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Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Foodgrains, World

Company expects to increase yields of Ultra High Protein Low Oligosaccharides, non-GMO varieties to be within 3 to 5 bushels per acre of commodity GMO soy varieties.

Benson Hill, Inc., an ag tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants, announced that recent advances in its soybean breeding program will drive the doubling of its seed portfolio by 2025. The latest field evaluations on Benson Hill’s third generation of Ultra High Protein Low Oligosaccharides, non-GMO soybean varieties showed protein gains of 2 per cent over the previous generation and achieved a yield gap of only 3 to 5 bushels per acre, compared with commodity GMO soybeans.

“We’ve successfully demonstrated that CropOS®, our AI-based prediction and data insights platform, can drive our predictive breeding efforts and give us a step-change forward on multiple traits like protein and yield,” said Jason Bull, Chief Technology Officer of Benson Hill. “We are now seeing massive gains in the field that minimize the trade-off between yield and protein, surpassing expectations from when we began building on the high-protein soybean genetics we acquired in 2019.”

“What this means for the industry is that we’re accelerating our speed to market with de-risked, outcome-based products in record time,” Bull added. “We expect to expand our portfolio of seed innovations again in 2025 to offer two dozen varieties that encompass protein, lower indigestible sugars, and quality oil.”

Benson Hill Chief Executive Officer Deanie Elsner also announced at FARMCON 2024 an expansion of its commercially available soybean portfolio for 2024, adding five value-added varieties to its lineup. Benson Hill previously offered about a dozen soybean seed varieties that deliver ultra-high protein, high-oleic and low-linoleic oils, and low-oligosaccharide quality traits. For the 2024 planting season, U.S. soybean farmers can choose from more than 20 varieties across several relative maturity groups.

Benson Hill’s herbicide-tolerant Ultra High Protein soybean varieties are on track for commercial release in 2025, with acreage and further portfolio expansion expected in 2026. This is a major step in providing farmers options for weed control and enabling lower-cost, broadacre production of already advantaged Ultra High Protein soybeans for the feed industry.

By leveraging deep insights on its proprietary soybean germplasm, Benson Hill is strategically positioned to drive seed innovation in broadacre opportunities for the aquaculture, pet food, swine and poultry markets – some 90 percent of the soy market.1 According to Elsner, the recent field evaluations support Benson Hill’s acceleration to an asset-light model focused on partnerships and licensing, including seed.

“Over the last several years, we’ve discovered ways to boost soy protein by 8 to 10 percentage points over commodity, and there are more seed improvements coming in geographies relevant for poultry production,” Elsner told FARMCON attendees “Today, Benson Hill is well positioned to validate our products with customers and end users to create market demand and begin to scale our seed innovations across approximately 7 million acres by 2030.”

Company expects to increase yields of Ultra

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India

The modernisation project will also generate new employment opportunities of skilled and unskilled nature.

Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Parshottam Rupala inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for the project to modernize and upgrade the Paradip Fishing Harbour at Paradip in Odisha.

Parshottam Rupala informed that the Central Government has approved the proposal of the Paradip Port Authority for modernization and upgrading of the Paradip Fishing Harbour at a total estimated cost of Rs 108.91 Crore with 100 per cent central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Sagarmala Scheme. This Fishing Harbour Project shall be implemented by Paradip Port Authority with a completion period of 18 months.

Union Minister FAHD highlighted that by upgrading existing facilities, providing new, efficient, and essential infrastructure facilities, mechanizing the fish process, and good management practices by an efficient management body, the modernization and upgradation of the Paradip Fishing Harbour will improve its hygienic conditions and make the Harbour clean, pollution free, and aesthetically pleasing. He said that this modernization of Fishing Harbour will improve the lives of the thousands of Fishermen and allied workers who depend on the Harbour for their livelihood. The modernization and value-addition activities taken up under the aforementioned project will also generate new employment opportunities of skilled and unskilled nature.

Parshottam Rupala informed that the project on modernization and upgradation of Paradip Fishing Harbour envisages construction of a new Auction Hall, new Commercial Complex, Extension of Quay Wall, Shore Protection Works, Renovation of existing Auction Hall, Gear Shed, Fish Packing Shed, Ice crushing hall, first aid center, raising of compound wall, electrical works, overhead water tank, solar power plant, solar lights, navigational aids/radio communication equipment, ETP, Fire Fighting Equipment, Market Complex and paving of roads, landscaping with other ancillary utilities & services etc.

The Paradip Fishing Harbour, with an enclosed area of around 43 acres, is one of Odisha’s largest fishing harbours, located on the right bank of the river Mahanadi, 2 kilometres upstream of the river mouth in Jagatsinghpur District. The Harbour was initially built to oversee 370 numbers of 10 m vessels, 80 numbers of 13 m vessels, and 50 numbers of 15 m vessels, as well as traditional watercraft. Now, approximately 640 numbers of 15-meter vessels and 100 numbers of 9-meter Gill Netter (FRP boats) use the Harbour amenities.

The modernisation project will also generate new

Company News, Finance, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

Portfolio ports deliver 300 MMT cargo milestone in a record 266 days.

In December 2023, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) handled 35.65 MMT of cargo volumes, resulting in a strong 42 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase. Dry bulk cargo handling was up 63 per cent while handling of containers increased by over 28 per cent on a YoY basis. For the quarter ended December, APSEZ handled around 109 MMT of overall cargo, with around 106 MMT contributed by our domestic port’s portfolio. In the initial nine months of FY 24, APSEZ managed around 311 MMT of total cargo, which is a healthy 23 per cent YoY growth.

“APSEZ crossed the 300 MMT cargo mark in just 266 days versus its previous best of 329 days in the previous financial year. This milestone only proves that our strategy of driving operational efficiencies to achieve industry leading growth is yielding the desired results. We are now targeting over 400 MMT of cargo volumes in FY24, surpassing the upper end of the guidance range (370-390 MMT) provided at the start of the current financial year,” said Karan Adani, CEO and Whole Time Director, APSEZ.

During the Apr-Dec’23 period, many APSEZ ports recorded new milestones. Mundra, the flagship port, handled around 5.5 million TEUs in a record nine months and is on track to surpass 7 million TEUs of container cargo volumes during FY24. It handled 3,000 ships in just 261 days, surpassing its previous record of 288 days in FY23. The JV terminal at Mundra Port, AICTPL, created a national record by handling 3,00,431 TEUs (around 10,000 TEUs every day) in November 2023, breaking its own record of 2,98,634 TEUs in March 2021. In October 2023, the port handled 16 MMT of cargo volumes and established a new milestone of achieving the highest cargo volumes by any Indian port in a single month.

Other milestones recorded by Mundra Port during the period under consideration include the highest-ever parcel size of fertilizer vessel (100,282 MT), the largest count of over-dimensional container/s in a single vessel (219 TEUs), the largest shipment of soyabean oil (61,841 MT) and the berthing of the largest-ever vessel that has called on any Indian port (around 399 meters long and 54 meters wide). In December 2023, the port also handled 43 vessel movements in 24 hours, surpassing its previous record of 40 vessels.

Portfolio ports deliver 300 MMT cargo milestone

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News, Europe

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30 per cent higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Bionema Group, a leading developer of sustainable biocontrol solutions, announced a tender for the marketing of their innovative range of environmentally friendly biological products. These groundbreaking solutions are designed to address crop protection and plant health management in the Agriculture, Sport Turf Amenity, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Forestry sectors.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) on human health, biodiversity, soil health and the environment continue to rise, Bionema aims to provide a complete collection of more than 60 biological products and technology that offer effective, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic move follows Bionema’s transformative deal with Syngenta in 2021, congealing their position as a world-leading biocontrol technology company.

Over the past 15 months, Bionema has undergone significant growth to meet the progressing needs of the market. Their different product range now includes Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertiliser and Efficacy Booster customised to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf & amenities, and public health.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, expressed the company’s vision, said, “Our goal is to be at the forefront of Biological Agriculture technology innovator, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. With changing global trends and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, consider the EU’s aspiring plan to ban 50 per cent pesticides by 2030 and significantly increase organic farming. Achieving such targets requires innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly enhances their presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing their ongoing R&D, farmer’s training, and additional services focused on advancing biological solutions in different cropping systems.

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30 per cent higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Dr Ansari stressed, “While we are pleased to introduce our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains unwavering. We have achieved significant milestones, but our dedication to progress continues, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come”.

The company's innovative formulation and delivery platform

Industry Reports / Analysis, Sustainability, World

The benchmark measure of world food commodity prices ends 2023 about 10 per cent below its year-earlier level

The benchmark for world food commodity prices declined in December compared to the previous month, with the sharpest drop in international sugar quotations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, averaged 118.5 points in December, down 1.5 per cent from November and down 10.1 per cent from December 2022.
For 2023 as a whole, the index was 13.7 per cent lower than the average value over the preceding year, with only the international sugar price index higher over the period.
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased 1.5 per cent from November, as wheat, maize, rice, and barley prices all rose, partly reflecting logistical disruptions that hindered shipments from major exporting countries. For the year as a whole, the index was 15.4 per cent below the 2022 average, reflecting well-supplied global markets, although FAO’s All Rice Price Index (part of the FAO Cereal Price Index) registered a 21 per cent increase, largely owing to concerns about the impact of El Niño on rice production and in the aftermath of export restrictions imposed by India.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index by contrast, declined by 1.4 per cent from November, reflecting subdued purchases of palm, soy, rapeseed, and sunflower seed oil, with soy oil in particular impacted by a slowdown in demand from the biodiesel sector as well as improving weather conditions in major growing areas of Brazil. For 2023 as a whole, this index was 32.7 per cent below the previous year’s level.
The FAO Sugar Price Index declined 16.6 per cent from November, hitting a nine-month low although still up 14. 9 per cent from December 2022. The plunge in sugar quotations was mainly driven by the strong pace of production in Brazil, along with the reduced use of sugarcane for ethanol production in India.
The FAO Meat Price Index dipped 1.0 per cent from November, reaching a level 1.8 per cent below that of December 2022, impacted by persistent weak import demand from Asia for pig meat. Regional buying interest also slowed for bovine and poultry meat despite ample exportable supplies in large producing regions. Ovine meat prices by contrast rose ahead of holidays.
Bucking the trend, the FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent from November, although still standing 16.1 per cent below its December 2022 value. The monthly increase was led by higher price quotations for butter and cheese, underpinned by strong internal sales in Western Europe ahead of the holiday season. At the same time, strong global import demand led international whole milk powders to rise.

The benchmark measure of world food commodity

Agbiologicals, Agro Universities, Biofertilizers, India, R&D

This lime-based formulation neutralises the soil acidity while promoting plant growth and shields crops from soil-borne pathogens, all in a single application.

The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) Kozhikode have successfully developed a new granular lime-based Trichoderma formulation, ‘Tricholime’, integrating Trichoderma- a fungal biocontrol agent used for controlling a variety of soil-borne pathogens- and Lime into a single product, making the application easier for the farmers. This lime-based formulation neutralises the soil acidity while promoting plant growth and shields crops from soil-borne pathogens, all in a single application.

Scientists who worked behind the new formulation say Trichoderma has proven effective in suppressing several soil-borne plant pathogens and serves as a successful bio-pesticide and bio-fertiliser in crop production. This formulation can also boost the growth of useful microbes in soil and also benefits the crop by improving the physical condition of the soil, enhancing secondary nutrient availability and by boosting soil microbial activity.

According to the scientists’ team led by IISR Director R. Dinesh, the significance of this formulation lies in its ability to mitigate soil acidity and supply bio agents concurrently ensuring optimal plant growth and nutrient uptake. The institute hopes that the technology behind this product can also be extended to include other beneficial bioagents, opening new possibilities in product development to support sustainable organic farming, they add.

This lime-based formulation neutralises the soil acidity

Animal Health, Live Stock, Poultry

A memorandum to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, pointed out that India’s 34.60 MMT annual maize production is insufficient to meet the requirements of the poultry industry as well as the nation’s food security

The All India Poultry Breeder Association (AIPBA) Delhi has written to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying to allow duty-free maize imports to enable the poultry industry to meet its future requirements.

The current basic import duty on maize stands at 50 per cent.

Citing concerns over the rising maize consumption in ethanol production, the All India Poultry Breeder Association (AIPBA), in a memorandum to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, pointed out that India’s 34.60 MMT annual maize production is insufficient to meet the requirements of the poultry industry as well as nation’s food security.

“As per estimates of the Indian Institute of Millets Research, the Poultry and Livestock industry consumes more than 60 per cent of the country’s maize production. In this context, the government’s ambitious plan to generate half of the ethanol from maize by 2025-26 may have some serious implications for sectors like poultry and livestock. Diverting such a significant chunk of current maize production to ethanol could impact their access to essential feedstock, creating a severe demand-supply gap in the coming years,” said the memorandum submitted to the government by the All India Poultry Breeder Association under the chairmanship of Bahadur Ali who is also the Managing Director of IB Group.

Over the last decade, maize production growth has been at 4.5 per cent, while the poultry industry has experienced a growth of 8-9 per cent. This disparity highlights the anticipated maize shortage for the poultry industry, particularly in the wake of the government’s plan to promote maize for ethanol in a big way.

“Addressing the rising demand for maize in both livestock feed and other industries presents two options: importing maize or increasing domestic production. However, significant short-term increases in domestic output are deemed improbable. Therefore, importing maize from other countries emerges as the most viable solution to meet the immediate demand,” the association stated in its memorandum to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Ethanol’s growing thirst for maize has also pushed prices skyward, posing a major challenge for Indian poultry farmers. With maize prices hovering around Rs 22-23 per kg across India, poultry farmers are grappling with unsustainable costs. The burden is expected to intensify further by February 2024, which may adversely impact the poultry industry.

A memorandum to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal

Agrotech, R&D, Sustainable Energy

This invention carries immense significance as it empowers farmers to generate additional income, aligning with national goals for adaptable, sustainable rural development.

Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, a prominent manufacturer of energy-efficient pumps and motors in India, has proudly secured a patent for their innovative creation, the “Solar Flour Mill.” This groundbreaking invention has been acknowledged and granted by the Patent Office of the Government of India under the provisions of the Patents Act of 1970. Valid for 20 years from the filing date, this patent marks the company’s 9th successful patent acquisition.

The Solar Flour Mill is a transformative innovation designed to address electricity scarcity in rural areas. It operates independently through solar panels, eliminating the need for grid electricity, thereby reducing infrastructure costs and freeing users from electricity bills. This invention carries immense significance as it empowers farmers to generate additional income, aligning with national goals for adaptable, sustainable rural development.

Primarily aimed at areas lacking electricity, especially rural and remote regions, this unique Flour Mill operates solely on solar power. By obviating the need to travel for grain milling, it reduces effort and environmental pollution. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for solar pump users to augment their earnings, contributing to the broader aim of bolstering farmers’ incomes and uplifting rural economies. Additionally, this innovation significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with India’s 2030 energy objectives while also circulating economic benefits within village communities.

Dinesh Patidar, Chairman of Shakti Pumps, underscored the pivotal advantages of this patented technology. He highlighted the common challenges faced by electricity-dependent flour mills, such as unstable power supply and high maintenance costs affecting flour quality. The Solar Flour Mill, however, provides a sustainable solution by consistently operating on solar power, ensuring uninterrupted functioning even in areas with erratic electricity supply. Notably, this innovation allows mill owners to expand the number of solar panels as required, preventing unnecessary payment for unused electricity.

This invention carries immense significance as it

AgroPolicy, India, Pulses

Before the sowing operation, tur farmers can register on the portal to sell their produce to NAFED and NCCF.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched the portal developed by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED)and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) for registration, procurement and payment of tur dal producing farmers in New Delhi. Amit Shah addressed the national symposium organized on ‘Self-reliance in Pulses’.

In his address, the union Home minister and Minister of Cooperation said that today we have taken such an initiative through the portal which will facilitate the farmers in selling tur dal by registering in advance through NAFED and NCCF and they will be able to get payment at MSP or more than MSP at market price through DBT. He said that with this beginning, in the coming days the prosperity of farmers, self-reliance of the country in the production of pulses and nutrition campaigns will be strengthened. With this, our campaign of crop pattern changing will gain momentum and there will also be changes in the areas of land reform and water conservation.

Amit Shah said that the portal has been designed in a very scientific manner, in which Aadhaar number is verified, unique ID of the farmer is created, it has been integrated with land records and integrated with Aadhaar based payment. There is a system of transferring the value of farmers produce directly to the bank accounts of farmers without any kind of corruption. He said that efforts are also being made to integrate this portal with warehousing agencies on a real time basis.

The Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation praised NAFED and NCCF for launching the portal in a very short time. He appealed to all the Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) and progressive farmers of the country to create awareness about the portal in all the areas where pulses can be produced. He said that farmers should be made aware that registration can be done in all languages ​​through a very simple step. He said that after getting the acknowledgment of registration, NAFED and NCCF are bound to buy the pulses of the farmers at least at MSP and the option of selling their pulses in the market is also open to the farmers.

In the coming days under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a large part of warehousing is going to come in the cooperative sector. Each Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society (PACS) is moving towards building a larger warehouse, this will solve the problem of shipping crops away. The Minister of Cooperation said that the government will at least give the MSP rate and if farmers get higher prices in the market, they are also free to sell their crops in the market. He appealed to the farmers to adopt pulses and make the country self-reliant in the pulses sector before January 1, 2028 so that India does not have to import even a single kilogram of pulses.

Before the sowing operation, tur farmers can

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

These Nano fertilizers will be exclusively marketed by Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL) under the brand name of Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti.

Agrochemical company, Zuari Farmhub Ltd has announced the launch of its nano fertilizers in the form of Nano Shakti Nano Urea and Nano Shakti Nano DAP. ZFHL has received approval for manufacturing nano fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP from the Govt. of India, vide Gazette of India notification on 29th November 2023. These nano fertilizers are designed to boost crop yields and improve soil health.

Zuari Farmhub has developed the nano fertilisers in collaboration with The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) using cutting-edge green nano bio-technology. Nano fertilizers are nano-sized nutrient particles that are readily absorbed by plants, leading to superior nutrient utilization and reduced wastage.

These Nano fertilizers will be exclusively marketed by Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL) under the brand name of Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti. This move will ensure widespread accessibility of this technology to farmers throughout the country.

“The development of nano fertilizers is a testament to the transformative power of green nano bio-technology. TERI’s expertise in this field, coupled with Zuari Farmhub’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, has resulted in a technology that can revolutionise Indian agriculture. This collaboration represents a significant step towards a greener future for the agri inputs industry” said Madan Pandey, Managing Director of Zuari Farmhub Ltd.

These Nano fertilizers will be exclusively marketed

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, India

This plant can synthesise a variety of agro intermediates for the global supply of several agro-actives

Jubilant Ingrevia Limited today announced the commissioning of its state-of-the-art multipurpose agro intermediate plant to produce value-added derivatives at its manufacturing facility at Bharuch, Gujarat. The plant aims to cater to the growing demand for agro intermediates across the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Jain, CEO & Managing Director, of Jubilant Ingrevia Limited said, “We are delighted with the commissioning of our new multipurpose agro intermediate plant. This aligns with our key strategy to shift structurally towards value-added agrochemicals business. Our deep expertise in offering solutions to our global customers using multistep chemistries has led us to become a partner of choice for our global agrochemical customers, including innovators.

The inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility demonstrates our commitment to expand our business towards more value-added agro intermediates.” This plant can synthesise a variety of agro intermediates for the global supply of several agro actives.

The Company has developed cost-competitive value-added products by using captive raw materials based on its completely backward integrated Pyridine capability, where it holds a global leadership position. Jubilant Ingrevia Limited continues to remain committed towards the introduction of key agro intermediates with a focus on ESG aspects, helping its strategic partners to address their journey towards carbon footprint reduction. The Company is already synthesising several agro intermediates in its facility at Bharuch, Gujarat and this new plant will help in expanding its presence further in the agrochemicals space.

This plant can synthesise a variety of

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, R&D

FEIL in Mumbai will provide the necessary support to the agricultural revolution, creating sustainable and efficient, data-driven solutions tailored to the specific needs of Indian farmers.

Farmers Edge Inc., a pure-play digital agriculture company and LTIMindtree , a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announced the launch of the Farmers Edge Innovation Lab (FEIL) in Mumbai. This innovation hub, powered by Fairfax Digital Services, is set to redefine agriculture in India. By integrating cutting-edge AgTech with global digital solutions expertise FEIL will secure early victories and tangible results, laying the foundation for scaling generative AI projects.

Farmers Edge brings advanced capabilities in remote sensing and agronomic modeling, empowering farmers and enterprise clients with unparalleled insights. Partnering with LTIMindtree, FEIL is poised to create a nexus of expertise and knowledge exchange between North America and India. LTIMindtree’s advanced technologies that includes GenAI, IOT, Automation and Drones, will work towards elevating farming in the country to provide high crop yields at low input costs. The launch of this innovation lab marks a significant milestone in the evolution of agriculture in India, setting the stage for a future where technology and tradition would harmonise to drive prosperity in the fields.

FEIL’s mission is to educate and empower India’s farmers, providing tailored solutions that enhance yields, reduce costs, and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Indian agriculture. The lab will focus on key aspects crucial to the Indian market such as:

Weather: Analyzing weather patterns and their impact on crop production.

Soil: Ensuring a comprehensive understanding for maximizing yields while improving soil health.

Crop Cycles: Assisting farmers in optimizing field processes to add significant value to the agricultural value chain.

Speaking on the occasion, Vibhore Arora, CEO of Farmers Edge, expressed, “We are thrilled to lead such an incredible initiative for India’s agriculture with LTIMindtree. This is more than just an innovation hub, the FEIL in Mumbai will provide the necessary support to the agricultural revolution, creating sustainable and efficient, data-driven solutions tailored to the specific needs of Indian farmers.”

Nachiket Deshpande, Whole-Time Director & COO said, “At LTIMindtree, our efforts to build solutions are always focused on fostering an ecosystem where ideas and innovations flourish. With the launch of this innovation lab, our best talent and technology will revolutionise sustainable farming in India.”

“Creative Innovation Lab is a great step forward to bring global technology in India to support sustainable farming practices and enhancing farmers’ yield. Aligned with UN SDG Goal #2, Farmers Edge (a Fairfax Company) and LTIMindtree are poised to uplift the food supply chain, keeping sustainability at heart. As a Co-Chair of G20 Startup 20 Sustainability Task Force, I am very pleased to witness how digital technology is truly creating an impact on the ground, quite literally,” said Sanjay Tugnait, President, and CEO of Fairfax Digital Services.

As a testament to the international collaboration, Farmers Edge and LTIMindtree are facilitating the cross-pollination of best practices from North America to India. The specific goals include sustainability, yield enhancement, and cost reduction for Indian farmers. FEIL aims to create a tailored setup, focusing on weather, soil, and crop cycles unique to the Indian agricultural landscape.

FEIL in Mumbai will provide the necessary

Bee keeping, Finance, Floriculture, World

The project will focus on enhancing the marketability of honey products by providing access to certification and forward market linkages

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BASA Foundation are collaborating to foster environmentally conscious agriculture and apiculture processes. As part of a recently launched initiative, the two organisations will uplift local honey producers and create opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to sell and market honey-related products. By investing in apiculture – which is focused on increasing the local bee population – the Bank is playing a key role in safeguarding our nation’s agriculture sector, as bees are an essential part of the agricultural cycle. Understanding and protecting pollinators is key to supporting healthy ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. The project will also boost nutrition status by adding honey and honey-based products to people’s diets. The Bank will contribute BDT 29 million to implement this joint project, and in doing so, will help to enhance food hygiene and safety; promote job and value creation; increase sustainable mechanisation; safeguard pollination; promote sustainable agriculture; and empower local actors with end-to-end support.

This initiative between Standard Chartered and BASA Foundation focuses on three core goals. The first is to teach approximately 800 honey farmers – both new and old – about honey production, processing essentials, and maintenance of hygiene parameters. The second aim is to build income generation capacity for all beneficiaries via the provision of mechanisation support and quality management tools. Finally, the project will focus on enhancing the marketability of honey products by providing access to certification and forward market linkages. Beyond these goals, the project will also provide individuals with beekeeping boxes, comb foundation sheet machines, honey extractors, honey processing machines, and food-grade containers for storage and preservation. Branding and marketing support will also be extended to all participants.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “Apiculture investment not only fosters the growth of honeybee populations but also cultivates a flourishing impact on our nation’s agriculture sector by enhancing crop pollination, biodiversity, and overall agricultural productivity. We are also excited to uplift 800 beekeepers and apiculture entrepreneurs and provide them with new opportunities to innovate and improve their livelihoods. Standard Chartered is proud to partner with BASA Foundation to promote sustainable practices that safeguard our food systems while simultaneously contributing to broader goals of environmental conservation and ecological harmony.”

The project will focus on enhancing the

Agribusiness, Carbon Farming, Company News, India, Soil Health

The partnership will introduce improved agriculture practices and offer carbon finance to 1,100 sector tea gardens and more than 200,000 small tea growers.

Tea Research Institute TRA Tocklai and Boomitra, the 2023 Earthshot Prize winner and a leader in soil carbon marketplaces, have formed a partnership to transform tea farming in Eastern India with regenerative agriculture. The partnership will introduce improved agriculture practices and offer carbon finance to 1,100 sector tea gardens and more than 200,000 small tea growers.

The collaboration aims to transform the tea sector in India to be climate resilient for generations to come while sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

Established as the oldest and largest tea research institute worldwide, TRA Tocklai plays a pivotal role in addressing the research and development needs of the Indian tea industry. With a primary focus on enhancing overall productivity and quality, TRA Tocklai is renowned for its groundbreaking research and innovative extension services.

The collaboration between TRA Tocklai and Boomitra signifies a major stride towards sustainable tea cultivation. Boomitra will leverage its expertise to assist TRA growers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices. This initiative is designed to enhance productivity, promote soil health, and contribute to carbon sequestration.

In addition to promoting regenerative agriculture guidance, Boomitra will enable tea growers associated with TRA to generate income through the sale of carbon credits. This innovative approach aligns with the global movement towards sustainable agriculture and provides a unique economic incentive for tea farmers to contribute to environmental conservation.

“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed Tea Research Association to bring regenerative agriculture practices and carbon finance to tea growers in India. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting farmers in mitigating climate change,” said Aadith Moorthy, CEO and Founder of Boomitra.

“The exclusive agreement with Boomitra marks a significant milestone for TRA Tocklai and the tea industry at large. By integrating regenerative agriculture and carbon finance into our practices, we aim to create a more resilient and sustainable future for our tea growers,” said Joydeep Phukan, Secretary of the Tea Research Association.

The partnership underscores TRA and Boomitra’s joint commitment to environmental sustainability, economic empowerment for tea growers, and the advancement of regenerative agriculture practices in India.

The partnership will introduce improved agriculture practices