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Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, India, Start ups

This new feature will allow buyers to inspect and purchase essential agro-commodities instantly, thus reducing the delivery time from days to minutes.

TradeBridge, India’s leading B2B agri-tech marketplace, was launched in 2020 to improve and digitise trade. TradeBridge has chosen to merge its existing technology expertise with increasing accessibility to upgrade the agro-commodity market by announcing its latest innovation, “TB’s AgroMobile: Dark Store on Wheels” India’s first movable dark store. This new feature will allow buyers to inspect and purchase essential agro-commodities instantly, thus reducing the delivery time from days to minutes.

In phase 1, TB’s AgroMobile will be available in Mumbai. They will gradually increase their presence to five more cities across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities by the end of 2024. This movable dark store will also allow purchasers to place orders online at any given time to align their delivery as per their convenience. Through this, TradeBridge intends to targer and uplift the 1.3 crore kirana stores all over India.

Sameer Bhanushali, Co-founder of TradeBridge, says, “Since our inception in 2020, TradeBridge has been dedicated to revolutionising the agri-commodity trade landscape in India. We recognise the need for a seamless, transparent, and equitable system. This new feature reflects our commitment to the growth of the ecosystem through businesses and farmers. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire TradeBridge team, and I am proud of the success our team has achieved so far. Our ambition is to become an agri-unicorn, and we believe this innovative platform is a major step towards achieving that goal.”

TB’s AgroMobile feature provides farmers with another opportunity to bypass traditional market limitations. The model will decrease 4–5 layers of middlemen, allowing products to be more affordable for buyers while offering farmers a better selling price.

Bilal Khimji, Co-founder of TradeBridge, expresses his enthusiasm for the new launch, “TB’s AgroMobile: Dark Store on Wheels is a feature that simplifies the purchasing process and accelerates turnaround time while ensuring quality isn’t compromised. It also ensures that small and medium-sized business owners manage their working capital more efficiently. We are attempting to enter micromarkets in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities with this model. When combined, these micromarkets have a sizable purchase gap that needs to be filled. Based on customer preferences, we intend to extend our reach to multiple densely populated pockets across the country, starting with Mumbai. We want to create increasing opportunities for the entire agro-ecosystem in the coming years.”

The concept of TB’s AgroMobile will not only decrease turn-around time but will also allow buyers to shorten their inventory cycles. This, in turn, has a bundle of opportunities and benefits for purchasers to explore.

This new feature will allow buyers to

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Oilseeds, R&D, Sustainability, World

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards (SuCCESS) code the first global standard that certifies castor oil and its derivatives – such as bio-based polyurethane.

 BASF together with the world’s first castor bean program ‘Pragati’ (Pragati), introduces certified traceability for bio-based solutions in footwear. Pragati was established with the unified sustainability code SuCCESS (Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social Standards) that sets a standard for certified sustainable castor oil.

“The footwear segment has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable solutions at BASF. With the availability of certified traceable bio-based polyurethane solutions, we are well-positioned to serve the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions for the footwear business in Asia,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

The demand for sustainable footwear solutions has been growing steadily in tandem with consumer awareness. Footwear brands and manufacturers have a clear goal to enhance the sustainability aspects of their products without compromising on cost, performance or quality. Bio-based solutions offer enhanced sustainability by reducing fossil resource consumption. Additionally, castor oil is derived from the seeds of the non-edible castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). As it can grow in arid or semi-arid regions, it requires less water as well. The dried beans also have a long shelf life.

“Meanwhile, we are looking to extend the use of this bio-based solution to other segment applications as well,” added Postlethwaite.

Pragati was launched in May 2016 in Gujarat, India as the region produces about 70% of the world’s supply of castor beans. Over 7,000 hectares of generally semi-arid land are now farmed according to the SuCCESS sustainability code since its introduction in the region. More than 7,000 farmers have been trained, audited, and certified. Over 74,500 tons of certified castor seeds have been cultivated, and year 7 yield is 36% higher than the yield published by the local government for this region.

Sustainable Castor Caring for Environmental and Social

AgroPolicy, Sugar industry

ISMA has urged the Government to re-consider permitting the export of surplus sugar after due consideration of domestic demand and supply.

The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), the apex body in the sugar and bio-energy industry in the country, predicts a significant sugar surplus of up to 36 lakh tonne for the current season. According to the experts, the opening stock of approximately 56 lac tons in October 2023 in addition to forecasted domestic consumption of nearly 285 lac ton for the season, will result in significantly higher closing stock of 91 lac ton by the end of September 2024. This estimated surplus, amounting to 36 lac tons above the normative stock of 55 lac tons, can potentially lead to additional costs for the millers on account of idle inventory and carrying costs.

In light of these projections, it is clear that the domestic consumption and availability situation is more than comfortable; the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) can be very well managed within the sugarcane production and that the surplus sugar left thereafter because of the sudden pause of ethanol blending from sugarcane and sugar syrup, is in excess and cannot be converted back to Ethanol. In this situation, ISMA has urged the Government to re-consider permitting the export of surplus sugar after due consideration of domestic demand and supply. This will boost the financial liquidity of sugar mills and enable timely payments to cane farmers. ISMA believes that allowing exports will contribute to the smooth functioning of the sugar industry and foster economic stability.

Impact of FRP

Government has increased Fair Renumeration Price of sugarcane for 2024-25 SS by Rs. 25 per qtl to Rs. 340 per qtl. This huge increase in FRP will directly increase cane cost and thereby cost of production of sugar. This increase in FRP will also act as an additional burden to the already financially stressed mills as mills are mandated to pay the cane price payment within 14 days of supply of cane.

Utilising the surplus for the larger benefit

While being aligned with policies laid out by the government, ISMA urges the government to consider our request for exports as it will be win – win for all stakeholders, including farmers. Commenting on this, Deepak Ballani, Director General of the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said, “We at ISMA share the government’s policy objectives for ensuring betterment of sugarcane farmers and the sustained growth of the sugar industry in India ensuring stability in sugar sector. We are constantly working with the government to find ways for economic wellbeing of the farming community and implement workable solutions to utilise the surplus generated this season. Allowing exports would not only ensure a comfortable stock for domestic consumption and sustain the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) but also contribute to maintaining the financial liquidity of sugar mills, enabling timely payments to farmers”.

ISMA has urged the Government to re-consider

Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, India, Live Stock

The book aims to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers, academicians, policymakers, and conservationists involved in fish biodiversity and conservation.

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav released the book ‘Barcode Atlas of Indian Fishes’ during the 109th Foundation Day Celebration of ZSI and the Animal Taxonomy Summit 2024 held in Kolkata.

The book is a collaboration between ICAR-NBFGR and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) to document and catalogue the diverse fish species in the Indian subcontinent using DNA barcoding techniques. It aims to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers, academicians, policymakers, and conservationists involved in fish biodiversity and conservation. The atlas includes scientific, common, and vernacular names, order, family, habitat, distribution, economic importance, and conservation status as per IUCN categories. DNA barcoding, which uses a short genetic sequence from a standardized genome region, enhances the accuracy of fish identification, especially in subtle morphological differences or processed fish products.

Yadav has said that India has become the first country in the world to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species, positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity documentation. He said, the silver lining is that India is a global champion in biodiversity conservation, adding that our tradition, ethos and values respect nature and promote biodiversity conservation. Yadav launched the Fauna of India Checklist Portal on the occasion of 109th Foundation Day of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.

Yadav also released an iconic publication of ZSI, ‘Animal Discoveries– 2023’ comprising 641 new animal species and new records from India and ‘Plant Discoveries- 2023’ of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) comprising 339 new plant species and new records from the country published by scientists, faculties and researchers from India.

Other important publications ‘Fauna of India–109 barcodes’, ‘Catalogue of Hoverflies’, ‘Catalogue of Muscidae’ & ‘Flora of India Series’ were released by the union minister. The first-ever ‘Barcode Atlas of Indian Fishes’- a joint publication by the ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow & ZSI, Kolkata and ‘ROAR – Celebrating 50 years of Project Tiger’ a book written by Shiladitya Chaudhury & Ketan Sengupta were also released on the occasion.

Jitendra Kumar, IFS, Director General, Forests & Special Secretary, MoEFCC, Ms. Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, Dr. A.A. Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and other scientists, researchers, and academicians of the country, were present during the programme.

The book aims to provide a comprehensive

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Sustainability, World

The collaborative effort involves the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the National Union of Cane Growers (UNC-CNPR), Syngenta and Bonsucro, Biofábrica Siglo XXI.

Biome Makers, a global agtech company, has announced its selection as a partner in an alliance to promote sustainable and profitable sugarcane production. This collaborative effort involves the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the National Union of Cane Growers (UNC-CNPR), Syngenta, Bonsucro, Biofábrica Siglo XXI and Biome Makers.

The initiative empowers farmers to integrate microbial fertilizers, organic matter, biological pest control, mechanized harvesting, and efficient water use to enhance soil health and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biome Makers’ innovative BeCrop technology will be essential in evaluating and optimizing soil conditions, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields and greater sustainability.

Collaborating with Biome Makers marks a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture. Their leading expertise in soil health analytics will help transform sugarcane production in Mexico, making it more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly,” said Marcel Morales, Director of Biofábrica Siglo XXI.

BeCrop technology by Biome Makers employs advanced DNA sequencing and machine learning to analyze and monitor the soil microbiome and provide actionable insights. These insights are critical for predicting crop performance, identifying potential disease threats, and guiding sustainable soil management practices. Accessible via the BeCrop Portal, the data provides detailed soil microbial community reports in a user-friendly format, assisting farmers, agronomists, and advisors in making informed decisions for the next growing season.

“We are honoured to be part of this groundbreaking alliance. Our BeCrop technology will deliver crucial insights into soil health, aiding farmers in implementing sustainable practices that enhance productivity and environmental stewardship,” states Adrian Ferrero, Cofounder and CEO of Biome Makers. This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to advance agricultural sustainability through innovative biotechnological solutions.”

The collaborative effort involves the Secretary of

AgroPolicy, Agrotech, Finance, India, Schemes - Govt, Schemes - NABARD

Investments worth Rs 72,000 crore have been mobilised with Rs 43,000 crore already sanctioned for 67,871 projects under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund till date.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a web portal developed jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) and NABARD to automate and speed up the process of settlement of interest subvention claims of banks submitted under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Chairman, NABARD, senior officers of DA&FW and banks were also present.

Addressing on the occasion, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that newly launched automation of credit claims will ensure timely settlement of claims within a day, which otherwise took months for manual settlement. He said the move will also ensure transparency and check corrupt methods. Shri Chauhan said the new portal on sharing of farmers experience will enable the farming community to gain from each other’s experiences. He said there are several farmers who are self-experimenting and their successful stories should be brought forward for others to emulate. Union Minister said that the investments worth Rs 72,000 crore have been mobilised with Rs 43,000 crore already sanctioned for 67,871 projects under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund till today. Additionally, banks can anticipate quicker settlement of interest subvention claims.

Chouhan also informed that the automated system would help in calculating accurate eligible interest subvention through the portal avoiding the possible human error in manual processing and also help in faster settlement of the claims. The portal shall be used by banks, Central Project Management Unit (CPMU) of DA&FW and NABARD. The automation of the interest subvention claim and credit guarantee fee claim processing will help the government in releasing accurate interest subvention, reduce the turn-around time and in turn help the farmers and agri entrepreneurs financially and encourage them to take up more such projects for development of agriculture in the country.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also launched Krishi Katha, a blogsite meant to serve as a digital platform to showcase the voice of the Indian farmers, dedicated to amplifying the experiences, insights and success stories of farmers across the country.”Krishi Katha” aims to provide a comprehensive and immersive storytelling space where the narratives of India’s agricultural community can be shared and celebrated.

Union Minister highlighted that the launch of Krishi Katha is a significant move towards acknowledging and amplifying the voice of our farmers. He emphasised that their stories of resilience and innovation are the cornerstone of our agricultural sector and expressed confidence that this platform will serve as a wellspring of inspiration for others. The objectives behind this initiative will be helpful in raising awareness, facilitating exchange of knowledge, fostering collaboration and empowering farmers.

Investments worth Rs 72,000 crore have been

AgroPolicy, Foodgrains, India, Interaction

Global wheat industry leaders gathered for WPPS 2024 Global CEO Conclave to unveil the wheat industry’s path forward vision 2030.

The Global CEO Conclave 2024, organized by the Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), continued to build on impactful discussions under the theme “WPPS Global CEO Conclave Wheat and Wheat Products Vision 2030: Trade Dynamics, Trends, and Technologies.” The event concluded with a synthesis of profound insights and strategic recommendations aimed at shaping the future of the global wheat industry.

The conclave provided a crucial platform for addressing the challenges facing the global wheat market, which is projected to reach $258.7 billion by 2027 amidst issues such as climate change and fluctuating demand. Over 50 speakers from India and abroad participated in focused business sessions and panel discussions, delving into critical aspects of the wheat industry. Discussions centered around flour fortification, aimed at reducing micronutrient deficiencies in 30% of the global population, as well as examining wheat economics amidst market volatility. India’s pivotal role in enhancing global food security, as the world’s second-largest wheat producer, was also prominently featured.

Clay M. Hamilton, Agricultural Minister-Counselor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural Service, recently delivered a keynote presentation on “US-India Agricultural Collaboration for Food Security.” The session, held within the framework of international agricultural cooperation, highlighted strategic efforts between the United States and India aimed at bolstering global food security through technological and partnership initiatives.

The presentation underscored the critical role of agricultural collaboration between two of the world’s largest democracies, the United States and India. Both nations face significant challenges in meeting the food demands of their populations amidst increasing global population growth, changing dietary patterns, and environmental uncertainties. By leveraging their respective strengths and fostering strategic partnerships, the U.S. and India aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food distribution systems, and ensure sustainable food security solutions.

Ajay Goyal, Chairman of WPPS, emphasized the importance of the strategic recommendations discussed during the conclave: “Our industry is at a pivotal point where collaboration and innovation are more crucial than ever. By leveraging the insights and recommendations from this conclave, we can navigate the challenges ahead and build a sustainable and prosperous future for the global wheat sector.”

Global Implications and Local actions

The theme of the conclave emphasized the critical role of sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring the long-term viability of the wheat industry. As the industry faces the dual challenge of increasing production to meet rising demand while minimizing environmental impact, the conclave highlighted the need for policy frameworks that support sustainable farming. Recommendations included promoting the adoption of eco-friendly fertilizers, efficient water management systems, and precision agriculture technologies that enhance productivity while reducing the ecological footprint of wheat production.

Policymakers were urged to develop and implement regulations that encourage sustainable practices and provide incentives for farmers to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. By aligning policy initiatives with sustainability goals, the wheat industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. This approach not only ensures the sustainability of wheat farming but also enhances the resilience of the entire agricultural sector.

Strengthening International Partnerships

In light of the theme focusing on trade dynamics and trends, the conclave placed significant emphasis on the importance of strengthening international partnerships. The global wheat supply chain is characterized by its complexity and interdependence, with production, processing, and distribution spanning multiple countries. The conclave’s recommendations called for enhanced cooperation and coordination among nations to build resilient supply chains that can withstand disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, economic fluctuations, and climate-related challenges.

By fostering international collaboration, the wheat industry can ensure a stable and reliable supply of wheat and wheat products, even in the face of global uncertainties. This includes establishing trade agreements that facilitate the smooth flow of goods, sharing best practices, and investing in infrastructure that supports efficient logistics and distribution. Strengthening these partnerships is crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of the global wheat market, thereby securing food supplies for populations worldwide.

The Global CEO Conclave 2024 provided a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the wheat industry, with recommendations that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By embracing these recommendations, industry stakeholders can work together to ensure a prosperous future for the global wheat sector, one that benefits producers, consumers, and the environment alike. As the wheat industry moves forward, the insights and recommendations from the conclave will serve as a guiding framework for achieving lasting growth and sustainability, in line with the vision for 2030.

Global wheat industry leaders gathered for WPPS

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Collaborations, Company News, India

IFFCO has formed partnership with Nanoventions Private Limited (NVPL) and Fausto Caron from Nanofert for introducing Nano fertilizers in Brazil market.

IFFCO, India’s largest cooperative, has signed a partnership to introduce these innovative products to the Brazilian market. Through Nanoventions Private Limited (NVPL), IFFCO will initially license and market its products to Nanofert, a venture by entrepreneurs Fausto Caron and Ritesh Sharma. Eventually, IFFCO plan to produce these nanoinputs locally.  

Dr Arunachalam Lakshmanan from NVPL, Yogendra Kumar Board of Director IFFCO, and Fausto Caron from Nanofert have formed an unprecedented partnership. We recently had the honour of meeting the Governor of Mato Grosso, where fascinating discussions about advancing nanotechnology in Brazil took place.

Nanotechnology in agriculture is gaining traction, and our project marks the first commercial adoption of this cutting-edge technology in Brazil. Since 2017, we have been researching nanotechnology, and by 2019, our first promising results emerged. Despite challenges, including adverse weather conditions in 2020, fields treated with nano fertilizers showed remarkable resilience and productivity.  

The secret lies in the nanometric scale of our inputs, allowing for extensive coverage and efficient nutrient delivery. As Arunachalam Lakshmanan, General Director of NVPL, explains, “It’s like dividing an apple into thin slices to increase its coverage area. This innovation addresses a significant challenge in fertilizer use—high product loss. Currently, plants absorb only 20-30 per cent of chemical fertilizers, with the rest lost as gas or in the soil. Our nano fertilizers aim to change that, reducing environmental impact and enhancing agricultural productivity.”

IFFCO has formed partnership with Nanoventions Private

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News, Europe, Fungicides, Herbicides

Company’s goal is to lead the way in biological agriculture technology, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

Bionema Group, a UK-based R&D company and winner of the King’s Award for Innovation announced a tender for marketing its groundbreaking range of environmentally friendly plant health management products for agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry. These innovative solutions are designed to enhance plant health, reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers, increase crop performance and yields, and improve soil health.

In response to growing public concern over the impact of synthetic fertilisers on soil health and the environment, Bionema is committed to providing comprehensive, eco-friendly alternatives.  Bionema’s extensive collection of researched biostimulants and biofertilisers offers practical solutions tailored for greenkeepers, racecourse managers, groundsmen, farmers, and foresters.  This initiative builds on Bionema’s product and technology acquisition by Syngenta in 2021, reinforcing our position as a global leader in plant health management, and introduces products based on advanced Biofilm technology.

Bionema has been at the forefront of developing sustainable agricultural products at Swansea University, Wales, headquarters for decades. Our growth aligns with evolving market demands, particularly in light of the EU’s commitment to reducing synthetic fertiliser use by 20 per cent by 2030. 

Our diverse range of products includes biostimulants such as PGPR, nutrients, prebiotics & vitamins, triacontanol, acetyl thiazolidine carboxylic acid, and calcium peroxide. 

Our biofertilisers feature nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, silica solubilizing bacteria, potash-mobilizing bacteria, sulphur-mobilizing bacteria, iron-mobilising bacteria, zinc-mobilizing bacteria, and manganese-mobilizing bacteria, all meticulously formulated to meet the needs of our customers.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, shared the company’s visionary outlook, “Our goal is to lead the way in Biological Agriculture technology, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Sustainable alternatives are essential with global trends shifting and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators. The EU’s ambitious plan to ban 50 per cent of pesticides by 2030 and significantly expand organic farming necessitates innovative solutions like ours. The EU aims to reduce fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030 as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy, focusing on decreasing nutrient losses by 50% without compromising soil fertility and increasing organic farming land by up to 25%.”

Dr Ansari emphasised, “While we are excited to introduce our new products, our unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration continues. We have achieved significant milestones, but our journey of progress is far from over. We are confident that the best is yet to come.”

Company’s goal is to lead the way

Agbiologicals, Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D, Start ups

Trials results show a 30 per cent higher income level compared to standard practices in San Luis, California.

 Bioprime Agrisolutions has announced the successful completion of our groundbreaking trials for BioPrime Fortisea in the United States. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize agriculture on a global scale.

In August 2023, Bioprime Agrisolutions set out to prove the efficacy of our innovative technology in the American market. Following tremendous success in India and South Asia, we turned our attention to North America. Collaborating with an accredited validation agency in the USA, our trials delivered outstanding results.

BioPrime Fortisea, our unique seaweed formulation produced using a proprietary cold extraction process, was tested on tomato crops at San Luis Ranch, California. The US tomato industry, known for its variety and importance in American kitchens, provided an ideal testing ground.

Key highlights from the trials include:

  • A 10 per cent increase in productivity compared to standard grower practices.
  • An additional $1,738 per acre in farmer income.
  • Early crop maturity, boosting growers’ income levels.

In another trial, we reduced fertilizer application to 80 per cent of the standard practice. The results were even more remarkable:

  • A 33 per cent increase in production.
  • An additional $4,872 per acre in income.

A 30 per cent higher income level compared to standard practices in San Luis, California.

Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO at Bioprime Agrisolutions said, “The positive feedback from the North American market highlights the practical benefits of BioPrime Fortisea, affirming its potential to enhance agricultural productivity globally. We are excited to bring our innovative solutions to North American markets, promoting healthier crops and a more sustainable future.”

Trials results show a 30 per cent

Agribusiness, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, Finance, India, Machinery - Pre-harvesting

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during June 2024 were at 47319 units, as against 44478 units for the same period last year.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES), part of the Mahindra Group, announced its tractor sales numbers for June 2024.Domestic sales in June 2024 were at 45888 units, as against 43364 units during June 2023. Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during June 2024 were at 47319 units, as against 44478 units for the same period last year. Exports for the month stood at 1431 units.

Commenting on the performance, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We have sold 45888 tractors in the domestic market during June ’24, a growth of 6 per cent over last year. The government’s announcement of increased foodgrain production, an increase in MSP for major Kharif crops, and further advancement of the Southwest monsoon across the country brings positive sentiments with farmers. With retail momentum having picked up, supported by land preparation and an increase in Kharif crop sowing, demand for tractors is likely to remain strong in the upcoming months. In the export market, we have sold 1431 tractors, a growth of 28 per cent over last year.”

Total tractor sales (Domestic + Exports) during

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, India

Paramfos Plus can be used for wide variety of crops, including paddy, cotton, maize, sugarcane, pulses, ragi, groundnut, oilseeds, and vegetables.

 Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri solutions provider, launched a new magnesium-fortified complex grade fertiliser ‘Paramfos Plus’ in Bengaluru. The product was launched by Sankarasubramanian S, Executive Director, Nutrient Business, Coromandel International, in the presence of the company’s senior leadership team and key channel partners from across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

‘Paramfos Plus’ fertiliser contains 16% Nitrogen, 20% Phosphorus, and 13% Sulphur, along with an additional 0.6% Magnesium. The added Magnesium boosts photosynthesis, chlorophyll production, and promotes the vegetative growth of plants leading to improvement in both quality and yield. It is versatile and can be applied both as a basal and top dressing for a wide variety of crops, including paddy, cotton, maize, sugarcane, pulses, ragi, groundnut, oilseeds, and vegetables. Additionally, it is suitable for use on cereals, legumes, tuber crops, fruit-bearing plants, and various horticultural crops, ensuring comprehensive nutrient support across diverse agricultural practices.

With a legacy of over six decades, ‘Paramfos’ has emerged amongst the most trusted fertiliser brands especially in Karnataka, enabling Coromandel to sustain leadership position in the state. Paramfos granules are free-flowing and suitable for both seed drill application and broadcasting. The new product complements the strengths of Paramfos with the benefits of Magnesium nutrient and aims to deliver balanced fertilization for various crops.

Unveiling Paramfos Plus at the launch event in Bengaluru, Sankarasubramanian S, Executive Director, Nutrient Business, Coromandel International Limited, said, “Paramfos Plus, an enhanced version of Paramfos, is fortified with ‘Magnesium’ that improves the vegetative growth of crops and provides early greening leading to increased yield and superior quality. Coromandel’s innovation in fertilisers is a testament to our commitment and dedication to boosting nutrient efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving the economic viability of farming in India. This innovation also aligns with the Government’s initiatives to promote use of fortified fertilisers in India.”

Paramfos Plus can be used for wide

Agri Genomics, India, R&D

By K C Bansal, Adjunct Professor, The Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6190, Australia; Former Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR), New Delhi; Former Secretary, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India.

It has been projected that to meet the future food requirements in India, we need to increase our food production from the current level of 330 MT to 520 MT by 2050. Increasing crop yields remains a primary objective and high-yielding varieties of staple crops such as rice, wheat, maize, millets, pulses, and oilseeds are constantly developed to meet the growing demand for food. However, since the 1990s, the average annual increases in yields of major crops have decreased as compared to the 1960s. Also, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) analysis, average crop productivity levels of staple food crops and fruits and vegetables are significantly less in India than in the USA and China. Furthermore, frequent occurrence of extreme weather events like floods, cyclones, droughts, heat waves, etc. is adversely impacting Indian agriculture. The number of such events have increased over the past five decades from 50 in 1971-1980 to more than 100 during 2011-2020. In light of these crucial developments, let’s take a closer look at gene editing (GEd) technology adoption in agriculture in the country.

Plant breeding is absolutely necessary for improving food and nutritional security globally. It has been shown that more than 50 per cent of crop productivity gains so far are attributed to improved crop varieties.  Hence, it is important that efforts are made to significantly improve the genetics of crops to further increase yield and its stability across environments, and to overcome the adverse impact of dwindling natural resources and emerging pests and diseases on crop production.

In this context, it is paramount that we harness the full potential of CRISPR-based genome editing for genetically improving crops for increasing productivity and adaptation to the fast-changing climate. Globally, application of gene editing is all set to play a pivotal role in ushering the next revolution in agriculture. Enabling policy environment and science-driven regulatory framework already in place in several countries worldwide, including India have facilitated addressing global challenges related to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through the use of CRISPR-based genome editing. On March 30, 2022, the Government of India announced exemption of the genome edited plants falling under the categories of SDN-1 and SDN-2, which are free of exogenous introduced DNA, from the provisions of the Rules, 1989 (Rules 7-11) of  the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

CRISPR-mediated genome editing is a revolutionary and powerful technology that allows precise modifications in native genes of plants significantly speeding up the process of developing new crop varieties with desirable traits. Thus, genome editing holds tremendous promise and potential to revolutionise crop breeding by accelerating genetic improvement of crops and transforming agriculture to be more productive, sustainable and resilient to the challenges posed by adverse weather events.

While several genome-edited crops with improved traits such as high-oleic soybean in USA, tomato with increased gamma-aminobutyric acid and high-starch maize in Japan, pungency-free mustard green in USA, fungal resistant wheat in China,  and reduced browning banana for the Philippines have already been approved or commercialised, concerted efforts are needed for transforming the Indian agriculture to make it a climate smart and sustainable system as the most viable option for adoption by farmers by 2030 using genome-edited supplemented plant breeding. Importantly, two rice events developed by Indian researchers, one with higher water use efficiency, and the other with higher grain yield are undergoing All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) field trials under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with encouraging results. More network projects are in progress with recent funding by the Government of India to the tune of Rs 500 crore to apply genome editing to a range of crops, which includes 24 field crops and 15 horticultural crops, and allied sectors.

Future of Genome Editing

Crop breeding efforts need to be strengthened by deploying genome editing tools for developing climate resilient varieties with inbuilt tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, and flooding to help mitigate yield losses and stabilise agricultural production under adverse environmental conditions. Genome editing has shown promise in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in paddy. Emphasis to be given on developing crop varieties with reduced GHG emissions. Not only methane emission from paddy fields, reducing nitrous oxide emission from the nitrogen-fertilised agricultural soils need to be paid immediate attention. Nitrous oxide is much more potent than methane or CO2 in deriving a rise in temperature. Also, applying genome editing for early maturity traits will enable crops to thrive in variable climatic conditions. Additionally, climate resilience can be achieved by developing CO2-responsive crops to sustain higher productivity under a CO2-rich, warmer climate by multiplex gene editing. Knocking out genes to reduce stomatal density for maintaining photosynthesis and enhancing water conservation in rice has been demonstrated by researchers. Moreover, recent demonstration of achieving a key step in the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in rice by genome editing will boost the confidence of researchers to develop crops for capturing atmospheric CO2 more efficiently.

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

By K C Bansal, Adjunct Professor, The

Agbiologicals, Agrotech, Fungicides, Herbicides, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

As part of India’s agricultural innovation effort, biological crop protection has become a model for environmentally responsible farming. Technological developments, regulatory frameworks, and changing consumer tastes are shaping India’s biological crop protection business. People’s aversion to chemical pesticides has boosted the expansion of India’s biological crop protection industry. Farmers are increasingly turning to biological solutions as practical alternatives, driven by a focus on sustainability. Let’s dig deeper to unearth the market’s growth potential and the projections for the future.

Experts at US-based research-based management consulting firm TechSciResearch predict that the country’s biological crop protection market will expand from its current valuation of $80.48 million at a CAGR of 6.38 per cent.

To shed further light on the matter, Dr Chandan Kumar, Associate Professor, Livestock Production Management, Head Pasture and Forage Research Division, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU) Mathura, said, “Biological crop protection tools such as biopesticides provide an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides”.  Biopesticides are great because they are non-toxic, effective against certain pests, biodegradable, and require very little application. In addition to killing off undesirable pests, chemical pesticides kill off beneficial species that plants need, like bacteria that fix nitrogen and algae that aid plants in drawing nutrients from the air, water, and soil. Farmers benefit from higher productivity, while the environment suffers as a result of their pollution. Nevertheless, biopesticides are safe, effective, and biodegradable.

Technological advancements

Innovative biological solutions adapted to India’s varied agro-climatic circumstances have been accelerated by developments in microbiology and biotechnology. The range of biological instruments accessible to farmers has greatly increased, including biocontrol agents, biofertilisers, and biopesticides. Improving crop yields with minimal environmental impact has been made possible through the optimisation of biological interventions through the integration of digital technology like remote sensing and precision agriculture.

“Biological crop protection methods are developed with the use of biotechnology. The development of pest-and disease-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops is a direct result of India’s investments in biotech research. These crops encourage the use of biological remedies by reducing the demand for chemical pesticides,” said Aman Sharma, Managing Director, Sai Bio Organics.

Farmers can now track their soil, crops, and other environmental factors with the help of technology. Precision agriculture is a data-driven strategy that aids in the early detection of pest and disease outbreaks, enabling the timely application of biological control measures. Satellites and drones, which use remote sensing technology, give farmers up-to-the-minute data on the state of their crops and the prevalence of pests. Because of this, they are able to control diseases and pests by taking preventative actions, such as using biological agents.

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As part of India's agricultural innovation effort,