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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.

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

As part of India's agricultural innovation effort,

Agri Genomics, India, Opinions, R&D, Seeds

By Dr Venkatram Vasantvada Director, The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and MD & CEO, SeedWorks International

Climate change poses a formidable threat to agricultural sustainability and food security. As we navigate these uncertain conditions, it is evident that in the challenges faced by our agricultural systems lies an opportunity for bringing innovative technologies in seed, including biotechnology, to play a pivotal role in adaptation and resilience.

India, with its massive population of 1.4 billion, faces a constant challenge in ensuring food and nutritional security. This tightrope walk is further complicated by environmental concerns and the looming threat of climate change. In this scenario, agricultural biotechnology emerges as a beacon of hope, offering impactful solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, improve crop resilience, and ensure food security for the nation.

Genetic modification (GM) allows introduction of beneficial traits in a crop from unrelated plants, its being used for crop improvement globally, and many GM plants have been approved for commercial cultivation worldwide. In India, genetically modified (GM) Bt-cotton has been cultivated since 2002, transforming cotton production by increasing yields significantly. Prior to its adoption, India’s cotton production was 14 million bales in 2000. With the adoption of Bt-cotton, production tripled to 39.8 million bales by 2014, turning India from a cotton-importing country into a leading exporter. This transformation highlights the immense potential of biotechnology in India’s agriculture sector. The commercialisation of Bt cotton has significantly benefited Indian farmers. As climate change poses challenges to agriculture, biotechnology can help develop crops that are more resilient to changing climatic conditions, such as drought-and heat-tolerant varieties.

Agricultural biotechnology offers better alternatives to pest control methods, including the development of genetically modified crops that produce their own insecticides or are resistant to specific pests, reducing the need for external chemical interventions. However, in the current scenario it is important that regulatory mechanisms related to GM crops research are streamlined to enable faster development of crops resilient to climate change.

In discussions about GM crops, it is crucial to consider India’s goals of reducing massive imports of edible oil, saving significant foreign exchange, increasing productivity, and raising farmer incomes. For instance, the Government of India has argued in the Supreme Court that adopting GM mustard could reduce edible oil imports and make it cheaper for consumers. Recognising the cultural, social, and nutritional significance of mustard for India is important in this context.

GM mustard and Bt-brinjal are two more GM crops that are ready to be introduced to Indian farmers for cultivation, but they are currently mired in legal and regulatory battles. Both the improved crops can enhance productivity and sustainability. Translating these research initiatives into products requires enabling policies and understanding among key stakeholders, including scientists, agriculture officials, industry, and consumers.

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

By Dr Venkatram Vasantvada Director, The Federation

Agri Genomics, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, R&D, Seeds

For the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry, government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India.

Genome editing technology has the potential to offer solutions to address various problems the Indian agriculture sector is facing – from climate change and disease pressure to high input cost and declining income of farmers. Rapidly increasing population is intensifying the gravity of the problems. Precise genetic modifications, leading to the development of superior crop varieties with improved traits in a short time frame is a solution in sight.

In 2022, the Indian government exempted certain gene-edited plants from stringent biosafety regulations. SDN-1 and SDN-2 plants are thus freed from the cumbersome and time-consuming regulations currently imposed on the commercialisation of genetically modified transgenic crops. With this exemption, India’s seed sector is making good efforts for enhancing crop productivity, nutritional value, and sustainability. However, for the development of gene-edited crops in India, seed industry requires infrastructure support, clear Intellectual Property Rights policies, investment in R&D and policy for technology licensing. Strengthening partnerships among academia, seed industry, government agencies will pave the way towards development of gene-edited crops in India.

The adoption of genome editing (GEd) for crop improvement has the potential to bring India into the epicenter of international trade in agricultural products, said an article published on Tata Cornell Institute’s website in May 2022. It explained the potential of the new technology of GEd – which differs little from genetic modification (GM) – that India can (and should) exploit for its agricultural development through crop improvement and also making the country a global seed hub.

This is achievable since GEd can introduce desirable traits into crops. They include improved plant architecture, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency, which significantly can boost yield and reduce losses. An immensely promising new technology which can overcome the limitations of Genetic Engineering (GE) approach is set to revolutionise the global agriculture sector.

“It offers multifaceted mechanisms for targeted and precise changes in the plant genome through targeted mutagenesis; gene knock-out and knocking; stacking; and modulation of translation,” said a research paper published in a BIOTECH in 2020. This innovative technology is also amenable to multiplexing thus providing opportunity for improvement of complex traits namely yield, input use efficiency, quality, climate resilience, photosynthetic efficiency at a rapid pace.

As a result, it can enhance food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Major advantages of gene-editing technology for crop improvement include reduced breeding time, precise trait modification without linkage drag, and the creation of novel genetic variations with substantially enhanced traits. These benefits will enable the seed industry to develop and deploy superior crop varieties and hybrids on a fast track for the benefit of farmers and the country.

But considering the people’s apprehensions towards the gene related technologies for crop improvement it is crucial to understand the difference between GM and GEd so that the people will be able to make informed decisions. Though they appear to be the same, GM and GEd differ technically. GEd technology is a step ahead or a step apart from the GM technology.

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

For the development of gene-edited crops in