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Agribusiness, Animal Health, Company News, Live Stock, North America, Poultry, R&D

NestFresh claims to be the first major U.S. egg producer to implement innovative in-ovo sexing technology to identify chick sex before hatching, reducing male chick culling and advancing animal welfare.

NestFresh, a pioneer in humane and sustainable egg production, announced its adoption of industry leading in-ovo sexing technology. This cutting-edge method determines the sex of chicks while still inside the egg, eliminating the need to euthanize newborn male chicks and marking a significant advancement in animal welfare.

In-ovo sexing allows for the identification of an embryo’s sex during early incubation. After many months of researching the successes of in-ovo sexing technologies in Europe, NestFresh is ready to set the standard in the U.S. egg industry by being the first to implement similar in-ovo sexing technologies for their chicks beginning in late 2024.

Mike Sencer, Executive Vice President at NestFresh, has a storied 54-year career in the egg industry, from running night shifts in college to becoming Executive VP at Egg City, the world’s largest egg ranch in its time. His commitment to humane practices was profoundly shaped by a visit to a hatchery with his daughter, who tugged on his arm and asked why male chicks were being thrown into the trash. When Mike explained they were euthanized, she fell silent and barely spoke to him for weeks. This heartbreaking moment inspired Mike to champion innovations like in-ovo sexing technology, reinforcing NestFresh’s dedication to humane egg production.

“Our adoption of in-ovo sexing technology marks a pivotal moment in the egg industry,” said Mike Sencer, Executive Vice President at NestFresh. “While many companies have announced plans to adopt in-ovo sexing technologies when available, NestFresh will be the first to actually implement this technology and bring in-ovo sexed eggs to the US market. We have invested significant time and resources into research, development, and understanding the complexities of this emerging technology. Having collaborated with various systems and hatcheries, we have now placed orders for in-ovo chicks, with our eggs expected to hit the market by mid-2025.”

NestFresh’s adoption of in-ovo sexing technology builds on its history of leading the industry in ethical practices. NestFresh has always had third-party certified claims for their products, including Certified Humane® starting in 2005, and maintains an impeccable reputation for transparency and integrity. The company was a leader in the cage-free movement, never owning a cage, and was the first national brand to offer cage-free, non-GMO, and organic eggs, as well as the first to offer Regenerative Organic Certified milks and eggs under their New Barn Organics line. NestFresh intends to be the first company to use this non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology, planning to transition its entire egg line to this new process, with these first-of-their-kind certified eggs launching in retailers beginning July 2025.

“We applaud NestFresh for their efforts to ensure farm animals are treated with compassion throughout their lifetimes,” said Mimi Stein, Executive Director of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), which oversees the Certified Humane® program. “We see this movement as part of a major paradigm shift to correct a longstanding industry challenge in egg production.”

“NestFresh is once again demonstrating its leadership in the egg industry by adopting in-ovo sexing across its entire egg line, backed up by third-party certification to ensure transparency and accountability. This innovative approach eliminates the need for male chick culling, aligning the industry more closely with modern consumers’ expectations for responsible animal stewardship,” said Robert Yaman, CEO of Innovate Animal Ag. “Consumers have spoken, and NestFresh has listened.”

NestFresh claims to be the first major

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Packaging & Labelling, R&D, Supply Chain, World

Vidre+® Stickers and Vidre+® Complex, when applied to packaging and films, extend the shelf life and quality of more produce than ever possible before.

European-based Fresh Inset announced today that it is introducing Vidre+ Complex, its breakthrough technology that unlocks the full potential of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) application across the entire supply chain, to the United States. Vidre+ is revolutionizing the supply chain seamlessly without any reorganization of current operating practices, by making every existing type of fresh produce packaging and label functional and adaptable into a smart version with adjustable protection against the negative effects of ethylene. Vidre+ Stickers, a flagship product, can be tailored to optimize size and dose rate, ensuring effective protection for ethylene-sensitive produce in any type or size of packaging, including cardboard boxes, bags, trays and clamshells. Branding and white-label opportunities are also available.

The patented timed and gradual release of 1-MCP in Vidre+ technology ensures a controlled application effectively extending the freshness, quality, appearance and nutrient values of produce. This approach provides optimal protection during storage, transport, and retail.

“Research has proven Vidre+ is effective on cherries, blueberries, raspberries, table grapes, limes, tomatoes, avocados, leafy greens, broccoli, peppers and more,” said Tim Malefyt, PhD, Fresh Inset’s Chief Technology Officer. “It can be used right after harvest as well as during transport or storage to provide days to weeks (depending on the crop type) of additional shelf life to freshly harvested produce, helping to keep its quality and nutritional value and remain fit for the market. We are excited to offer a solution that extends beyond apples and pears to benefit many other produce categories. This is a game changer.”

Reimagining the future of 1-MCP technology

Vidre+ has received GRAS status by the FDA and is already revolutionizing 1-MCP delivery with the Vidre+ functional sticker. But there is more on the horizon for Fresh Inset. The company is disrupting and de-commoditizing the flexible and cardboard packaging industries with Vidre+ Complex by empowering PE, PP, PET films and paper cardboard that carry Vidre+ technology with the ability to extend freshness, without creating additional landfill waste.

“The use of Vidre+ to combat the negative effects of ethylene and extend produce shelf life is not new. However, Fresh Inset has taken it to the next level with dose rate flexibility and gradual release technology that is operationally simple, affordable and enhances profitability,” said Kevin Frye, Fresh Inset’s VP Market Development, North America. “This is an incredibly exciting innovation that is garnering unprecedented interest amongst growers, packers, shippers and retailers alike, as they can all easily incorporate it into their operations and benefit from it, while increasing their sustainability efforts toward food waste reduction. Packaging companies are equally excited about the ability to empower their existing bags, boxes and clamshells with a freshness function and deliver added value packaging to their customers that will actually improve the freshness and quality of their produce.”

Vidre+® Stickers and Vidre+® Complex, when applied

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, World

Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, Colombia, South Korea, Peru and Taiwan.

FMC Corporation, a leading agricultural sciences company, recently submitted regulatory applications for Dodhylex™ active herbicide in eight rice-growing countries. Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil, the Philippines, the United States, Colombia, South Korea, Peru and Taiwan, which account for approximately 35 per cent of the estimated 165 million hectares of planted rice globally. Regulatory submissions for Dodhylex™ active are planned in additional key global markets.

Dodhylex™ active, FMC’s brand name for tetflupyrolimet, has been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) as a Group 28 herbicide, making it the first new mode of action herbicide globally in over three decades. Dodhylex™ active will be an important new rotational tool for growers to manage herbicide resistance, which poses an increasing challenge for growers worldwide.

“Dodhylex™ active is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant grass weeds,” said Dr Seva Rostovtsev, FMC executive vice president and chief technology officer. “This is particularly remarkable because rice is a grass, and controlling grass weeds in a grass crop is challenging.”

Studies show this proprietary molecule will offer season-long control of resistant grass weeds in rice, regardless of the cultivation method. FMC continues to research the use of Dodhylex™ active in additional crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn.

“Dodhylex™ active is one of many new active ingredients in our robust development pipeline that will contribute to FMC’s near and long-term growth,” said Brian P. Angeli, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “There are opportunities to control resistant grass weeds in other crops, and we are exploring additional markets for Dodhylex™ active outside of rice. We believe this will expand our global addressable market in the future.”

Dodhylex™ active, which was discovered and developed at FMC’s Stine Research Center, is a testament to FMC’s commitment to innovation and disciplined approach to advancing new molecules to help combat resistance and support food security for a growing population. Pending regulatory decisions, FMC anticipates the first launches of Dodhylex™ active in 2026.

Registration dossiers were submitted in India, Brazil,

Acquaculture, Agri Genomics, Agro Universities, India, Live Stock, R&D

The current genomic information provides a valuable resource for identifying and discovering genes and variants associated with economically important traits of this fish.

The whole genome of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, commonly known as mrigal, has been sequenced and assembled by scientists of ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. The fish plays a crucial role in the carp-dominated aquaculture system and is the third most important species among the major Indian carps.

The assembled whole genome of the fish is 1.057 Gb in size, consisting of 940 scaffolds with an N50 of 37.32 Mb. Benchmarking with BUSCO determined the genome to be 98.00 per cent complete.

The characterization of the assembled highly revealed 39,091 genes was functionally annotated, which included 8,428 hypothetical and 1,688 uncharacterized. The study investigated Hox gene clusters, identifying 38 Hox genes distributed in seven clusters. The research findings are published in Scientific Data journal, published by Nature group of journals. 

The current genomic information provides a valuable resource for identifying and discovering genes and variants associated with economically important traits of this fish. These resources pave the way for implementing genomic selection programs in aquaculture and fisheries, which will play a crucial role in enhancing the genetic improvement of farmed fish for sustainable production.

The Genome Sequencing Project at ICAR-NBFGR is directed by Dr Vindhya Mohindra, funded by ICAR-Consortium Research Platform on Genomics, and coordinated by Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) ICAR.

The current genomic information provides a valuable

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Transportation

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India (GTI) was also signed to boost sustainable effort by shoring up power supply for Vessels.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled major sustainable initiatives after inauguring Three Freshwater Lakes at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. All these lakes were rejuvenated and beautified which will serve as vital reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. Sonowal also reviewed various port infrastructure and developmental projects.

The Union Minister Sonowal also attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony among the JN Port Authority (JNPA), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Vadhavan Port to shore up financing for infrastructure projects. The second MoU was signed between JNPA and Gateway Terminal India (GTI) to shore up the sustainable initiative of the port.

Sarbananda Sonowal also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ project. This project includes preventing perimeter intrusions, ensuring disciplined vehicle movement, streamlining gate operations, smart tracking of staff and vehicles, as well as extending network connectivity to all utility buildings for LAN users. The project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure for future applications such as an Energy Management System, Smart Water Management, Smart Street Lighting, Smart Parking, and weighbridge. Sonowal also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at JNPA SEZ.

 Sonowal said, “Today, we also witnessed the signing up of two major MoUs between JNPA, Vadhavan Port and REC as well as between JNPA and GTI. These will further bolster the efforts of the Modi Government to propel infrastructure as well as shore up efforts towards sustainability. Our ports are dedicated to advancing India’s economic growth by facilitating seamless trade and strengthening its role in global supply chains. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our ministry is working towards more sustainability efforts as we must replenish our environment and achieve economic growth with utmost responsibility for the future generations of our country.”

The three inaugurated key water bodies designed to enhance the region’s ecological balance. Among these are the Admin Building Foothill Lake and the CPP Lake, both strategically situated within the port area. Additionally, the Minister performed the groundbreaking ceremony for Jashkar Lake. These lakes have been named in honour of the revered saints of Maharashtra: Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj, and Saint Namdeo Maharaj. Shri Sonowal also issued Letters of Intent (LoI) to SEZ concessionaires. Earlier, the Union Minister was welcomed by the Chairman of JNPT, Unmesh Sharad Wagh.

JNPA has allotted plots in 7 phases. The recent e-auction of phase 7 for 57 Acres saw a remarkable response, with 21 bidders submitting bids for 6-unit plots and 3 co-developer plots. Notably, there was an overall 95.23% increase in quoted value for the said plots above the reserve price, resulting revenue increase of 63% above the reserve price for JNPA.

As part of the strategic engagements, JNPA issued the date of award of concession to the concessionaires of Liquid Berth 3/ Liquid Berth 4 (LB3/LB4). JNPA announced the successful expansion of its liquid cargo handling capacity with the introduction of Additional Liquid Cargo Berths (ALCB), specifically Liquid Berth-3 and Liquid Berth-4. These berths will be equipped, operated, maintained, and eventually transferred through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Currently, JNPA handles approximately 6.5 million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of liquid cargo through its existing Liquid Berth-1 and Liquid Berth-2. With the completion of the Additional Liquid Cargo Berths LB3 and LB4, JNPA’s total liquid cargo handling capacity will increase to 11 MMTPA.

In a move to further empower the local community and enhance workforce development, the Union Minister launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program’s Whatsapp ChatBot developed by JNPA, designed to facilitate access to skilling programs, provide information about Vadhvan Port, and guide users through the process of visiting JNPort. The primary goal of this chatbot is to gather valuable data and ensure that the youth of Vadhvan receive targeted training that aligns with employment opportunities. The Vadhvan Port project is expected to create approximately 10 lakh employment opportunities.

MoU between JNPA & Gateway Terminal India

Agribusiness, Company News, Digital Technologies, Farm Mechanisation, World

 It will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

CropX Ltd., a global leader in digital agriculture solutions, and CNH Industrial a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery and technology, announced a new application programming interface (API) connection between the CropX agronomic farm management system and Case IH and New Holland Agriculture equipment. This integration automates the transfer of data from CNH machinery to CropX for data visualization, record-keeping, planning, and variable-rate applications.

The digital integration between CNH and CropX will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

The digital integration between CNH and CropX will enable data collected by CASE IH and New Holland machines to be displayed and used within the CropX agronomic farm management system for improved precision and sustainability.

The datasets transferred from Case IH and New Holland equipment encompass a wide range of activities, including planting, application, and harvesting, with the specific data varying by equipment type. This information is then displayed on tables or maps that can be overlayed with other data layers, allowing farmers and agronomic advisors to easily extract valuable agronomic insights. Additionally, the connection enables the creation of variable rate application maps for fertilization and seeding using advanced agronomic tools within the CropX platform.

“This API between CNH and CropX leverages the strengths of both companies to significantly benefit farmers,” says Tomer Tzach, CropX CEO. “The vast amount of data collected by farm machinery is incredibly valuable. Bringing that data into the CropX system makes it accessible and meaningful, driving farm efficiency and sustainability.” Tzach continues, “Data connections are crucial for digital farming solutions. At CropX, we prioritize integrations with data sources that strengthen our system and greatly benefit farm operations.”

“Enhancing data connectivity allows our customers to get more value from the data that CNH machinery collects,” says Dan Danford, CNH Precision Technology Partner Manager. “Making it easy for our customers to utilize their farm data in the CropX agronomic farm management system also creates a more intuitive precision agriculture user experience. This empowers operators to expand their productivity with more confident data-driven decisions.”

CropX now has APIs with the two largest manufacturers of farm machinery, CNH and John Deere. This integration adds to a growing list of farm equipment partners. Consolidating all farm data into one user-friendly platform allows for the generation of even more powerful insights and actionable advice, enhancing overall farm management and productivity.

 It will enable data collected by CASE

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, Company News, World

Offerings built to help growers manage risk as they improve soil health and strengthen their nutrient mix

Sound Agriculture, a leading agriculture company dedicated to advancing plant and soil health, has announced new solutions for the 2025 growing season. Grower incentives for synthetic fertiliser replacement and a new beneficial fungi product that enhances nutrient and water uptake will help growers optimize their nutrients and boost crop yields. Combining these solutions with Sound’s existing cash-back product guarantees and 0 per cent financing options makes for a compelling and no-risk nutrient efficiency package.

Sound Agriculture launches synthetic fertilizer replacement incentive & BLUEPRINT™ to increase nutrient & water uptake. “We are dedicated to discovering new methods to help growers maintain productive agricultural systems in ways that are more profitable and better for the land,” said Adam Litle, CEO, Sound Agriculture. “This includes the launch of a new product, BLUEPRINT, that synergizes perfectly with our flagship product, SOURCE. By pairing these products with financial incentives that reward growers for adopting practices that are better for the planet, growers can save money while eliminating risk.”

Sound Agriculture’s Efficient Acre Solution

The Efficient Acre Solution was developed for growers interested in reducing fertilizer while tapping into new sources of income. By using SOURCE® to replace 25 lbs of nitrogen and/or phosphorus, growers can participate in the Efficient Acre Incentive. This program incentivizes farmers to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, while helping them manage the associated risks. The program includes:

Financial Incentives: Corn growers can earn up to $10 per acre for replacing synthetic nutrients with SOURCE, available on up to 350,000 acres in 2024-25.

Guaranteed Yield Protection: If yield is not maintained, Sound Agriculture will reimburse growers up to $100 per acre.

Risk-Free Adoption: This program eliminates the financial risk of replacing synthetic fertilizer with SOURCE, encouraging growers to improve soil health and nutrient efficiency.

Growers who are already efficient with fertilizer applications and are looking to maximize their yield potential can tap the Maximum Acre solution. Using SOURCE plus BLUEPRINT™ offers a powerful combination that enhances nutrient and water uptake. Unlike most biologicals, BLUEPRINT provides the highest quality arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), expanding the crop’s reach beyond the roots. When used together, SOURCE leads to more available nutrients while BLUEPRINT acts like a superhighway for nutrients and water to get to the plants.

Enhance Nutrient Access: SOURCE activates more than 200 species of beneficial microbes and fungi that create available nitrogen and phosphorus. BLUEPRINT is activated by SOURCE, enabling crops to access more nitrogen, phosphorus, micronutrients, and water.

Improve Plant Health: Enhanced nutrient access throughout the season ensures plants can survive and thrive in high stress environments.

Release Tied Up Phosphorus: By activating P-solubilizing microbes, SOURCE unlocks the vast reserves of tied-up phosphorus that exist in most soils. BLUEPRINT enhances the reach and delivery of phosphorus back to the crop.

“The 2024 season taught us valuable lessons about managing nutrient efficiency amid extreme weather conditions,” said Paul Beck, CRO, Sound Agriculture. “Our new solutions are designed to help growers achieve better yields while protecting the environment and their bottom line.”

Offerings built to help growers manage risk

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Fertilizers, India, Industry Reports / Analysis

Credit profiles of manufacturers seen stable on steady profitability, adequate subsidy.

India’s urea industry, contributing to 55 per cent of chemical fertiliser demand, has taken strong strides towards self-sufficiency. The import dependency in the sector is expected to reduce to 10-15 per cent in the near to medium term from its peak of 30 per cent seen in fiscal 2021. This will be mainly driven by commencement and stabilisation of new capacities.

These new plants will see steady regulated returns as utilisation improves. As for the legacy capacities, profits will remain stable this fiscal, in line with raw material prices and policies. That, and adequate subsidy allocation will keep credit profiles stable. A CRISIL Ratings analysis of urea makers, which account for 70 per cent of the industry capacity, indicates as much.

Urea demand growth had outpaced production between fiscals 2007 and 2012, because of which the share of imports rose to 20-25 per cent of consumption. To boost domestic production, the government notified the New Investment Policy 2012 (NIP 2012) in fiscal 2013. Under this, six plants with a total capacity of 7.62 million tonnes (25 per cent of the domestic capacity) have been gradually commissioned over the past five fiscals (see Chart 2 in Annexure).

 Anand Kulkarni, Director, CRISIL Ratings, said, “The NIP 2012 has played a crucial role in reducing import dependence structurally. The new plants are expected to operate at 100 per cent capacity utilisation this fiscal, as against 85-90 per cent in the previous fiscal, as operations stabilise. The likely commissioning of one more plant by next fiscal will further boost domestic production.”

Higher capacity utilisation will improve operating efficiency and profitability of the new plants this fiscal. These plants have healthy profitability due to minimum committed return on equity of 12% per cent under NIP 2012. For the rest of the industry (75 per cent of the capacity), profitability should hold the line given stable natural gas prices2 and unchanged policy norms on energy efficiency and fixed-cost reimbursements.

Working capital cycles remain stable, too, backed by government measures. The urea industry relies heavily on government subsidies, which is typically 80-85 per cent of sales.

 “The budgetary allocation of Rs 1.19 lakh crore for urea will be adequate and hence no major build-up of subsidy receivables is expected this fiscal. Additionally, expectation of timely subsidy disbursement by the government, in line with the track record over the past few years, augurs well for credit profiles. With no significant capital expenditure, the net leverage5 is expected to remain comfortable at 3.0 times this fiscal, in line with fiscal 2024”, said Nitin Bansal, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings.

That said, a possible uptick in nano urea adoption over the medium term can accelerate India’s self-sufficiency. Also, any policy changes, such as tightening of energy norms, and their impact on profitability would bear watching. On the other hand, energy efficiency capex by players may offset such impact on profitability.

Credit profiles of manufacturers seen stable on

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, India, Start ups

 Company’s Gross margin increased substantially from Rs 19 Crore to Rs 45.10 Crore in FY23-24, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 379 per cent from Rs 3.13 Crore in FY 2021-22.

 Ayekart, an agri and food supply chain platform focused on empowering businesses and supporting communities with technology, embedded finance, and value-added services—particularly for FPOs and MSMEs—has announced its robust financial results for FY 2023-24. Since its inception in December 2020, the company has processed over six lakh transactions, onboarded more than 40,000 merchants, and operated in over 220 pin codes across 19 states.

The company’s audited financial performance approved by the board highlights its significant growth, as demonstrated by its strong financials. Gross margin increased substantially from Rs 19 Crore to Rs 45.10 Cr in FY23-24, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 379 per cent from Rs 3.13 Crore in FY 2021-22. In FY 2023-24, EBITDA surged to Rs 17.64 Crore, up from Rs 5.97 Cr in FY 2022-23 and Rs 1.02 Crore in FY 2021-22, indicating a CAGR of 415 per cent. Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose from Rs 0.18 Crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 1.49 Crore in FY 2023-24, while Profit After Tax (PAT) increased from Rs 0.08 Crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 1.17 Crore in FY 2023-24. The Gross Transaction Value (GTV) for FY 2023-24 reached Rs 1,558 Crore, up from Rs 657 Cr in FY 2022-23.

In the past six months, Ayekart raised Rs 54 Crore in equity, including Rs 45 Crore in primary funding and Rs 9 Crore in secondary funding from venture capital, bolstering its expansion initiatives.

Debarshi Dutta, Co-Founder & CEO, stated, “Our remarkable growth reflects our strong commitment to leveraging technology and forming strategic partnerships that empower businesses across the food and agri value chain. At Ayekart, we provide comprehensive support in capacity-building for farmers and FPOs while creating both backward and forward linkages for manufacturers and processors to enhance market access and operational efficiency. Through our platform, we are focusing on building a robust distribution and retail network to reach the last mile. This integrated approach drives productivity, fosters sustainable growth, and significantly impacts lives and livelihoods.”

 Company’s Gross margin increased substantially from Rs

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Finance, India

Total income increased marginally to Rs 659.20 crore from Rs 643.84 crore in the year-ago period.

Insecticides (India) Limited has reported the financial results for Q1FY25. Insecticides (India) Ltd on reported 68.18 per cent jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 49.01 crore for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Net profit stood at Rs 29.14 crore in the same quarter of FY24, a regulatory filing said. Total income increased marginally to Rs 659.20 crore from Rs 643.84 crore in the year-ago period. Expenses fell to Rs 593.94 crore from Rs 604.3 crore.

 Q1FY25 – Key Highlights

Steady Demand & Optimism for FY25: Experienced consistent demand across regions, reinforcing our positive outlook for FY25, driven by improved market conditions and stable input costs

Strategic Focus on Premium Products: Committed to enhancing our Premium Products range, including Focus Maharatna and Maharatna.

In Q1FY25, Premium Products achieved 18 per cent growth and represented 60 per cent of total B2C revenue. We are confident in gaining significant market share in these product lines

Strong Financial Performance: In Q1FY25, Insecticides (India) Ltd reported a 57 per cent increase in EBITDA and a 68 per cent rise in Profit After Tax.

Launches & Innovations: Introduced one new product in Q1FY25, continuing from eight launches in FY24. We plan to launch more pathbreaking products, following extensive R&D efforts

Challenges in B2B and Exports: B2B and Exports division faced challenges due to lower pricing and unfavourable market conditions.

Target Focus Area: In FY25, Insecticides (India) Ltd will prioritise driving growth in Premium Products through enhanced demand generation and brand-building efforts while maintaining a disciplined approach to margins and working capital.

Total income increased marginally to Rs 659.20

AgroPolicy, Biofuel industry, India, Sustainable Energy

The Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement was signed between Sembcorp Industries, Sojitz Corporation, Kyushu Electric Power Co., and NYK Line solidifying a cross-border green ammonia supply partnership from India to Japan.

The Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, chaired the signing ceremony of the first-ever agreement for the export of Green Ammonia from India to Japan. The project offtake agreement marks a significant step forward in India’s journey to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production.

The Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement was signed between Sembcorp Industries, Sojitz Corporation, Kyushu Electric Power Co., and NYK Line, solidifying a cross-border green ammonia supply partnership from India to Japan. This agreement represents the first such collaboration between the two nations, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global green energy landscape.

Sembcorp Industries will lead the production of green ammonia in India, utilising renewable energy sources. Kyushu Electric Power Co. has committed to integrating this green ammonia into their energy mix, partially replacing coal consumption at their thermal power plants in Japan. Sojitz Corporation will act as the business intermediary, facilitating the connection between the ammonia producer and the offtaker. NYK Line will oversee the maritime transportation of the green ammonia from India to Japan.

Speaking at the event, Pralhad Joshi emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Today is a historic day as we mark the first-ever agreement for the supply of Green Ammonia from India to Japan. This agreement will help establish a robust supply chain from production in India to consumption in Japan, paving the way for future collaborations in the green energy sector. The Minister highlighted India’s rapid progress in green hydrogen and renewable energy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reiterated India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production, leveraging partnerships, building robust regulatory frameworks, and making substantial investments in the sector.

 Pralhad Joshi also announced that a tender for 7.5 lakh TPA of Green Ammonia is currently live, with additional tenders for 4.5 lakh TPA capacity also floated. These efforts are part of India’s broader strategy to award incentives for the production of over a million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen, demonstrating India’s capability and intent to scale up green energy production at an unprecedented pace.

The Minister further spoke about the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between India, Japan, and Singapore, noting that the three countries are collaborating on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. He expressed confidence that this agreement is just the beginning of India’s expanding capabilities in the green energy sector, with future endeavors expected to be even more ambitious and impactful.

This agreement not only reinforces India’s position as a key player in the global green energy market but also reflects the Government of India’s steadfast support for green hydrogen and renewable energy initiatives. The collaboration with Japan is a testament to India’s growing expertise and commitment to sustainable development and energy independence.

The Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement was

Finance, India, Industry Reports / Analysis, Investments

The survey has been conducted with nearly 800 farmers and 150 labourers in four Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh).

Philanthropies and impact-first investors can play a crucial role in supporting India’s farmers as they adapt their livelihoods to climate change and boost their income, according to research undertaken by The Bridgespan Group and supported by HSBC India. The report titled “Building Climate Resilience and Prosperity: Six Bold Bets for Smallholder Farmers and Farm Workers” was released by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

The research focuses on the needs of marginal farmers—smallholders and sharecroppers cultivating less than one hectare (2.47 acres)—and farm labourers. The bold bets were identified with the needs and preferences of these communities as a starting point and are supported with case studies and expected impact.

The survey has been conducted with nearly 800 farmers and 150 labourers in four Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh) through in-depth interviews, and field visits. Women made up 40 per cent of survey respondents, and members of Adivasi and Dalit communities made up over half of the farmers and 70 percent of the farm labourers surveyed. The study also draws on conversations with more than 80 experts, leaders, and practitioners working on climate and agriculture issues, including investors, think tanks, government entities, and NGOs.

Six prime opportunities, referred as “bold bets” in the report—have the potential to build resilience for agrarian communities, according to the study. If fully leveraged, these investments could unlock Rs 3.49 lakh crore (nearly $45 billion) in adaptation finance.

These are:

  • Support transition to natural farming practices
  • Reducing chemical inputs can lower production costs per hectare, depending on crop type and usage.
  • This approach also has climate benefits, since it conserves water and increases soil carbon storage, enhances soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity.
  • Provide low-collateral loans to farmer producer organisations (FPOs) for investment in water conservation and livestock-based livelihoods
  • Water conservation measures ensure dependable irrigation and crop yield, leading to significant income growth.
  • Livestock farming can enrich household nutrition and ameliorate health outcomes.

Overall, this would help FPOs develop water infrastructure (e.g., farm ponds, common wells, bunds) or invest in community animal-rearing infrastructure (e.g., shelters, feed storage).

Support FPO-run seed banks for climate-resilient crops

Allow farmers to adapt to climate hazards such as droughts and floods, thereby safeguarding their incomes and bolstering agricultural sustainability and food security.

  • Leads to lower water consumption for irrigation which in the long run will help improve ground water levels.
  • Support FPOs to enable farmers to bring high-margin crops to the market.
  • Helps farmers diversify and undertake value-added activities such as processing, packaging, and marketing that can boost farmer incomes.
  • Offer weather-indexed wage loss micro-insurance
  • Provide immediate payouts to marginal farmers and agricultural labourers when specific weather conditions (e.g., temperature, rainfall) cause crop loss.

Lend to agricultural micro- and nano-enterprises

Provide farmers access to agricultural products (e.g., inputs, equipment, capital), generate employment opportunities for additional rural workers, and boost local economies.

Speaking at the programme, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, said, “Our farmers are the biggest risk takers who are working tirelessly to ensure food and nutritional security for the nation. The government is working towards transforming the agricultural ecosystem that not only encourages the adoption of sustainable practices, but also enhances productivity and income for the farming households.”

Reiterating HSBC India’s commitment to climate innovation and nature-based solutions, Aloka Majumdar, MD, Global Head of Philanthropy & Head of Sustainability, HSBC India, said, “The objective of the Climate Equity Initiative is to influence innovations and investments for climate action. For this to be effective, it is important to incorporate the voice of the vulnerable communities, who are likely to be excluded from decisions that affect their lives. We hope that this report will drive collaborative work in ensuring sustainable development and preservation of our natural ecosystem.”

Anant Bhagwati, Bridgespan partner and co-author of the report, said, “Marginal farmers’ and farmworkers’ households are aware of the changing climate’s impact on their farming habits. Yet they have fragile finances, and social supports do not always reach them. Centering their voices, and the voices of other vulnerable communities that need tailored support, such as women, Dalit, and Adivasi farmers, is the surest form of adaptation there is.”

The survey has been conducted with nearly

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Bee keeping, Company News, Fungicides, World

The approval covers delivery of CR-7 using both bumble bees and honeybees on various high value crops, including the berry group of crops and indoor vegetables.

Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. announced that the Company’s proprietary Vectorite with Clonostachys Rosea CR-7 (CR-7) has been approved by Mexico’s COFEPRIS (The Federal Commission for Protection from Sanitary Risks), the country’s health authority responsible for registration of plant protection products, for use as a fungicide on commercial crops. The approval covers delivery of CR-7 using both bumble bees and honeybees on various high value crops, including the berry group of crops and indoor vegetables.

“The success of BVT receiving regulatory approval for its product in Mexico is consistent with our strategy to focus on increasing the Company’s addressable market through geographic market expansion,” said Ashish Malik, CEO of BVT. “With US EPA approval in 2019, and now by adding Mexico COFEPRIS approval allowing BVT’s CR-7 to be sold in Mexico for the first time, we have significantly increased the market opportunity for commercial sales of the Company’s proprietary biological fungicide.”

Mexico’s growers offer significant market potential for BVT’s natural precision agriculture system: official statistics indicate that the country’s production in 2019 included 41,600 acres of strawberries, 12,100 acres of blueberries and over 377,000 acres of tomatoes and peppers.(1) In the same year, US imports of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables from Mexico amounted to US$15.6 billion.(2) The country uses US$1.3 billion worth of pesticides each year,(3) but an increasing number of growers are turning to biologicals as an alternative that offers better quality, greater food safety and reduces the need for chemicals.

“Having already completed demos with some berry growers in Mexico, and with the registration now in hand, BVT is in a great place to secure a commercial arrangement with a partner to bring our system to market in Mexico,” added Malik. “Mexico is a strategic market for BVT – being an export-oriented country where the growers are keen to adopt low- or no-chemical solutions to fight diseases and increase crop yields, BVT’s all-natural solution together with the classification of CR-7 being exempt from residue tolerance in the US, will provide them with a competitive advantage.”

Mexico’s COFEPRIS registration makes Vectorite with CR-7 available immediately for sale as a registered fungicide for use on the labelled crops.

The approval covers delivery of CR-7 using

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Digital Technologies, Drones, India, Seeds, Start ups

 Transforming hybrid seed trials with precision drone surveillance and data analytics.

BharatRohan, a leader in precision agriculture, launched a revamped version of SeedAssure®, an innovative service for seed companies for conducting Hybrid Evaluation Trials. By integrating advanced drone technology with meticulous data analysis, SeedAssure® offers unparalleled crop monitoring and delivers crucial insights for evaluating seed performance. Seed companies now have an option to fully customise the visualisation platform as per their needs.

In the pursuit of testing new hybrid or high-yield seeds under diverse climatic conditions, accurate and reliable data is crucial. SeedAssure® surpasses the limitations of traditional human-based monitoring, providing precise, actionable data that empowers seed companies to develop superior seeds and reinforce global food security.

Some key benefits of using drone data for hybrid seed evaluation trials over human-based data collection are:

Efficiency & Speed: Drones can rapidly cover large trial areas, collecting data much faster than human teams.

Accuracy & Consistency: Drones equipped with multispectral or hyperspectral sensors capture precise and standardized data, reducing human error and bias. A score of 7 for a disease severity will remain 7 across all the hybrid trial locations as compared to human based approach where a human evaluator may score same severity as 5 or 8 in different trial locations.

Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, drones can be more economical than employing large field crews for data collection.

Frequency & Early Detection: Drones can collect data at frequent intervals, enabling early detection of crop stress or disease, leading to timely interventions.

Data Richness: Drones offer various data types that allow comprehensive crop health and growth analysis.

Safety & Accessibility: Drones access challenging terrains or hazardous conditions safely, reducing risks for field workers.

Scalability: Drones enable data collection from multiple trial locations, providing broader insights into hybrid performance.

“BharatRohan’s mission is to empower agriculture with cutting-edge technology. SeedAssure® exemplifies this commitment by providing seed companies with the precise drone data needed to develop superior seeds,” said Amandeep Panwar, Director & Co-Founder, BharatRohan.

SeedAssure® tracks and analyses eight critical parameters—plant count, chlorophyll content, canopy coverage, crop-specific traits, plant height, pest and disease severity, and germination rate—offering a comprehensive view of each seed variety’s performance. This detailed phenotypic data, collected and analyzed throughout the trial, forms the foundation for informed decision-making and seed selection.

By integrating routine drone surveys with agronomist validation, SeedAssure® ensures meticulous observation and documentation at every trial stage. The plot-specific data collection and timeline-centric database enable comparative analysis of all seed varieties, ensuring that seed companies achieve superior results with greater speed and precision.

“SeedAssure® leverages high-resolution and hyperspectral drone data along with machine learning algorithms to detect subtle variations in crop traits. This empowers seed companies with predictive analytics that accelerate the development of high-quality seeds,” added Rishabh Choudhary, Director & Co-Founder, BharatRohan.

BharatRohan is dedicated to aiding seed companies in their quest to develop resilient, productive, and high-quality seeds. With SeedAssure®, the landscape of seed trials is being redefined, offering seed companies the tools they need to achieve more accurate and reliable results, ultimately enhancing the quality of seeds available to farmers.

 Transforming hybrid seed trials with precision drone