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Agbiologicals, Company News, India, Interaction

This landmark event brought stakeholders from across India together to engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and forge partnerships to advance sustainable agriculture practices.

 The Agriculture Biological (AgBio) Stakeholder Assembly held in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and New Delhi, India, from February 16th to 21st, 2024, has concluded with resounding success, heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation in the AgBio sector. Organised by the World Bioprotection Forum (WBF), this landmark event brought stakeholders from across India together to engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and forge partnerships to advance sustainable agriculture practices.

The Assembly also provided participants with access to invaluable resources, including international farm trials, market intelligence, and opportunities for research and development collaboration. These resources will support stakeholders as they continue to innovate and implement sustainable agricultural practices.

During the Assembly, participants fervently delved into pivotal topics, igniting dynamic discussions that sparked transformative insights and actionable strategies:

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in AgBio: Delve deep into the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural biologicals to uncover novel insights and potential avenues for growth.

Forge Alliances with Industry Titans: Engage with visionary leaders in business and technology, united in their mission to catalyse positive change within the AgBio sector through collaboration and innovation.

Cultivate Synergies between Industry and Agriculture: Cultivate fruitful partnerships to fortify the bond between farmers and the agricultural industry, fostering mutual understanding and sustainable growth.

Driving Global Harmonization of Biopesticides: Champion the convergence of regulatory efforts worldwide, expediting the registration process for biopesticides across diverse geographies.

Advocate for Bold Policy Reforms: Participate in impassioned dialogues to enact policy amendments that accelerate the widespread adoption of biological solutions in both domestic and international markets.

Penetrate Global Markets Strategically: Forge strategic alliances spanning continents, granting access to untapped global markets and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations.

Uncover Exclusive Strategic Insights: Tap into the wealth of knowledge offered by seasoned investors and industry veterans, reshaping AgBio’s trajectory and unveiling new avenues for exponential growth.

Empower Through Education and Outreach: Craft targeted outreach strategies to enlighten farming communities about the efficacy and versatility of biological solutions, empowering them to embrace sustainable agricultural practices.

Access International Farms for Trailblazing Trials: Gain exclusive access to international farms for rigorous testing and demonstration of cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

Harness In-country Market Intelligence: Leverage invaluable insights into local markets, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and navigate complex landscapes confidently.

Forge Links with International Investors: Establish robust connections with global investors, laying the groundwork for transformative partnerships and investment opportunities.

Unlock International Research and Development Prospects: Open doors to collaborative research initiatives on a global scale, fostering innovation and propelling the AgBio industry forward.

Forge Crucial Business Networks in Target Markets: Cultivate strategic connections within target markets, paving the way for fruitful collaborations and sustained growth.

Establish Bridges with Potential Business Partners: Strengthen ties with prospective business partners, laying the groundwork for synergistic partnerships that drive innovation and mutual success.

Navigate Government Financial Support Channels: Secure essential government financial backing, including export finance, to fuel expansion efforts and propel AgBio solutions onto the global stage.

Seize Opportunities on the International Stage: Embrace the opportunity to showcase innovative solutions and foster cross-border collaborations through participating in prestigious international trade shows and events.

The event catalysed meaningful connections, driving momentum towards a more sustainable future for Indian biological agriculture.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and Chairman of the World Bioprotection Forum, expressed his delight at the success of the Assembly, stating, “The Global AgBio Stakeholder Assembly has exceeded our expectations in terms of engagement, collaboration, and impact. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the AgBio ecosystem, we have laid the foundation for transformative change in how we approach agricultural sustainability.”

This landmark event brought stakeholders from across

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, India, Water

In a year, the plant will generate 24,000 tonnes of organic manure and allied products out of 70,000 tonnes of lake waste.

Leading clean energy provider CEF Group unveiled a first-of-its-kind waste processing plant in Srinagar that will remove waste from Dal Lake. This project is part of a collaboration between the JK Lake & Waterways Authority and NAFED, with CEF Group as the technical and financial partner of the latter. PM Modi e-inaugurated this project along with others, collectively worth 30,500 crore for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The newly inaugurated plant will be converting 70,000 tonnes of lake waste, particularly weeds and lilies into 24,000 tonnes of organic manure and allied products annually. Recognizing the issue of water lilies and weeds overgrowth in Dal Lake, which obstructs boat paths and consequently impacts tourism and local livelihoods, the partners devised this solution. Besides, this waste accumulation leads to various forms of pollution, including overgrowth and blockage, habitat disruption, and water quality deterioration.

This solution entails scientifically processing weeds and lilies into organic manure over one year, to explore its viability for full-time implementation of converting it into Bio-CNG thereafter for 25 years. CEF Group conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and secured the necessary pollution clearance from the Pollution Control Board.

The organic manure produced through this plant will be compliant with FCO norms, ensuring its quality and safety. The manure will be offered at competitive prices, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. In addition, the high-quality organic fertilizer will enhance soil health and promote healthy plant growth. Besides, local sourcing and production will generate employment opportunities within the community.

The use of advanced technologies in the waste processing plant ensures efficient waste processing and nutrient retention in the final product. As the plant uses renewable resources and eco-friendly methods, it supports sustainable agriculture practices, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes biodiversity. Moreover, the organic manure is suitable for a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and various horticulture varieties.

Bashir Bhatt (IRS), Vice Chairman of J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), said, “Today is a monumental day for Jammu and Kashmir. We’re turning local waste into high-quality organic fertilizer, promoting sustainability, creating jobs, and enhancing the beauty of Dal Lake. It’s a significant step toward a greener and more prosperous J&K.”

Maninder Singh, Founder & CEO of CEF Group, said, “Today marks a significant milestone as we inaugurate Dal Lake Waste Processing Plant, a step towards a more sustainable Jammu and Kashmir. This project is not just about waste-to-energy/manure; it’s about transforming landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and contributing to the beauty of our cherished lakes.”

Organic manure, derived from local waste, will be readily accessible to farmers in Kashmir, enhancing their yield and fostering organic farming practices. Currently, farmers in the region incur high costs for organic manure, which is sourced from states like UP and Haryana, resulting in substantial transportation expenses. This project aims to provide organic manure to farmers at affordable rates, reducing their financial burden.

 Ritesh Chauhan (IAS), MD NAFED, said, “We’re proud to be part of Dal Lake Waste Processing Plant, an initiative that aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. NAFED is dedicated to setting up more such impactful projects in the future. From biofuels to organic manure, our focus is on creating a greener, healthier tomorrow for all.”

Sajid Ghulam, representing CEF, said, “Being part of CEF Srinagar and a local, contributing to this project has been a heartfelt journey for me. I’ve always wanted to serve my community, and this project provided the perfect opportunity. Seeing the positive impact, it has on our environment and community is truly fulfilling.”

In a year, the plant will generate

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Interaction

The panel discussions delved into the challenges women face in the agri-food sector, focusing on skill gaps and the potential for collaboration between education and industry to address these issues.

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) organised the inaugural ‘Women in Agriculture’ summit on Tuesday, March 5, at Godrej One in Mumbai. The primary objective of the summit was to celebrate and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women in the agriculture sector.

Contrary to common misconceptions that agriculture is predominantly a male-dominated field, data from our country reveals a different reality. In India, a staggering 86.1 million women, constituting 60 per cent of all female workers, are engaged in agriculture. In rural India, this figure rises to 84 per cent, emphasising the significant role women play in this sector. However, the disparity persists in agri-businesses, where men continue to outnumber women across various positions. The summit aimed to illuminate the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in Indian agriculture.

The panel discussions delved into the challenges women face in the agri-food sector, focusing on skill gaps and the potential for collaboration between education and industry to address these issues. Another panel explored avenues for developing and advancing women in leadership roles, facilitating the exchange of ideas while underscoring the need to empower women in the industry.

Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director of GAVL, commented on the summit, stating, “Despite their significant presence and immense contributions, our women farmers lack essential resources. To feed a billion-plus people in our country, we must create an ecosystem that promotes women not only on the farm fields but also in agri-businesses. Equipping them with the necessary knowledge, infrastructure, and support will undoubtedly enhance the overall agricultural output of the country.”

Yadav further emphasised, “As India moves towards a future of sustainable development, empowering women across the value chain and recognizing their significant contributions becomes non-negotiable. Therefore, through partnerships with the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), the Future Agriculture Leaders of India (FALI), and Godrej Good & Green, we aim to nurture 1 lakh women in the sector for better employment opportunities and economic upliftment.”

The Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) focuses on capacity building, bridging gaps, and upgrading skills of individuals engaged in organised/unorganised segments of Agriculture & Allied Sectors. The Future of Agriculture Leaders in India (FALI), supported by leading agribusiness entities, works with rural students, providing them with the technical, business, and leadership skills required for success in modern, sustainable agriculture and agro enterprise.

Mallika Mutreja, Head of Human Resources at GAVL, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, stating, “At GAVL, the empowerment of women is at the heart of every action we undertake. We firmly believe that feminization in agriculture will help us adapt best practices and address structural inequalities crucial for our industry to realize the potential of women farmers. While this inaugural summit with the Agriculture Skill Council of India signifies a crucial moment, as an entity focused on helping feed our nation, we look forward to more such collaborations in the coming years.”

The summit garnered participation from industry leaders and academic experts, including Nadir Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej Industries Limited (GIL) and Chairman of GAVL, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, Burjis Godrej, Executive Director & COO – Crop Protection Business, GAVL, Ahana Gautam, CEO, Open Secret, Angshuman Bhattacharya, Partner, EY, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director of Nivea, Ireena Vittal, Advisor & Expert (Indian Agriculture & Urban Change) & Independent Director, Shilpa Divekar Nirula, Venture Partner, Omnivore, Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Chair of the Gender Centre at IIM Ahmedabad and Dr Satendra Arya, CEO of the Agriculture Skill Council of India.

The ‘Women in Agriculture’ summit stands as a testament to GAVL’s commitment to recognising and empowering women in the agricultural sector. By fostering a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the summit paves the way for a future where women are acknowledged as equal partners in driving sustainable agricultural growth in India.

                                                                                                       By Abhitash Singh

                                                                                                abhitash.singh@agrospectrumindia.com

The panel discussions delved into the challenges

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Finance, Inputs, World

This decline was mainly attributable to significantly lower prices for glyphosate-based products due to reduced prices for generics.

The Bayer Group achieved its adjusted guidance for 2023. In his speech at the Financial News Conference in London, CEO Bill Anderson took stock of the company’s situation and looked toward the future.

Bayer Crop Science records significant decline in sales and earnings against very strong prior year, mainly due to lower glyphosate prices. Despite gains in Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia/Pacific, Bayer’s agricultural business (Crop Science) saw overall sales fall by 3.7 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 23.270 billion euros. This decline was mainly attributable to significantly lower prices for glyphosate-based products due to reduced prices for generics, resulting in a 26.0 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) decline in sales at Herbicides. Amid an inflation-driven market environment, the rest of the portfolio saw a positive price development overall, driven by innovative products and higher commodity prices. The Corn Seed & Traits business achieved the strongest growth, with sales rising 13.8 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.), primarily due to higher prices. Business was also up at Fungicides, which posted growth of 8.8 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.) that was mainly driven by higher prices in Europe/Middle East/Africa and increased volumes in Latin and North America. Sales at Soybean Seed & Traits advanced by 5.5 percent (Fx & portfolio adj.), mainly thanks to higher license revenues in Latin America.

EBITDA before special items at Crop Science fell by 26.6 percent to 5.038 billion euros, primarily due to significant price declines for glyphosate-based products. Earnings were also diminished by a mainly inflation-related increase in the cost of goods sold. There was a positive currency effect of 103 million euros (2022: 284 million euros). The EBITDA margin before special items declined by 5.6 percentage points to 21.7 percent.

For the next 24 to 36 months, the company will put its energy and focus into building a strong pharmaceuticals pipeline, addressing litigation, reducing debt, and continuing to implement its radical new operating model Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO) to improve performance, said Anderson. DSO will reduce hierarchy levels, cut bureaucracy, streamline structures and significantly accelerate decision-making. Further, DSO will enable Crop Science to strengthen its leading position in agriculture through generational innovation, with 10 blockbusters reaching the market over the next decade.

This decline was mainly attributable to significantly

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Fungicides

This strategic initiative solidifies Bionema’s position as a global leader in crop protection and plant health management.

 Bionema Group, a renowned developer of sustainable agricultural biological solutions, announced a tender for marketing its pioneering range of environmentally friendly plant health management products for agriculture, horticulture, sports turf and forestry. These novel solutions promote plant health, reduce synthetic fertilisers, boost crop performance and yields, and improve soil health.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of synthetic fertile on soil health and the environment continue to escalate, Bionema endeavours to offer a comprehensive collection of over 40 biostimulants, biofertilisers and biosurfactants products and technologies, providing practical, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic initiative follows Bionema’s product technology acquired by Syngenta in 2021, solidifying its position as a global leader in crop protection and plant health management.

Over the past decades, Bionema has experienced significant growth to meet the evolving demands of the market. Its diverse product range now encompasses Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertilisers, and Efficacy Boosters tailored to agriculture, horticulture, sports turf and forestry.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, articulated the company’s vision: “Our objective is to lead as innovators in Biological Agriculture technology, reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. With shifting global trends and heightened demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are imperative. For instance, consider the EU’s ambitious plan to ban 50 per cent of pesticides by 2030 and significantly ramp up organic farming. Achieving such targets necessitates innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing. The EU aims to reduce fertiliser use by at least 20 per cent by 2030 as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy. These regulations focus on decreasing nutrient losses by 50 per cent without harming soil fertility and increasing organic farming land by up to 25 per cent”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly bolsters its presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing its ongoing research and development, farmer training, and additional services to advance biological solutions in various cropping systems.

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

Dr Ansari emphasised, “While we are delighted to unveil our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains steadfast. We have achieved noteworthy milestones, yet our dedication to progress persists, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”

This strategic initiative solidifies Bionema’s position as

India, Interaction, Seeds

FSII & FIJEEHA organised ‘Transforming Agriculture: Women, Technology, and Sustainable Growth’ workshop ahead of International Women’s Day.

Despite facing challenges such as limited access to inputs, markets, technology, training, and credit, as well as issues related to land ownership and low incomes, women in Indian agriculture have demonstrated remarkable resilience. By advocating for policies that support women’s empowerment, improving access to essential resources like technology, and acknowledging women’s invaluable contributions, significant progress can be made towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, experts said.

Noted experts, speaking at a workshop ‘Transforming Agriculture: Women, Technology, and Sustainable Growth’ organised by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and Forum for Indian Journalists on Education, Environment, Health & Agriculture (FIJEEHA), echoed such sentiments ahead of International Women’s Day.

Highlighting the role of women in agriculture, Anuja Kadian, Director, FSII, and Government & Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific) Corteva Agriscience said, “Despite their significant involvement, rural women are predominantly viewed as labourers rather than recognized as farmers in their own right. There also exists a huge gender income gap which unfortunately is also widening due to the climate stressors.”

“Implementing policies and programs that recognize and formalize the status of women as farmers, ensuring they have equal access to land ownership, credit facilities, and agricultural resources is important. Promoting gender-sensitive agricultural extension services and training programs tailored to women’s needs can enhance their agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change,” Kadian added.

Shirley Thomas, Project Director of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Indore highlighted how the agency was constantly working on enabling women farmers to embrace technologies to make farming easy and more remunerative. Dr Anita Rani, Principal Scientist in Plant Breeding at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soybean Research highlighted the significance of women in agriculture. Dr Monica Jain, Professor & Head of the Department of Life Sciences at Maharaja Ranjit Singh College of Professional Sciences, shared her experience of how it was imperative to empower women on the farm.

Progressive women farmers who brought transformation in their farming practices by adopting precision technologies and better agronomy solutions and inspired their neighbouring women farmers resulting in doubling farm incomes were also felicitated.   

Ananda UVL, Director at FSII; Head of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at East-West Seed India; and Director for East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, India highlighted how women farmers, including in MP, are increasingly embracing precision agriculture methods, utilizing GPS technology and data analytics for efficiently managing resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, resulting in higher crop yields and minimized environmental harm. “With access to timely training and education, rural women can enhance their role in agriculture, fostering both personal growth and contributing to the state’s development,” Ananda further said.

FSII & FIJEEHA organised ‘Transforming Agriculture: Women,

Company News, Finance, Funding, India, Start ups, Sustainable Energy

Funding will utilise for team building, customer support enhancement, and also to enhance marketing, branding and visibility amongst its potential B2B and B2C audiences.

Lucknow-based Urja Sathi, a pioneering, one-stop sustainable energy-tech platform for buying and selling renewable energy solutions in India, has raised seed funding of INR 3.5 million from visionary entrepreneurs-cum-investors Ankitt Jain and Sharlee Jain. The seed investment has been facilitated by Neeraj Kumar Pawar and Ayu Sharma, Co-Founders of Pror in Pvt Ltd. Notably, Urja Sathi’s founder had recently pitched his business idea at the PROR India Wealth Summit. Urja Sathi would utilize the newly acquired seed capital to acquire talent, improve customer support, and to enhance marketing, branding and visibility amongst its potential B2B and B2C audiences.

This marks Urja Sathi’s maiden fundraising round; prior to this, the startup had remained bootstrapped since its inception in 2023. Urja Sathi (www.urjasathi.com) has introduced India’s first-of-its-kind, privately-owned online marketplace portal exclusively dedicated to renewable energy-based, environment-friendly products and services, with an emphasis on solar at the moment. The groundbreaking e-commerce portal, launched in January this year, aims to democratize access to various types of clean energy technologies for today’s end-users, making it simpler, seamless and highly sustainable for both individuals and businesses to embrace solar and other forms of sustainable energy at scale.

Speaking on the fundraise, Anurag Srivastava, Founder, Urja Sathi said, “We are excited to announce our first funding round, and would like to thank our esteemed investors Ankitt Jain and Sharlee Jain for putting their faith in us, and endorsing Urja Sathi’s mission and efforts. This investment marks a significant new chapter in Urja Sathi’s journey, and fuels our long-term vision of bringing all buyers, sellers, and a diverse range of key ecosystem players of the clean energy segment in India under one roof via our platform, and eventually becoming the biggest, most efficient and credible marketplace in India catering to renewable energy. Through the Urja Sathi marketplace portal and upcoming app, we are committed to streamlining the adoption of solar and clean energy for both residential and commercial customers in India. This in turn shall be instrumental in elevating the entire industry to new heights and aiding India’s sustainability goals in terms of becoming global clean energy leader by the end of this decade and moving towards Net Zero by 2070”.

Ankit Jain and Sharlee Jain, Co-Founders of Paper Arizona, and investors at Urja Sathi commented, “Harnessing renewables and solar for meeting our country’s energy needs and improving energy security have never been more important; and Urja Sathi, with its focus on marketplace, technology, and solar, is poised to positively transform and revolutionize the clean energy business in India. We were impressed by Anurag and his team’s vision and dedication to make sustainable and clean energy more accessible, profitable and efficient for everyone, and therefore decided to back Urja Sathi in fast-tracking their growth journey.”

Saurabh Jain, Co-Founder, FSV Capital, and advisor & mentor at Urja Sathi added, “In the present-day era defined by eco-consciousness and technological advancements, Urja Sathi is fostering the best of both ideals, and gaining rapid traction in India’s emerging yet highly potent solar business landscape. Their steadfast commitment towards sustainability and innovation is commendable, and I am confident of their ability to catalyse the green energy ecosystem”.

Funding will utilise for team building, customer

Agribusiness, India, People

Anjali Mahajan is a seasoned professional with expertise spanning product development, credit policy formulation, portfolio management, and risk management.

 Ayekart, a leading agrifood fintech platform, has appointed Anjali Mahajan as the President – Product and Partnerships at Ayekart. This move is aligned with the company’s aim to bolster its leadership team, lead fintech empowerment for SMEs and MSMEs, and drive innovation in business.

Bringing forth two decades of enriching experience in rural financial services, Anjali Mahajan is a seasoned professional with expertise spanning product development, credit policy formulation, portfolio management, and risk management. Her illustrious career includes significant contributions to esteemed institutions such as ICICI Bank, RBL Bank, and Sarvagram Solutions Ltd.

At Ayekart, Anjali will be responsible for driving product development and enhancement, key collaborations, and strategic alliances that align with the company’s goals. Her in-depth understanding of the industry will play a crucial role in identifying market opportunities, ensuring product-market fit, and orchestrating partnerships that amplify Ayekart’s reach and impact.

 Debarshi Dutta, Co-founder and CEO of Ayekart, said, “We are delighted to welcome Anjali to Ayekart. The company has cultivated a comprehensive ecosystem, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs with transformative impact throughout the agricultural value chain. We believe Anjali’s strategic acumen and extensive experience will fortify our team, bringing fresh perspectives and contributing significantly to our collective success.”

 Anjali Mahajan, President – Product and Partnerships at Ayekart, said, “I am excited to join the dynamic team at Ayekart. The company’s mission of empowering traditional business networks by digitizing the food and agricultural value chain with embedded finance and services resonates deeply with me. I look forward to establishing innovative product thinking and adept relationship management to steer the company towards sustained growth and success.”

Anjali Mahajan is a seasoned professional with

AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Trade

Fresh Turmeric and Mixed fruits consignments flagged off to UAE by FPOs in Varanasi.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is actively driving initiatives to enhance the contribution and share of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in the exports of Agri and processed food products and has till date registered more than 1000 FPO/FPC’s as APEDA Members.

With a dual aim to unlock export opportunities for agricultural and processed food products from the region and to enhance the contribution of FPO’s/FPC’s in the Agri and Processed food products, APEDA organized an exposure visit for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the UAE. The delegation comprised 47 members, representing FPOs from UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

During the visit, FPO’s visited the Al-Aweer fruit and vegetable market to explore the possibilities and opportunities for Indian agri products specially grown in UP, Bihar and Uttarakhand. Further the delegation of FPOs visited LuLu Hypermarket to understand the requirements and pattern of purchase at Dubai market. During the visit, the FPO representatives also met with a good number of buyers and pitched their produce for export. As an immediate outcome, an FPO among the delegation finalized an order of fresh turmeric which was also flagged off to the UAE market. The other FPO’s have also been able to get promising leads and are currently in negotiation with the buyers. Thus, more orders are expected in the near future.

To evaluate the benefits of the visit and disseminate its outcomes among farmers, APEDA conducted a capacity-building and experience-sharing program in Varanasi on 5th March 2024. In the program, the representatives of FPOs who undertook the visit to the UAE, shared their experiences and learnings of the visit among other member farmers. They briefed them about the requirements/regulations to be followed for exporting agri commodities to the UAE market. They also briefly highlighted the potential products which have a significant untapped demand in the UAE market namely Mango, Green Chilly, Okra etc. which could be tapped by the farmers of the region. They also encouraged the farmers to implement good Agricultural practices (GAP), while farming so as to enable their produce to meet the regulatory requirements of the Importing countries.

Notably, the event also marked the flag-off of a consignment of fresh turmeric to Sharjah, UAE, showcasing the region’s potential for export. Additionally, fresh fruits were exported from Varanasi’s LBSI Airport to the international market, highlighting the region’s expanding export capabilities.

Operating through its regional wing in Varanasi, and taking forward the above vision, APEDA has identified the Purvanchal region as a model Agri Export Hub, recognizing its significance in agricultural trade and has enrolled more than 120 FPO’s from the region as its members. Special focus is being given towards enrolment of FPO’s/FPO’s dealing in ODOP/GI products, those which are Women & SC/ST led and those from the NER/Himalayan States and landlocked areas.

Chairman APEDA, Abhishek Dev, emphasized the significance of exposure visits in exploring agricultural export opportunities, underlining their potential to boost national foreign exchange earnings and improve farmer incomes. He remarked on the keen interest shown by FPOs in agricultural export, recognizing it as a positive indicator of the region’s capacity to meet international market demands. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s rise as the third-largest agricultural exporting state in India (APEDA Basket), attributing this achievement to the region’s deep potential and APEDA’s sustained efforts in enhancing the contribution of land-locked areas in exports.

Fresh Turmeric and Mixed fruits consignments flagged

Agrotech, Company News, Start ups

WRMS showcased its innovative parametric insurance marketplace, SecuRisk including AWAQE, a revolutionary automatic weather station with AI-powered climate sensors.

WRMS, a leader in climate action and sustainability, participated in the recent Bihar Climate Action Expo 2024 at Gyan Bhawan, Patna. The event, organized by WRI India in collaboration with UNEP and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, along with the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, served as a platform for organizations dedicated to paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The Bihar Climate Action Conclave, a key component of the expo, aimed to launch the strategy document and facilitate discussions on Bihar’s ambitious climate actions. WRMS played a significant role in contributing to this dialogue, showcasing its commitment to driving climate action and confronting the challenges of climate change.

At the Expo, WRMS proudly presented its innovative parametric insurance marketplace, SecuRisk. This groundbreaking platform demonstrates WRMS’s dedication to providing sustainable solutions in the face of climate challenges. #SecuRisk represents a new frontier in parametric insurance, offering a forward-thinking approach to climate risk mitigation.

In addition to SecuRisk, WRMS showcased its diverse climate action solutions, including AWAQE, a revolutionary automatic weather station with AI-powered climate sensors. Developed by Ingen Technologies, a subsidiary of WRMS Global, AWAQE exemplifies the fusion of cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness. This advanced weather station stands as a testament to WRMS’s commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable development.

Ashish Agarwal, Co-Founder & CTO of WRMS, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s participation in the Bihar Climate Action Expo 2024 and stated, “At WRMS, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Our presence at the Bihar Climate Action Expo reflects our commitment to contributing meaningful solutions for a sustainable future. Through initiatives like SecuRisk and AWAQE, we aim to inspire positive change and encourage collective action towards a greener, more resilient world. We are honored to be part of this important dialogue and look forward to continuing our efforts in driving climate action and fostering environmental stewardship.”

The presence of WRMS at the Bihar Climate Action Expo underscores the company’s dedication to collaborative efforts in addressing climate change. By participating in this platform, WRMS aims to foster a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and advancing solutions. The company looks forward to contributing to the brighter, greener future envisioned for all.

As WRMS continues to drive climate action and tackle the challenges posed by climate change, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing suggested strategies and accelerating Bihar’s developmental trajectory towards a sustainable and resilient future.

WRMS showcased its innovative parametric insurance marketplace,

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

This plant will primarily cater to insecticides intermediates and actives, fungicides actives, based on company’s core pyridine and non-pyridine value chains.

Jubilant Ingrevia announced the commissioning of its state-of-the-art, multipurpose, agro active & intermediate plant to produce value-added products at its manufacturing facility at Bharuch, Gujarat. The plant, established by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Jubilant Agro Sciences, is geared towards meeting the rising future global demand for agro actives & intermediates. This plant will be utilised for both its CMO customers and own actives.

Jubilant Ingrevia has been synthesising several agro intermediates at its manufacturing facility at Bharuch, Gujarat, and this new plant will further expand its presence in agrochemicals. This plant will primarily cater to insecticides intermediates and actives, fungicides actives, based on company’s core pyridine and non-pyridine value chains.

Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Jain, CEO & Managing Director, 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 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 will primarily cater to insecticides

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

 Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during February 2024 were at 21672 units, as against 25791 units for the same period last year.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for February 2024.Domestic sales in February 2024 were at 20121 units, as against 24619 units during February 2023. Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during February 2024 were at 21672 units, as against 25791 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1551 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 20121 tractors in the domestic market during February 2024. Southern and western states continue to face agri stress due to erratic and deficient monsoon. However, Rabi crop outlook is very good, with wheat crop likely to be a bumper crop. Harvesting has started in few states with the government supporting early procurement of wheat crop. Continued government support through various rural schemes and enhanced institutional credit will further help boost tractor demand going forward. In the export market, we have sold 1551 tractors, a growth of 32 per cent over last year.”

 Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during

Agribusiness, Company News, India, Inputs, People

Dr Gyanendra Shukla, an experienced agri professional in the Crop Protection and Seed Sector, possesses more than 34 years of leadership experience across India, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

The Board of Directors of Rallis India Ltd, a leading agri-inputs company, has appointed Dr Gyanendra Shukla as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the company for a period of five years with effect from April 1, 2024. He will take over from Sanjiv Lal on completion of his term on March 31, 2024.

Dr Gyanendra Shukla, an experienced agri professional in the Crop Protection and Seed Sector, possesses more than 34 years of leadership experience across India, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous senior positions in Commercial, Sales, Corporate Affairs, Technology Development, and Regulatory Affairs. Notably, he served in various global leadership roles at Monsanto for over two decades.

Rallis will continue its transformational journey of serving farmers through science. Rallis will pursue expansion and scale-up of its product portfolio by strengthening its existing customer partnerships and building new ones with global agrochemical companies to advance the cause of sustainable agriculture.

Dr Gyanendra Shukla, an experienced agri professional

Company News, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation, World

Syngenta finalises agreement with Maersk for ocean transport using biofuel for a Europe-US shipping route.

Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in agricultural innovation, is to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from its logistics operations by using Maersk’s ECO Delivery solution for its ocean shipments. This follows the finalization of an agreement for the transport of containers using biofuel for a Europe-US shipping route in 2024.

Maersk’s ECO Delivery solution offers Syngenta the ability to handle its global ocean shipments with certified biofuels which burn cleaner than conventional fossil fuels, resulting in less GHG emissions. All the biofuel used is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

“Our partnership with Maersk is based on a common commitment towards sustainable logistics,” said Mike Hollands, Head of Global Supply at Syngenta Crop Protection. “We’ve been energized by our collaboration in ECO Delivery and other carbon emission reduction solutions, and are pleased to move closer together towards eventual zero carbon shipping for a more sustainable future,” he added. Maersk and Syngenta have also collaborated on an Emission Dashboard creation, a digital innovation for GHG emissions reporting and data analytics.

Globally, shipping accounts for around 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to assessments of a company’s carbon emissions commonly known as Scope 3 emissions. These measure the level of greenhouse gas emissions for which an organization is indirectly responsible for, up and down its value chain.

“If we are to significantly reduce emissions, we need to look for opportunities across our supply chains and beyond,” Hollands noted. “Working with strong external partners equally committed to sustainability, such as Maersk, enables us to accelerate the de-carbonization of our operations.” Maersk is Syngenta’s largest fourth-party logistics provider, managing the resources, technology and infrastructure of other third-party logistics providers that enable Syngenta to offer the highest levels of service to customers and growers worldwide.

“We are delighted that Syngenta has selected our ECO Delivery Ocean solution as well as our Emission Dashboard to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in a structured way. We are looking forward to developing our valued partnership even further in the future,” says Kaisa Helena Tikk, Head of Commercial Sustainability at Maersk. “These close collaborations with our customers are essential to drive the decarbonization of logistics which we can achieve only together.”

Syngenta has already made significant headway in the reduction of carbon emissions for its own operations and from the electricity and energy it consumes – known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. In February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognised Syngenta’s manufacturing facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, as one of the top 100 users of green power in the country.

Syngenta finalises agreement with Maersk for ocean