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Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, Agrotech, R&D

This joint effort marks a step toward advancing scientific knowledge and sustaining the resilience of rice cultivation through state-of-the-art genomic analysis.

In the past six years, the Plant Pathology and Host Resistance Group has been outsourcing its genomic sequencing to explore the complexities of rice pathogens as part of its work, notably on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae pathogen, responsible for rice bacterial leaf blight. The pathogen’s diversity and complex genomes necessitate complete sequencing for comprehensive understanding. The group also focuses on false smut, neck/leaf blast, brown spot, and tungro diseases requiring the need for new genomic information for understanding rice-pathogen interactions.

The Integration of the MinION™ sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. in its laboratory enables IRRI researchers to establish important genomic information on common rice diseases at a faster rate. Ultimately, it will further advance the institute’s effort in developing DNA-based tools for accurate disease identification, uncovering genetically based resistance in specific rice varieties, and improving effective strategies for deploying disease-resistant rice varieties.  

To maximise the application of nanopore sequencing, the Plant Pathology and Host Resistance Group conducted a comprehensive internal end-user training and an initial sequencing run on 05-06 March 2024. Dr Van ScheplerLuu, head of the IRRI Plant Pathology Laboratory; assistant scientists Genelou Grande and Dale Pinili, and MS student Michael Urzo were trained by Prof. Andrew Montecillo from the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

This joint effort marks a step toward advancing scientific knowledge and sustaining the resilience of rice cultivation through state-of-the-art genomic analysis.

This joint effort marks a step toward

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, Drones, India, Seeds

With the increasing role of drones in empowering farmers, this initiative aims to equip farmers of Haryana with benefits and implications of modern farming practices.

Reiterating its commitment to empowering farmers, Susheel Kumar, Country Head and MD of Syngenta India, a leading Swiss based agri-science company, on Saturday applauded the ease and speed with which Haryana farmers have adopted use of drones and other technologies including CropWise Growers App. Joining a drone flying demonstration by Syngenta trained drone pilots at the Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre (IBDC) in Kurukshetra, Kumar said Haryana was poised for faster growth with a mix of enabling policies and progressive vision of farmers. IBDC is an Indo-Israel agriculture project established by the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Haryana for the development of beekeeping in Haryana. Kumar visited the facility and expressed keen interest in the activities of IBDC. The support to IBDC is in keeping with Syngenta’s commitment to sustainability and conservation of pollinators.

A native of Haryana, who loves to call himself ‘son of the soil’ Kumar said Syngenta will continue to support initiatives of the Haryana government to empower farmers through futuristic farming techniques and practices. “Farmers safety is at the heart of Syngenta and towards this we carry out stewardship activities to train farmers on safe spraying,” Kumar added.

Syngenta’s R&D Center is a 25 years old state-of-the-art facility in Karnal carrying out breeding activities of seeds like Okra, Watermelon, Tomato and cucumber. “Through its continued emphasis on high-quality research, the Centre is dedicated to providing the finest varieties for best yields and economic gains of farmers in Haryana and north India,” said Kumar while demonstrating to the farmers the various activities being carried out here.

Later, Kumar also joined a group of farmers who demonstrated drone flying. “Under our CSR program, in collaboration with Syngenta Foundation of India, we launched a drone pilots training program under which we have trained 100 drone pilots in Haryana including 18 women, from across 16 districts of Haryana. This is a game-changer for it will not only provide new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth, but will also enhance efficiency for our farmers, and help in their yields. It augurs well for the future of farming in Haryana, as drone helps in precision spraying of crop protection solutions saving resources and time,” Kumar said.

With the increasing role of drones in boosting agricultural productivity and empowering farmers, this initiative aims to equip farmers of Haryana with benefits and implications of modern farming practices and also educate farmers about the transformative potential of drones in farming, including efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and the promotion of sustainable practices.

Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd highlighted Syngenta’s commitment to technology-driven progress across the country and support farmers towards rural prosperity by bringing new technology and sustainable solutions in time given unique challenges and needs of Indian farmers. He mentioned the launch of drone spray solutions and the successful implementation of commercial spray services across several states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka is a step towards realising our commitment.

With the increasing role of drones in

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

Company has expanded its language support to include several international languages such as Swahili, French, Spanish, Malay, Portuguese, Turkish, and Arabic.

Satyukt, a global Ag-tech aims to revolutionise farming practices worldwide, announces the expansion of language support for its Sat2Farm mobile application. Sat2Farm, a satellite-based agricultural monitoring system, has widened its language offerings to cater to farmers across the globe, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for users from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Agriculture is a global industry, and farmers worldwide need access to technological tools and information. With over 5.35 billion people now connected online, the power of the internet continues to grow, enabling individuals from all corners of the world to engage with a vast array of online resources.

“English has achieved global status, but not all farmers speak English fluently,” says Dr Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder & CEO, Satyukt Analytics. “Providing agricultural apps in vernacular languages ensures that language barriers do not prevent farmers from accessing important information and utilizing the full potential of agricultural technologies.”

Sat2Farm, initially available primarily in English, has expanded its language support to include several international languages such as Swahili, French, Spanish, Malay, Portuguese, Turkish, and Arabic. This expansion aims to make Sat2Farm’s services accessible to a global audience and to better serve users who may not be proficient in English.

“We recognize the importance of language accessibility in reaching farmers across diverse regions and cultures,” adds Dr Sat Kumar Tomer, Founder & CEO, Satyukt Analytics “By expanding language support for Sat2Farm, we aim to empower farmers worldwide with valuable real-time data and insights to enhance their farming practices.”

With the latest update, Sat2Farm users now have access to a comprehensive database covering over 80 pests and diseases commonly affecting crops worldwide. Additionally, users can benefit from 80+ crop calendars available in their preferred language, facilitating optimized farming practices. Furthermore, irrigation advisories tailored for over 50 crops are provided, offering users valuable insights to enhance their irrigation management strategies.

To access Sat2Farm in their preferred language, users simply need to download the Sat2Farm application on their mobile devices from the Google Play Store, install it, select the language of choice, and sign up.

Company has expanded its language support to

Agro Universities, Foodgrains, R&D

Key outcomes of the meeting included the development of plans for establishing Centers of Excellence on Millets in major millet-producing countries.

Agricultural leaders, policymakers, and high-level representatives from the global south gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 25-26 March 2024, to chart a course for collective action beyond the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM2023).

Millets, hailed for their climate resilience and nutritional density, have garnered global recognition as a crucial component in the fight against food insecurity and environmental degradation, providing hope to the 2.1 billion people who live in the arid regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

High-level representatives from leading millet-producing countries in the global south including India, Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Malawi, alongside prominent organizations such as the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), and the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), came together to devise strategies for strengthened collaboration under a shared vision of resilience for the drylands.

Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, said the elevated level of representation and engagement from all participants during the two-day session augurs well for the future of millets.

“It is important that we build on the momentum and legacy of the IYM2023 to ensure the world has access to millets, which are Smart Food with the ability to feed and nourish the planet amid growing global populations, increasing temperatures and climatic events,” Dr Hughes remarked.

“I thank all stakeholders who made the effort to attend and actively participate in these two intensive days of strategic planning, knowledge sharing and deliberations. Together, we have laid the groundwork for sustained progress in millet promotion and adoption in the global south,” she added.

Key outcomes of the meeting included the development of plans for establishing Centers of Excellence on Millets in major millet-producing countries. Centers are envisioned to serve as hubs for innovation, research, and knowledge exchange, driving sustainable crop production, resilient value chains, and broader consumer access to affordable and nutritious millet-based diets.

The convening also served as a platform to reaffirm a shared commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the global south, particularly by supporting food security, poverty eradication, and environmental sustainability. 

Key outcomes of the meeting included the

Agro Universities, R&D, Textile industry

Experts discussed about the future of GM cotton in India at a brainstorming workshop on ‘Biotech Interventions in Cotton Improvement: Opportunities and Challenges’ in Nagpur.

The country is poised to make India a global hub for textile industry. Several states including Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have undertaken a slew of initiatives to establish exclusive textile parks. In this context, Cotton experts and scientists said that a concerted push to Genetically Modified (GM) cotton will be vital to ensure a robust textiles value chain and achieving the aspirations of the States. GM Cotton with new traits will remain pivotal to this ambition.

At a brainstorming workshop on ‘Biotech Interventions in Cotton Improvement: Opportunities and Challenges’, organised by the ICAR- Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur in association with Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), at ICAR-CICR campus in Nagpur, experts said the future of GM  cotton in India will be determined by a complex interplay of technological, regulatory, socio-economic, and environmental factors. Cotton researchers and agricultural experts emphasized the necessity of continued innovation, responsible stewardship, and stakeholder collaboration for harnessing the full potential of modern biotechnologies-genetic engineering and gene editing.

Bt-cotton brought a revolution in the country’s cotton production and transformed a cotton-importing country into a leading cotton producer. However, the momentum broke with the decline in production in FY2015. Since then, affected by pest infestation, specifically, pink bollworm, cotton production in the country is registering a constant stagnation. Addressing challenges and ensuring responsible stewardship of the technology will be essential for sustaining its benefits and promoting the long-term viability of cotton farming in India. To counter these challenges, the need for biotechnological interventions in cotton improvement is the most pressing issue in India.

Dr Y. G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur said, “Adopted in India more than two decades ago, Bt-cotton varieties are genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins that are toxic to certain pests, such as bollworms and pink bollworms, significantly reducing the need for chemical insecticides and improving yield and quality.”

Dr C D Mayee, Former Chairman, ASRB and Former Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur noted cotton expert expressed that biotechnology has enabled the development of herbicide-tolerant cotton varieties that allow for more effective weed control, reducing the need for manual labour for weed management, and can improve overall crop yields.

Speaking on the current challenges and need for genetic interventions in cotton, Dr Paresh Verma, Head AAI, Executive Director-Bioseeds Division, DCM Shriram Limited, Hyderabad, said, “Collaborative efforts involving policymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders are needed to navigate regulatory complexities, promote technology access and equity, and ensure that biotech interventions contribute to sustainable and inclusive cotton farming systems.” He added that, “The development and adoption of GM cotton varieties with broad-spectrum insect resistance represent a significant advancement in cotton production technology, offering farmers effective pest management solutions and contributing to more sustainable and profitable cotton farming systems.”

Field testing of GM cotton is a crucial step in the development and evaluation of new varieties before their commercial release and needs to be expedited. Experts also highlighted that focus on cotton needs to be sharpened in wake of employing over 45 million skilled workers, according to industry estimates, India’s textile industry is poised to achieve a milestone of US$250 billion in textile production by 2030.

Maharashtra, in particular, has set an ambitious target of reaching US$100 billion in textile production. The escalating requirements of the textile industry highlights the need to revitalize the cotton sector, experts assert. The current production levels present a significant bottleneck in the growth trajectory of the textile industry. To address this, there is an urgent need to fortify the cotton value chain and bolster cotton production.

Experts discussed about the future of GM

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, Europe, Finance, Seeds

Sales were impacted by softer demand due to high levels of channel inventory remaining from 2022.

Syngenta AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Syngenta Group, published its 2023 full year results. Syngenta AG’s consolidated sales for 2023 were $19,196 million, compared with $19,963 million in 2022, a decrease of 4 percent year on year. At constant exchange rates sales decreased by 3 percent. Sales in 2023 were 4 percent lower than 2022, 3 percent lower at constant exchange rates, with a 1 per cent decrease in sales volumes and a further 2 percent decrease in local currency sales prices. Currency movements decreased reported sales by 1 percent.

Sales of Crop Protection products decreased by 4 percent, 3 percent at constant exchange rates and Seeds sales were 1 percent lower than 2022, also at constant exchange rates. Farm economics and crop prices remained relatively strong in 2023, although falling from the very high levels of 2022, except for commoditized products where pricing fell sharply. Sales were impacted by softer demand due to high levels of channel inventory remaining from 2022.

Crop Protection

Sales were 6 percent lower, 4 per cent at constant exchange rates from lower volumes of GESAPRIM® in Brazil and the US. Sales were 56 per cent lower due to lower TOUCHDOWN® prices and volumes in Latin America after the particularly high demand in 2022. GRAMOXONE® sales were also lower in the US and Latin America North. Fungicide sales increased by 7 per cent, 9 percent at constant exchange rates, with strong growth in sales of the new ADEPIDYNTM technology. Insecticide sales were 2 percent lower, 1 percent at constant exchange rates, with strong growth in sales of the new PLINAZOLIN® technology in Latin America offset by lower sales of older products.

Seedcare

Seedcare sales were 2 percent higher, 5 percent higher at constant exchange rates from growth in China and Asia. Asia Pacific. Sales were 5 percent lower, but 2 percent higher at constant exchange rates: local currency price increases were achieved to offset currency weakness in Pakistan and Bangladesh, but US dollar prices were lower in Australia and India. China sales maintained strong growth and increased by 18 percent versus 2022, 26 per cent at constant exchange rates. Growth was driven by new products, particularly ADEPIDYNTM.

Seeds

Sales were 6 percent lower, also at constant exchange rates, with prices 5 percent higher to cover the increased input cost of the seeds more than offset by lower volumes. Corn sales were lower in Latin America due to a shortage of competitive germplasm. Sales increased by 12 percent, 10 percent at constant exchange rates, with local currency sales prices to cover increased product costs. Sales volumes were lower in Russia and the Ukraine.

Sales in Asia Pacific, including China, increased by 10 percent, 15 percent at constant exchange rate, with higher corn sales in South East Asia and China.

2024 Outlook

Sales prices of non-selective herbicides are currently expected to be more stable in 2024. Conversely, field crop seed sales prices were higher in 2023, offsetting increased cost of goods sold that are linked to the cost of the relevant crop; both sales prices and cost of goods are expected to have stabilized in 2024.

Given the progress of channel inventory reduction in 2023, the impact on 2024 is currently expected to be less significant. Traded prices of key crop commodities underpin farmer profitability and support the usage of crop protection products and high-quality seeds to optimize both crop yield and quality. Syngenta expects significantly lower levels of sales returns in 2024 compared to 2023 mainly driven by the significant reduction of the in-channel inventory.

Sales were impacted by softer demand due

India, Supply Chain, Transportation

Total Traffic reaches 85.82 million Metric Tons in FY 2023-24.

 Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Mumbai, Maharashtra one of India’s leading container ports, achieved a historic milestone by recording its highest-ever throughput of 6.43 million TEUs in the fiscal year 2023-24. Surpassing the 6.05 million TEU mark of 2022-23, the Port continues its upward trajectory. In comparison, the corresponding period last year witnessed a record throughput, marking a notable 6.27 per cent increase in total throughput.

The total traffic handled at JNPA during the period from April-2023 to Mar-2024, is 85.82 million tonnes, which is 2.33 per cent higher, as against the 83.86 million tonnes handled during corresponding period in previous financial year. This includes 78.13 million tonnes of container traffic and 7.70 million tonnes of Bulk Cargo as against 76.19 million tonnes of container traffic and 7.67 million tonnes of bulk traffic in the corresponding period of last year respectively.

Breakdown of container traffic shows that 2.03 million 2027781 TEUs were handled at BMCT, 1.59 million TEUs at APMT, 1.13 million TEUs at NSICT, 1.11 million TEUs at NSIGT, 0.56 million TEUs at NSFT and 7,978 TEUs at NSDT.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman of JNPA, said “We take immense pride in announcing this significant milestone. It underscores our dedication to establishing the Port as a premier gateway for EXIM trade. This accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment of our team to delivering top-notch services, including the centralized parking plaza, single window clearance and various other initiatives, which facilitate the ease of doing business. I extend my gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders for their continued trust and support. JNPA remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to the nation’s economic advancement.”

Total Traffic reaches 85.82 million Metric Tons

Agro Universities, Fruits, R&D

ICAR-CCARI’s Nutmeg Pericarp Taffy allows farmers to earn an additional annual income of Rs 5,600 per tree, apart from the yield of nutmeg spice products.

The invention “Process for preparing Nutmeg Taffy and resultant food product thereof” invented by Dr A.R Desai and the team of ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa has been granted Patent No. 528119.

Nutmeg is an important spice crop of India which is mainly grown for nutmeg seed and mace. After collecting these economic products, farmers often leave behind nutmeg pericarp in the garden for rotting. Nutmeg pericarp, which makes up 80-85 per cent of the fresh weight of the fruit, is known for its high nutritional value. ICAR-CCARI, Goa developed Nutmeg Pericarp Taffy, a product that stores well at room temperature for 12 months without synthetic preservatives. This technology allows farmers to earn an additional annual income of Rs. 5,600/tree, apart from the yield of nutmeg spice products. The product is simple, requires no costly equipment, and is commercially acceptable. It has been commercialized twice with M/s Tanshikar Spice Farm, Netravali, and Goa State Biodiversity Board.

Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, self-help groups, small and medium-scale food industries, and agro-ecotourism centers were the potential beneficiaries of the technology.

ICAR-CCARI’s Nutmeg Pericarp Taffy allows farmers to

Company News, Finance, Inputs, World

Sales in India declined over the full year period following high channel inventory, creating pressure on pricing in the market.

ADAMA Ltd. reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.  Company reported that 13 per cent drop in sales to $1,136 million (-13 per cent in RMB terms; -14 per cent in CER [1] terms), mainly reflecting a 15 per cent decrease in prices and a 1 per cent increase in volumes. Company’s Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $95 million vs. $129 million in Q4 2022.  Company posted Adjusted net loss of $101 million; Reported net loss of $79 million. Company reported Operating Cash Flow of $293 million in Q4 2023 vs $352 million in Q4 2022 and Free Cash Flow of $130 million vs $204 million in Q4 2022.

Steve Hawkins, President and CEO of ADAMA, said, “The crop protection industry as a whole faced challenging market conditions throughout 2023, resulting from high channel inventory and ongoing destocking at the distributor level. In response, ADAMA took immediate steps that supported a significant improvement ‎in cashflow in ‎‎2023, highlighting our strong execution ability‎. ‎

“In addition to the significant improvement ‎ in cashflow, we improved the ‎sales mix of higher margin products, reduced operating expenses and inventory. These, however, are only the first steps to ensure the Company is ‎fully prepared to take advantage of anticipated market opportunities in 2024 and ‎onwards. To fully respond to the long-term as well as short-term market challenges, we launched an intensive transformation plan aimed at improving the quality of the business and revaluing ADAMA. We will focus on winning in the largest growing segment of the market – the value innovation segment – with our outstanding pipeline of differentiated products powered by our proprietary formulation technologies.”

Asia-Pacific (APAC):

In China, the market is still experiencing high channel inventories and pricing pressure especially in commodities impacting both the branded formulation and non-ag sales. Sales were supported by the branded business, driven by recent and new launches of differentiated products, and ADAMA’s active ingredient business which recovered substantially, benefiting from the Sanonda Jingzhou site reaching high utilization after relocation.

In the Pacific region, sales in the full year and fourth quarter were impacted by high channel inventories and pricing pressure, combined with just in time purchasing patterns. In Australia, dryer weather also impacted sales. Despite this, sales benefited from the launch of the differentiated product Grindstone® and the Company’s biologicals portfolio.

‎Sales in India declined over the full year period following high channel inventory, creating pressure on pricing in the market. Moreover, the erratic weather did not support the consumption of such inventory. Despite this, it is noteworthy that differentiated product TrassidTM was well accepted in the market and along with increased focus on farmer demand generation, the Company’s sales increase in Q4.

Sales in the wider APAC region continued to experience pricing pressure, particularly from commoditized products. Despite this, particularly noteworthy was the performance of the Company’s sales in South Korea resulting in market share gain, supported by positive weather conditions.

Full Year 2023 Highlights:

Sales down 16 per cent to $4,661 million (-12 per cent in RMB terms; -15 per cent in CER terms), mainly reflecting a 8 per cent decrease in prices and a 7 per cent decrease in volumes.

Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $407 million vs. $740 million in the full year of 2022

Adjusted net loss of $236 million; Reported net loss of $225 million

Operating Cash Flow of $356 million vs $106 million in 2022

Free Cash Flow of -$147 million vs -$417 million in 2022

Sales in India declined over the full

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India

These molecules will be produced in Anupam Rasayan’s existing facilities as well as in its soon-to-be-commercialised fluorination plants.

Anupam Rasayan, a leading player in India’s custom synthesis and specialty chemical sector, has recently inked a significant Letter of Intent (LOI) with a prominent Japanese company. The LOI, valued at approximately $90 million (Rs 743 crores) over the next seven years, entails the supply of two advanced intermediates utilising fluorination chemistry. These molecules will be produced in Anupam Rasayan’s existing facilities as well as in its soon-to-be-commercialised fluorination plants.

Commenting on the LOI, Anand Desai, Managing Director of Anupam Rasayan, said, “We are delighted to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with one of the largest Japanese players in Fluorochemicals. Anupam will be the first company in India to manufacture these key molecules domestically, with applications spanning both pharmaceuticals and engineering fluids. The signing of this LOI also signifies the addition of a prestigious new customer to our portfolio.”

Desai further highlighted the role of the Business Development Team in securing the deal, emphasizing their exceptional proficiency in creating opportunities that align with the company’s global expansion objectives.

He added, “This landmark LOI not only expands and diversifies our customer base but also solidifies our position in the Japanese markets as one of the most reliable partners for supplying specialized molecules to global majors.”

These molecules will be produced in Anupam

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, World

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15 per cent stake.

AGCO Corporation and Trimble announced the closing of their joint venture (JV) transaction. The JV, known as PTx Trimble, combines Trimble’s precision agriculture business and AGCO’s JCA Technologies to form a new company that will better serve farmers with factory fit and retrofit applications in the mixed-fleet precision agriculture market.

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15 per cent stake. Going forward, the PTx Trimble JV will be consolidated into AGCO’s financial statements.

“Farmers worldwide need technologies that support them to be more productive and profitable while minimizing the environmental impact of their operations,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “PTx Trimble will provide farmers greater access to next-generation precision ag tools, no matter what brands of tractors and implements they operate.”

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability.

“Farmers are the real winners here,” said Rob Painter, Trimble’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “By combining our expertise and resources through this JV, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation. With a focus on open technologies, customers will benefit from tech solutions available to farmers across a broad range of tractor and implement brands.”

AGCO’s consolidated precision ag revenue is now expected to exceed $2.0 billion by 2028, and the transaction is expected to be accretive to AGCO’s revenue growth, adjusted operating margin profile and adjusted earnings per share in the first full year post-close.

AGCO financed the transaction through a combination of $1.1 billion in recently issued senior unsecured notes, a $500 million term loan facility, other borrowings and cash on hand.

AGCO has acquired an 85 per cent

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, Agrotech, India, R&D

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes.

In a significant stride towards combating the devastating impact of Lactococcus garvieae, ICAR- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal clinched its patent for a pioneering diagnostic solution. The patented technology, titled ‘Composition, Protocol, and Diagnostic Kit for Identification of Bacterial Pathogen Lactococcus garvieae’ was led by Dr Neetu Shahi, Senior Scientist, and the team of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, emphasised the urgent need for such innovative detection methods to safeguard global aquaculture industries from the burgeoning threat posed by this pathogen.

L. garvieae, recognised globally as a formidable threat to marine and freshwater aquaculture, has inflicted colossal economic losses running into millions of dollars. This bacterium, initially identified in the 1980s from bovine mastitis samples in the United Kingdom, wreaks havoc by causing hemorrhagic septicemia and meningoencephalitis in over 60 fish species. With crop losses ranging from 20 to 60% upon infection detection, the impact on fish production is staggering. Moreover, surviving fish become asymptomatic carriers, further perpetuating the spread of the disease. The outbreak of “Warm Water Lactococcosis”, ascribed to L. garvieae, intensifies during warmer months, posing a dire threat to rainbow trout farming. Compounding the challenge are factors such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and the lack of rapid diagnostic tools. Traditional identification methods are time-consuming and often prone to misidentification, exacerbating the spread of the pathogen.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing solution by enabling the rapid visual detection of L. garvieae within just 40 minutes. Leveraging specific concentrations and compositions of oligonucleotides, the diagnostic kit facilitates swift, accurate, and cost-effective detection by discerning color changes in the reactants.

This is the second patent granted to the directorate under the leadership of the present director.

The newly patented technology offers a game-changing

Agrotech, India, Seeds, Sustainability

FSII urges for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to address agricultural waste issue.

India faces a significant challenge with its agricultural waste generation. Annually, the nation produces about 683 million tonnes (MT) of crop waste and an estimated 682.6 million tons of agricultural waste, including both edible crop production and surplus materials. This waste contributes substantially to India’s overall waste generation, amounting to approximately 62 million tonnes per year.

Additionally, out of India’s total solid waste, roughly 380 million tons are organic wastes from agricultural sources. These numbers highlight the urgent need for effective waste management strategies to minimise environmental pollution and promote sustainable practices.

Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, Federation of Seed Industry of India mentioned that FSII recognises the severity of this situation and urges immediate action on the International Day of Zero Waste. Effective waste management in agriculture requires sustainable practices to optimize resource usage, including careful application of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Precision agriculture, a technique of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using high technology sensor and analysis tools, can significantly reduce input waste, enhancing long-term sustainability. It ensures the effective management of fertilizers and irrigation processes.

Food waste reduction requires a two-pronged approach: minimizing spoilage throughout the supply chain and aligning food production with demand. Firstly, better storage and transportation practices are crucial. Technologies like moisture-preserving coatings for produce and implementing tracking systems can significantly extend a product’s shelf life.

Secondly, bridging the gap between supply and demand is essential. In India’s complex supply chains, food needs are often predictable, yet production isn’t due to the many layers between farmers and consumers. Here, technology plays a vital role. By building a data network across the chain, from satellite imagery to smartphone apps, we can create a clearer picture of food demand, allowing farmers to adjust production accordingly. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology, such as disease-resistant crops, can further reduce pre- and post-harvest losses.

By prioritising these initiatives, India can significantly reduce food waste. This not only lessens the environmental impact, including water and energy waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation, but also promotes sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and a path towards environmental responsibility for future generations.

FSII calls for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to address this pressing issue. By embracing sustainable practices, we can work towards a future where agricultural waste is minimized, environmental pollution is reduced, and India’s agricultural sector thrives sustainably.

FSII urges for collaborative efforts involving all

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, Finance, India, Trade

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per cent stake purchase with cash consideration, amounts to an estimated enterprise value of Rs 139 Crores.

Best Agrolife Ltd (BAL), a prominent player in the Indian agrochemicals industry, has made a significant stride with the acquisition of Sudarshan Farm Chemicals India Pvt Ltd (SFCL). This acquisition marks a milestone in BAL’s journey, as it not only expands its market presence but also strengthens its R&D capabilities and product portfolio.

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per cent stake purchase with cash consideration, amounts to an estimated enterprise value of Rs 139 Crores. After accounting for Net Working Capital and other Liabilities, the cash outflow for BAL is expected to be around Rupees 9.5 Crore. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging SFCL’s expertise in R&D and brand management to enhance BAL’s market position and drive growth.

SFCL, a subsidiary of Sudarshan Chemical Industries, boasts a rich legacy of 40 years in the agrochemicals sector. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, SFCL has earned the trust of farmers across the country. The company’s focus on developing cost-effective manufacturing routes for off-patent molecules has been a key driver of its success.

One of the key assets acquired by BAL through this deal is SFCL’s impressive IP portfolio, which includes 10 patents (applied). This portfolio, combined with SFCL’s R&D capabilities, will provide BAL with a competitive edge in developing new and innovative products for the market.

The acquisition also grants BAL access to SFCL’s popular brands, including “Sutathion,” “Suphos,” “Suchlor,” and “Sumidon.” These brands, known for their quality and effectiveness, will complement BAL’s existing product lineup and help expand its presence in the central and southern regions of India.

The acquisition, finalised through a 100 per