Connect with:
Friday / December 6. 2024
Home2024July (Page 2)

  Fruits and leafy vegetables bear the risk of rejection in international trade on account of off-label use of the agrochemical and the absence of country MRLs.

CropLife India, an association of 17 R&D driven crop science companies, and the leading voice of the plant science industry in India, conducted a Workshop on “Crop Grouping principles for establishment of National MRLs”. The absence of label claims for spices, fruits, leafy vegetables etc. leave farmers with limited pest management options. In addition, they bear the risk of rejection in international trade on account of off-label use of the agrochemical and the absence of country MRLs. This workshop will be a milestone in urging the Government of India to discourage off-label use of agrochemicals through implementation of crop grouping scheme.

As per an estimate, out of 554 crops grown in India, more than 85 per cent of crops, due to less acreage or commercial value, don’t have the label claim of Crop Protection Products (PP” s); which leads to off-label use. The implementation of Crop Grouping Principles is the need of the hour, which is part of globally accepted norms. In various countries like USA, EU, Japan and Australia, Crop Grouping Principles were implemented long back which has provided huge benefits to the farmers of those countries. It was a request from the crop protection industry for a long time and a lot of deliberation has been held with the technical experts on the same.

Dr P. K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner & Chairman – Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare highlighted, “The challenges and opportunities in implementing crop grouping principles in India, is the complexity of India’s diverse climatic conditions; from tropical to temperate, varying rainfall, different soils, and a variety of crops and inter-crops; which makes it crucial to adopt a holistic approach.”

Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of concrete outcomes from the workshop, noting, “We have accomplished a lot in this direction, and I hope the concrete deliberations and proceedings from this workshop will help finalize the pointers for the Crop Grouping Government Committee. It is high time we adopt the proceedings of the crop grouping committee. We need to come to a consensus and create plans to ensure no more time or investment is wasted on these studies.”

Dr. Singh even addressed the legal adoption of these principles, mentioning the role of FSSAI, “FSSAI has to adopt the commitments being made regarding MRLs. The future shall hold a smoother process, including the issuance of certificates.”

Dr. J. P. Singh, Plant Protection Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare highlighted the pressing need to address the challenges of bio-efficacy and safety residues in agriculture. “Considering the scientific principles of bio-efficacy and safety residues, it is high time to extrapolate and expand scientific data to tackle the challenges posed by off-label pesticide use, which is prevalent in many districts.”

Dr. Singh emphasised the need for collaboration and fine-tuning data parameters, “Industry, regulators, and policymakers must work hard to narrow down the gaps in MRL standards at both national and international levels and harmonize these discrepancies to ensure scientific and technical accuracy. We face numerous challenges from climate change and invasive pests. It is crucial to expedite the registration process and reduce off-label pesticide use to provide relief to farmers and the trade. Our ultimate aim is to bring relief to farmers and the trade. We will always support this endeavour, ensuring that no more time or investment is wasted.”

Dr. Archana Sinha, Secretary, Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, stressed on the significance of crop grouping, “Crop grouping will address the issue of off-label pesticides that India faces and expedite MRL fixation for minor crops. It should not be a one-time process; it must be dynamic. Over time, the impact of adopting crop grouping should be assessed to add or delete elements in the MRL fixation process. Monitoring MRLs and keeping moralities in mind during data generation is crucial to understand where we’re headed.”

Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India shared, “It is indeed a proud moment that the transparent deliberations within the Department of Agriculture, Central Insecticide Board and industry experts have resulted in the pragmatic Crop Grouping principles. It has always been our endeavour to provide global practices based on sound scientific principles; for the growth of Indian agriculture.”

  Fruits and leafy vegetables bear the risk

Under this project, IIL Foundation will develop and maintain the mini forest with about 4000 plants.

IIL Foundation, the CSR wing of leading crop protection & nutrition company Insecticides India Limited (IIL) has taken a CSR project with RIICO to develop a mini forest in the RIICO Park allotted by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO). Under this project focussed on environment protection, IIL Foundation will develop and maintain the mini forest with about 4000 plants which will act as the oxygen bank for the local public by large. RICCO has approved this project for a period of three years under specific conditions outlined in their official communication. This was inaugurated by Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited and District Magistrate of Khairthal-Tijara Artika Shukla, along with other delegates from the company and the government officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Aggarwal stated, “We are honoured to be part of this project and we thank the RIICO authorities for this opportunity. We will make sure to do our best for the same as we are committed to environmental stewardship and community development under our foundation. By transforming this open space into an oxygen bank, we aim to create a sustainable and beautiful environment that will benefit the local community and promote biodiversity. Our efforts here reflect our dedication to enhancing both the ecological and social aspects of the regions we operate in.”

Dr Mukesh Kumar, VP – IIL and other company representatives were present on the occasion who will lead the foundation’s efforts in mentoring this project.

IIL Foundation will also manage rainwater harvesting and other project requirements. This project marks a significant step towards enhancing the environmental and aesthetic appeal of the Chopanki industrial area, aligning with IIL’s broader vision of sustainable development and community welfare.

Under this project, IIL Foundation will develop

Airbots Aerospace Private Limited is set to spray over 2 lakh acres of agricultural land using the innovative Surya Shakti 15L drone technology in 122 districts and in 4 states

Agritech startup Airbots Aerospace has announce a groundbreaking collaboration with IFFCO which aimed at revolutionising agricultural practices across India.  Airbots Aerospace Private Limited is set to spray over 2 lakh acres of agricultural land using the innovative Surya Shakti 15L drone technology in 122 districts, in four different states namely Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge technology. By leveraging Airbots’ state-of-the-art drones equipped with the Surya Shakti 15L, we aim to enhance efficiency, precision, and environmental sustainability in crop protection and management, said Airbots Aerospace Private Limited in a statement.

IFFCO mentioned that through this collaboration, IFFCO continues its legacy of fostering innovation in agriculture and supporting farmers with transformative solutions. We are dedicated to harnessing technology to address the evolving challenges in agriculture, ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for farmers.

AirBots Aerospace is Indian Agri-tech startup aimed at developing equipment and providing services for intelligent agriculture across the country. It has successfully produced state-of-the-art, reliable, and rugged drones for providing spraying services of insecticides, pesticides & nutrients to the farmlands.

Airbots Aerospace Private Limited is set to

 Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways approves Rs 284.19 Crore PPP Project to revolutionise agri-logistics and reduce wastage.

In a significant move to bolster India’s agricultural export and import capabilities, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal approves the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)’s project of ‘Development of Export-Import cum Domestic Agricultural Commodity-Based Processing & Storage Facility at JNPA on PPP Mode’ worth Rs. 284.19 Crore.

The JNPA is set to establish an all-in-one state-of-the-art agricultural facility at the port, spanning 67,422 square meters. This pioneering facility will address inefficiencies in logistics, reduce multiple handlings, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products. Expected benefits include better prices for agricultural goods, job creation, and overall growth in the agricultural sector. It will empower farmers and exporters, stimulate demand, and foster rural development.

The facility will cater to exports of prominent items like non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onion, and wheat. As JNPA is the dominant gateway for frozen meat products and a major gateway for marine products, the new facility will also support exporters of meat and marine products from areas away from Mumbai. Small exporters, in particular, will benefit from the port-based facility, improving their capabilities in logistics, container booking, cold chain logistics, and export operations. The estimated export capacity increase includes a frozen store of 1800 metric tonnes, a cold store of 5800 metric tonnes, and dry warehouses with a capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes for grains, cereals, and dry cargo.

“Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Ministry for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) is committed to create a robust infrastructure that not only enhances agricultural export capabilities but also supports farmers and rural communities. The development of this all-in-one agricultural facility at JNPA will streamline logistics, reduce wastages, and provide better prices for agricultural products. This is a significant step towards empowering our farmers and boosting India’s agricultural sector,” stated the Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sonowal.

 Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways approves

With the additional capability of the CFT module, growers are equipped with a simple tool to track and communicate their on-farm GHG emissions at a crop level.

Syngenta has announced the integration of Cool Farm Tool (CFT) into the Cropwise™ Sustainability (CWS) application. CFT is a globally recognized carbon quantification tool that enables growers to start their sustainability journey by measuring estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on their farms, which they can now pair with custom recommendations from CWS to reduce their environmental footprint.

In 2021, the Sustainable and Responsible Business Team at Syngenta developed CWS and the Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture standard with a vision to put actionable insights into the hands of growers. The farmer-first tool tracks and measures progress across six outcomes, including water impact and soil health — enabling growers to quickly identify opportunities for improvement and actionable insights to consider for their operation. Now, with the additional capability of the CFT module, growers are equipped with a simple tool to track and communicate their on-farm GHG emissions at a crop level.

 “The on-farm GHG calculator has been designed to empower growers,” said Richard Profit, CEO of the Cool Farm Alliance, which owns CFT. “It gives growers vital metrics to communicate about sustainability, show benefits of regenerative practices, carbon sequestration, and to report against reduction targets,” he said.

Beyond its use in the farming community, integrating CFT helps fulfil the CWS value proposition to simplify the value chain’s challenges around data collection. As a result, CFT is now used by many of the world’s leading food and beverage companies worldwide to provide greater clarity on the environmental impact of farming practices and communicate their sustainable ingredient sourcing efforts with ease.

CWS was also designed with vital safeguards and data protection in mind. “We developed the application understanding that data privacy was paramount to growers, agribusinesses, and us, as partners in the sustainability journey,” said Jeff Lail, Senior Data Analyst for Digital Ag Solutions at Syngenta. “Growers can be confident that their data is secure and only shared when and where they allow it.”

The CWS application is free for users to download and begin making sustainable progress today.

With the additional capability of the CFT

Rivulis will integrate its cloud-based precision irrigation subsidiary, Manna, into Phytech.

In a pivotal advance for the agricultural technology industry, Rivulis, a global climate and irrigation leader, and Phytech, a pioneer in digital farming solutions, are excited to announce their new strategic partnership. This collaboration represents a major step forward in sustainable farming, combining Rivulis’ global presence and leadership in micro irrigation products and solutions with Phytech’s cutting-edge real-time plant health and hydraulic monitoring and automation technology.

Rivulis, recognized for enhancing irrigation efficiency and boosting productivity across diverse farming environments, will integrate its cloud-based precision irrigation subsidiary, Manna, into Phytech. Phytech’s data driven approach, initially focused on aiding agronomic decision-making through real-time plant/tree health monitoring, has gradually expanded into real time hydraulic monitoring and automation of grower’s irrigation and fertigation infrastructure, providing farmers with a comprehensive view of their entire irrigation and fertigation system and further improving efficiency and sustainability.

This integration enables farmers to optimize plant performance and resource usage with unprecedented accuracy and simplicity, setting a new standard in the ag-tech sector. By merging Phytech’s detailed, sensor-based field data with Manna’s spatial remote sensing capabilities, farmers will gain unparalleled monitoring and insights into their crops, irrigation systems, and fields, alongside actionable irrigation recommendations and closed-loop system automation. The integration of Manna into Phytech also includes the Jain Logic and Observant offerings in the USA and Australia, respectively.

This strategic alliance also solidifies Rivulis’ role as a shareholder in Phytech and expands the reach of Phytech’s advanced solutions across Rivulis’ extensive global retail network and turnkey project channels, aiming to accelerate global agriculture technology adoption. Phytech’s technology can also enable irrigation dealers to enrich their service to growers with a data driven proactive approach. Rivulis will continue to offer additional solutions such as ReelView, the free, cloud-based crop and field monitoring application, in conjunction with its products.

Rivulis’ CEO, Richard Klapholz, stated, “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for us at Rivulis as we join forces with Phytech to drive unprecedented advancements in agricultural technology. The integration of ReelView and Manna within Phytech enables a seamless digital journey for farmers, providing a tiered approach for farmers to integrate increasingly sophisticated ag-tech capabilities into their operations. Together, we are setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in farming practices worldwide.”

Phytech’s CEO, Oren Kind remarked, “Our initial success in encouraging growers to adopt technology stemmed from addressing real needs, such as alleviating the loneliness of agronomic decision-making and enabling growers a real-time problem detection in their hydraulic systems. To make this initial success affect agriculture on a global scale requires us to partner with world leaders. Being chosen by Rivulis, one of the global leaders in the irrigation world, as their technology partner, is a significant milestone that will accelerate our ability to scale globally, helping growers embark on a much-needed digital transformation toward more sustainable and efficient practices”.

Manna’s CEO Hoav Lapidot added, “Joining hands with Phytech allows us to expand our technological capabilities and reach. Our shared vision for a smarter, better way of farming is now significantly closer to widespread adoption.”

Rivulis will integrate its cloud-based precision irrigation

The GRAS status, governed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sets a high standard for ingredients to be approved for use in both feed and food.

Bangalore based String Bio, a pioneering biotech company announced the self-determined Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of its innovative microbial protein, PRO-DG™, for use in crustacean feed in the U.S. This landmark achievement was affirmed by an independent panel of experts who rigorously evaluated the body of published data supporting the safety of PRO-DG™ for its intended use.

The GRAS status, governed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sets a high standard for ingredients to be approved for use in both feed and food. String Bio’s PRO-DG™ stands out as it contains approximately 70 per cent protein derived from methanotrophic bacteria, manufactured through the company’s patented String Integrated Methane Platform (SIMP®). This advanced platform ensures an ideal amino acid profile, resulting in high digestibility and performance, as validated in various aqua trials. Notably, the protein’s tolerability by shrimp was evidenced through peer-reviewed publications (Felix et al., 2023; Nederlof et al., 2023). 

With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable and traceable protein sources is critical. The total aquaculture production is expected to expand to 109 million tonnes by 2030. PRO-DG™ addresses this “protein challenge” by offering a sustainable feed ingredient, essential for the growing aquaculture market while protecting marine ecosystems and resources.

Achieving GRAS status distinguishes String Bio from other players in the alternative protein industry. This milestone, which took over two years of comprehensive scientific documentation and safety studies, validates the company’s commitment to science- based innovation.

Speaking on the announcement, Dr Ezhil Subbian, CEO, String Bio said, “The FDA-regulated GRAS status will enable the commercialization of PRO-DG™ in the United States, opening new markets and opportunities for growth. Many countries look to GRAS status as a strong indication that a feed ingredient has been rigorously tested to meet the highest standard. GRAS status of PRO-DGTM is an important milestone in String’s journey and will boost String Bio’s market presence in the feed sector.”

The GRAS status, governed by the US

The objective of the MoU is to evaluate the utility of plant-based vitamin D3 for the improved growth and health of shrimp.

ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the team of Nutrigene Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Telangana, a technology-driven company working on high-value botanical molecules as a startup firm based in Hyderabad today. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, ICAR-CIBA.

Dr. Lal highlighted the importance of vitamin D3 and its role in shrimp and fish aquaculture. He also briefed the significance of plant-based product supplements in line with our vision of natural farming in India.

 A.J. Rajesh, Vice-President, Nutrigene Biosciences, spoke about their company’s initiatives in providing high-end biological molecules using natural sources from herbs.

Nutrient Biosciences aims to provide high-value botanicals and other novel standardized plant extracts to the nutraceuticals, food, feed, and cosmetic industries. The objective of the MoU is to evaluate the utility of plant-based vitamin D3 for the improved growth and health of shrimp.

The objective of the MoU is to

The seed industry has welcomed the verdict by the two-judge bench on the conditional approval granted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).

 Delivered on Tuesday, the matter is set to be reviewed by a larger bench. Terming it a watershed moment, the industry emphasised that adopting progressive GM technology will significantly advance India’s pursuit of atmanirbarta in oilseeds.

Justice Sanjay Karol upheld the GEAC’s decision as independent, reasoned, and in line with the existing regulations. His ruling has been met with appreciation from the seed industry. Ajai Rana, Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds, commended Justice Karol’s decision, stating, “We are glad that Hon’ble Justice Karol has supported the working of the regulatory body GEAC and found its working as per rules. The industry has always maintained that we must trust our regulators and support their decisions. GEAC is a scientific body, and their assessments are of high quality.”

On the other hand, Justice B V Nagarathna, part of the two-judge bench, deemed the decision “vitiated,” highlighting significant concerns. As a result, the petitions, which have been pending for nearly two decades, will now be presented to a larger bench for further deliberation.

Industry experts emphasise the need for self-sufficiency in oilseeds and increased farmer profitability. Rana asserted, “GMOs are tested stringently, and India’s regulatory bodies and research institutions adhere to the highest international norms and practices for evaluating safety & efficacy of biotech crops. GM Mustard can ensure ‘atmanirbharta’ in oil seeds, a major focus of the Indian government, and also promote farmer prosperity through increased productivity.”

A critical point of contention for setting aside the GEAC’s permission is the use of foreign data in the application. Critics argue that the GEAC approved the trait without relying on indigenous studies on the effects of GM Mustard in India and its potential environmental ramifications. Industry experts counter that Indian agencies have been integral to all biosafety studies.

Ram Kaundinya, Advisor to FSII, underlined the critical involvement of Indian agencies and institutions in the biosafety study of DMH-11. “The University of Delhi is part of the regulatory evaluations that are part of the field trials conducted in India. The food safety studies have been done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and accredited laboratories. Reputed Indian institutions like CGMPC, University of Delhi, ICMR-NIN, ICAR-DRMR, and CSIR-IMT generated data on molecular characterization, food safety, environmental safety, and detection protocols for the three proteins – Bar, Barnase, and Barstar,” he explained. “A 3285-page document containing the observations and results of all the biosafety studies was submitted to GEAC. An expert committee reviewed all the data submitted by the applicant and cleared it. That report is available on the GEAC website for public consultation.”

Both justices highlighted the necessity for a national policy on GMOs and directed the union government to develop such a policy through appropriate consultations with all stakeholders, including states, independent experts, and farmers’ bodies. Dr Rajendra Barwale, Member of FSII and Executive Chairman of Mahyco Pvt Ltd, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The industry unanimously views this direction as positive. A national policy is needed because the actual implementation of the regulatory process is getting impeded by political decisions and activism. There is an urgent need for a common approach amongst all states. This national policy should be formed in consultation with states and political parties and based on science and a common understanding among them. The policy, when formulated, should be supported by all, ensuring uniformity of approach with respect to its implementation in the country. It will help the industry in making investment decisions in further research and development for getting such cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of farmers and the country.”

Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, FSII noted the global acceptance of GM Canola cultivated on millions of hectares for the past 25 years, with no reported adverse effects. “There has not been any reported adverse effect of this cultivation on humans, animals, environment, or honey bees. There is no reason to believe that all the data generated through trials in India have shown anything different. On the other hand, we are importing GM oils and consuming them without any adverse health events being reported,” he said.

As the issue moves to a larger bench, the industry’s future direction and regulatory landscape remain under close scrutiny, with stakeholders awaiting a comprehensive and unified policy on GMOs.

The seed industry has welcomed the verdict

Having an impressive career spanning over 28 years, Karavadi brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Bayer, where he served as MD and CEO in Bangladesh.

Bioscience company, Absolute has announced the appointment of Srinivasakumar Karavadi as the President of Inera, its biological farm inputs division. This strategic appointment is poised to drive a significant shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with the growing global demand for eco-friendly farming solutions.

Having an impressive career spanning over 28 years, Karavadi brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Bayer, where he served as MD and CEO in Bangladesh. His extensive expertise in crop protection, seeds, and traits will be instrumental as he leads Inera’s mission to make bio-agriculture accessible and reliable for farmers worldwide.

“I’m thrilled to be leading Inera and its team of champions into the continued success of their mission—to make bio-agriculture accessible, affordable, and truly reliable for farmers globally.” This declaration underscores his commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that can redefine agricultural practices”, said Karavadi in the statement on Absolute’s LinkedIn page.

Srinivasakumar Karavadi also mentioned in his LinkedIn post, I look forward to the challenges and new opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will create value for both farmers and consumers as we work to accomplish our mission.

Inera’s commitment to delivering reliable biological solutions has the potential to empower farmers and reshape the agricultural landscape for generations to come.

Having an impressive career spanning over 28

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to bolster India’s food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Rural Agriculture Innovation Programme (RAIN).

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to bolster India’s food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture. The initiative focuses on providing technologies for on-farm sustainable agriculture, enhancing production and quality control, and aiding farmers in diversifying their opportunities and adding value in line with global standards.

The program primarily focuses on small and marginalised farmers, particularly women, who contribute 60-90 per cent of the world’s rice cultivation. It also supports women-led fisheries enterprises to maintain sustainable yields, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. With climate change impacting yields, RAIN seeks to support these communities by offering solutions that address local challenges and improve agricultural productivity.

The RAIN initiative will begin with a four-fold focus on eco-harmony, which involves innovations in soil health and biodiversity; harvest-secure methods to minimize produce wastage; climate resilience strategies to withstand agricultural challenges; and cleantech and sanitation to enhance environmental and health standards.

Additionally, C-CAMP and MSSRF plan to collaborate at the Centre of Excellence for Agri Innovation, supported by the Government of Karnataka, and exchange technical and field support for validating technologies that are culturally suited to target areas. They will also launch a joint call for innovations in food, agriculture, pisciculture, animal husbandry, and related fields.

The partners are considering expanding the program to other states such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, and exploring CSR or public-private partnership opportunities to further their reach.

Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP highlighted, “Agriculture and climate are closely interlinked. Due to climate change large parts of the world are becoming food insecure. RAIN with MSSRF comes at this crucial time so that we can build a joint innovation programme in India especially for the vulnerable communities in various ecologies in India, whether it be coastal, or small and marginalised farmers who will benefit from switching crops, etc. The aim is to increase agricultural productivity; identifying rural innovations; increased income for smallholder farmers; women empowerment in agriculture; and foremost local solutions to address local or micro pain points.”

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF expressed, “Delighted to sign an MoU with C-CAMP, a real star in the innovation ecosystem. We will jointly work on the RAIN programme focusing on solving problems of small & marginal farmers through a science-based approach.”

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation

Company demonstrates commitment to sustainability and empowers over 9 million Indian farmers.

 AgroStar, India’s foremost AgTech company which serves over 9 million Indian farmers and reaches global customers across 25+ countries, proudly announced the release of its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact report 2024, titled ‘Sowing Seeds of Sustainability.’ The impact assessment was conducted by Aspire Impact, a leader in impact leadership and ecosystem development.

Aspire used its proprietary 4P framework to assess AgroStar’s impact across People, Planet, Product, and Policy. These are further broken down into 13 categories and 40 impact standards, with around 160+ metrics collected and analysed. In recognition of AgroStar’s exceptional impact performance, Aspire Impact has awarded the company the ‘Gold Leaf’ rating. “Helping Farmers Win,” is at the heart of AgroStar’s operations and the company focuses on five key stakeholders: employees, retail partners, last-mile delivery partners, global customers, and most importantly, farmers.

AgroStar employs a cutting-edge digital-first strategy, delivering scientific agronomy knowledge through multiple channels. This approach has successfully resolved over 10 million farmer queries and garnered over 325 million video views, ensuring farmers receive expert guidance anytime, anywhere.

The ESG report provides a comprehensive view of the initiatives and actions undertaken by AgroStar. Key highlights of the report include:

Increased Yield and Reduced Costs: Indian farmers have increased their yield by an average of 27% with the help of AgroStar products and advisory services while reducing their input cost by 17 per cent.

Water Conservation: The company’s agri-input products have contributed to the global cause of water conservation by reducing water consumption by 423 billion litres.

Carbon Sequestration: The use of the company’s environmentally friendly products has helped restore 580 metric tonnes of carbon matter into Indian soils.

Reduced Food Wastage: Optimal post-harvest processes introduced by the company have led to a reduction in food wastage to less than 1% in its supply chain, compared to industry standards of 6-10%.

Product Safety and Traceability: The company’s F&V brand ‘Kimaye’ ensures product safety by achieving 100% compliance with the food safety requirements of 25+ importing countries. Additionally, 100% of Kimaye products are part of a traceability system.

Workforce Diversity: The company promotes workforce diversity and provides work opportunities to women in the rural agriculture ecosystem, with over 75% of employees being women at its fruit and vegetable packhouses.

Economic Opportunities for Women Farmers: The company offers equitable economic opportunities to women farmers, providing them a premium price for their produce procured for its ‘Kimaye’ brand.

Shardul Sheth, Co-founder & CEO of AgroStar, expressed his pride and commitment in the following statement: “Since our inception, we have been driven by a deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers across India. As an organisation deeply entrenched in the agriculture sector, driving positive change is woven into our DNA. Our ESG Report 2024 – ‘Sowing Seeds of Sustainability’ – not only measures the direct and indirect impact of our work but also showcases our dedication to sustainable development. We are incredibly proud to have received a gold rating from Aspire Impact for our sustainability efforts and committed to driving impact on our identified UN SDGs (sustainable development goals) and our mission of Helping Farmers Win.”

Arvind Sridharan, Co-founder & CEO of Aspire Impact, mentioned, “We had the privilege of assessing AgroStar’s transformative impact on the Indian agriculture ecosystem through extensive interactions with their farmers, partners, and employees. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in every aspect of their work. This report showcases their dedication to driving positive change and sets a high standard for transparency and accountability in the industry.”

Company demonstrates commitment to sustainability and empowers

This partnership allows both companies to leverage their expertise to offer the market new sources of omega-3 beyond marine sources.

Nuseed® Nutritional US Inc., the seed technologies platform of Nufarm Limited, is partnering with KD Nutra, a division of The KD Pharma Group, to expand offerings of plant-based long-chain omega-3 ingredients. This partnership allows both companies to leverage their expertise to offer the market new sources of omega-3 beyond marine sources and tap into the rapidly growing demand for alternatives.

Nufarm is a global leader in developing agricultural solutions to environmental challenges. Our Omega-3 Canola is the world’s first plant-based source of total omega-3 nutrition. Aquaterra® and Nutriterra® are derived from the seed oil and provide alternatives to marine-sourced omega-3 ingredients while delivering all the health benefits that come with this science-backed nutrient.

“Our combined technologies and capabilities have great potential for human health,” said Brent Zacharias, Nufarm, Group Executive for Seed Technologies. “KD Nutra’s technical expertise and commitment to quality can deliver our plant-based innovations to a broader audience.”

“We’re excited to partner with Nufarm to expand our plant-based omega-3 offerings,” said Kimberly Smith, CEO of KD Nutra. “Nufarm’s innovation in plant-based nutrition together with KD Nutra’s technology platform and leadership in omega-3 will allow us to bring unique and renewable solutions to the industry.”

This research and development partnership will increase access to omega-3 nutrition for the long-term health of people and the planet.

This partnership allows both companies to leverage

The review of agricultural research will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for seed industry.

 Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) & CEO & MD Savannah Seeds shared his views on the Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The seed industry welcomes the budget 2024-2025, which has allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore to the agriculture and allied sectors, marking an increase from the Rs 1.25 lakh crore allocated in 2023. This budget has rightfully kept farmers at its core, identifying agriculture and its allied sectors as a top priority among the nine key focus areas. The emphasis on Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture highlights a strategic direction to strengthen the sector.

The push towards agricultural research in India is a significant concern for the seed industry. The finance minister has addressed this concern by announcing a comprehensive review of the agricultural research setup. This review will ensure high productivity and development of climate-resilient varieties, which is a crucial step forward for our industry.

Moreover, the announcement of the release of 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops is a monumental step. This landmark initiative will address the detrimental effects of droughts and floods on agriculture, safeguarding farmers from crop losses and ensuring food security and stable incomes. Introducing these resilient crop varieties will support farmers through innovative agricultural practices.

India’s agriculture sector has recently emphasised the need to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds and pulses. In 2022-23, the country imported 165 million metric tonnes of edible oils. The announcement of a mission for pulses and oilseeds is a strategic move towards achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), potentially saving India substantial amounts in import costs and strengthening domestic production.

The launch of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aims to significantly boost rural connectivity, thereby fostering rural prosperity and attracting substantial capital, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in the agriculture sector. The government’s steadfast commitment to facilitating the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture, in collaboration with states, will modernise the sector and enhance its efficiency. Integrating the details of 6 crore farmers and their lands into centralized farmer and land registries will streamline agricultural management and support systems.

However, cotton should have also been included in this mission. A dedicated cotton technology mission is crucial to address the challenges faced by the cotton sector. Additionally, the budget missed providing tax benefits for the seed industry on research investments. Restoring the 200 per cent IT deduction that the industry has been advocating for would have been beneficial & is a miss in the budget.

The budget 2024-2025 reflects a comprehensive and progressive approach to strengthening India’s agriculture sector. The Federation of Seed Industry of India applauds these initiatives and looks forward to contributing to the nation’s agricultural advancement.

The review of agricultural research will ensure