its group company, Leads Connect agritech, plans to create an agri value chain in the State under its initiative ‘Khet Se Kitchen Tak’, which supports the farmers’ community and agribusinesses, and help improve productivity and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Under the MoU, the company plans to

Dairy, R&D, World

Replacing synthetic nitrogen with up to 40 pounds of PROVEN 40 led to a 3.4 per cent increase in milk production per acre

An extensive new study conducted in collaboration with over 30 dairy producers during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons demonstrated that replacing up to 40 pounds per acre of synthetic nitrogen with Pivot Bio PROVEN® 40 significantly improved silage tonnage without sacrificing quality.

The results, presented at the Dairy Business Association’s Dairy Strong event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, showed that farmers who used PROVEN 40 and a reduced rate of nitrogen saw a 0.91 increase in tonnage per acre, representing a 4.2 per cent advantage over the grower standard.

PROVEN 40 not only increased silage production but also boosted farmer profitability. Replacing synthetic nitrogen with up to 40 pounds of PROVEN 40 led to a 3.4 per cent increase in milk production per acre. While production per acre increased, milk per ton remained consistent, demonstrating that production can increase while maintaining quality.

“PROVEN 40 isn’t just about increasing production. It’s also a path to maximising profit for farmers,” said Andy Heath, a Pivot Bio agronomist from Central Wisconsin. “For the second year in a row, our results show that Pivot Bio’s revolutionary microbial nitrogen is a step toward a more prosperous future in corn silage production, optimising tonnage, maintaining quality, improving environmental outcomes and ultimately driving profitability.”

Replacing synthetic nitrogen with up to 40

Agribusiness, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Company’s India technologies centre showcased precision technologies, software applications, and telematics that had been created and integrated across product segments.

CNH has been operating in India for 25 years; it is a world leader in agriculture and construction solutions. The company has been an industry trailblazer in bringing innovative technology to the country’s farmers ever since it was founded. It is the industry leader in crop residue baling, having been an industry trailblazer in the field.

At its Greater Noida factory, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary by showcasing a variety of agricultural machinery, such as tractors, combine harvesters, and balers. Accompanying the presentation of CNH’s indigenous R&D capabilities, the India technologies Centre showcased precision technologies, software applications, and telematics that had been created and integrated across product segments.

Narinder Mittal, Country Manager & Managing Director of CNH India & SAARC said “As we commemorate 25 years of New Holland’s journey in India, we take pride in our commitment to delivering not only cutting-edge technology and superior products, but also in our unwavering dedication to supporting hardworking farmers – the backbone of our nation. We look forward to the next chapter with a renewed promise to bring forth innovation, quality, and service that not only empower our farmers but also contribute to the growth of the Indian economy and communities.”

The Greater Noida plant has the ability to produce more than 60,000 tractors every year, making it one of the most sophisticated factories in India. In line with the country’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the plant has been producing continuously for the domestic and export markets for over twenty years, all while adhering to the CNH Business System, which promotes greater accountability, agility, efficiency, and safety.

It has just surpassed 6.7 lakh tractors in manufacturing. In an effort to lessen its impact on the environment, the facility has cut its CO2 emissions by almost 26,000 tonnes in the last ten years. Using solar panels, the Greater Noida facility is able to meet over 25 per cent of its energy needs, demonstrating its commitment to green energy.

In addition, the facility has planted nearly 10,000 trees of 30 different kinds across 3,000 square metres, following the Miyawaki Project Methodology. CNH India fulfils its commitment to supply engineering excellence through its Case IH, New Holland, and CASE Construction Equipment brands, which service the country. A strong and reliable presence is demonstrated by the company’s extensive network of over 1,000 touchpoints and 470+ dealers across India.

Company’s India technologies centre showcased precision technologies,

Climate, Company News, India

The company has also delineated its vision to go operationally climate-impact neutral by 2040

Innoterra, a Swiss Indian tech-driven agri-food platform, has released its 2023 Stakeholder Impact Report that elaborates on the company’s commitment to a sustainable future for both the planet and people. In the report, the company has also delineated its vision to go operationally climate-impact neutral by 2040.

Innoterra, a leader in sustainable agriculture, aims to transform India’s food ecosystem, generating value for emerging economies. Around a decade ago, Innoterra set out to leverage technology to create integrated agri-food businesses in India. Today, Innoterra’s B2B marketplace, Farmlink, connects food system participants, empowering farmers and enabling direct sales for retailers. Operating on a demand-driven model, this open-architecture marketplace facilitates direct sales. Innoterra also has deep experience in working with banana cultivators to grow export-quality bananas has helped in creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

In a dynamic year marked by the intensifying impacts of climate change on agriculture, Innoterra has consistently worked towards its ESG focus areas and delivered results. The report sums up the achievements of the year, while also sharing the vision and a comprehensive roadmap to achieve operational Net Zero by 2040 that includes R&D, farmer-centric capacity building, local sourcing strategies and investment in cutting-edge digital tools.

The company has also delineated its vision

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, IT, Opinions

 By Amit Sinha, Co-founder, Unnati Agri

India’s agriculture industry is on the cusp of a major technological transformation, which is a pivotal moment after decades of growth. The sector has been witnessing robust growth with an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent over the last six years. Emerging developments include accurate crop forecasting, sensor technology, robotics, etc., which heralds a paradigm shift in how agriculture is used and managed. Several emerging trends are set to reshape the practices and management of agriculture in India in the coming year of 2024.  Let’s delve into these transformative developments.

Technology adoption is escalating, with precision farming, drones, and IoT devices gaining prominence for improved crop monitoring, management, and resource utilization. The aim is to increase yields, save costs and improve business processes to make agriculture more efficient while increasing income. In this context, AgriTech emerges as a catalyst, bringing transformative and sustainable shifts in farming practices. The primary objective is not only to enhance the quality and quantity of crops, optimize livestock management but also to strive towards achieving a sustainable future.

Sustainable Agriculture

 In India, a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices demonstrates a dedication to environmental conservation. This change aims to reduce agriculture’s environmental effect, fostering a more climate-conscious and sustainable approach within the farming sector. One of the most prominent trends in sustainable farming is the use of regenerative agriculture practices. This strategy emphasizes the significance of soil health and advocates the adoption of soil organic matter-building practices.

Government initiative

 The active implementation of diverse government schemes and initiatives, with a specific focus on elevating farmers’ income, improving irrigation facilities, and enhancing overall agricultural productivity, stands out as a pivotal pathway for fostering the growth of agriculture.

Moreover, regarding market linkages, it is evident that technology platforms consistently act as facilitators, strengthening the connections between farmers and markets. This leads to an improved system that guarantees better prices for agricultural produce, consequently contributing to the overall economic prosperity of farmers.

Another observable trend is diversification, wherein farmers are venturing into cultivating new crops and engaging in additional activities such as dairy, poultry, and aquaculture. This will not only enable them to to establish multiple income sources but also enhances the resilience of their farms.

Agri-Fintech

Last but certainly not least is the rise of Agri-Fintech. The agricultural sector is witnessing an increasing adoption of financial technology, providing farmers with enhanced access to credit, insurance, and various financial services.

In 2024, developments in Indian agriculture will lead to a paradigm shift toward a more technologically advanced, sustainable, and resilient sector. This transformation not only tackles current difficulties, but also creates the groundwork for a future-ready agricultural sector capable of meeting the increasing demands of a growing population while encouraging environmental care.

Technological revolution in agri sector

The future of agriculture in India is on the brink of a technological revolution, with several advancements poised to transform the sector. As per an EY report, agri-tech startups in India have the potential to reach a market worth $24 billion by 2025.

Agricultural technology aims to make fieldwork more efficient and convenient. Every year, many innovations, sometimes breakthrough technologies, appear in agriculture. With the modernization and expansion of the agricultural industry, it is increasingly important for agricultural consultants, food manufacturers and industrial managers to stay abreast of the latest technological standard. Numerous technologies are contributing to increased efficiency within the agricultural ecosystem.

In this dynamic landscape, precision agriculture is positioned to thrive. This growth is fueled by the widespread adoption of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time crop monitoring. Simultaneously, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors will provide invaluable data on soil health and environmental conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play pivotal roles, offering predictive analytics for optimized crop management and image recognition for early detection of potential issues.

Blockchain tech

Blockchain technology is expected to contribute to transparency in the agricultural supply chain, ensuring fair compensation for farmers and providing consumers with information about the origins of their food. Biotechnology may introduce genetically modified crops with enhanced resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions. The deployment of autonomous vehicles and robotics is set to revolutionize farm operations, resulting in reduced labor costs and improved overall efficiency.

Mobile applications that facilitate direct connections between farmers and buyers, coupled with features such as weather forecasting, empower farmers by providing them with crucial information. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, addresses sustainability concerns, while water management technologies like drip irrigation optimize resource utilization.

Government initiatives, combined with the widespread adoption of data analytics and farm management software, are crucial components propelling this technological revolution. The overarching goal is to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Indian agriculture.

 By Amit Sinha, Co-founder, Unnati AgriIndia’s agriculture

Agbiologicals, Company News, Fungicides, World

Convergence biofungicide provides an additional mode of action against tough-to-control foliar diseases, including tar spot, rusts and leaf spots.

Certis Biologicals has one compelling question for row crop farmers in 2024: Why settle for just one advantage when you can experience them all? In the realm of science and technology, convergence signifies the seamless integration of technologies into a unified system. Certis Biologicals’ new Convergence biofungicide embodies this idea, offering row crop farmers a harmonious blend of superior disease control and plant health in one convenient and cost-effective solution.

This reliable biofungicide provides farmers with an EPA-approved, powerful and convenient biological tool to protect and fortify crops. Convergence protects against soilborne fungal and bacterial diseases caused by Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and Phytophthora. It also provides an additional mode of action against tough-to-control foliar diseases, including tar spot, rusts and leaf spots.

Formulated for row crops with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747, Convergence uses naturally occurring, carefully selected microorganisms to create a living shield, safeguarding against diseases and preserving the delicate balance of soil and plant health, all while improving the farmer’s bottom line.

“The flexibility and power of Convergence sets it apart from existing products on the market. It can be applied whenever is most convenient for a farmer’s next planned trip across the field,” explains Eric Luce, Global Portfolio Manager of Row Crops with Certis Biologicals. “Farmers can use Convergence to effectively manage resistance, control disease and improve plant health without making an extra pass.”

This solution does not impact beneficial insects, fostering long-term biodiversity and sustainability, equipping farmers with a tool to manage resistance on their terms. Convergence can be seamlessly incorporated into existing conventional programs through in-furrow or foliar applications. It has no special storage requirements and can be tank-mixed with nearly any synthetic application.

Convergence has been tested on fields throughout the Midwest and continues to demonstrate efficacy and good return on investment for corn and soybean farmers.

“In field trials, Convergence has shown it can help increase corn yields compared to zinc starter fertilizer alone,” says Shaun Berry, Vice President of Research and Development with Certis Biologicals. “When applied in-furrow, Convergence has shown the ability to help increase yields in soybeans compared to no treatment.”

With Convergence, Certis Biologicals is delivering on its mission to provide farmers with innovative biological solutions that harness the power of nature in convenient and affordable ways.

Convergence biofungicide provides an additional mode of

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Sustainability

The Sustainability (ESG) Report provides valuable insights into IIL’s strategic approach, endeavors, and performance concerning relevant ESG material aspects

Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), a prominent player in the nation’s crop protection & nutrition industry, has released its Sustainability (ESG) Report FY23. The comprehensive report, titled “Accelerating Innovation to Foster a Resilient Tomorrow,” sheds light on IIL’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects which are of paramount importance to the organization.

The Sustainability (ESG) Report provides valuable insights into IIL’s strategic approach, endeavors, and performance concerning relevant ESG material aspects. This initiative, in addition to the annual report, reflects IIL’s persistent journey towards a sustainable future. For the FY23, the report discloses non-financial information, activities, and sustainability initiatives adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. External Assurance, provided by Ernst & Young Associates LLP, lends credibility to the ESG disclosure, aligning with International Standards on Assurance Engagements 3000 [ISAE 3000 (Revised)].

IIL, known for its wide array of crop protection and nutrition products, including fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and Biologicals & Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), has also expanded its offerings to include biologicals few years back, emphasizing sustainable growth. The report highlights IIL’s commitment to being a solution provider through specialized products, catering not only to the Indian market but also have a foothold in more than 24 countries worldwide.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited, expressed, “Our ESG journey reflects our understanding of the challenges posed to the industry. By adopting a sustainable approach, we aim to navigate these challenges and thrive in the evolving scene of customer demands. Our commitment lies in developing high-quality, sustainable products, implementing process improvements, and fostering a culture rooted in respect and ethics. We think that businesses that adopt a responsible and sustainable method of working will prosper in the future by keeping up with the quickly evolving demands of the customers.”

“The report outlines IIL’s ESG performance. Some of the key initiatives put forward by organization are: – 30 per cent green belt conforming to air quality standards; 590.29 MT and 21.44 KL of hazardous waste disposed of; zero liquid discharge in 3 plants, 1,473.31 MW solar power plants contributing 9 per cent of total electricity; and Rs. 271.91 lakhs CSR spent”, added Sandeep Aggarwal, CFO.

As a stepping stone in this journey of sustainability, we conducted our first materiality assessment to identify and prioritise the issues that have a direct or indirect impact on us and our ability to create value for our stakeholders. Some of those issues include energy and emissions, water, diversity etc. We have put forward various initiatives for these material issues as mentioned below.

In embracing digital transformation, IIL has streamlined processes at its Dahej plant, replacing manual paper-based reporting with online systems. This initiative resulted in time savings, reduced paper usage, and enhanced real-time process assessment, showcasing the positive impact of technology on operations.

The Sustainability (ESG) Report provides valuable insights

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, India

Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd will invest Rs 150 crores to build a plant in Gujarat with capacity of five crore Nano urea bottles (500 ml) per year.

Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd (MCNL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Meghmani Organics Ltd and has been incorporated with the objective of becoming one of the leading manufacturers of crop nutrition products.

 MCNL is bringing its first product Meghmani Nano Urea (liquid) fertilizer with technology agreement with fertilizer cooperative giant IFFCO. A new plant in Gujarat is commissioned with a capacity of Fifty million Nano urea bottles (500 ml) per year to cater to the demand from domestic and international markets.

Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd will invest Rs. 150 crores to build a plant in Gujarat with capacity of five crore Nano urea bottles (500 ml) per year and will be bringing more products in nutrition segment in the coming years to meet the growing requirement of fertilizer.

The company mentioned that Nano urea is a liquid fertiliser and is effective in enhancing nutritional quality, and crop productivity and additionally, it is environmentally safe. MCNL will be bringing more products in the nutrition segment in the coming months to meet the growing requirement of nutrition Globally.

Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd will invest Rs