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Agrotech, Company News, Horticulture

Johnson Pump is a key greenhouse pump provider, efficiently transferring heat from storage tanks to a manifold, that proportionately releases steam into greenhouses

Johnson Pump, a renowned brand within SPX FLOW, joins forces with Pompentechniek West (PTW) to deliver rapid assistance to horticulture customers, offering response times as swift as 30 minutes and completing select repairs within a remarkable 24-hour window. Situated in the thriving horticultural hub of de Lier, The Netherlands, this market stands as a global epicenter for the cultivation and export of flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables. As the sole Authorised Service Provider for Johnson Pump and regional greenhouse supplier, PTW is committed to around-the-clock support to ensure customers stay up and running.

Johnson Pump is a key greenhouse pump provider, efficiently transferring heat from storage tanks to a manifold, that proportionately releases steam into greenhouses.

“PTW is our right arm when it comes to servicing customers that use Johnson Pump,” said Gerard Santema, SPX FLOW Global Sales Director of Johnson Pump Industry & Horticulture. “This streamlined approach enhances the customer experience when we can deliver the same day, respond 24/7 to reach not only this critical market but across Europe.”

Sjors de Bruijn, General Manager and Owner of PTW emphasised the company’s commitment to providing unparalleled service, stating, “We always prioritise the best and quickest service for our customers, even during weekends or late-night emergencies. What truly sets us apart is our ability to rewind motors in-house, enabling us to assist customers with out-of-commission motors.”

Johnson Pump is a key greenhouse pump

Company News, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

Domestic sales in April 2024 were at 35805 units, as against 35398 units during April 2024

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for April 2024.

Domestic sales in April 2024 were at 35805 units, as against 35398 units during April 2024.

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during April 2024 were at 37039 units, as against 36405 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1234 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 35805 tractors in the domestic market during April 2024, a growth of 1 per cent over last year. The government’s Wheat procurement operations are going on in full swing with good mandi arrivals, keeping the rural cash flows healthy. IMD’s forecast of above-normal monsoon rains and festivals in April has helped bring positivity to rural sentiments. Terms of trade continue to stay positive and good cash flows from Rabi harvest are likely to boost tractor demand in the coming months. In the exports market, we have sold 1234 tractors a growth of 23 per cent over last year.”       

Farm Equipment Sector Summary   
  AprilYTD April 
  F25F24% ChangeF25F24% Change
        
 Domestic35805353981%35805353981%
        
 Exports1234100723%1234100723%
        
 Total37039364052%37039364052%

Domestic sales in April 2024 were at 35805 units,

Company News, People

Jonathan Margolis has held senior R&D positions in prominent agricultural biotechnology companies

BioPrime Agrisolutions, a leading ag-biotech company announces the appointment of Jonathan Margolis as Scientific Advisor. With over two decades of experience in agricultural biotechnology, Jonathan brings a wealth of scientific expertise and strategic insight to the BioPrime team.

Jonathan Margolis has held senior R&D positions in prominent agricultural biotechnology companies, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and contribution to the industry. Most recently, he served as the Chief Scientific Officer at Joyn Bio for four years, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s scientific initiatives and driving innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

Before his tenure at Joyn Bio, Jonathan spent six years as the Head of Research Technologies, Biologics, at Bayer Crop Science Division. During his time at Bayer, he spearheaded research and development efforts, contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies and products aimed at enhancing crop protection and agricultural sustainability.

Before his tenure at Bayer, Jonathan held the position of Senior Vice President, of R&D at AgraQuest, Inc., where he made significant contributions to the development of some of the most successful biologicals used in the market today. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in shaping the company’s research and development strategies, leading to groundbreaking innovations in agricultural biotechnology.

Jonathan Margolis has held senior R&D positions

Agrotech, Funding, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

This reduction aligns closely with the global decline in agrifood tech investments, which fell by 50 per cent year-over-year

AgFunder and Omnivore have released the sixth India AgriFoodTech Investment Report, detailing just under $1 billion in startup investment, a 60 per cent year-over-year decline from $2.4 billion in 2022. However, India maintained a steady deal activity with 129 deals, only slightly fewer than in 2022. This reduction aligns closely with the global decline in agrifoodtech investments, which fell by 50 per cent year-over-year. 

Unlike the global market, however, the total funds raised by Indian agrifood startups were not far off from the $1.3 billion garnered in pre-Covid 2019, suggesting a normalisation of market conditions after a period of excessive valuations. A concerning trend is the limited participation of agrifood investors, with Omnivore being one of the few remaining, alongside generalist and climate-focused VCs. This scenario underscores the need for more committed investors across all stages. 

Below are some of the highlights of the report:

In 2023, Indian agrifood tech startups raised $940 million across 129 deals, down 60 per cent from 2022.

The number of deals remained almost flat with 129 closing in 2023 compared to 133 deals in 2022, indicating smaller deal sizes given the steep decline in dollars raised. 

More early-stage deals closed in 2023 than 2022 indicating continued interest by investors in the category but at much lower valuations than in previous years.

The median deal sizes dropped significantly year-on-year across stages and most dramatically at the late stages: 50 per cent at the early stages (Seed and Series A), 39 per cent at the growth stages (Series B and C) and 89 per cent at Series D and later.

Both AgFunder and Omnivore continue to explore deals that push beyond traditional agrifood boundaries into adjacent sectors, highlighting the growing interconnectedness of food, agriculture, and other industries like climate tech. Despite a decrease in the median deal sizes, the willingness to invest persists, although at lower ticket sizes, with Ag Marketplaces and eGrocery receiving the most attention yet again. However, there are fewer players in the market than before, reflecting Power Law dynamics.  

This reduction aligns closely with the global

AgroPolicy, India, New Zealand

11th India – New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in New Zealand

A delegation led by the Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal held several constructive and outcome-oriented meetings in New Zealand to work on ways to deepen the existing bilateral relations. These meetings were held with the Minister for Trade of New Zealand Hon. Todd McClay, Acting Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, Brook Barrington, the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) and the 11th India – New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting.

Both sides acknowledged the existing huge potential in both economies and mutual trade complementarities, there is a substantial potential to increase trade and people-to-people contacts. These meetings had focused discussions on several key areas aimed at promoting bilateral trade and cooperation, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration between the two nations, building upon the existing close ties through people-to-people and business contacts. 

The meetings reviewed progress on market access issues, and economic cooperation projects and explored opportunities for new initiatives. Both sides discussed the establishment of robust bilateral economic dialogue architecture and the creation of working groups in sectors like Agriculture; Food Processing, Storage & Transportation; Forestry and Pharmaceuticals to facilitate ongoing collaboration on key trade and economic issues. Notably, discussions also included cooperation in the horticulture sector, including cooperation in the kiwi fruit sector (quality & productivity, proper storage in pack houses and their suitable transportation) as well as the dairy sector. Once working groups are established, India and New Zealand will review the progress made by those working groups and the recommendations thereof at regular intervals.

The meetings addressed bilateral trade matters of mutual interest, including issues related to market access, non-tariff barriers (NTBs), sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures on products like grapes, okra and mangoes, Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in Organic products, simplified homologation including through mutual recognition of comparable domestic standards for vehicles, etc. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resolve these issues through constructive dialogue and cooperation under the existing mechanism of JTC.

11th India - New Zealand Joint Trade

Company News, Seeds, World

Apollo Green to distribute Humboldt Seed Company clonal cannabis genetics to Germany, Portugal and Australia

Humboldt Seed Company (HSC), California’s leading cannabis seed producer, has announced a partnership with Canadian-based Apollo Green to make eight breeder cuts available to researchers, licensed commercial cultivators and home growers in legal markets worldwide. This first-to-market clonal genetics release is a significant milestone and will expand access to distinctive, high-quality cannabis genetics in both established and emerging global markets including Germany, Portugal and Australia.

The curated, breeder-verified selection includes pioneering triploid genetics, such as OG Triploid and Donutz Triploid alongside the legendary cult classic Blueberry Muffin. Also available are All Gas OG with a THC content of 21 per cent and four high-THC strains in the 30-35 per cent range: Golden Sands, Guzzlerz, Jelly Donutz and Orange Cream pop. These selections represent the top .01 per cent of HSC’s extensive California pheno-hunting program.

Exports will begin in May under Apollo Green’s Canadian federal cannabis license. All shipments have Canadian phytosanitary certification, ensuring plants have been inspected, and are clean and free of pests.

Apollo Green to distribute Humboldt Seed Company clonal

Acquaculture, Company News, Live Stock

A practical solution that supports the shrimp’s resilience and continued growth under challenging conditions

Specially designed to support the resilience of shrimp facing challenging conditions and provide optimal nutrition to safeguard farm performance, this new, prime functional feed has debuted in India.

Shrimp farming is one of the great success stories of global aquaculture. Through its rapid growth in recent decades, the sector has taken a lead role in contributing to world food security. However, the dependency and constant interaction that shrimp have with their environment means that they are persistently exposed to naturally occurring challenges that hurt the shrimp and can potentially impact production. Recognising the scale of the threat posed by these challenges, Skretting has launched a brand new feed, Armis.

Historically, producers hit by challenges such as Enterocytozoon hepatopenai (EHP) and other parasites have had little option but to feed their afflicted, slow-growing stocks with increased volumes of feed. This in turn results in significantly increased costs and diminished profitability. Now, farmers can turn to Armis, a practical solution that supports the shrimp’s resilience and continued growth under challenging conditions.

Armis has been carefully developed over the past three years, built upon Skretting’s extensive knowledge of the specific nutritional requirements and digestive capabilities of shrimp species. It will also contain the latest phytogenic technology.

A practical solution that supports the shrimp’s

Allied Industry, Company News, Funding, R&D

Funding will support Ayana Bio’s research examining the neuroprotective benefits of saffron for Huntington’s disease and other neurological and age-related diseases

Ayana Bio, the plant cell technology company dedicated to creating sustainable bioactives for consumer products, has received a grant from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to support Ayana Bio’s research into the production of saffron’s neuroprotective bioactives through plant cell cultivation.  

Clinical studies demonstrate saffron’s beneficial effects across a range of neurological and age-related diseases, such as depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron’s neurological effects are also proven to aid in weight loss by increasing satiety, making it a powerful health ingredient with interconnected benefits.

The $300 thousand NIH grant will fund Ayana Bio’s research to identify which complex of saffron bioactives can consistently demonstrate the highest neuroprotective benefits, specifically for Huntington’s disease. The company will use its high-throughput synthetic biology capabilities of sequencing, multi-omics technology, and analytical chemistry to explore and select the best plant cell lines. The research will also address how plant cell cultivation can enhance the production of saffron’s bioactive by running a pre-clinical study on a C. elegans model of Huntington’s disease. Identifying a standardized complex of bioactives that can be produced consistently will allow researchers to study saffron’s health benefits more effectively for a range of diseases.

Plant cell cultivation is a means to create plant materials without growing plants in the ground. Saffron cells will be grown in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks that create a reliable source of real saffron – and its beneficial bioactive complex – bypassing the quality issues that come from the constraints of conventional agriculture. Traditional saffron production requires up to 170,000 flowers to produce just one kilo of saffron, making it a prohibitively expensive health and wellness ingredient. Challenges associated with growing saffron are amplified by the worsening effects of climate change, which drive crop failures in the already constrained supply chain.

Funding will support Ayana Bio's research examining the neuroprotective

Company News, People, World

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership in pre-harvest and post-harvest industries, business operations, sales, marketing, and delivering strategic projects at national, regional, and international levels

UPL Ltd. and DECCO WW, part of the UPL Group of companies, responsible for developing and distributing its portfolio of post-harvest solutions, announced the appointment of Manish Sirohi as the Chief Executive Officer of DECCO WW.

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership in pre-harvest and post-harvest industries, business operations, sales, marketing, and delivering strategic projects at national, regional, and international levels. Manish joined UPL in 2004 and has held various positions across different markets, most recently serving as Global Commercial Head of DECCO WW. In this role, Manish was instrumental in unleashing new business value and driving double-digit top-line and bottom-line growth in 2023 despite the challenging industry environment.

Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO of UPL said, “Post-harvest solutions are a core part of our business and a crucial component of our sustainable future. These solutions are not just about preserving foods; they’re about sustaining livelihoods, ensuring food security, and minimising waste in an increasingly demanding world with a rapidly growing population. Manish has an impressive 20-year history with UPL, and is the natural choice to lead DECCO WW into its new phase of growth to become the post-harvest global leader.”

Manish brings to the role extensive leadership

Agrotech, Digital Technologies, Industry Reports / Analysis, IT

 In the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming industry is steadily taking root through joint ventures between global agri-tech players and local companies. Let’s explore further.

The Asia-Pacific Precision market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4 per cent to reach $2.62 billion by 2026, according to a report by Markets and Markets. The increasing use of cloud-based technology, the growing adoption rate of modern farming techniques to enhance productivity and growing food demand are the major factors driving the precision agriculture market. The growing need to increase food production in the available agricultural land and government initiatives to increase the usage of modern technologies in agriculture are propelling the market growth. However, the requirement of high initial investment and lack of awareness among the farmers are becoming obstacles to growth. The silver lining, though, is that in the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming industry is steadily taking root through joint ventures between global agri-tech players and local companies. Let’s explore further.

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology from the US and Trimble, a global technology company delivering solutions from the US on April 1 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.

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability. Both these companies have a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region.

PTx will serve farmers around the world including Asia Pacific region through three go-to-market approaches. Specialised precision ag dealers will help farmers retrofit almost any make or vintage of equipment they already own with the latest technologies. PTx will also expand its relationships with more than 100 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners that can integrate products from the PTx portfolio directly at the factory.

The strategic alignment of these brands will facilitate the rapid growth of AGCO’s technology transformation and will support the future development and distribution of next-generation ag technologies for farmers and OEMs in the region.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company in March 2024, has launched its innovative precision agriculture platform Arc Farm Intelligence in India. It is aimed at encouraging smarter agricultural practices for farmers, advisers and channel partners. By combining real-time data and predictive modelling, Arc farm intelligence assists farmers in monitoring field conditions and pest pressure. Farmers can then ensure precise application of the recommended crop care products to optimise yield and achieve higher returns on investment.

Satyukt, a leading global Ag-tech company from India at the forefront of harnessing satellite data, advanced technology, and machine learning, and ASSOCHAM UP-UK and GNET have forged a strategic alliance in India poised to revolutionise precision farming using Sat2Farm technology in March 2024.  This collaboration extends to agribusinesses and researchers, who leverage integrated data to gain valuable insights into regional agricultural trends, enabling strategic resource allocation and fostering sustainable growth across the agricultural value chain of Uttar Pradesh.

In February 2024, Satyukt and Zuari FarmHub entered into a strategic alliance to redefine the landscape of precision farming through Satyukt’s APIs. Leveraging the power of the Application Programming Interface (API), Satyukt will provide access to farm management solutions to farmers and other stakeholders associated with Zuari FarmHub.

Besides, we see many companies joining hands with other regional and global firms in the precision agriculture space to provide farmers with cutting-edge tools for decision-making and automation. This integration of advanced technology enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of farming practices, driving further adoption among tech-savvy farmers.

The scalability, accessibility, and data integration capabilities of cloud-based precision farming software provide farmers with essential tools to optimise their operations, enhance productivity, and promote sustainability. Leveraging the power of cloud technology, farmers can access real-time insights into their operations, empowering them to make data-driven decisions that drive efficiency and effectiveness.

In the Asia-Pacific region, rising investment in the adoption of precision farming technologies such as drones, automated harvesting systems and driverless tractors are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the precision agriculture market players. The growing use of real-time and multimodal systems in the agricultural field is expected to support the growth of the precision farming market in the future.

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

 In the Asia-Pacific region, the precision farming

India, Opinions, Organic

 By Gaurav Manchanda, Founder & Director, Nimida Group

Agriculture began around 10,000 years ago and marked the beginning of civilisation. It shaped the evolution of human societies, bringing food for sustenance, cotton for clothing and a host of commodities to trade in. Despite millennia of experience, however, agriculture continues to throw challenges. The old ones of weather and pests persist, even as some brand-new challenges have emerged. On the one hand, there’s a growing population — projected to increase by nearly two billion by 2050 from the present eight billion — and on the other, shrinking farmlands. In India alone, cropland has shrunk by 69 million hectares between 2016 and 2022. The challenge to feed more while the cultivable land reduces is obvious. Issues related to the vagaries of weather and pests have been exacerbated by climate change. To top this, agriculture is a huge greenhouse gas emitter, accounting for 30 per cent of total emissions globally. Hence, lowering the carbon footprint of farming is imperative.

Organic farming has emerged as an obvious solution to the conundrum, and though India is a new entrant, the growth trajectory is inspiring. Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SAP), a term which encompasses several new agricultural interventions aimed at reducing the agricultural C-footprint, gets its direction not just from government encouragement, but also from conscientious consumers. Indian consumers, today, are keen to know how their food is produced, and also willing to pay more to ensure sustainable, chemical-free and fair practices.

Drivers of change

Sikkim’s agri products are famous for their organic tag; it is the first Indian state to become completely organic. It is, however, a small state with limited produce. Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the state with the largest land under organic cultivation — 0.76 million hectares, accounting for over a quarter of India’s organic fields. Such healthy competition between states is spurring the new agri revolution.

‘Green Growth’ was a priority in the Union Government Budget for 2023-2024 with an outlay of around Rs 449 crore for the National Mission on Natural Farming. It will also provide farmers easy access to bioresources like Jeevaamrit, Ghana Jeevamrit, Neemastra, etc. by setting up Bhartiya Prakritik Kheti Bio-inputs Resources Centres (BRCs) to prepare and supply bio-inputs. The goal is to facilitate the easy adoption of natural farming for the farmers, without the hassle of preparing bio-inputs, which is one of the most time- and labour-intensive aspects of natural farming.

Agriculture institutes have been tasked with developing new varieties of millets that address issues of yield and shelf life, the two biggest drawbacks millets face in comparison with rice and wheat. Millet are crops of poor soil and drought-prone areas, and thus, require much lower inputs than cereals. Popularising these ancient grains, too, is a shift towards sustainable farming.

Chemical-free fields, however, do not mean low-tech agriculture. Precision farming, using the latest Internet of Things (IoT) tools to ensure the optimum use of water, fertilisers and pesticides (chemical or natural) and to detect plant stress in advance, is not only kinder to the earth, but also augments yield. It is an inspiring example of how technology can empower and be a strong ally.

The challenges of existing agriculture practices — chemical build-up in fields and groundwater, for instance — have urged agri companies to develop non-chemical farm interventions like commercial pheromones to tackle pests and a range of agri biologicals (derived from beneficial viruses, fungi or bacteria) to improve soil health. Some early products are already in the market, and we are likely to see many more getting commercialised this year.

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

 By Gaurav Manchanda, Founder & Director, Nimida

Agrotech, India, Opinions, Sustainable Energy

  By Tanya Singhal, Founder, Mynzo Carbon

India’s renewable energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift, fuelled by a plethora of factors that promise a sustainable and energy-secure future. India’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity, coupled with supportive government policies and technological advancements, is propelling this paradigm shift. Let’s delve into the status, emerging trends, government support, challenges, and the way forward in India’s renewable energy landscape.

India’s renewable energy sector has witnessed exponential growth, with a combined non-fossil fuel capacity of 180 GW, led by 75 GW of solar and 45 GW of wind energy. This growth surpasses the target of 20 GW by 2022, outlined in the original National Solar Mission (NSM) in 2019. India has set its sights on the much-needed target of 500 GW of renewable energy before 2030, a pivotal step toward achieving Net Zero.

Latest Trends Driving the Paradigm Shift

Several key trends are shaping the future of India’s renewable energy sector, including:

Cost Reduction: The cost of renewable energy has reduced drastically, with solar prices dropping from Rs 18/unit in 2019 to the current Rs 2.5 – 3/unit. Offering fixed prices for 25 years, renewables are now significantly cheaper than conventional sources of power and a more stable source, thanks to technological advancements and innovative engineering.

24-hour Round-The-Clock Power: Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can  make renewable energy a 24-hour power source. With the declining costs of battery storage, renewable energy can be stored and used during peak demand hours, making it a viable alternative to conventional energy sources.

Innovative Financing Structures: The advent of new financing structures, including  green bonds and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) are  a significant boost to the renewable energy sector. Green bonds, aimed at funding environmentally sustainable projects, offer developers access to capital markets with potentially lower borrowing costs. InVITs, on the other hand, allow developers to monetise their assets and provide investors with an opportunity to invest in infrastructure projects, including renewable energy. These innovative financing mechanisms are attracting greater investment into the sector, driving growth and facilitating the expansion of renewable energy capacity in India.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: The integration of AI and data analytics in the renewable energy sector is revolutionising the way solar plants are managed and operated. By creating digital twins of solar plants, developers can simulate and optimise plant performance, leading to increased output and efficiency. This technology enables predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making, further enhancing the reliability and profitability of solar energy projects.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in solar panel efficiency, wind turbine design, and energy storage solutions are enhancing the viability and performance of renewable energy systems and further helping reduce costs.

Decentralisation and Rooftop Solar: The growing emphasis on decentralised energy generation, particularly rooftop solar installations, is driven by the falling costs of solar panels and the need for energy security at the local level.

Corporate Renewable Energy Procurement: An increasing number of corporate are committing to procure renewable energy directly from developers, leading to a surge in corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) for wind and solar energy.

Electric Mobility: The push for electric vehicles (EVs) in India is creating new opportunities for renewable energy, particularly in charging infrastructure powered by solar and wind energy.

Green Hydrogen: India’s exploration of green hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative for industries and transportation is setting the stage for a new era in renewable energy utilisation.

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

  By Tanya Singhal, Founder, Mynzo CarbonIndia's renewable

Agrotech, Drones, India, Interaction

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, delves into the company’s pivotal role in sustainable agriculture endeavours. Edited Excerpts:

Marut Drones’ acquisition of the utility patent for its direct seeding drone device, developed in collaboration with Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. This patent recognises the company’s pioneering multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device, a technology validated by PJTSAU for its effectiveness in enhancing rice production. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, delves into the company’s pivotal role in sustainable agriculture endeavours. Edited Excerpts:

Could you tell us about bagging the world’s first utility patent for your direct seeding drone?

Marut Drones acquisition of the utility patent for its direct seeding drone device, developed in collaboration with Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. This patent recognises Marut’s pioneering multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device, a technology validated by PJTSAU for its effectiveness in enhancing rice production. By optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of seed-sowing processes, The patented system revolutionises rice farming practices, particularly in addressing labour shortages and economic viability. It not only validates the reliability and efficacy of Marut’s technology but also underscores its potential to transform rice cultivation at the grassroots level. By reducing on-farm manual labour through drone technology, Marut aims to overcome persistent challenges faced by farmers, such as labour shortages due to rapid urbanisation. Our direct seeding drone offers several advantages for rice farmers, including a remarkable 92 per cent reduction in water usage and enhanced operational efficiency. With the ability to sow up to 30 acres in a single day, our technology mitigates traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labour shortages. The company’s ambitious target to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030 aligns with efforts to fortify food security and address impending challenges in rice production.

How do your agri drones aid sustainable agriculture in India?

The AG365 drone revolutionises sustainable agriculture by offering a versatile solution for multiple farming needs. It enables precise pesticide spraying, fertiliser granule spreading, direct seeding, and crop monitoring, all in one platform. This multipurpose functionality promotes efficient resource utilisation, minimises environmental impact, and enhances crop productivity. By consolidating various tasks into a single drone, it streamlines agricultural operations while promoting environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the long-term sustainability of farming systems.

How have your drone and AAI tech for agriculture been recognised?

Our drones have garnered multiple accolades, solidifying our position as a trailblazer in the intersection of technology and agriculture. Prestigious recognitions we have received include the Technology Award for Drones and AI in the Agriculture Sector, the FICCI Award for Sustainable Agriculture 2022, the SIBA Award for Emerging Technology and AI Mobile Retail 2022. The Telangana Industry Award for Best Startup Bronze 2022, the Bronze accolade from Telangana Industry and the TIE Global TGS 100 Award for Top 100 Emerging Startups are a testament to our impactful journey and significant contributions. Also, Marut Drones has been acknowledged among the top 100 emerging startups globally by TIE Global TGS, further affirming our position as a leading force in the startup ecosystem.

How can Marut Drones help boost farm productivity, farmers’ incomes and contribute to a sustainable environment?

Marut Drones plays a pivotal role in boosting farm productivity, fostering a sustainable environment, and increasing farmer income through several key avenues like precision agriculture, efficient pest and disease management, optimised resource utilisation, promotion of sustainable practices, and access to market intelligence. Overall, Marut Drones acts as a catalyst for transforming agriculture by integrating advanced technology with sustainable practices. By increasing farm productivity, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing farmer income, we strive to create a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Can you tell us about your AG 365 Agricopter, the agriculture-specific multiutility drone?

This multi-utility drone offers a suite of features tailored to address diverse agricultural needs. The drone is accredited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It exceeds industry benchmarks for airworthiness and adheres to stringent quality control protocols, affirming its unwavering excellence in every aspect of operation. Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana, we have supplied advanced drone technology training to support rural women in becoming proficient drone pilots. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of leveraging technology for agricultural empowerment, fostering inclusivity, and creating new opportunities within the farming community.

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

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar

Agribusiness, India, Interaction, Seeds

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco, discusses key developments and challenges of this sector. Edited excerpts:

As of 2023, the Indian seed market is valued at $3,914.36 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.41 per cent by 2029. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from the seed business, which has recently captured the interest of investors, are something that Indian investors are eagerly anticipating. Foreign Direct Investment for the development and production of seeds and planting materials is allowed by the government. Leading seed firms are combining cutting-edge digital technology, lending a further boost to the market to mitigate the effects of pests, climate, and other external factors on farming. The agricultural sector is poised for a prosperous future because of the convergence of data science, artificial intelligence tools, cutting-edge phenomic analysis, and genetic sequencing. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale, Chairman, Mahyco, discusses key developments and challenges of this sector. Edited excerpts:

How is technology helping the seed sector thrive?

Every facet of our lives is undergoing a rapid transformation as a result of the application of technology. Not one exception to this pattern may be seen in the agriculture and seed industry. Seed firms can develop novel, efficient, and speedier technologies for the production of new genetics that can be supplied through seeds due to the growing knowledge base of biological sciences mixed with information technology. Agriculture is facing numerous difficulties due to the depletion of natural resources, the influence of rapid climate change, and the growing demand for the development of instruments for sustainable agriculture. We believe that the utilisation of the aforementioned instruments has the potential to offer long-term solutions for overcoming these issues and assisting in the fulfilment of the agri expectations. For instance, the application of technology could help reduce the amount of fresh water and chemical fertiliser used for farming.

How has FDI in seed manufacturing strengthened the seed industry in the country?

Since the late 1980s and the early 1990s, when a new seed policy was introduced, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the seed business has been permitted in India. The liberalisation of FDI was a significant factor in the acceleration of the development of the Indian seed industry, as well as the introduction of innovation and technology. In the long run, it is essential to cultivate such an environment for the seed industry to provide farmers with improved goods and technology, hence strengthening the overall competitiveness of Indian agriculture and improving the quality and productivity of our crops.

What role can the government play in supporting the seed industry?

The development of a thriving seed industry is essential to the expansion of agriculture, and it has been an essential factor in the enhancement of agricultural yield across the globe over many years. For instance, the green revolution in India, which resulted in a surplus of food from ‘ship to mouth’ during the early years of independence, had its origins in the enhanced varieties of wheat and rice that we grew by utilising the genetics of wheat and rice that were brought in from Mexico and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Manila, respectively. In India and around the world, we can provide several examples of such shifts that have been brought about by the science of plant breeding. However, compared with other agriculturally developed countries, the size of the seed sector in terms of its potential is relatively quite modest at the moment. This presents us with a significant possibility for future expansion. As a result of the fact that the expansion of the seed industry would have a multiplier effect on the development of the agriculture sector, the contribution of the Government of India in the expansion of the seed industry would be beneficial to all of the stakeholders in Indian agriculture, most particularly our farmers.

What are the major challenges that are hampering the growth of this sector?

The ‘low amount of money’ we invest in research and development (R&D) is the most significant element that is hampering the expansion of the seed industry. Less than four per cent of our seed industry’s yearly income is anticipated to be invested in R&D, which is far lower than the 8 to 10 per cent seen in agriculturally developed nations. Since we have the greatest population to feed and our crop productivity is much lower than the average crop productivity around the globe for the majority of crops, we ought to be investing a great deal more in R&D. To promote investments in R&D, the sector requires heavy policy assistance. The most important areas include the strengthening of intellectual property rights, the promotion of a regulatory system that is founded on science and is predictable, the encouragement of market-based pricing, and the guaranteeing of policy harmonisation not just between the central government and the states, but also on a worldwide scale.

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In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Rajendra Barwale,