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AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Company News, Drones, India, Start ups

Dual certification will enhance Garuda Aerospace’s capabilities, allowing them to advance their training and manufacturing efforts in drone technology.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Garuda Aerospace authorisation for Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) for Small and Medium Class drones. This recognition makes Garuda Aerospace the sole drone company in India with a dual certification for both training and manufacturing of small and medium class drones. This dual authorization enhances Garuda Aerospace’s capabilities, allowing them to advance their training and manufacturing efforts in drone technology, said the company in the statement.

The DGCA’s approval not only fortifies Garuda Aerospace’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, empowering 15,000 women Self Help Groups with agricultural drones but also supports the company’s goal of training 100,000 youth across India as drone pilots.

Additionally, the certification aligns with Garuda Aerospace’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiative, particularly the Equality Drone Training Program benefiting individuals with disabilities.

Garuda Aerospace’s array of small and medium drones caters to diverse applications. Small drones are well-suited for surveillance, monitoring, and photography, while medium drones excel in tasks like agricultural mapping, spraying, infrastructure inspection, delivery services, and emergency response.

While commenting on DGCA’s dual certification, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO emphasised Garuda Aerospace’s commitment to excellence and its vision for the company and the nation. He believes that drones hold transformative potential across various sectors and anticipates that the DGCA certifications, coupled with government support, will accelerate the adoption of drones in India, positioning the country as a global hub.

Garuda Aerospace, in support of various initiatives, recently showcased over 1000 drones during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. With earlier Type Certificates and RPTO Authorization for Garuda Kisan Drones, and a second Type Certification for medium class drones. Following the launch of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, Garuda Aerospace aims to expedite its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Dual certification will enhance Garuda Aerospace’s capabilities,

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Digital Technologies

Iktos’s de novo generative design software Makya will be deployed by Bayer scientists to facilitate the design of novel molecules according to pre-defined profiles.

Iktos, a company specialised in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for new drug design, and Bayer’s Crop Science division with its industry-leading R&D pipeline and portfolio of seeds & traits, crop protection and digital farming solutions, announced a collaboration to expand the use of AI in the discovery and development of new sustainable crop protection products.

Iktos’s de novo generative design software Makya will be deployed by Bayer scientists to facilitate the design of novel molecules according to pre-defined profiles and accelerate hit-to-lead/lead optimization, whereby potential molecular candidates are further optimized and developed into lead compounds.

Makya is based on deep learning generative models which design and optimize, in-silico, novel molecules that satisfy multiple parameters, such as efficacy, selectivity, safety, and sustainability. The technology brings new insights and directions into the molecular discovery process based on a comprehensive data-driven chemical structure generation technology. It also allows scientists to analyze billions of molecules in a virtual environment, enabling the exploration of new and larger chemical spaces than previously possible. The Makya Software as a Service (SaaS) platform enables researchers to benefit from the technology thanks to its user-friendly interface and a secure and scalable technical implementation in the cloud.

This approach to innovation, validated through multiple collaborations in pharmaceutical research and development, is now being used for the first time to help solve a key challenge in crop protection discovery: the rapid and efficient identification and optimization of successful and safe molecules and holds great potential to support Bayer’s sustainability objective to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, via lower application rates and favorable safety profiles of its solutions.

“The world’s farmers need dependable and sustainable solutions to overcome current and future challenges including climate change, the increasing resistance of pests to existing solutions and the growing societal expectations about the food we eat and the health of our planet,” said Rachel Rama, Head of Small Molecules at Bayer’s Crop Science division.

“Bayer’s CropKey approach to crop protection innovation is made possible by data-driven breakthrough technologies such as those made accessible by Iktos. They will allow us to unlock a new way to protect crops, food security and the environment and, in doing so, set a new benchmark in the industry.”

“We are thrilled and proud to join forces with Bayer, a leading global life science company and to have Bayer scientists use our software in their small molecule active ingredient design,” said Yann Gaston-Mathé, Co-founder and CEO of Iktos. “It is our ultimate goal to facilitate our technology usage by expert discovery scientists, who have deep knowledge and understanding of their discovery programs. This way, the promise of AI to dramatically improve discovery will have a better chance to be realized and impact small molecule active ingredient development.”

Iktos’s de novo generative design software Makya

Company News, India, People, Speciality Chemicals

Bain Capital to partner with Welling to further strengthen the company’s capabilities and accelerate its international growth.

Porus Labs, a leading technology-driven manufacturer of agricultural and specialty chemicals, announced a partnership with Radhesh Welling. He will join the board and take over as the new Chief Executive Officer. Welling will build on Porus’ strengths in research & development, process innovation and deep customer relationships to drive growth in new products and chemistries that will serve both existing and new customers.

Welling has a nearly thirty-year track record of building and leading innovative, high-performance specialty chemicals companies internationally. He was earlier with Navin Fluorine, where he served as Managing Director and Group CEO since 2018. At Navin Fluorine, welling formulated and led the company’s strategic expansion and built a new organizational framework to drive significant growth over last 5 years. Previously, he worked in US with J.M.Huber Corporation.

“I am delighted to join Porus Labs, a true multi-generational business renowned for its innovation and leadership in contract manufacturing and speciality chemicals. This is a once-great opportunity to partner with Bain Capital to deliver immense value to our international customers,” said Welling. “Together, we will invest to further strengthen and expand the platform by creating new chemistries and helping our customers grow faster.”

“Speciality chemicals is a unique and complex industry, and we’re thrilled to partner with an experienced leader like Radhesh to help realize the company’s global growth aspirations,” said Pawan Singh and Rishi Mandawat, Partners at Bain Capital. “We’re aligned both in our vision for Porus Labs, and the opportunities, organically and via acquisitions, to realize those aspirations. This is a true inflection point where we can deploy our experience building global chemicals companies to form a complementary partnership with a great leader like Radhesh.”

Established in 1994 in Hyderabad, the company started with as a single manufacturing unit for all Sulpha-based drugs. Since then, Porus Labs has supported domestic API manufacturers and scaled agro-chemical capabilities as well. The company’s growth trajectory reflects its commitment to innovation and adaptability in meeting growing industry demands.

Bain Capital to partner with Welling to

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Drones, Interaction

Anuja Kadian, Asia Pacific Government Affairs Director, Corteva Agriscience shares her views on emerging trends in agri industry in 2024 with AgroSpectrum.

What are the future developments in technology that will drive the Indian agriculture sector?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian agriculture, the future is poised for transformative technological developments that will redefine the sector.

To build a sustainable, resilient, and profitable ag-ecosystem, agriculture needs to drive a swift adoption of emerging technologies, precision agriculture, and sustainable farming practices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics are becoming instrumental tools, providing farmers with real-time insights for informed decision-making to manage their crops.

Our initiatives focus on empowering farmers through sustainable and technology-driven solutions. Our collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the value chain aim to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the long-term resilience of Indian agriculture.

Crop protection technologies, such as novel pesticides and biopesticides, are pivotal components of Corteva’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Additionally, our emphasis on seeds and traits, leveraging biotechnology for crop improvement, underscores our dedication to ensuring food security in the face of evolving challenges.

 Will the agribusiness sector also be impacted by the rising popularity of robotics?

Absolutely, the rising popularity of robotics is poised to significantly impact the agribusiness sector in India. The integration of robotics into agriculture brings forth a multitude of advantages that can enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

The integration of robotics is transforming agribusiness, enhancing precision farming, addressing labour shortages through automated harvesting and sorting, and promoting sustainability with precision weeding and real-time crop monitoring.

In controlled environments like greenhouses, robotics optimize conditions, while in the supply chain, automation streamlines tasks, reducing costs and ensuring efficient product delivery. These advancements underscore the transformative impact of robotics, fostering efficiency and sustainability across the entire agribusiness sector.

Corteva Agriscience recognises the potential of robotics in revolutionizing the agribusiness sector. Through continuous research and innovation, we aim to integrate these technologies into our solutions, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

As India embraces the possibilities offered by robotics, the agribusiness sector is likely to witness transformative changes that enhance overall productivity and competitiveness.

What are the major challenges while embedding tech into agri sector?

Embedding technology into the agriculture sector, while promising significant benefits, comes with its share of challenges. Some of the major hurdles include:

Access and Affordability: The cost of implementing and maintaining technology solutions can be a significant barrier for smallholder and resource-constrained farmers.

Digital Literacy: Farmers may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use technology.

Infrastructure Limitations: Rural areas, where much of agriculture is based, may lack robust infrastructure such as reliable internet connectivity and power supply.

Regulatory Frameworks: The absence of robust regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies in agriculture can create uncertainty and hinder adoption.

Resistance to Change: Traditional farming practices may be deeply ingrained, and there can be resistance to adopting new technologies. Providing education and demonstrating the tangible benefits of technology are essential in overcoming this resistance.

Government Support: Investing in rural infrastructure, developing digital literacy programs, and providing financial assistance can overcome infrastructure and affordability challenges.

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging private sector investment in research and development, developing user-friendly technology, and providing affordable financing options can make technology more accessible.

Farmer-Centric Approach: Engaging farmers in the technology selection and development process and providing training and support can address concerns and build trust.

Institutional Reforms: Creating supportive policies and regulations, promoting collaboration between stakeholders, and investing in agricultural research can foster a conducive environment for technological innovation.

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from stakeholders, including government bodies, technology providers, and agricultural communities, to create an enabling environment for the successful integration of technology into the agriculture sector.

The government is strongly pushing tech into agri sector to increase productivity and quality. How is this step being taken by the key players and how this will change the face of agri industry?

The government’s robust push to integrate technology into the agriculture sector is catalyzing transformative changes.

Major stakeholders, including the government, agribusinesses and technology providers, are actively responding to this initiative with innovative solutions aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring high-quality agricultural output.

Collaborations between technology companies and agricultural experts are fostering the creation of cutting-edge solutions that address specific challenges faced by farmers.

We aim to impart comprehensive education on advanced agricultural technologies, including the adoption of hybrid seeds, precision farming practices, and effective crop protection solutions.

By disseminating this knowledge, Corteva aims to empower farmers with the skills needed to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and adopt sustainable farming practices.

One significant contribution is the introduction of the Farmer Connect app by Corteva. This innovative application serves as a valuable digital platform, offering farmers real-time access to critical information, market trends, and weather forecasts.

The Farmer Connect app goes beyond being a mere tool; it acts as a bridge, connecting farmers with relevant resources, expert advice, and the latest advancements in agriculture.

Such a collaborative approach between the government, key industry players, and farmers is poised to revolutionize the agri industry, creating a more sustainable, productive, and tech-savvy future.

 What is your take on drone technology and what further upgrades are required in this?

I firmly believe that drone technology has emerged as a game-changer in agriculture. It offers a wide range of applications that enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability. Drones provide valuable data through aerial imaging, sensors, and other technologies, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

However, I believe upgrades required in drone technology extend beyond technical enhancements and encompass broader aspects that are essential for its widespread adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers.

As mentioned above, for widespread agricultural adoption involves several key facets. Comprehensive education and training programs are essential, empowering progressive as well as smallholder farmers to adeptly operate drones, interpret data, and integrate this technology into existing farming practices for enhanced crop management and resource optimization.

Along with this, PPPs play a pivotal role in fostering collaborative efforts to disseminate drone technology through shared resources, expertise, and outreach initiatives.

A robust regulatory framework is crucial, providing clear guidelines and standards to ensure the responsible and ethical use of drones in agriculture, addressing concerns related to privacy, safety, and compliance.

Affordability and accessibility are also critical considerations, necessitating a reduction in initial costs and economically viable ongoing support, potentially facilitated by financial incentives and subsidies.

Additionally, customisation of drone technology to meet the specific needs of smallholder farmers, including the development of smaller, cost-effective models, ensures alignment with diverse farming practices across different regions.

                                                                                                                                   By Nitin Konde

Anuja Kadian, Asia Pacific Government Affairs Director,

India, Sustainability, Water

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation trials of Plasma-sized WaterTM applications for Agriculture, R&D activities, Agro-Forestry & other agriculture-related uses will be conducted at a large scale & multiple centres/nurseries of the Heartfulness Institute

The Indian subsidiary of US Agri-Tech company Plasma Water Solutions Inc. announced a very unique and promising partnership with one of the leading global NGOs of India, The Heartfulness Institute. The two organisations have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the common purpose of enabling food security most sustainably & introducing the Green Revolution 2.0 from India to the rest of the world.

Plasma Water Solutions’ proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real-time, to Plasma-sized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, and accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crop cycle.

“The institute has been promoting good agriculture practices, training farmers in natural solutions and methods to promote plant health, soil health & water health without harming the environment while enhancing food productivity and farmers’ income which is in perfect alignment with the value proposition that Plasma Waters technology offers,” said Robert Hardt, President & CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, USA, while expressing his gratitude to the President of Heartfulness Institute, Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji), & the Heartfulness team for the proactive support extended in the last several months. He further said that he sees Heartfulness as a strategic partner in shaping the company’s R&D efforts meaningfully in India & spreading the outcome to the rest of the world.

Different teams at Kanha Shantivanam have been testing the effects of Plasma Waters treatment on seeds, disease and plant health for the last several months as this was the first site of the company through Samunnati in India. This 1700-acre campus has been extensively using Plasma Waters sprays on multiple crops, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants & trees. Applications range from treating 250 Neem trees’ dieback issues, 350 Papaya plants’ mosaic virus infestation, 74 date palm trees  & 22 Pongamia Pinnata trees’ infestation to seed treatment & sprays on a wide range of food crops, horticulture,  hydroponics and nurseries.                

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation trials of Plasma-sized WaterTM applications for Agriculture, R&D activities, Agroforestry & other agriculture-related uses will be conducted at a large scale & multiple centres/nurseries of the Heartfulness Institute. The existing & new use cases will be tested & demonstrated to the farming community, various stakeholders and agriculture value-chain players to benefit the community at large.

The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation

Agrotech, Company News, Investments

The company aims to expand and diversify its B2B brand, Fasal Fresh, procuring sustainably grown, fully traceable, and high-quality produce from its extensive network of growers covering 75,000+ acres of Farmland enabled by Fasal’s IoT-crop intelligence technology

TDK Corporation announced that TDK Ventures, Inc. has invested in India’s full-stack agriculture pioneer Fasal, in an INR 100cr round co-led by British International Investments to foster its innovative full-stack horticulture optimisation solution and bring it to market. Fasal’s solution has already been proven to improve crop yield and reduce operational costs at an affordable price to the individual farmer. This financing round provides further ammunition to Fasal in its mission to transform the Indian agriculture industry with its full-stack platform anchored on top of its patented IoT-crop intelligence technology and expand further to Southeast Asia markets.

Since the commercialisation of its technology, Fasal has worked with horticulture farmers spanning more than 75,000+ acres growing crops like grapes, pomegranates, bananas, apples, chilli, cardamom, etc. by enabling them to grow more and grow better with its patented IoT-crop intelligence technology. Fasal’s farmers have reduced irrigation water consumption by 82.8 billion litres, pesticide reduction by 127,426 kgs, curbed GHG emissions by 54,965 MT, and increased their yields and quality by up to 30 per cent with the help of technology. Fasal has gone deeper into the value chain by building technology to predict the exact harvesting time, yield, and tentative quality and is utilising this intelligence to bring this sustainably grown, traceable, and high-quality produce to the consumers via its B2B brand ‘Fasal Fresh’.

The company highlights that its technology platform has a traceable supply of over half a billion USD worth of produce, connecting seamlessly with demand across various consumption markets in the supply chain, ensuring 10x more efficient procurement thereby reducing wastages significantly. This technology platform empowers the company to synchronise supply with the most appropriate demand directly at the farm gate before the harvest itself.

The company aims to expand and diversify

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

The contract offers the company a revenue potential of approximately over Rs 3,000 crores over a period of 9 years, with the contract supplies commencing from current fiscal year.

Aarti Industries Limited (AIL), a leading global speciality chemicals company, announced that it has entered into a 9-year long-term supply contract for the supply of a niche agrochemical intermediate with a global agrochemical products and solutions company.

This agrochemical intermediate serves as a crucial input component for a widely used herbicide applied in diverse food and cash crops (such as corn, soybean, cotton, sugarcane, sunflower, etc). The global market for this herbicide is large and steadily growing.

The contract offers AIL a revenue potential of approximately over Rs 3,000 crores over a period of 9 years, with the contract supplies commencing from current fiscal year. This product (agrochemical intermediate) is an integral component of AIL’s existing integrated product portfolio, with AIL being a leading manufacturer of this product in India. AIL’s current CAPEX plans, across its existing manufacturing locations, are sufficient to meet this contract requirement and the company does not anticipate any additional CAPEX for this.

Frequent disruptions in plant operations in China, driven by Government policies, have expedited the trend of innovators diversifying their sourcing strategies. India has reaped the benefits and emerged as a net exporter of agrochemicals. The agrochemical market in India is expected to register about 9 per cent CAGR to reach US$ 7.4 billion between 2021 and 2026.

Commenting on this development, Rajendra Gogri – Chairman & Managing Director at Aarti Industries Limited said, ″This contract win is yet another step towards making our business more robust, resilient and predictable. Entering this contract in such a challenging macro environment is a testament to the efforts of our team and will go a long way in strengthening our integrated product value chain. We have established longstanding relationships with various customers across different end-user categories including the global industry leaders. And this contract underscores our commitment to transforming these relationships into additional future long-term opportunities.

In addition to fortifying our association with this prominent customer, who is amongst the leading players for this end-use, this contract provides us an opportunity to grow in the high-value agrochemical space. ″

The contract offers the company a revenue

Company News, R&D, Vegetables, World

A new variety of red California pepper called Matga is suitable for the medium-late cycle

Spanish company Sakata has introduced a new variety of red California pepper called Matga, which is suitable for the medium-late cycle. Matga has uniformity throughout the cycle which is remarkable, and its fruits are described as if they were made with a mould. The variety covers transplants from July 20 to 30. Matga also boasts an ideal and uniform calibre even at the end of cultivation, which is spectacular in terms of size and quality of fruits.

Matga fruits have the Sakata quality seal: four hulls, excellent colour in green and red, no silver, and excellent firmness and weight thanks to their thick walls. Matga fruits have good plant resistance, giving the farmer the flexibility to harvest at their convenience and plan the export of goods when it best suits them. Post-harvest is added to the plant’s endurance, and thanks to the firmness of the fruits, the post-harvest is good and prolonged, ideal for export.

Matga shows an open, clear plant structure ideal for preventing thrips parvispinus, a current pest that worries farmers. The structure of the plant makes it difficult for thrips parvispinus to establish. Matga also has hairy leaf characteristics, which favours the establishment of auxiliary fauna, and together with the early flowering, makes it the perfect variety for farmers who opt for integrated control within their greenhouse. The variety also has a complete pack of resistances, including powdery mildew.

A new variety of red California pepper

Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehousing

Operations commenced at its newly acquired warehouse in Guwahati, Assam, featuring advanced ‘multi-temperature control’ capabilities

Snowman Logistics Limited, a leading cold chain and integrated temperature-controlled logistics service provider in India has initiated operations at a newly leased multi-temperature-controlled warehouse in Guwahati, Assam. The total capacity of the warehouse is 5,152 pallets and this facility features eight chambers and four loading bays, equipped with the latest infrastructure. Specifically designed to accommodate products from ambient temperatures to minus 25 degrees Celsius, the warehouse will primarily focus on providing storage, handling and transportation services for ice cream, poultry, ready-to-eat food, dairy products, confectionery, bakery products, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Other products include pharmaceuticals, specialised chemicals and various commodities.

Sunil Nair, CEO, of Snowman Logistics said “The inauguration of our latest facility in Guwahati signifies a momentous achievement for Snowman Logistics. This establishment marks our initial venture into a fully leased cold storage facility, aligning with our strategic move towards becoming asset-light. With this expansion, our overall pallet capacity has soared to an impressive 1,41,000+ pallets, strategically distributed across 20 cities, thereby expanding our foothold in Northeast India.

Snowman Logistics has garnered extensive expertise in the storage, handling, and transportation of diverse products, spanning the food, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and specialized chemicals sectors. Our commitment to innovation is evident through the incorporation of technology-enabled facilities and platforms. This, coupled with our unwavering dedication, allows us to consistently provide tailor-made solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of the industries we serve.

Operations commenced at its newly acquired warehouse

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, World

This inclusion recognises Azelis’ commitment to a sustainable future and is a testament to its leadership in sustainability

Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the speciality chemicals and food ingredients industry announced that it has been included in Euronext’s BEL®ESG Index, as one of the 20 listed companies that demonstrate the best ESG practices. This inclusion recognises Azelis’ commitment to a sustainable future and is a testament to its leadership in sustainability.

The BEL®ESG Index identifies and tracks the 20 highest-ranking companies in Belgium that demonstrate the lowest environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. It also serves investors as a reference to better identify those companies that focus on a more sustainable future by combining economic results with sustainability goals. Only two years after becoming publicly listed, Azelis is proud to be part of that index.

Earlier this year, Morningstar Sustainalytics – a global leader in ESG research and data – gave Azelis the best ESG risk score in the industry, and to enhance the robustness of Azelis’ sustainability reporting in 2022, several of the KPIs within the sustainability strategy obtained ISAE 3000 limited assurance from an independent auditor.

Being included in the BEL®ESG Index further confirms the success of Azelis’ sustainability strategy, Action 2025. Through Action 2025, Azelis aims to be the world-leading distributor of sustainable solutions and services in the speciality chemicals distribution industry, and this recognition underscores Azelis’ leadership in sustainability.

This inclusion recognises Azelis’ commitment to a

Company News, People, World

Sikes is the 10th CEO in Cargill’s 158-year history and is known for his relentless focus on people and culture, as well as customer-driven transformation and growth

Brian Sikes, Cargill President and CEO has been elected Chair of Cargill’s Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2024. Sikes succeeds Dave MacLennan, who will retire as Executive Chair of Cargill’s Board at the end of 2023.

Sikes began his career with Cargill in 1991 and was named President and CEO in January 2023. Sikes is the 10th CEO in Cargill’s 158-year history and is known for his relentless focus on people and culture, as well as customer-driven transformation and growth. 

“It is an honour to be elected Board Chair, and I am confident the best days for our company, and its greatest contributions, lie ahead,” said Sikes. “I step into this role from a position of strength thanks to Dave’s outstanding service and visionary leadership as Executive Chair of the Board and former President and CEO. He reshaped the fabric of Cargill and built a solid foundation, business model and culture that positions us for long-term success.”

Sikes is the 10th CEO in Cargill’s

Company News, People

Dr Mohanty will play a pivotal role in driving forward product development, aligning research initiatives with market demands, and upholding RiceTec’s commitment to sustainability.

RiceTec has announced the appointment of Dr Amitabh Mohanty as New Head of Global R&D.Succeeding Dr Ré will be Dr Amitabh Mohanty as the new head of global research and development. An experienced R&D leader with a demonstrated history of innovation and product development, Dr Mohanty will join the company in its vision of a sustainable rice agriculture that creates more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

As a member of the executive leadership team, Dr Mohanty will play a pivotal role in driving forward product development, aligning research initiatives with market demands, and upholding RiceTec’s commitment to sustainability.

His expertise will be invaluable in translating RiceTec’s strategy into an actionable R&D agenda, a high-performing product pipeline, overseeing transformation of the global breeding organization, guiding trait discovery and development, and advancing gene editing efforts.

Before joining RiceTec, Dr Mohanty served at Corteva Agriscience as leader of global biotech operations, trait discovery operations leader, and program leader, ag productivity, and insect control traits.

His contributions there were key to the success of their trait pipeline. Dr. Mohanty brings rich experience and expertise in trait discovery, technology, and product development in rice. His domain knowledge is well-recognized by external peers. He was invited to serve as a member of the genome engineering task force of the department of biotechnology, govt. of India.

Dr Mohanty holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Department of Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Delhi South Campus, India. He did his post-doctoral studies at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, in New York.

Since its inception in 1988, RiceTec has been at the forefront of sustainable rice agriculture, continually setting new standards in the industry. Dr José Ré, a key figure on the company’s leadership team, is retiring from his role as global head of research and development by the end of March 2024.

Under his leadership, the RiceTec R&D program has flourished globally and positioned the company as a leader in sustainable rice agriculture with a market-leading portfolio of commercial hybrids launched in India, the U.S., Mercosur, and various export markets.

Dr Mohanty will play a pivotal role

Agrotech, India, Interaction

A distinguished plant protection scientist and epidemiologist, Dr C D Mayee currently holds the esteemed positions of President at the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in Jodhpur, Vice President at the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) in New Delhi and Advisor to the Agrovision Foundation in Nagpur. In addition to these roles, he serves as the chairman of AFC India Ltd. At the age of 77, Dr Mayee continues his relentless efforts in developing disease prediction models and identifying disease hotspots, particularly for crops grown in semi-arid regions.  At the recently held 14th Agrovision, Dr Mayee spoke at length with AgroSpectrum and delved into the profound impact Agrovision has had over the past 13 years within the farming community. He also shed light on Agrovision’s significant role in uniting all stakeholders of the agricultural industry on a single platform, fostering profitability and sustainability in farming. Edited excerpts:

What has been the impact of Agrovision on the farming community in Central India and beyond over the last 13 years?

The Agrovision initiative was conceived by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, and Chief Patron, Agrovision, with the primary aim of addressing the pressing issue of farmer suicides in Vidarbha, known as the “Capital of Farmers’ Suicide.” He recognised that it was imperative to introduce farmers to technological advancements in agriculture and dissuade them from resorting to extreme measures. Vidarbha, with its vast expanse, boasts nearly 50 lakh hectares of cultivated land. Cotton and soyabean dominate around 28-29 lakh hectares, particularly in the rainfed areas of western Vidarbha, while rice, the predominant crop in eastern Vidarbha, covers approximately nine lakh hectares. As a result, during the primary Kharif season only a few crops occupy up to 75 per cent of the region’s agricultural land. Any setbacks due to untimely rain, drought or flooding left farmers in dire straits forcing them to rely on loans for sustenance. Agrovision’s core mission is to educate, inspire and empower farmers by diversifying agriculture. This diversification allows them to cultivate alternative crops or engage in allied activities in times of crop failure due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Over the past 13 years, Agrovision has successfully promoted diversification by introducing activities such as dairy farming, sugarcane cultivation, clustered apple plantations, beekeeping, sericulture, goat farming, and fisheries in rice-growing regions. In addition, bamboo cultivation, and various allied activities have been integrated. These endeavours have captured the attention of farmers, making them realise that embracing activities like cow and goat farming, along with other allied pursuits, can substantially increase their income and in case of crop failure these diversified activities help to overcome livelihood challenges.

This, indeed, represents the most significant impact of Agrovision: the education, encouragement, and empowerment of farmers to diversify their agricultural practices and safeguard their livelihoods.

How do workshops benefit farmers, and what makes the workshops at Agrovision unique?

Workshops play a pivotal role in Agrovision, distinguishing it from typical mega exhibitions that generally do not include such interactive sessions. In line with our commitment to addressing farmers’ diverse interests and needs, Agrovision has incorporated a series of workshops that cater to various aspects of rainfed agriculture, as part of our educational initiatives.

Our approach involves bringing together experts and successful practitioners in specific fields of agriculture. For instance, if a farmer expresses an interest in sericulture, we assemble sericulture specialists and accomplished farmers to conduct a dedicated two-hour workshop. During these workshops, farmers have the opportunity for in-depth interactions with experts.

Agrovision has organised workshops covering approximately 26 to 32 diverse topics for farmers. There is always an overwhelming response from the farmers and only those who are serious about learning come with a diary and pen to take notes from specialists. Typically, these workshops feature the participation of around 35 to 40 experts and around 25 to 30 farmers, all contributing to a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.

In recent times, we’ve observed that farmers themselves express a growing interest in emerging topics such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and drone technology. As a result, these subjects have been incorporated into our workshop offerings. The demand for these workshops continues to rise, as they have proven to be a potent tool for disseminating knowledge on a wide range of agricultural subjects, all in one convenient location.

To read more click on: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

A distinguished plant protection scientist and epidemiologist,

Agbiologicals, Biofertilizers, Fungicides, Herbicides, India, Opinions

By Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals

Driven by factors such as increasing demand for organic and natural products, rising concerns about food safety and security, and a growing focus on sustainable agriculture practices, the growth prospects for biological solutions in the agri-industry look promising in 2024 as well.

There is no denying the fact that India is a country with an agrarian economy, where a large number of people depend on agriculture. And in today’s ever-evolving era, various crop cultivations have revealed the country’s agricultural wealth. The country’s economy relies greatly on agriculture, providing employment and food security for its large citizenry. To highlight this fact, Statista indicates that more than 151 million people earn their living in this industry, which generates diverse advantages and accounts for approximately 18 per cent of the country’s GDP.

Nonetheless, in addition to the benefits, other health and environmental problems have taken centre stage, causing negative consequences for the agriculture sector and threatening its viability. Issues such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and the excessive and injudicious use of pesticides have led to decreased crop yields and increased health risks for farmers and consumers. In a bid to address these challenges, various trends have emerged, including sustainable farming practices, technical developments, and government laws decreasing chemical inputs and boosting organic sustainable farming. Nevertheless, it is still a complex process to achieve agricultural production while considering protecting the environment and safeguarding the health of farming populations.

Despite various trends, biological solutions have emerged as a beacon of hope to address these concerns. In agriculture, biological solutions refer to the use of natural creatures such as beneficial insects, microbes, bacteria, and fungi to manage pests and diseases, improve soil health, and boost crop growth. They are gaining popularity because they can lessen reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, thereby avoiding harmful environmental and human health implications. The biological solutions are equally sustainable in the long run, as they promote biodiversity and ensure ecosystem-based services necessary for a robust farm system. Thus, biological solutions come forth as a sustainable approach to farming that can help reduce the negative impact of conventional agriculture on the environment and human health.

Biological solutions: A cognizance and its types

Have you ever wondered how we can make agriculture more sustainable? Well, the answer lies in the use of biological solutions! These amazing products are derived from natural sources and work in tandem with traditional synthetic solutions to create a better environment for our crops. But wait, not all biological solutions are created equal! While some are certified organic, others are not. But not to worry, because these products come in a variety of forms, including biostimulants, biofertilisers, biofungicides, bioinsecticides, and many more.

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By Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL BiologicalsDriven by