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Biostimulants, India, Interaction

Prashant Kharwadkar, Regional Business Director, Acadian Plant Health shares his views on status of Indian Biostimulant sector with AgroSpectrum.

Acadian Plant Health (APH) is a biostimulant company that focuses on providing environmentally friendly and scientifically sound biological treatments for both specialty and broad-acre fields of agriculture. This company is dedicated to the launch of innovative goods that have been granted patents, with a particular emphasis on climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. Recently, Acadian Plant Health published expanded findings from a multi-year study on the water use of almonds in California. These findings demonstrate how biostimulant technology can assist growers in reducing water use and plant stress while maintaining productivity. Prashant Kharwadkar, Regional Business Director, Acadian Plant Health shares his views on status of Indian Biostimulant sector with AgroSpectrum.

How do you envisage the future of the biostimulant industry in India?

Indian Agriculture has vast available acreages of a variety of crops that provide enormous growth opportunities for quality biostimulants by sustainably improving crop productivity, soil health & farmer’s income.

Indian Agriculture has made spectacular progress from starvation to a net exporter of food and India is now feeding the world. This has been made possible with the collective & collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and more importantly, our hard-working farmers.

Globally, the climate crisis has affected the agricultural system by impacting the quality and quantity of crop production with outcomes of untimely rains, floods, soil salinity, drought problems, deteriorating soil health, seasonal aberrations, and other abiotic environmental stresses in crops.

The increasing global population and the consequent rise in global demand for food will further exacerbate the need for sustainable farming solutions like seaweed extracts, that can help improve the health of the soil and the crop plants. Integration of seaweed biostimulants along with conventional fertilizers & crop protection chemicals in the agricultural production system now become a necessity for economically sustainable agriculture.

Increasing awareness among farmers on the importance of good quality biostimulants against adverse impact of crop chemicals/residues, pest – diseases resurgence, increasing cost of production, climate changes (abiotic stresses), and deteriorating soil health will continue to drive the demand for good quality biostimulants and sustainable technologies in agriculture for increasing crop yield & produce quality. India is an emerging market for biostimulants and provides a unique opportunity for continued growth on a sustainable basis.

What are the major challenges that are hampering the growth of biostimulants in India?

Bridging the last mile gaps i.e. reaching out and connecting with the farmers which are spread in more than 600,000 villages and making them understand the importance of quality biostimulants is the biggest challenge. Farmer’s perception on all biostimulants inputs is similar. Therefore, dissemination of knowledge and differentiation are key for speedy growth of the market with farmer’s ROI.

Currently, which types of Biostimulants are popular among the farmers and mostly in which part of the country they are used most?

Seaweed extract-based products constitute more than 1/3 of Indian biostimulant markets followed by amino acid-based products for the foliar / spray segment. Humic substances are mostly used as soil conditioners. Fruits and vegetables which are horticultural crops contribute more than 50 per cent of biostimulant markets whereas Rice and Sugarcane markets are primarily granular biostimulants markets.

The Indian government announced in April 2021 that biostimulants would be governed by the same standards that regulate fertilizer and other crop nutrients used to boost soil health. How it has impacted the biostimulant industry?

India’s Biostimulant regulation may lead to consolidation in the biostimulant industry segment and this move by the Govt. trying to ensure that only good quality products are available and reach the farmers. This new development augurs well for the farmers and Indian Agriculture as a whole for its sustainable development. 

What kind of support from the government is required for the growth of biostimulant sector?

The Indian Government is already emphasising and encouraging Organic farming & sustainable Agriculture where biostimulants play a key role. These initiatives of the Government provide the required impetus for the development of the biostimulant Industry in India. The new Fertiliser laws on biostimulants may result in streamlining the industry which so far is highly unorganised and dominated by small local players. However, the Government should provide the e-platform for getting the licenses and selling authorisation from the respective state Government. Obtaining selling permission for biostimulants from each state is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. There should be One Nation & One Permit.

What are the growth strategies and plans of the company for FY 24-25?

During the 2024–25 fiscal year, Acadian Plant Health (APH) plans to increase its footprint in the Indian market through a number of strategic initiatives. A processing facility has been opened in Vadodara, Gujarat, by APH in conjunction with Standard Pesticides. By utilising an exclusive provincial distribution network, this plant will play a pivotal role in the production and sale of biostimulant goods throughout India. Educating stakeholders and farmers about the advantages of biostimulants is also a priority for APH. To enhance adoption rates among Indian farmers, APH promotes the scientific foundation and field-proven performance of their products. By tackling both present and future market prospects, these all-encompassing strategies show that APH is dedicated to building a solid, long-term position in the Indian agricultural industry.

By Nitin Konde

Prashant Kharwadkar, Regional Business Director, Acadian Plant

Agribusiness, Foodgrains, India, Interaction

The first day of the Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) Global CEO Conclave 2024 successfully set the stage for addressing the current challenges and future opportunities in the wheat industry.

 Today, amidst the backdrop of global agricultural challenges, the Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) launched the Global CEO Conclave 2024 to confront pressing issues facing the wheat industry. Challenges such as fluctuating crop yields, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for sustainable farming practices have set the stage for collaborative solutions at this landmark event. Pioneering discussions on advancements in milling, baking technology, and food fortification promise to shape a resilient future for wheat products worldwide, fostering innovation that meets both current demands and future needs.

The first major session of the day, focusing on Milling and Baking Technology, was chaired by Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director of the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru. The session featured the L.R. ‘Pat’ Kandhari Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. M.M. Krishna, former CMD of Modern Food Industries Ltd, who emphasized the importance of technological advancements in improving food quality and safety.

The technical session featured a series of insightful presentations from leading experts. Dr Lutz Popper, Scientific Director at Mühlenchemie GmbH & Co. KG, presented on “Innovative Pathways in Milling: Future Trends and Ingredients,” highlighting emerging trends and new ingredients that could revolutionize milling processes.  M.R. Sundar, a Bakery Technician, explored “New Frontiers in Baking Ingredients,” offering insights into innovative baking components that enhance product quality and consumer satisfaction. Mr. Jaiprakash Sharma, General Manager at Buhler (India) Pvt. Ltd., discussed “Advancements in Milling Technology,” showcasing cutting-edge milling machinery and techniques that increase efficiency and productivity.

 Bhavya Gupta, Managing Director of Flour Tech Engineers Pvt. Ltd., spoke on “Revolutionizing Flour Milling Techniques,” focusing on novel approaches to improve milling outcomes and sustainability.  Riz Yusufali, Global Program Director of IGNITE, addressed “Global Initiatives in Food Fortification,” emphasizing the global efforts to enhance nutritional quality through fortified wheat products.

 Nikunj Khandelwal, Chief Strategy Officer at Khandelwal Group, along with Mehmet Karaca, Regional Marketing Director at Selis, Turkey, and Eliseo Sempere, Area Manager at Balaguer Rolls, discussed “Cutting-Edge Flour Milling Strategies,” sharing insights from their respective regions on improving milling strategies.

Vijay Anand D, Technical Director at Naga Limited, presented on “Understanding Wheat Gluten: Myths vs. Facts,” demystifying common misconceptions about wheat gluten. Dr. Sewa Ram, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIWBR, elaborated on “Optimizing Wheat Flour Varieties for Superior Milling and Baking,” focusing on genetic advancements and breeding techniques that enhance wheat quality.

The inaugural session of the conclave commenced, marking a formal beginning with a series of impactful addresses from esteemed industry leaders and policymakers. Pramod S Jain, President of the Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India (RFMFI), extended a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the pivotal role of the conclave in shaping the future trajectory of the wheat industry.

Following Jain’s welcome, Ajay Goyal, Chairman of WPPS, delivered the theme address. Goyal underscored the conclave’s significance as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration within the wheat industry. He remarked, “This conclave is a unique platform where industry leaders, experts, and policymakers come together to discuss and propel forward the technological and strategic advancements necessary for the growth of the wheat industry. Our collective efforts here will pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.”

The keynote addresses further enriched the session with insightful perspectives. Ranveer Chandra, Managing Director of Research for Industry and CTO Agri-Food at Microsoft, delved into “The Role of Technology in Modernizing Wheat Production and Processing,” highlighting the transformative impact of digital technologies and AI on agriculture.  John Southwell, Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, addressed “Trade and Investment Opportunities in South Asia’s Agrifood Sector,” outlining potential areas for investment and collaboration.

Clay M. Hamilton, Agricultural Minister-Counselor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural Service, presented on “US-India Agricultural Collaboration for Food Security,” focusing on bilateral efforts to enhance food security through technological and strategic partnerships. Dr. Shankar Goenka, Managing Director of WOW Factors India & WOW, Go Green, explored “Innovations in Agri-Tech and Sustainable Farming Practices,” showcasing the revolutionary impact of modern technologies such as drones on agriculture.

Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, discussed “Advancements in Food Technology and Its Impact on Wheat Products,” highlighting recent technological strides that are reshaping the landscape of wheat products.

 Special addresses were also delivered by Preet Pal Singh, IFS, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, who outlined government initiatives to bolster the food processing sector, and G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), who emphasized regulatory frameworks’ role in ensuring food safety and quality.

Following the enlightening sessions of the inaugural day, H. K. Batra, President of the All-India Bread Manufacturers’ Association and Chairman of the Perfect Bread Group of Companies, expressed gratitude with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of all speakers and participants who enriched the conclave with their insights and expertise.

The first day of the Global CEO Conclave 2024 successfully set the stage for addressing the current challenges and future opportunities in the wheat industry. With a strong emphasis on technological advancements and collaboration, the conclave aims to foster innovation and strategic partnerships that will drive the industry forward. The insights and discussions from today have laid a robust foundation for the remaining days of the conclave.

The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the wheat industry in India. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, WPPS aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of wheat products, support farmers and manufacturers, and contribute to global food security.

The first day of the Wheat Products

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Europe, R&D

 Company has inked exclusive partnership with Wimmersson BV for distribution of the eWeeding® Roller in Europe.

Zasso, the world’s leader in electric weeding solutions, announced the commercial launch of the world’s first battery-powered walk-in electric weeding device. The solution offers a unique combination of efficiency, safety, sustainability and ease of use.

The device will first be made available by Zasso’s exclusive distribution partner in the Benelux, Wimmersson BV. Wimmersson will market the device as the eWeeding® Roller, powered by Zasso. For the last year, Wimmersson’s team has intensely field tested the device with partners. The eWeeding® Roller launched officially in Netherlands, and Belgium.

Traditional weed management methods in public spaces often lack systemic effect, require numerous treatments, or have a high impact on our environment. The eWeeding® Roller is the first effective method without these limitations, making it ideal for reducing weeds on pavements such as sidewalks, paths, parking lots, cemeteries or shopping areas.

The eWeeding® Roller has no CO2 emissions, leaves no residues in the environment, and preserves soil biodiversity integrity. It does not affect underground cables, surrounding infrastructure, or third-party properties. In addition, from a users’ perspective, the eWeeding® Roller is easy to operate thanks to its compact design, making it easy to manoeuvre, transport, and store. It is equipped with a side-shift function, allowing weed treatment right up to the curb, wall, or obstacle.

The solution uses core technologies from Zasso, including advanced power electronics, proprietary control and safety features, that enable the optimized delivery of a controlled electrical current through the stem and roots of the targeted weeds.

“We are profoundly proud and excited to present the European launch of our walk-in device. Our team has spent years miniaturizing the solution without compromising on safety and ease of use,” said Benjamin Ergas, co-CEO of Zasso. “We feel excited, and in good hands, with Wimmersson BV’s market entry with the eWeeding Roller, in the Benelux market.”

Zasso is an innovative Swiss-based company specializing in non-chemical weed management solutions using advanced power electronics. The patented technology targets both sprouts and roots of undesirable plants. Its flexible and interchangeable applicators allow the solutions to be used on a range of surfaces and segments, including agriculture, consumer market, and urban areas.

 Company has inked exclusive partnership with Wimmersson

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Fungicides, India, Inputs

These specialised fungicides are tailored to assist Indian fruit and vegetable farmers to effectively manage crop diseases.

FMC India, an agricultural sciences company, has launched two new innovative products, VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides, designed to protect fruits and vegetable crops from destructive fungi diseases right from the beginning of the crop cycle.

VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides mark a significant advancement in FMC India’s mission to provide farmers innovative solutions that increase the productivity and resilience of their land. These specialized products are tailored to assist Indian fruit and vegetable farmers to effectively manage crop diseases, prevent yield losses and preserve desired quality.

VELZO® fungicide is registered for use in grapes, tomato, and potato crops. It is expected to provide unmatched early protection from Oomycete fungus that causes blight and downy mildew diseases, enabling plants to grow in a healthier manner and to be more productive.

VELZO® fungicide offers dual-mode, multisite action against fungal pathogens, making it a highly effective tool for managing disease resistance. With its unrivaled efficacy, long-lasting control, and consistent results, Velzo® fungicide is expected to help farmers achieve higher yields and obtain the best prices for their high-quality produce.

COSUIT® fungicide caters to important commercial crops like grapes, paddy, tomato, chilli and tea. It is a specialized solution for effective protection against fungal diseases. COSUIT® fungicide is an advanced formulation that releases higher bio-available copper, offering strong contact action for broad-spectrum and quick disease control. COSUIT® fungicide delivers better and longer duration control of fungal diseases and plays an important role in disease resistance management.

Ravi Annavarapu, FMC India President, said, “At FMC India, we are committed to revolutionising agriculture by addressing growers’ challenges through advanced solutions. Our innovations, VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides, exemplify that commitment – both products are superior formulations that offer broad-spectrum disease control. FMC India continues to innovate and excel, providing farmers with tools that enhance their productivity and contribute to a more balanced agricultural ecosystem. We are confident that VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides will redefine crop solutions within India’s agricultural landscape.”

The launch of VELZO® and COSUIT® fungicides further underpins FMC India’s efforts toward advancing agricultural sciences, consistently pushing boundaries to address the evolving challenges faced by farmers. The company says it will continue to promote the use of innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that complement its world-class synthetic solutions.

These specialised fungicides are tailored to assist

Agro Universities, Animal Health, India, Live Stock, R&D

Through this strategic collaboration, IIT Kanpur and Prompt Equipment Pvt. Ltd. aim to innovate, enhancing both animal welfare and economic sustainability in the dairy sector.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has launched a breakthrough technology in animal health, titled ‘Lateral Flow Immunoassay Strip and Method for Detection of Mastitis in Bovines’, developed by Prof. Siddhartha Panda from the Department of Chemical Engineering and National Centre for Flexible Electronics (NCFlexE), IIT Kanpur; and Dr Satyendra Kumar, Senior Project Scientist, SCDT at NCFlexE, IITK. This innovative technology aims to revolutionize mastitis detection in dairy cattle. To facilitate its widespread adoption, IIT Kanpur has signed a technology transfer MoU with Prompt Equipments  Pvt. Ltd., a leading dairy technology company operating across more than 70,000 villages nationwide. Through this strategic collaboration, IIT Kanpur and Prompt Equipment Pvt. Ltd. aim to innovate, enhancing both animal welfare and economic sustainability in the dairy sector.

The MoU ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development at IITK; Prof. Siddhartha Panda (Inventor) from the Department of Chemical Engineering and NCFlexE at IITK; Shridhar Mehta, Licensee & Chairman of Prompt Equipments; accompanied by Chirag Trivedi.

Bovine mastitis is recognized as a primary cause of economic losses in dairy industries, resulting from reduced milk yield and poor milk quality. This disease entails an inflammatory response in the udder tissue of the mammary gland, triggered by physical trauma or microbial infections. Hence, a technology has been developed to detect Staphylococcus aureus (a bacterium) which is a key contributor to mastitis, and the associated enterotoxins, using a novel polyclonal antibody and novel designs in the form of a strip test.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “IIT Kanpur is dedicated to creating practical technologies that benefit society at large, and I believe that our mastitis detection technology can address critical issues in the agricultural sector, improving the livelihood of farmers and the quality of dairy products. We are delighted to see our technology being adopted by a leading company like Prompt Equipments Pvt. Ltd., which will ensure its widespread impact. I congratulate Prof. Siddhartha Panda and the team involved in this revolutionary development.”

Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur, emphasized the importance of this technology by saying, “Early detection of mastitis is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Our technology offers farmers a quick, reliable, and cost-effective solution, enabling prompt action to minimize economic losses and reduce the prevalence of severe mastitis cases, thereby improving overall milk quality and yield.”

Through this strategic collaboration, IIT Kanpur and

Agribusiness, Climate, Finance, Funding, World

The round was led by The Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF) and Equator, alongside the Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADBV) and existing investors including Ankur Capital.

Headquartered in Luxemburg, IBISA, a Climate Insurtech company has closed a $3 million funding round to scale its parametric insurance solutions for weather-related risks in Asia and Africa. The round was led by The Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF) and Equator, alongside the Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADBV) and existing investors including Ankur Capital. This strategic investment will empower IBISA to make parametric insurance more accessible.

With the global cost of extreme weather events on agriculture estimated to be between $10-15 billion annually as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, IBISA is providing simple and efficient parametric insurance products to help those affected by the climate crisis. Leveraging innovative satellite and actuarial technologies, IBISA designs and operates parametric insurance products that promote financial resilience in regions where communities are the most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events. The company is placing a special emphasis on India, since establishing a local presence there in 2023.

Currently, IBISA offers a suite of innovative climate coverages tailored to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders worldwide. These include agricultural-focused insurance products, as well as typhoon insurance, and loan protection for financial institutions. Additionally, IBISA has developed a groundbreaking heat stress product insurance initially designed for dairy farmers, primarily in India, that is currently being expanded in other countries, such as Bangladesh.

Maria Mateo, CEO of IBISA, explains: “Since the beginning at IBISA, we have functioned with great agility as product innovators and bringing these products to market efficiently. This is what drives us. This is our DNA. Now, we are entering the industrialisation phase of our journey. With the backing of this fundraising effort and the support of both existing and new investors, our goal is to amplify our product offerings, expand within our current markets, and explore new markets.

Tamer El-Raghy, Managing Director of ARAF, adds: “We’re honoured to co-lead this investment round in IBISA with Equator and excited to partner with a world-class entrepreneur like Maria. African farmers are among the most negatively impacted by climate change and the need for low-cost parametric insurance products is a must-to-have for those farmers to be able to absorb a climate shock and IBISA’s cutting-edge technology helps developing low-cost insurance products for those farmers. This investment is an invaluable addition to ARAF’s portfolio and we look forward to supporting IBISA’s regional growth.

Nijhad Jamal, Managing Partner of Equator, explains: “Investing in IBISA aligns with our strategy to back innovative ventures providing critical climate adaptation products and services. IBISA’s technology and business model specifically enable it to scale access to a broad range of affordable parametric insurance products across emerging markets.”

Thitirat Sittakaradej of ADB Ventures states: “IBISA’s cutting-edge approach leverages satellite data analytics and advanced risk modelling to make parametric insurance accessible and affordable for climate-vulnerable communities. In Asia and the Pacific, where increasingly frequent climate events often go uninsured, there is a growing need for platforms like IBISA that deliver fit-for-purpose solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with distribution channels. We are excited to support IBISA in its mission to advance climate risk insurance, a crucial way of fostering meaningful climate resilience in the region.”

Ritu Verma, Managing Partner at Ankur Capital, explains: “It’s been an exciting journey working closely with IBISA over the last two years, as they leveraged their deep technical expertise in parametric insurance to scale their offerings and launch innovative new products to insure vulnerable communities and small businesses against adverse climate events. We look forward to continuing our support to IBISA’s vision of transforming climate insurance across Asia, Africa and the Pacific.”

The round was led by The Acumen

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Finance, Funding, India, Singapore, Start ups

Funding round will support the company’s efforts to develop technologies for food quality assessments and enable the building of a team that will scale its product sales internationally..

Singapore based Novo Holdings announced that it has led an investment in AgNext Technologies Private Limited, a breakthrough agricultural and food technology company enhancing trust along the food chains by innovating artificial intelligence-based food quality assessment technologies.

Founded in 2016 with operations in India and Abu Dhabi, UAE, AgNext Technologies is committed to advancing, scaling, and commercialising an integrated platform for rapid, precise, cost-effective and portable food quality evaluations, benefiting all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

By digitising quality assessment, the company is establishing benchmarks for ensuring transparency in food transactions from origination to consumption. The company has built scalable models providing fair pricing in food chains, usage of unadulterated crop inputs, quality-assessed procurement for businesses and consumption of safe unadulterated food across food chains notably in grains, pulses, oilseeds, spices and herbs. AgNext’s solutions also significantly enhance efficiency and profitability within the food ecosystem.

This latest funding round will support the company’s efforts to further develop technologies for food quality assessments and enable the building of a team that will scale its product sales internationally and into new food segments.

The deal also marks the first Asia investment in the planetary health sector for Novo Holdings, supporting its broader strategic goal of making investments that address planetary health and drive the green transition – to feed a growing world population, fight climate change and create sustainable cities.

Dr Amit Kakar, Managing Partner and Head, Novo Holdings Asia, said, “This investment presents an exciting opportunity for Novo Holdings to collaborate with AgNext’s management team in markets with unmet needs, prioritising both organic and inorganic growth in the food and agritech space in the near and long term. With an innovative technology offering, AgNext is poised to capture opportunities to grow its business across various sectors and regions. Further, the company’s focus on unique and customised solutions aligns well with our vision of supporting transformative technologies in the bioindustrial and planetary health sector.”

Navjeewan Khosla, Partner, Novo Holdings Asia, added,”The food quality testing industry in India is driven by solid growth in the broader agricultural industry as well as a growing focus on quality control. With our investment in AgNext, we look forward to working closely with the company on its growth journey, leveraging our expertise and network to drive innovation and sustainable impact in the agritech space.”

Taranjeet Singh Bhamra, Founder and CEO, AgNext Technologies, said,”We at AgNext have been focused on digitising food chains enabling greater transparency and profitability for stakeholders. We are delighted to welcome Novo Holdings as an investor. Their global outlook and deep sector expertise will be valuable in supporting our mission of consolidating and integrating the best technologies for building the next generation in global food chains.”

Deepa Hingorani, Partner, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings Asia, concluded, “Asia offers compelling opportunities for Novo Holdings to scale up its investments in infrastructure within bio industrials and planetary health. By investing in these areas, we aim to support our companies in their growth and ambitions to make an impact on people and planet.”

Funding round will support the company's efforts

Dairy, India, Interaction, Live Stock

The conference will delve into cutting-edge topics such as productivity enhancement, digitalisation, sustainable practices, and climate action in the dairy sector.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, NDDB and IDF have jointly organised the three days ‘ First IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific 2024’ kickstarted today in Kochi, Kerala.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB & Member INC International Dairy Federation welcoming Ministers, Secretaries, President & Director General, IDF, Sponsors, Session Chairs, Invited Speakers, Delegates, Dairy Farmers to the First IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific 2024 in Kochi, Kerala said that NDDB is honoured to host this prestigious event under the theme ‘Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying’ in Kochi, Kerala.

He underscored in his address that dairying is not just an industry; it’s a lifeline for over 1 billion people worldwide, supporting livelihoods and fostering rural economies. In India alone, over 8 crore people are engaged in dairy-related activities, highlighting its critical role in socio-economic development.

He informed that the conference will delve into cutting-edge topics such as productivity enhancement, digitalisation, sustainable practices, and climate action in the dairy sector. He further added that the exhibition featuring transformative products and technologies will showcase the industry’s progress and potential. Let’s leverage this platform to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strategies on overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable growth in the dairy sector.

He also mentioned that this conference will bring together all stakeholders to come up with innovations in areas of improved germplasm, new products development, better health monitoring, advancement in nutrition, livestock quality and quantity & a transparent supply chain network.

During the conference, Member Secretary, INC IDF and Board Member IDF, Dr Shah said that India seized the opportunity to host the inaugural IDF regional dairy conference for Asia Pacific region on the theme ‘Farmer Centric Innovations’.

He informed that the event would see participation of distinguished speakers, policy makers, research from various esteemed global dairy organisations in the event. He also mentioned that Animal Husbandry Ministers & Secretaries from various states will also represent their respective States. Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Dept. of AHD & President INC-IDF, Pier Cristiano Brazzale Brazalle, President IDF and Ms. Laurence Rycken, DG, IDF along with over 1,000 registered delegates from across 25 countries and 400-500 farmers will also grace the 3-day conference. He informed that the event would showcase India’s innovative strives in the sector and will provide platform to 22 organisations & 17 startups to demonstrate their products/activities at the exhibition hosted during the IDF regional event.

The conference will delve into cutting-edge topics

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Carbon Farming, Company News, North America, Soil Health

Microsoft purchased 40,000 carbon credits verified and issued in accordance with requirements of the Climate Action Reserve’s Soil Enrichment Protocol.

Innovative leader and trusted partner in sustainable agriculture and biological solutions, Indigo Ag announced that Microsoft has agreed to purchase 40,000 agricultural soil-based carbon credits from the company’s third carbon crop, issued in February, representing the largest number of credits ever delivered by Indigo Ag to an individual buyer. These credits are verified and issued in accordance with the requirements of the Soil Enrichment Protocol of the Climate Action Reserve, one of the world’s most trusted independent carbon registries.

Microsoft selected Indigo Ag’s carbon program to introduce soil carbon removals in its climate action portfolio to help the company to progress toward its 2030 goal to become carbon negative. The agreement underscores demand for robust, science-backed agriculture soil-based credits and the valuable role they can play in climate action, as well as reflects the increasing maturity of the voluntary carbon market.

Indigo Ag’s Carbon program is underpinned by the company’s scientifically peer-reviewed measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) capabilities which inform the robustness, integrity and durability of credits, and enables growers to realize the value of adopting and sustaining new practices that generate them.

Indigo Ag continues to deploy its MRV capabilities, beyond its carbon program, to enable companies in the agri-food value chain to reduce their Scope 3 emissions and to produce low carbon intensity crop feedstocks for biofuels. To date, Indigo’s Sustainability Solutions have reduced and removed over 340 thousand tons of GHG emissions and saved over 19 billion gallons of water used in agriculture.

Commenting on announcement, Dean Banks, CEO at Indigo Ag, said, “This announcement is a major milestone for Indigo’s Carbon program and our increasing range of ag-based sustainability solutions. Microsoft is a leader in corporate climate action, a highly influential player in carbon removals and shares our commitment to support the transition to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture system.”

“Our program’s selection by Microsoft is a significant win for science-based, high-integrity agricultural soil carbon credits. We have uniquely and substantively invested in the scientific rigor of our program since 2018 to meet the strict standards of premier crediting programs like the Climate Action Reserve. We are working with our partners to enable growers to benefit from valuable, durable new revenue streams that reward them for their efforts in changing practices.”

Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft said: “Soil organic carbon restoration is vital to the future of food systems, economies and climate change mitigation. We are pleased to collaborate with Indigo Ag to advance both the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and the soil organic carbon scientific evidence base.”

Microsoft purchased 40,000 carbon credits verified and

Agribusiness, Company News, Fruits, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Start ups, Vegetables

The Price Analysis Index provides crucial insights into price tendencies, helping stakeholders make informed decisions for the upcoming months.

Otipy, a leading player in the Indian agritech sector, has released a comprehensive analysis of per-kilogram prices for various fruits and vegetables. This analysis examines trends from March to May and offers predictions for market conditions from June to August. The Price Analysis Index provides crucial insights into price tendencies, helping stakeholders make informed decisions for the upcoming months.

The pricing dynamics within the fruits and vegetables sectors have revealed a noticeable correlation in recent months. Take, for example, the trajectory of Mango (Dasheri, Carbide-Free), where prices plummeted from Rs. 194/kg in April to Rs. 102/kg in May, projected to dip further to Rs. 86/kg in June before peaking at Rs. 100/kg in July. Similarly, Watermelon prices saw a decline from Rs. 44/kg in March, further dropping to Rs. 28/kg in April and Rs. 24/kg in May. Based on this trend, forecasts suggest an increase to Rs. 31/kg in June and further to Rs. 44–Rs. 48/kg in July and August.

In the vegetable market, the long bottle gourd (lauki) rose to Rs. 44/kg by May and is expected to further increase to Rs. 57/kg in August. Similarly, green capsicum declined to Rs. 66/kg in May but is forecasted to rebound to Rs. 88/kg in August. Meanwhile, potatoes exhibited moderate price stability, rising to Rs. 31/kg in May, with prices expected to remain around Rs. 35-36/kg in the coming months, reflecting consistent demand for this staple vegetable throughout the year.

According to Varun Khurana, CEO of Otipy, “We remain committed to empowering both farmers and consumers with valuable insights into the fluctuating dynamics of the agricultural market. Our comprehensive analysis sheds light on the intricate price movements of fruits and vegetables, providing stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate through market volatility effectively. Through this endeavor, Otipy reaffirms its dedication to fostering a fair and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in India, ensuring equitable opportunities for all involved.”

This corroborates the fact that changes in demand and supply are pivotal to the fruits and vegetables market characterized by consistent price changes in line with the market and seasonal changes. While often the price of certain fruits such as mango, and watermelons has seen the normal trend of having lower prices during times of high supply of the produce, other commodities like onions, tomatoes and ginger have seen their prices change sharply due to unpredictable fluctuations in supply and demand. Nevertheless, certain items such as bananas, tender coconuts and potatoes show the least fluctuation in demand and have some reasonable price variations. It also accentuates the need to have a broader perspective of various price fluctuations in the sector while noting the tricky issue of consumers’ demand and seasonal supply.

The Price Analysis Index provides crucial insights

Agro Universities, Collaborations, India, R&D, Sustainability, Sustainable Energy

It aims to improve rural livelihoods by assisting stakeholders in generating carbon credits through mitigation measures.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Suzuki R&D Center India Pvt. Ltd (SRDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collectively advance initiatives in renewable energy, circular economy, rural development and waste management. This collaboration aims to improve rural livelihoods by assisting stakeholders in generating carbon credits through mitigation measures, exploring mechanisms for carbon credit exchange and developing methodologies and tools for assessing carbon footprints of rural livelihood activities. All three organizations will also collectively undertake comprehensive studies, assessments, training programmes and share research and training facilities to further the objectives of MoU.

The newly signed MoU outlines the roles of NDDB, TERI and SRDI in promoting sustainability and improving rural livelihoods. NDDB will support surveys and pilot initiatives by leveraging its rural network. Collaborating with TERI and SRDI, NDDB will assist in generating carbon credits and providing technical expertise. TERI will conduct assessments with focus on carbon credits and pilot projects, aligning their efforts with sustainability goals. SRDI will support assessments by linking with national and international entities, as well as assisting in carbon credit quantification. Additionally, SRDI will encourage innovative solutions for sustainability in the dairy sector.

The MoU was signed in presence of Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, NDDB; Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI and Kenichiro Toyofuku, Director, SRDI. The partners also agreed to jointly represent their collaborative research, methods, findings and policy solutions at various forums to promote sustainable rural development.

Emphasizing the importance of this collaboration, Dr Vibha Dhawan said, “ The partnership with NDDB and SRDI will enable us to expand our efforts in promoting sustainable practices in rural areas. Through research, training and capacity building, we empower farmers and rural communities to embrace eco-friendly methods and contribute to a circular economy,” she highlighted.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Meenesh Shah stated that this MoU represents a significant milestone towards sustainable rural development. “By combining our strengths and resources, we are ready to develop innovative solutions that will not only improve rural livelihoods but also promote environmental sustainability. Our collaborative efforts in renewable energy, waste management and carbon credit mechanisms will lead to a greener and more prosperous future for rural communities and propel India towards net zero dairying,” he added.

 Kenichiro Toyofuku informed that SRDI, as an Indian subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, is focused on technology development for mobility and achieving carbon neutrality. He further added, “One of our key objectives is to adopt clean fuels like dung-based biogas for mobility. This MoU with NDDB and TERI is a noteworthy step towards deeper engagement with the dairy sector, helping us achieve sustainability goals for both the automotive and dairy industries. Together, we can drive innovative solutions that benefit the environment and rural livelihoods.”

It aims to improve rural livelihoods by

Agribusiness, Dairy, Finance, India, Start ups

The company plans to use funds for manufacturing, team building, and expansion in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Sid’s Farm, the dairy brand announced that the company has secured $10 Mn (Rs 83 Cr) in a Series A funding round co-led by Omnivore and Narotam Sekhsaria’s family office. The Telangana-based startup plans to use the freshly raised money to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, team building and expanding to cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The Telangana-based D2C dairy startup plans to use funds for manufacturing, team building, and expansion in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Kishore Indukuri, founder of Sid’s Farm, said, “This investment will accelerate our growth in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. We strongly believe that there is an opportunity to serve over 1,00,000 families every day in these two markets alone.”

“Premium dairy brands and products over D2C platforms are expected to lead (the) growth (in the overall Indian dairy space) We see Sid’s Farm emerging as a key player in this space with its commitment to antibiotic-free, hormone-free, preservative-free milk and milk products,” said Reihem Roy, partner at Omnivore.

Founded in 2016 by Indukuri, Sid’s Farm currently serves around 20,000 customers daily on a subscription basis, offering a range of products, including milk, and milk products.

The company plans to use funds for

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, Funding, India, Start ups

The funding round was led by Rainmatter, an investment initiative by Zerodha, known for funding and incubating climate and health startups with a total capital infusion of Rs 50 crore.

Two Brothers Organic Farms announced that the company has completed its Series-A funding round, raising Rs 58.25 crore. The company aims to utilise the funding to support its business growth in India and the United States, explore demand-side opportunities, and expand supply-side operations.

The funding round was led by Rainmatter, an investment initiative by Zerodha, known for funding and incubating climate and health startups with a total capital infusion of Rs 50 crore. Another prominent investor leading the funding round was Raju Chekuri, a notable Silicon Valley entrepreneur and founder of NetEnrich. Most participating investors were among Two Brothers Organic Farms’ long-standing consumers and active supporters of the brand’s efforts toward strengthening the organic farming community.

With the raised capital, Two Brothers Organic Farms aims to maintain a profitable growth trajectory and achieve a revenue of Rs 500 crore in the next four years. It also aims to support over 50,000 farmers in their journey towards sustainability. The company also plans to use the funds to explore more demand-side opportunities and expand its supply-side operations. This would help it scale growth and achieve the targeted revenue in the next four years.

This funding would help the company to strengthen its business operations and grow its market presence in India and the United States. This would also help it promote the widespread adoption of organic food.

“We are glad to have like-minded individuals and organisations participate in this fundraising effort, especially our lead investors Nithin Kamath of Zerodha and Raju Chekuri, who understand and support our vision for the organic food business in India and abroad. This substantial funding will empower us to cater to our consumers in India and help us assist Indian farmers in embracing organic farming practices.”, said Brothers and co-founding farmers, Satyajit Hange and Ajinkya Hange, said in a joint statement release.

The latest funding round also marks a milestone for the Two Brothers Organic Farms’ growth trajectory, following its successful Rs 14.5 crore pre-series A funding in April 2023, where Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and cricketer Virender Sehwag were key investors.

The funding round was led by Rainmatter,

AgroPolicy, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Interaction

Experts shared their views in webinar by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) titled, “Innovations for Transformation of Agri-Food Systems: An Agenda for Amrit Kaal.”

As India braces for 100 years and towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, experts say agriculture will hold the key to this transformation. They recommend an urgent need for a reorientation of the agriculture sector to transform India’s agri-food systems in the coming years.

Padma Bhushan Awardee Dr RS Paroda, Founder Chairman of the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), emphasized India’s need to become ‘Viksit’, aiming for atmanirbharta and adopting a local-to-global perspective as the country approaches its 100th year of independence in 2047. “New India should focus on capturing global markets, enhancing agricultural research for innovations, reducing imports of pulses, oilseeds, and fertilizers, and achieving a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2027,” Dr Paroda highlighted. He was speaking at a webinar by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) titled, “Innovations for Transformation of Agri-Food Systems: An Agenda for Amrit Kaal.”

To achieve this vision, Dr Paroda and other experts outlined an agenda that includes increased investment in agricultural R&D, advocating for a doubling of allocations, establishing a robust export-import policy, strengthening public-private partnerships, adopting a farmer-first approach, converting subsidies into incentives for efficient input use, promoting youth as agri-entrepreneurs and input providers, and supporting market reforms.

Dr Paroda emphasized that reorienting Indian agriculture requires leveraging ‘new science for new gains’. This includes embracing agricultural biotechnology, utilizing information and communication technology for knowledge management, actively applying bioinformatics, and progressively guiding farmers towards adopting climate-smart agriculture with precision farming techniques. He added, “India must galvanize political will, mobilize institutional and human resources, and foster effective public-private partnerships to revolutionize our agri-food systems. Additionally, we need to equip our youth with the necessary skills so as to offer private extension services to farmers, play pivotal role as input providers and agri-entrepreneurs, and consider the agricultural sector as a promising and rewarding career path.”

Currently, India is the largest producer of milk, pulses, jute, and bananas, and the second-largest producer of wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane. Beyond production, the industry also aims to be among the top five exporters by 2030. To this end, the sector advocates for a robust EXIM policy to increase India’s agricultural contribution from 2.5% to 5% of the global total by 2047.

Dr Ajai Rana, Chairman of FSII and Asia-Pacific Head & CEO of Savannah Seeds, while congratulating the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his new role, expressed the sector’s hope that the government will address industry concerns. Dr Rana stated, “The new government has a crucial role in steering the sector towards self-reliance, farmers’ prosperity, sustainability, and robust innovation through R&D. This includes introducing modern technologies in seeds, crop protection chemicals, crop nutrition products, and biological products, as well as redirecting agricultural subsidies as incentives for crop diversification and cultivating climate-resilient varieties.”

As the sector looks forward to a future marked by unprecedented growth opportunities, Dr Ram Kaundinya, Advisor to FSII, highlighted the critical need for increased investment in agricultural research and the establishment of strategic frameworks to support this vision.

He said, “To spur innovation, it is vital to increase agricultural research investment from the current 0.61 per cent of agri-GDP to 1%. Identifying and funding high-priority research projects over the next 3-5 years with active participation from both public and private sectors can yield significant advancements. Formulating a National Agricultural Development Council (NADC), modeled after the GST council, can also be highly effective.”

Dr Kaundinya also advocated for enhancing digital infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, reduce drudgery, and enable digital business operations in agriculture, along with progressive and science-based regulations for biotechnology.

Experts shared their views in webinar by