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AgroPolicy, India, Sugar industry

The move aims to increase the availability of B and C heavy molasses for ethanol production.

The central government has announced 50 per cent export duty on molasses. The proposed export duty shall come into force on January 18, 2024, according to official notification from the Ministry of Finance. The move aims to increase the availability of molasses for ethanol production

Molasses is a by-product of sugar which is utilised for ethanol production to promote a green economy. Of the total ethanol produced in the country, ethanol from cane juice notably accounts for 25-30 per cent while that from B heavy molasses accounts for over 60-65 per cent. Ethanol from C-heavy molasses and grains accounts for the rest.

The Food Ministry in early December directed sugar mills not to use cane juice or syrup to produce ethanol. The central government in mid-December, however, allowed the utilisation of juice as well as B-heavy molasses to produce the ethanol but capped the diversion of sugar at 17 lakh tonnes for the current marketing season.

Without diversion for ethanol, the government has estimated sugar production to decline to 32.3-33 million tonne in the ongoing 2023-24 season (October-September) as against 37.3 million tonne in the previous season.

India has already rolled out 20 per cent blended fuel, though, in a phased manner, in April 2023 and widespread availability is expected in days to come. The government had advanced the target of E20 fuel from 2030 to 2025.  E20 blending in petrol was introduced by the Centre to reduce the country’s oil import cost, energy security, lower carbon emissions and for better air quality.

India exports molasses to countries including Vietnam, South Korea, the Netherlands and the Philippines. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat are the three states which export molasses.

The move aims to increase the availability

Acquaculture, Live Stock, World

COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management is also set to discuss improvements in the methodology to assess the state and health of the world’s marine fisheries stocks

A new global fisheries management body began its inaugural meeting with key items on the agenda including best practices and approaches for the effective management of fisheries resources, and improvements in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) methodology to estimate the state and health of the world’s marine fish stocks.

The fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the promotion of adaptive responses to the climate crisis, and the mainstreaming of biodiversity will also be on the agenda of the COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management’s 15-18 January 2024 meeting, with a specific focus on small-scale fisheries.

Over 500 million people globally depend, at least partially, on fisheries for their livelihoods – nearly half of them women when considering the whole value chain. While 65 per cent of fish stocks were within biologically sustainable levels, 35 per cent were estimated to be at unsustainable levels – a proportion that has been increasing since the 1970s.

The COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management’s main functions are to provide technical and policy guidance on fisheries management, identify global challenges and opportunities, and promote collective solutions to ensure the environmental, economic and social sustainability of a sector crucial for global food security and nutrition.

“Improving global fisheries management remains crucial to restore ecosystems to a healthy and productive state and to protect the long-term supply of aquatic foods,” said QU Dongyu FAO Director-General in his address to the opening of the meeting’s virtual plenary session. “This improvement also includes eliminating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and on addressing the impacts of the climate crisis, and biodiversity degradation that are also heavily impacting aquatic and coastal ecosystems and dependent communities”.

The Director-General noted that the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management will guide FAO’s Blue Transformation roadmap and its core objective of ensuring that global fisheries resources – including lakes, rivers and seas – are efficiently and effectively managed.

COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management is also

AgroPolicy, Sustainability

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged the contribution of international experts and scientists from the CGIAR in improving agriculture in the State of Odisha

The three-day Krushi Odisha 2024 conclave organised by the Government of Odisha with the theme ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’ was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of the State Naveen Patnaik at Janta Maidan. More than 70 per cent of the participants were women farmers and the lead women farmers were recognised and felicitated at the event.

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged the contribution of international experts and scientists from the CGIAR in improving agriculture in the State of Odisha.

The pre-inaugural session ‘Gender-responsive and Nutri-sensitive Food Systems – Delivering Nutrition and Health for All’ was led by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in partnership with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).

Commending the Government of Odisha on the initiative, the Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, underscored the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth, noting that the empowerment of women in agriculture fosters positive change towards healthier food systems and a sustainable future. 

“Women in agriculture are not just contributors; they are leaders, innovators, and stewards of the land. It’s time to recognize and amplify their role in shaping the future of farming,” said Prof Pravat Kumar Roul.

“We need to work hand-in-hand with female farmers who are critical in shaping the diets of the family – empowering women farmers not only empowers current families but safeguards future families through improved health and nutrition in children,” said Dr Sean Mayes.

Naveen Patnaik, in his inaugural speech, acknowledged

AgroPolicy, Dairy, Foodgrains, Live Stock

Also inaugurated the Banas Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) in Bhiladi for Rs 324.77 crores and a modern ultra-modern Atta plant with a capacity of 50 metric tons per day in Badarpura for Rs 45 crores.

Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujrat at Banas Dairy Sankul in Diodar, inaugurated and dedicated various development-oriented projects for livestock and farmers, including the Pilot Project and various development projects of cooperative institutions.

Bhupendra Patel distributed Kisan Credit Cards to women livestock farmers and inaugurated the “Prosperity through Cooperation” initiative. He also inaugurated the Banas Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC) in Bhiladi for Rs 324.77 crores and a modern ultra-modern Atta plant with a capacity of 50 metric tons per day in Badarpura for INR 45 crores, along with a 10,000 kg per day capacity newly built Banas Whey Protein Ultra Filtration Plant and inaugurated the Banas Bank’s new auditorium in Palanpur and the Farmer Training Centre in Kadi. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also distributed Kisan Credit Cards to women livestock keepers in Bhiladi. He also inaugurated a slew of organic products like Rice pulses etc Banas Dairy under the Amul Brand as bio fertilisers under the Banas Organic brand and Banas Dairy Organic Sanjeevani fertilisers. He also inaugurated Banas Bank Micro ATM and Kisan Credit Cards and Pilot projects of Gujarat State Cooperative Bank and Banaskantha and Panchmahal Districts.

Bhupendra Patel said that Banas Dairy, the largest dairy in Asia, is a celebration of the cooperative sector’s success. He mentioned that the decisions taken in the cooperative sector regarding various policy matters will play a crucial role in making this sector a significant contributor to India’s economy as we aim to become the world’s third-largest economy.

Also inaugurated the Banas Bovine Breeding and

Agribiotechnology, Industry Reports / Analysis, World

It highlights successful applications of biotechnologies in diverse sectors, including crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and agro-industry, and a wide range of species.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a compilation of case studies showcasing the impactful use of agricultural biotechnologies to meet the needs of smallholders in developing countries, marking a significant step forward in the global efforts to achieve a sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Agricultural biotechnologies, ranging from low-tech tools like artificial insemination and tissue culture to high-tech methods such as whole genome sequencing, have emerged as a crucial part of the toolbox for transforming food systems. Recognising their potential, FAO has been actively promoting knowledge sharing and innovation in agriculture through the application of biotechnologies.

The report covers 15 case studies that highlight successful applications of biotechnologies in diverse sectors, including crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and agro-industry, and a wide range of species, world regions and production systems, emphasising that biotechnology extends beyond genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and is applicable to smallholders in developing countries. Collecting experiences worldwide, the case studies demonstrate how biotechnologies contribute to increased productivity, improved livelihoods, disease management, and the conservation of genetic resources essential for sustainable smallholder production systems.

One of the key messages emerging overall from the report, is the need for farmers to increase their yields while equally facing the current and future challenges of climate change. Which are the ingredients for success?

The report identifies four:

Partnerships

Long-term commitment

Government support

Good communication

FAO also anticipated that these case studies, presented in the context of a rapidly evolving field, will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to harness biotechnologies for the benefit of smallholder farmers.

It highlights successful applications of biotechnologies in

Company News, India, People

Varma succeeds Anna Richo, who will transition to Corporate Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor to the General Counsel and CEO until her retirement in September 2024

Cargill announced that Rishi Varma has been named Corporate Senior Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary, effective January 29, 2024. In this role, he will also serve as General Counsel. Varma succeeds Anna Richo, who will transition to Corporate Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor to the General Counsel and CEO until her retirement in September 2024.

Varma joins Cargill from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), where he serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. While at HPE, he oversaw corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracting, supply chain matters, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate securities. He also played an integral role in the legal separation of Hewlett Packard Company into Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. Prior, Varma was General Counsel for two publicly traded companies – TPC Group, Inc., a petrochemical company, and Trico Marine Services, Inc., a global subsea service provider. At Trico, he also served in additional management roles, including Chief Operating Officer and President. Varma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Centre.

Varma succeeds Anna Richo, who will transition

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Logistics, Supply Chain

Maersk will explore strategic investment opportunities in land development for logistics hubs, warehousing facilities.

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and the Government of Tamil Nadu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. As per this MoU, Maersk and the Government of Tamil Nadu entered a partnership that allows both to explore strategic opportunities together and enable the state’s growing trade.

Maersk will explore strategic investment opportunities in land development for logistics hubs, warehousing facilities and deployment of electric trucks for distribution network in a bid to enable the Indian state’s growing trade. The Government of Tamil Nadu will provide Maersk with the right access to information, enable faster decision-making and provide a conducive environment to implement the latest in technology and best global practices.

Tamil Nadu is currently the third-largest contributor to India’s GDP, with the potential to become the second-largest next year. It is also the third-largest exporter from India, with an ambition to become a 1 trillion USD economy by 2030. In a state with such ambitions and a clear roadmap aided by a conducive business ecosystem, the right policy framework, a competitive environment and a large pool of young and future-proof talent, it is a win-win for Maersk and the state to partner and explore all potential opportunities for enabling trade.

Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director, Maersk South Asia said, “We have a long-standing 25-year relationship with the state of Tamil Nadu. The state’s conducive business ecosystem, robust infrastructure and a future-proof talent pool make it an attractive destination to invest in. We offer robust integrated logistics solutions in Tamil Nadu to various global and local customers across sectors such as Renewables, Automotive, Electronics, etc. Looking at the potential for growth in trade out of the state, we are now ready to explore opportunities that will allow us to develop land for integrated logistics hubs, build warehousing infrastructure and a sustainable distribution network to strengthen our integrated logistics solutions”.

Integrated Logistics in Action

The state of Tamil Nadu is currently connected to the global ocean network through Maersk’s two major service calls. Further, Maersk has a robust distribution network that connects the ocean ports to the hinterland, where many of the manufacturers and consumers are located. Maersk also has a cold storage facility in Chennai, which caters to its customers’ frozen and chilled cargo.

In addition to these, Maersk will now explore opportunities to invest in land development to create logistics hubs. These logistics hubs will implement the best practices from global examples to drive maximum efficiency while delivering resilience to customers’ supply chains. Maersk will also study the customer needs for storage facilities and build modern, state-of-the-art warehousing facilities that would incorporate the latest Warehouse Management Systems for the most efficient inventory management and focus on waste reduction. Finally, Maersk will also invest in building a fleet of electric trucks that will ensure sustainable and environment-friendly distribution. This is an imperative for some of the top customers of Maersk who have set for themselves stringent NetZero targets and who reply on logistics partners who can deliver decarbonised solutions.

V. Vishnu IAS, Managing Director and CEO, Guidance, Tamil Nadu said, “We are happy to collaborate with Maersk as a strategic logistics partner. To attract global investments into the state, the availability of effective logistics and supply chain solutions is key. We believe this collaboration would bring the right global expertise, network, and ambition to enable the growth of trade in the state. Guidance, Tamil Nadu shall facilitate necessary support and bolster existing conducive environment to implement best global practices for proposed investments.”

Maersk will explore strategic investment opportunities in

Agrotech, Award, Company News

The Agri drone AGRIBOT has empowered farmers to increase their income, distinguishing IoTechWorld in this category and earning them the prestigious award

IoTechWorld has been honoured with the distinguished Leaders of Tomorrow Season 11 award in the Technology category, organised by ET Now. 

Recognised as a trailblazer in agriculture drones, IoTechWorld proudly holds the 1st Type certificate from DGCA for its agriculture drone, AGRIBOT.


The event’s chief guest, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, presented the award to IoTech’s Co-Founder and Director, Deepak Bhardwaj. During his keynote address, Piyush Goyal remarked that this recognition collectively showcases a new India poised to offer startup opportunities and attract national and international investments.

The jury members at the event also acknowledged the pivotal role that technology is set to play in agriculture. Following the award presentation, Deepak Bhardwaj, IoTech’s Co-Founder and Director, expressed pride in the company’s technological prowess. He highlighted how their unique technology connection with agriculture, particularly through the Agri drone AGRIBOT, has empowered farmers to increase their income, distinguishing IoTechWorld in this category and earning them the prestigious award.

The Agri drone AGRIBOT has empowered farmers

Agri Genomics, AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to make crops resistant to pests and diseases, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

Recently the Supreme Court reopened its hearing on several petitions contesting the central government’s decision to commercially grow genetically modified (GM) mustard. In wake of the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court of India on GM mustard, the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has expressed that FSII is optimistic about the regulatory process adopted for scrutinizing GM crops in India.

Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) said, “We are optimistic that a holistic picture emerges by recognising the significant role of technology in increasing agricultural production, solid scientific evidence, India’s robust regulatory systems and the nation’s long-term interests.

It is essential that the country’s aspirations in terms of reducing the huge edible oil imports, saving huge foreign exchange, boosting productivity and farmers’ incomes are given due importance as discussions progress. Hence, we are hopeful that the cultural, social and nutritional importance of mustard for India are recognised while deliberating the issue holistically.

We also reiterate that the regulatory process adopted for scrutinizing GM crops in India including the biosafety protocols adhered to by GEAC and RCGM for GM approvals, are not only robust but align with globally accepted and benchmarked standards.

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to make crops resistant to pests and diseases, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, India needs to be open to exploring such innovative technologies to transform its agrarian sector, which forms the basis of livelihoods of nearly two-third of the population.

Kaundinya also added that we at FSII, continue to closely watch the developments in this regard. We hope that science will prevail and ultimately, farmers will be able to access and benefit from scientific and technological innovations in future.

Innovations including GM, hold great potential to

Agrotech, Biofuel industry, Company News, India, IT, Start ups

BuyoTrace is designed to instil confidence among consumers regarding the quality and sustainability of the biofuels they purchase through the platform.

Buyofuel, a leading player in the biofuel industry announces the launch of ‘BuyoTrace’, a cutting-edge feature integrated into its online green fuel marketplace. BuyoTrace marks a significant leap forward in ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of biofuels, reinforcing Buyofuel’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer empowerment.

BuyoTrace is designed to instill confidence among consumers regarding the quality and sustainability of the biofuels they purchase through the platform. This transparency not only benefits consumers but also aligns with Buyofuel’s dedication to meeting global environmental goals.

Key features of BuyoTrace include:

  • Source Verification: Tracks and verifies the origin of biofuel products, providing users with confidence in the authenticity of their purchases.
  • Sustainability Assurance: Ensures that the biofuels traded on the Buyofuel platform are sustainably sourced, aligning with global environmental goals and sustainability standards.
  • Transparency: Offers complete visibility into the biofuel supply chain, enhancing trust among users by providing a clear understanding of the product’s journey.
  • User Empowerment: Empowers buyers with information to make informed purchasing decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness in the biofuel market.

“This one of the first of its kind feature, BuyoTrace, sets a new standard in the biofuel industry,” said Kishan Karunakaran CEO of Buyofuel. “It is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer empowerment. By providing complete transparency, we aim to redefine the biofuel market and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The Buyofuel platform serves as a one-stop solution for connecting raw materials aggregators, manufacturers, consumers, and waste materials, making biofuel accessible to a wider audience. With the introduction of BuyoTrace, the platform now offers a ground-breaking traceability system that leverages advanced technology to track the journey of biofuels from their source to the end consumer.

BuyoTrace is designed to instil confidence among

Agro Universities, Horticulture, R&D, World

The vaccine was initially plant-based, but it has been tested on volunteers and animals at the Research Centre for Standardisation of Medicinal Forms of the Pharmaceutical Institute in Tashkent

Scientists in Uzbekistan have developed an edible COVID-19 vaccine called TOMAVAC made from tomatoes. According to a report on the Frontiers research journal website, the researchers used special vectors to insert a fragment of the gene that encodes the S1 antigenic protein of the coronavirus into the genome of tomato cells. They obtained a tomato plant that could reproduce the S1 antigenic protein from these cells. The fruits of these plants were used to create the TOMAVAC vaccine, which provides two levels of protection against COVID-19.

The vaccine was initially plant-based, but it has been tested on volunteers and animals at the Research Centre for Standardisation of Medicinal Forms of the Pharmaceutical Institute in Tashkent. The institutional ethics board of the Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics approved the research. Scientists have been working on this vaccine since January 2021 and the results are quite promising.

According to Frontiers research journal, the initial findings from a small-scale proof-of-concept study show great potential for creating an affordable, environmentally friendly, and harmless edible plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. This could potentially offer long-lasting dual protection against the virus, reducing its spread and severity, and ultimately contributing to better global health.

The vaccine was initially plant-based, but it

Agrotech, Company News, R&D, World

Burro is the leading plug-and-play autonomous robot available that increases productivity in conventional production environments

Philadelphia-based Burro, an autonomous mobility company providing solutions for the agriculture industry, announced today that it has launched a new product, Burro Grande, the company’s most powerful labour-saving robot. To date In terms of capabilities, Burro Grande expands beyond people scale (500 lb. payload, light-duty towing) to a true pallet-scale vehicle (1,500 lb. payloads, 5,000 lb. towing), and features Burro Operation System Software V 5.0 to enable indoor/outdoor LiDAR-based localisation for autonomous movement across indoor and outdoor operations.

All electric, the environmentally friendly Burro Grande will carry or tow heavy loads over multiple terrains for up to 15 miles between charges. When paired with the company’s Atlas Mission Autonomy, Burro’s online route creation platform, users can construct, manage and share routes across their fleet. Whether towing, carrying or following, Burro Grande allows your existing equipment operators to step away from the seat of a tractor or UTV, saving valuable labour.

Burro is the leading plug-and-play autonomous robot available that increases productivity in conventional production environments. It also features patent-pending Pop Up Autonomy™, which means the technology works immediately out of the box and empowers users on a job site to be up and running with very little training and can be used across multiple environments. Burro does not require centralised control or installation of burdensome infrastructure. Instead, its robots use computer vision (cameras) and AI to learn and to navigate autonomously from points A to B while carrying loads, as well as mowers and partner technology applications, such as artificial pollinators. Burro is proven to help agricultural clients realise improvements in efficiency by up to 40 per cent.

Burro is the leading plug-and-play autonomous robot

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

Cohort participants will receive business and technical assistance over the entire crop cycle through technical training sessions, mentorships and one-on-one support.

BioPrime AgriSolutions, a leading biotechnology company specialising in developing cutting-edge agri-biologicals, is revolutionising farmer empowerment with the launch of its “King Farmers Cohort” program. This initiative equips farmers with crop-specific, region-specific knowledge and skills, preparing them to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. Through a mixture of focused technical training sessions, mentorships, one-on-one support, and group farm visits, Cohort participants will receive business and technical assistance over the entire crop cycle. 

The King Farmers Cohort goes beyond mere yield maximization and fosters a holistic approach to agriculture, with a focus on crucial areas like climate-resilient practices, soil health management, and building profitability. Each cohort will hold four dedicated technical training sessions led by leading researchers, and innovators to provide targeted knowledge focusing on farmers’ crop specific needs and empower them to adapt to the ever-changing climate and nurture healthy soil, which is the foundation for sustainable success.

The learning extends beyond the classroom with designated field days and harvest days in selected farmer fields for practical learning, inspiration, and networking. Thus, creating a forum for peer-to-peer learning, where shared challenges find collaborative solutions and best practices flourish through hands-on experiences. As one farmer who’s participated in an Onion Cohort noted, there’s a great benefit of learning from other farmers with differing amounts of experience and expertise, and the supportive nature of the group created a space to find solutions to problems collaboratively.

To crown it all, BioPrime will organise a valedictory function to commemorate each cohort with rewards for outstanding achievements in yield, profitability, and sustainability through a grand ceremony, adding a layer of motivation that inspires every farmer to reach their highest potential.

 Speaking about the initiative, Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO, of BioPrime AgriSolutions said, “At BioPrime, we believe empowering farmers isn’t just about higher yields, it’s also about equipping them to be sustainable. The King Farmers Cohort is a catalyst in this changing world where we pool resources and support for farmers towards a future where profitability and sustainability go hand-in-hand.”

Cohort participants will receive business and technical

Horticulture, R&D, World

This innovation promises good yields and high-quality strawberries, but it also represents a significant advancement in the sustainable cultivation of this crop

Netherlands’s Limgroup announced its revolutionary F1 Hybrid Strawberries concept at the International Soft Fruit Conference. The launch of Limgroup’s first strawberry variety from seed marks a turning point in the strawberry sector. This innovation promises good yields and high-quality strawberries, but it also represents a significant advancement in the sustainable cultivation of this crop.

“This transformation is set to revolutionise the entire strawberry sector,” says Vincent Deenen Limgroup’s CEO. “The transition to strawberries grown from seed will have significant advantages for every link in the chain: breeders will have access to cutting-edge technologies allowing them to innovate more effectively. Propagators can start with clean plant materials and automation presents them with new opportunities. Additionally, their production cycle will be drastically reduced from two years to just 16 weeks. Among other things, the resulting benefits represent a significant step forward in making strawberry cultivation more sustainable, a goal our industry needs to work towards.”
 
Roland Sweijen, Product Lead Strawberry adds: “And the availability of fresh plants at virtually any time gives growers more flexibility in their cultivation methods, resulting in increased efficiency, precision and professionalism. Retailers can respond to market demand for sustainably produced strawberries, whilst consumers will benefit from healthier, more sustainably produced strawberries, which results in a better eating experience. This transition creates a win-win situation for everyone.”

This innovation promises good yields and high-quality