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Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Agrotech, Company News, R&D, Sustainability, World

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

BASF launched Tinuvin® NOR® 211 AR to support film producers and converters globally in navigating the challenging landscape of plasticulture – the use of plastic materials in agricultural applications. This new high-performance heat and light stabilizer protects and prolongs the lifespan of agricultural plastics that require resistance to high levels of inorganic chemicals like sulfur and chlorine. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR offers an effective value-in-use solution for agricultural plastics exposed to intense UV radiation, thermal stress, and inorganic chemicals commonly used in crop management and disinfection.

The advancements in plasticulture, heavily influenced by polyethylene (PE) grades, have led to a growing trend in downgauging and a greater emphasis on the use of plastic materials. Downgauging involves reducing the thickness of plastic films while maintaining their performance, made possible by incorporating new polymer grades to enhance the mechanical properties of PE materials. At the same time, converters are investing in new equipment to increase the number of layers in their films thereby improving performance and durability. This transition to thinner and more durable films is crucial for the sustainability of agricultural plastics as it helps to reduce plastic waste, enhances production efficiency and facilitates practices like recycling and upcycling.

Tinuvin NOR 211 AR is a unique stabilization system that can be used in plasticulture, even in intensive horticulture, regardless of the application region’s severity of UV radiation, heat, and chemicals that are present. This new product solution is the best option when downgauging is required, especially in the presence of high levels of sulfur and chlorine. With the increasing use of inorganic chemicals in agriculture due to the adoption of “Integrated Pest Management” and “Organic Farming” practices, the need for effective stabilization of agricultural films is crucial.

“Tinuvin NOR 211 AR additive solution addresses a broad variety of challenges for agricultural plastics, including sustainability requirements, increased chemical exposure, longer use durations and downgauging trends,” said Dr. Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development for Plastic Additives at BASF. “BASF’s NOR HALS solutions improve stabilization by moving beyond solutions based on secondary and methylated HALS. Through collaboration with agricultural plastic producers as well as farmers, we facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, creating solutions that will ultimately lead to improved crop yield.”

BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in the expansion of its NOR® platform. Tinuvin NOR 211 AR, part of the VALERAS® portfolio, utilizes renewable electricity in production and optimizes product form to reduce energy consumption and emissions. It also improves material dosing precision, minimizes dust exposure, and promotes water and aquatic organism protection, leading to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly workflow. 

It offers an effective value-in-use solution for

Agro Universities, India, People, Soil Health

Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), the first regional network established within Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), has set a precedent for other regions by grouping soil laboratories into regional networks.

The 8th Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) meeting, held in the Philippines from 15-19 July, brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, and SEALNET members from across the globe. Virtual participants from different geographies also attended the event. ICRISAT Scientist Dr Pushpajeet Lokpal Choudhari, Chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network, had the honour of delivering the opening address.

SEALNET, the first regional network established within Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), has set a precedent for other regions by grouping soil laboratories into regional networks. The initiative aims to harmonize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), foster connections among Asian soil laboratories, and advance collective efforts towards sustainable soil health.

Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, commended SEALNET’s initiative and their commitment to continue working together, inspiring one another, and making significant strides towards a sustainable and healthy future for our soils.

Currently, SEALNET connects approximately 150 registered laboratories, a testament to the commitment of its members and the dedicated efforts of the SEALNET Steering Committee over the years.

At the inaugural session held on 15 July 2024, Mr Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines, and Mr Lifeng Li, Director of the FAO Land and Water Division, were the guest speakers. The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Francisco P Tiu-Laurel Jr., Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Philippines.

After years of virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person gathering marked a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships among laboratories and countries and to define a sustainable work plan for the coming years. All focal points were called on to encourage regional laboratories to join SEALNET and participate in regional proficiency testing.

“By joining this initiative, members will contribute to collective goals and benefit from shared resources, expertise, and collaborative opportunities. Together, we can generate quality data to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in soil health management,” said Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari.

Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), the first

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

 In Q1 FY24 company posted Profit after tax was Rs 48 Cr, as compared to Rs 63 Cr of Q1 FY24. Crop care delivered strong volume led revenue growth of 8 per cent.

Rallis India Limited (A TATA Enterprise) is a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Announcing the results, Dr Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, Rallis India Limited, said, “The agrochemical Industry continues to face growth challenges due to muted price arising from oversupplies. Domestic demand is looking positive with monsoon arrival and pickup.

Our revenue for Q1 FY25 was at Rs 783 Cr at par with Rs 782 Cr of Q1 FY24, Profit after tax was Rs 48 Cr, as compared to Rs 63 Cr of Q1 PY. Crop care delivered strong volume led revenue growth of 8 per cent. Seeds revenue was down by 16 per cent vs PY largely due to supply constraints. Despite market challenges, concerted actions were taken to drive margins through better product mix and dynamic pricing. We are pleased with the progress of our new launch of “Clasto” in Crop Protection and “Diggaz” in Cotton Seeds. Water Soluble Fertilizers (WSF) plant was commissioned during the quarter to support the Crop Nutrition Business.

We remain cautious about the export market and expect a gradual recovery during the year. Sentiments for the domestic market are positive with the recent monsoon pick-up. On a long-term basis, Customer Centricity will remain a key thrust and we will continue to offer differentiated solutions to solve varying farmer needs. We will further intensify our efforts to build capabilities in Manufacturing, Digitalization and leverage Collaborations and Alliances”.

Key Developments: Q1 FY25

Successful Key New Products launches:

  • Crop Protection- Mark Plus (Diclosulam 0.9% + Pendimethalin 35% SE), 9(3) Herbicide for Soybean and Groundnut
  • Clifton (Mesotrione 2.27%+Atrazine 22.7% SC), Herbicide for Maize and Sugarcane
  • Kevat (Pyrithiobac Sodium 10 % EC), Herbicide for Cotton
  • Blend (Bifenthrin 10% + Thiamethoxam 5% SE), Insecticide for multiple crops
  • Crop Nutrition: Aquafert Pomegranate Grade Water Soluble Fertiliser
  • Seeds: 14 products across field and vegetable crops
  • “Dhaan ka power play” campaign launched to educate farmers of Punjab and Haryana about key Paddy products.

 In Q1 FY24 company posted Profit after

AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market.

NABARD, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Palladium organized a strategy workshop in Mayurbhanj of Odisha for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on exporting fresh vegetables from Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts in north zone of the state. Facilitated by Palladium as Technical Support Unit (TSU) to the Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the event aimed to enhance the export potential of fresh vegetables from the region.

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market, with a specific goal of exporting okra, bitter gourd, and long beans to Dubai within the next six months, as per the demand. In last three months, for the first time, eight FPOs exported over 86 quintals of mangoes and fresh vegetables to seven countries in the Middle East and Europe – United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Qatar and UAE.

Many esteemed speakers, including exporters, representatives from NABARD, APEDA, State and district officials from the department and Palladium graced the event. The inaugural session included opening remarks and special addresses from dignitaries, followed by informative sessions led by Dr. Sudhanshu K.K. Mishra (CGM NABARD), APEDA’s Regional Head, Sitakanta Mandal, Palladium’s Associate Director, Biswajit Behera and representatives from export houses. The workshop saw an active interaction of representatives from FPOs with other stakeholders.  Mahila Pragati Farmer Producer Company Limited, a successful FPO from Rayagada, presented its success story and the plan for diversifying into other commodities for export. The all women FPO with over 1900 members has recently been exporting mangoes and fresh vegetables.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Sudhanshu K.K Mishra, CGM NABARD, said “Three areas are key to boost export in the state – strengthening supply to meet market demand, adherence to international quality standards, and role of packaging. The markets are demanding, and only good quality produce will fetch remunerative prices. NABARD along with APEDA, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Palladium, will focus on the value-chain development in fruits and vegetables to increase export of fresh produce from the state.”

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium said, “Facilitating export of fresh produce from Odisha is one of the key focus areas of the state government as it is facilitating cold-chain facilities across the state to boost export from the state. Palladium is working closely with the FPOs in the state to make the farmers market-ready and the FPOs supply ready”. He further added, “Palladium is facilitating multiple stakeholder consultations to develop concrete action plans and roadmap for export. Moreover, the team is working with the Government, APEDA, NABARD and exporters to identify and bridge the gaps in exporting fresh produce from the state.”

Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Manager APEDA said, “Production planning, infrastructure support and training and handholding FPOs is crucial for strengthening supply of fresh produce from FPOs to international markets. To achieve this, we need to adopt a collaborative approach with the key stakeholders. Our next focus would be to conduct a state-level export sensitization workshop to provide technical handholding to FPOs in Odisha on export process and potential.”

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about

Agro Universities, India, R&D

 The MoU will provide access to cutting-edge research facilities, specialized expertise, and invaluable data resources to the faculty and students, and take the research to new heights.

UPL University of Sustainable Technology, an initiative by UPL Group, and Space Application Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research and innovation in chemical sciences. This collaboration is part of UPL’s broader strategy to enhance academic excellence and foster global recognition.

This partnership is set to revolutionise research in chemical applications within materials science and related fields. It would provide access to cutting-edge research facilities, specialized expertise, and invaluable data resources to the faculty and students, and take the research to new heights.

On the international front, partnerships with organizations like Gexcon (based in Norway), reinforce the commitment to advancing safety standards within the chemical industry. Certification courses in plant operation, and postgraduate programs in environmental compliance and sustainability, instrumentation, automation, robotics, process safety, and piping engineering have been significantly enriched by these strong Industry-Academia collaborations.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Nilesh Desai, Director SAC of ISRO, said, “Our collaboration with UPL University underscores the importance of academic partnerships in advancing scientific research and technology. We look forward to the ground-breaking discoveries that will emerge from this partnership.”

Expressing about the achievement, Vikram Shroff, Vice-Chairman and Co-CEO, UPL Group, said, “UPL University’s partnership with ISRO is a significant step toward fostering a culture of research and development that will benefit both the academic community and the industry at large. With over 170 active MoUs and partnerships, which include industry leaders like Lanxess India Private Limited, Lupin Ltd., Siemens Ltd., and Colourtex Ind. Pvt. Ltd., we are addressing real-world challenges.”

According to Ashok Panjwani, President of UPL University, “We are excited to collaborate with ISRO, which aligns perfectly with our mission to drive innovation and research excellence. This partnership will provide our students and faculty with unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research. With this, UPL University remains dedicated to forging new partnerships and collaborations that will further strengthen our position as a leader in academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact.”

 The MoU will provide access to cutting-edge

AgroPolicy, India, Oilseeds

Malaysia request to India to reduce the restrictions placed on the export of certain agricultural products, such as rice and sugar during the meeting.

India and Malaysia have decided to increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of Oil palm and other sectors. This was discussed during the meeting of the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the Minister of Plantations and Commodities of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The Malaysian Minister is on a visit to India from 16-19 July 2024 and met Shivraj Singh Chouhan today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi to discuss opportunities to deepen the bilateral agriculture cooperation between India and Malaysia.

During the G2G meeting, Minister Johari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan explored important topics in depth. These included: maintaining consistent export policies that benefit Indian buyers; working together to tackle the issue of global food security; India’s ambitious plans to become an edible oil nation independent under the NMEO-OP; the significance of sustainable palm oil plantations; and providing ongoing assistance to fulfil India’s palm oil needs.

 Minister Johari stated, “Malaysia stands ready to provide invaluable support, encouraging the growth of oil palm cultivation,” during a news conference in New Delhi. The significance of India to Malaysia’s oil palm industry is immense. Together with Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, I have planned a cooperative effort that will be mutually beneficial to our two countries. Achieving global food security demands and sustainability goals will also be significantly aided by this alliance.

 When comparing edible oils, palm oil is among the most productive and least land-intensive. Despite accounting for just 8 per cent of the world’s arable land, oil palm trees produce 32 per cent of the world’s major seed oil. Palm oil is in a special position to efficiently satisfy the increasing worldwide demand for edible oils, which is particularly relevant given the growing number of people concerned about climate change and deforestation.

 “Malaysia is deeply committed to sustainable palm oil production, adhering to stringent environmental standards and sustainable practices,” Minister Johari continued, expanding on the significance of sustainable palm oil use and cultivation. Certification under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) programme guarantees that palm oil is made in a way that doesn’t harm local communities, biodiversity, or forests.

Malaysia requests India to reduce rice, sugar, and farm export restrictions

During the meeting, the minister Johrisaid in the statement that Malaysia request to India to reduce the restrictions placed on the export of certain agricultural products, such as rice and sugar.

In 2023, India, which is the world’s largest exporter of rice and onions and the world’s second largest exporter of sugar, implemented export restrictions on these commodities in order to maintain a level of price stability in the domestic market in advance of the general elections that were held in April and May 2020. The country of Malaysia is the second-largest exporter of palm oil to India, after Indonesia. India was a significant source of sugar, rice, and onions for Malaysia.

In light of the fact that rice stocks in the country have reached an all-time high, it is anticipated that New Delhi will reduce the floor price for basmati rice exports and replace the twenty percent export tax on parboiled rice with a fixed charge on overseas shipments, according to sources within the government.

Malaysia request to India to reduce the

Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, Drones, India

The centre will focus on skill development, employment generation, and empowering the drone ecosystem in India.

Drone Destination and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art drone training centre at NSIC, New Delhi. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive training on drone technology, repairs and maintenance, data processing and analysis, remote pilot training and new-age sport drone soccer. The centre will focus on skill development, employment generation, and empowering the drone ecosystem in India.

The collaboration between Drone Destination and NSIC is poised to bring significant advancements in the field of drone technology and AI, and develop a future-ready work force to cater to the growing and diversified demands of skilled manpower in the drone sector, especially in digital agriculture, survey & mapping, mining, asset inspection, surveillance & monitoring, disaster management and many more.  

Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination, said, “This partnership with NSIC marks a significant milestone in our mission to democratize drone technology in India. By providing specialized training and skill development programs, we aim to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge and expertise needed to harness the full potential of drones. We are launching these technical skill enhancing courses in addition to the Pilot Training Certification course already offered by us in 12 locations across India.  This initiative will ensure availability of skilled and specialised workforce in the growing drone eco-system in India.”

Kartikeya Sinha Director, Planning & Marketing, NSIC added, “NSIC is committed to fostering skill development across various sectors, and this MoU with Drone Destination aligns perfectly with our objectives. The establishment of this drone training centre will be a game-changer, particularly for aspiring youth and women in technology. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills, we are paving the way for a more technologically advanced and self-reliant India.”

The training programs at the centre will be progressively introduced at all NSIC Technical Skill Centres, ensuring widespread access to cutting-edge drone technology education. This initiative is set to create numerous opportunities for skill development and employment, driving economic growth and innovation in the drone sector.

The centre will focus on skill development,

Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Collaborations, Company News, India, Textile industry

ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. introduced the CREMIT technology to fight the Pink Bollworm issue as a sustainable alternative to traditional insecticides.

Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops in India, accounting for around 23 per cent of the total global cotton production. However, the recent Pink Bollworm (PBW) attack has become a significant threat, causing extensive devastation to the cotton crop, especially in Northern India. Additional to crop loss, farmers are also likely to shift from cotton to other crops, further straining water resources.  To counter this trend, India’s leading textile company Sportking India collaborated with ATGC Biotech, Reviving Green Revolution Cell and Team Athena Pvt. Ltd. to launch an initiative, ‘San-Vardhan’ (Cotton You Can Trust) in Punjab and Haryana. Under this initiative, ATGC Biotech launched a technology called the CREMIT (Controlled Release Enhanced Mating Interruption Technology) which enables eco-friendly population control by implementing ‘Insect Family Planning’ as a sustainable alternative to traditional insecticides, thus reducing insecticide usage on the crop and soil, thereby ensuring better PBW control.

San Vardhan is a holistic approach to tackle the PBW issue, including package of practices of agronomy, nutrients, etc.  It will also enable traceability of the produce. This is currently being implemented across 2,000 acres in three districts of Punjab and Haryana with about 500+ cotton farmers being trained on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). The CREMIT technology’s efficacy is supported by several peer-reviewed publications including by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-Ludhiana, CICR-Nagpur, JAU-Gujarat, ANGRAU-Guntur, and MPCKV-Rahuri.

According to Munish Avasthi, Managing Director, Sportking India Limited, “The reduction of cotton output is a big loss to smallholder cotton farmers, ginners, yarn manufacturers, cotton fabrics and the entire value chain. PBW is becoming a costly pest for cotton farmers threatening income and livelihood, disrupting cotton supply. We are extremely happy to fund the CSR project “San-Vardhan” (Cotton You Can Trust) with CREMIT technology to help address the PBW and support North India cotton farmers.”

The biggest causes of productivity loss in cotton are disease, weeds and unprecedented climatic conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to improve the techniques of producing and improving cotton productivity in India.  There are many options available for farmers towards improving cotton. Interventions through precision farming, regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices and targeted solutions can help farmers with new practices.  Expert advisory services to address region-specific / localized issues and promoting eco-friendly inputs is another option. New-age tools like AI-powered predictive analytics, crop forecasting to enhance yields and reduce losses can also help farmers greatly. Many digital platforms and mobile apps also facilitate access to market information, best practices and training resources/modules as well.

According to Dr. Baljinder Saini, Executive Director, Reviving Green Revolution Cell (RGR Cell), the implementing partner for this project, “Innovations in farming along with the adoption of good agronomic practices by farmers can help increase agricultural productivity in cotton farming. I am extremely happy that the textile industry is coming forward to help the cotton farmers and hope to see similar initiatives being launched in Central and South India cotton growing areas.”

The learnings from the North India project as well as a scientific approach in agronomic practices, application of nutrients and other agri inputs, is imperative for attaining better productivity and income enhancement for farmers. Leading Textile organizations can launch similar projects in Central and South India to help cotton farmers increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs thereby enabling inclusive growth for farmers, making substantive contributions in meeting domestic consumer and industry needs – in short, making cotton farming more sustainable.

ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. introduced the CREMIT

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, Horticulture, India, Start ups, Supply Chain

The partnership intends to facilitate Camposol’s market entry through the implementation of a tailored approach using Ninjacart’s knowledge and data systems.

Camposol, the largest blueberry producer in Peru, has partnered with Flipkart-backed B2B agri-start-up Ninjacart to bring the exotic fruit to India with the objective of getting the supplies year-round. The blueberry market in India is undergoing a transformation as a result of the strategic cooperation between Camposol and Ninjacart. This transformation is being brought about by Ninjacart’s digital marketplace, technology-enabled supply chain, innovative solutions, and data-driven approach. Through the utilisation of Ninjacart’s knowledge and data systems, this partnership intends to facilitate Camposol’s market entry through the implementation of a tailored approach. This is accomplished by leveraging Ninjacart’s enormous network of over 100,000 stores. Additionally, the relationship improves Camposol’s operational stability in India by providing data-driven insights based on volume. This makes it possible for Camposol to gain access to other cities and consumers more quickly. In addition, Ninjacart ensures complete traceability across the whole supply chain, with the goal of enhancing consumers’ awareness of the origin and safety of quality blueberries.Ninjacart has developed an application that monitors the health of these exotic fruits and offers statistics of inventory on a daily basis.

In addition to this partnership, the governments of Peru and India are currently engaged in preliminary discussions for the establishment of service and product agreements. Ninjacart is currently making preparations to expand its presence in the market for exotic fruits and will begin importing exotic fruits such as cherry, avocado, and other such fruits.

Camposol will, as a first step, promote its blueberries in metropolitan areas, and at the same time, it will make various efforts to build a habit of consuming berries among Indians. This is all part of Camposol’s strategy to expand its reach in India. After reaching the goal that was established earlier, Camposol will proceed to expand its presence into tier 1 and tier 2 cities.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, which served to formalise the partnership between the two companies. The purpose of this strategic collaboration is not only to increase the availability of blueberries in India, but also to build greater agricultural linkages between Peru and India in the future to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Camposol’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Sergio Torres said, ” Through the utilisation of Ninjacart’s market knowledge, a curated entrance strategy is ensured, which allows for the smooth introduction of blueberries of superior quality to the Indian market. As a result of their enormous distribution network, consumers all throughout India will have easy access to fresh and premium blueberries through more than 100,000 retail outlets. By working together, we are in a position to reimagine the accessibility and perception of blueberries, making it possible for consumers all throughout the country to have access to product that is both fresh and of excellent quality.”

Ninjacart’s Co-founder and Head of International Business, Sharath Loganathan said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Camposol, which will leverage their superior sourcing capabilities for strong supply.” As the most important blueberry exporter in Peru, Camposol’s vertically integrated operations guarantee that their products are of the highest possible quality and are distributed in an effective manner throughout their activities. Our excellent ties with kirana stores, supermarkets, modern trade outlets, e-commerce/quick commerce platforms, and HoReCA partners make it possible for global brands to access premium customers in a smooth manner.

The partnership intends to facilitate Camposol's market

Agribusiness, Company News, Middle East countries, People

Hili will succeed Steve Hawkins, who has been appointed President of Syngenta Crop Protection and a member of the Syngenta Group Leadership Team.

Israel based ADAMA Ltd., a leading crop protection company, announced that its board of directors has appointed Gaël Hili as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. Hili will join the Syngenta Group Leadership Team and will be based in Tel Aviv.

Hili will succeed Steve Hawkins, who has been appointed President of Syngenta Crop Protection and a member of the Syngenta Group Leadership Team, based in Basel, effective October 1, 2024. Steve will continue to be fully dedicated to driving ADAMA’s ongoing business and transformation plan until his official appointment.

Hili has dedicated most of his career to the agriculture industry, starting with operational and commercial roles at Dow AgroSciences in Europe and later at Dow Chemical Company, where he served as Global Marketing Director. In 2017, he joined Syngenta as Head of Europe East, where he led the team to significant market share growth in both the Seeds and Crop Protection businesses. Since December 2023, he has served as the Head of Europe Syngenta CP and Seeds Field Crops. Hili holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Université de Technologie de Compiègne, France.

Jeff Rowe, President and CEO of Syngenta Group, said: “I am pleased to welcome Gaël Hili as the new CEO of ADAMA and member of the Syngenta Group Leadership Team. Gaël brings extensive experience and a proven track record of driving profitable growth and leading successful organizational change. He is the ideal candidate to accelerate the implementation of ADAMA’s transformation plan, successfully launched by Steve and the Global ADAMA Leadership Team earlier this year, to address the near-term financial health of the company and capture the fast-growing Value Innovation customer segment in ADAMA’s leading markets. Under Gael’s leadership together with ADAMA’s strong Leadership Team, and the continued support of Syngenta Group, I am confident that ADAMA will turnaround, revalue and reposition for the benefit of all its stakeholders including customers, employees, investors and bondholders around the world.”

Gaël Hili commented: “I am honoured to take on the role of President and CEO at such a pivotal time for ADAMA. The Transformation plan has already shown promising improvement in ADAMA’s cash flow, demonstrating our commitment to financial health and operational excellence. My focus will be on accelerating this momentum, ensuring we meet our profit and cash targets over the next three years. By building on the solid foundation laid by Steve and the leadership team, I am dedicated to driving long-term success and value for all our stakeholders. Together with ADAMA’s committed and professional global teams, we will continue to transform ADAMA into a stronger, more resilient company.”

Hili will succeed Steve Hawkins, who has

Acquaculture, Sustainability, World

Global projections of exploitable fish biomass show declines of more than 10 percent, particularly under the high-emissions scenario, by mid-century for many regions of the world.

New projections highlight potential climate risks to exploitable fish biomass for nearly all regions of the world’s ocean, including top producer countries and those with high reliance on aquatic foods, according to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Global projections of exploitable fish biomass show declines of more than 10 percent, particularly under the high-emissions scenario, by mid-century for many regions of the world, said the report Climate change risks to marine ecosystems and fisheries: Projections to 2100 from the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project.

By the end of the century, under the high-emissions scenario, which projects global warming of 3–4.0 °C, declines worsen to 30 percent or greater in 48 countries and territories.

In contrast, under the low-emissions scenario, which projects global warming of 1.5–2 °C, changes stabilize between no change and a decrease of 10 percent or less across 178 countries and territories by the end of the century.

Notable declines include those for top fish producer nations, which worsen towards the end of the century under the high-emissions scenario, for example 37.3 percent for Peru’s and 30.9 percent for China’s Exclusive Economic Zones but stabilize under the low-emissions scenario.

The report was produced by the Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (FishMIP), an international network of researchers working with FAO to understand the long-term impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and fisheries through a set of state-of-the-art numerical models. It was released during the Thirty-sixth session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) held between 8 and 12 July 2024 at FAO headquarters in Rome.

The report comes on the heels of the latest edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), which showed that world fisheries and aquaculture production hit a new high of 223.2 million tonnes in 2022.

Reducing hazards to marine ecosystems

“Understanding the potential impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and their fisheries, and their associated uncertainties, is crucial to design adaptation programmes at appropriate scales,” said Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division.

“Lower emissions significantly reduce end-of-century biomass losses for nearly all countries and territories compared to the high-emissions scenario. This highlights the benefits of climate change mitigation measures for fisheries and aquatic foods,” he added.

A comparison of the losses projected under both scenarios by the end of the century reveals that lowering emissions has marked benefits for nearly all countries and territories.

This includes Small Island Developing States, where people rely heavily on fisheries for food and income and where the ecological and socioeconomic risks posed by climate change are highest. For example, among the Pacific Islands States, 68–90 percent of the extreme end-of-century losses projected under high emissions are averted by the low-emissions scenario for the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.

Achieving Blue Transformation

The report also pointed out that in order to assist countries in achieving FAO’s Blue Transformation vision of more resilient, equitable, and sustainable aquatic food systems, future FishMIP research will need to encompass other ocean and coastal uses in addition to fisheries.

This would obtain a more holistic view of managing marine natural resources in the face of climate change and inform trade-offs across sectors, including adaptive fisheries management and wider agrifood policies, aligned with priorities of the FAO Strategy on Climate Change and its Action Plan. It would also address linkages with freshwater and terrestrial resource use, for example the reliance of aquaculture on both marine and terrestrial systems, to help support policy directions at the nexus of climate change, biodiversity, water and food security, and health.

Global projections of exploitable fish biomass show

Agbiologicals, Biostimulants, Company News, R&D

Non-stressed and stressed almonds that were treated with Acadian biostimulants had 9 per cent and 2 per cent higher dry kernel weights than their non-treated counterparts.

Acadian Plant Health released expanded results of its multi-year California almond water use study, demonstrating how biostimulant technologies can help growers reduce water use while maintaining yield. Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations.

Non-stressed and stressed almonds that were treated with Acadian biostimulants had 9 per cent and 2 per cent higher dry kernel weights than their non-treated counterparts.

Almonds are California’s top export crop and one of the state’s top three crops by value. As water reduction programs look to lower the local almond industry’s water use by 20 per cent from 2020 to 2025, alongside continued chronic water shortages, it is important to arm growers with effective tools. Particularly, as the state looks to significantly reduce its water use starting in 2026, biostimulant technologies are relevant for almond growers now more than ever.

Beginning in May 2021, UC Davis Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems Specialist Dr. Guilia Marino and her team at the 350-acre Kearney Agriculture Research and Extension Center – the University of California’s largest off-campus agricultural research facility – applied treatments of Acadian Organic to selected almond trees. Weekly assessments of midday stem water potential have shown consistently improved stem water potential and kernel weight in regular and deficit irrigation situations.

“The results are promising,” says Holly Little, Director, Research and Development, Acadian Plant Health. “We are seeing that using Acadian biostimulants to improve stem water potential can lower the frequency or volume of irrigation needed for healthy almond trees while protecting yields.”

“As environmental and regulatory water restrictions challenge global agriculture, adopting multidisciplinary and holistic water management will be key to sustaining future orchard systems,” says Dr Marino. “These preliminary results suggest Acadian Plant Health’s biostimulant technology has a positive effect on almond tree water status under experimental conditions and may reduce tree stress. Additional research will help determine the product’s impact on orchard productivity, as well as tree physiology and productivity.”

As almond growers in California adjust reduced water availability, Acadian Plant Health is committed to supporting them in delivering sustainable solutions that amplify crop performance.

Non-stressed and stressed almonds that were treated

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Company News, Dairy, Goat farming, India, Live Stock

By providing training and resources, the company aims to promote best practices in cattle management, ensuring that animals are treated with care and respect throughout their lives.

Nova Dairy announced the launch of a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving animal welfare within its cattle supply chain. This program underscores Nova Dairy’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainable agriculture, recognising that the health and well-being of dairy cattle are paramount to producing high-quality milk.

Nova Dairy’s initiative will focus on educating farmers across various regions about the critical importance of animal welfare. By providing training and resources, the company aims to promote best practices in cattle management, ensuring that animals are treated with care and respect throughout their lives.

As part of the initiative, Nova Dairy will provide farmers with practical guidance on how to transition to free-grazing practices. This includes building or modifying existing infrastructure, such as fencing and shelters, to accommodate the natural behaviors of the cattle. Furthermore, Nova Dairy is committed to continuous research and development in animal welfare practices. By collaborating with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and agricultural experts, the company aims to stay at the forefront of ethical dairy farming.

“Farmers are the backbone of our supply chain,” said Ravin Saluja, Director at Sterling Agro Industries Ltd., “We believe that by empowering them with knowledge and tools, we can collectively enhance the health and productivity of our cattle, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved, from the farmers to the end consumers.”

The health of dairy cattle directly influences the quality and quantity of milk produced. A stressed or unhealthy cow is less likely to produce milk efficiently, which can have significant economic implications for farmers. By focusing on animal welfare, Nova Dairy aims to create a more resilient and productive supply chain.

One of the key components of Nova Dairy’s initiative is advocating for the freedom of cattle to graze naturally. Research and practical experience have shown that cows that are allowed to roam and graze freely exhibit better mental and physical health compared to those that are confined.

“When cows are tied and restricted, they experience discomfort and stress, which negatively impacts their milk production,” explained Ravin Saluja. “In contrast, cows that graze freely not only produce more milk but also have better mental well-being. Our goal is to help farmers understand and implement this natural approach to cattle rearing.”

By providing training and resources, the company

Agribusiness, Collaborations, Company News, Environment, India, Sustainability

 City-Farmer Partnership project in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka converts more than 1300 tonnes of solid waste to organic compost to fuel sustainable farming and convert dry waste into recyclables.

 Godrej Properties Limited, India’s leading real estate developer, partnered with the Chikkaballapur City Municipal Council (CMC) and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) for the City-Farmer Partnership project in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka to address the city’s waste management challenges and to promote scientific management of solid waste.

Focused on converting organic wet waste into valuable compost for farmers, approximately 759 tonnes of legacy waste was semi-processed into organic compost and supplied to 109 farmers across 17 villages of Chikkaballapur. The compost, processed from 1,000 cubic meters of waste, was provided at no cost to encourage the adoption of organic farming practices. Additionally, more than 569 tonnes of segregated wet waste have been processed through collaboration with 81 farmers.

A key aspect of this initiative and Godrej Properties’ focus is fostering a symbiotic relationship between urban and rural communities. To enhance and educate the farmer communities and stakeholders on the benefits of sustainable waste management practices, IIHS conducted multiple training sessions for more than 100 farmers on converting municipal waste into organic compost. Additionally, 45 CMC staff members were trained on key aspects of waste management. The training focused on the importance of segregated waste collection and transportation for the success of the city-farmer partnership project.

A series of ward-level and feedback meetings have been conducted as part of the City-Farmer Partnership for the Solid Waste Management (SWM) project to promote waste segregation at source. These meetings have been attended by CMC officials, the IIHS project team, Anganwadi workers, volunteers engaged in monitoring door-to-door collection of waste, and about 50 residents from each ward. To drive home the messaging and create awareness at the ground level, six street plays and a road show traversed key streets in Chikkaballapur, engaging citizens and commercial establishments with messages about the benefits of waste separation.

Rohit Mohan, Chief Design and Sustainability Officer, Godrej Properties Ltd., said “We recognize the substantial challenges posed for urban waste management, including growing volume of urban waste and improper waste segregation. Engaging communities through initiatives such as training farmers to convert municipal wet waste into organic compost is one of our important projects catering to our long-term environmental goals. This collaboration with Chikkaballapur farmers highlights our dedication to positively collaborate with multiple communities and contributing towards solid waste management across Urban local bodies. By enabling local communities to turn urban solid waste into valuable resources, we seek to drive enduring environmental improvements and support sustainable farming practices. As environmentally conscious developers, we remain committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices through public-private partnerships and engagement with local communities.”

Godrej Properties has been focusing on driving awareness and capacity building for the need for sustainable waste management across urban and rural communities in addition to sustainable waste management across all construction sites. In FY24 Godrej Properties successfully diverted more than 43,000 tonnes of waste from landfills achieving Net Zero Waste to landfill status.

 City-Farmer Partnership project in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka converts