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Agribusiness, Biofuel industry, Company News, North America

Honeywell plans to implement its Experion® PKS Distributed Control System at Texas Renewable Fuels advanced biorefinery that will produce sustainable aviation fuel for Southwest Airlines.

 Honeywell today announced it has signed an agreement with USA BioEnergy (USABE) to implement its Experion® PKS Distributed Control System (DCS) and safety system at USABE’s new Texas Renewable Fuels Bon Wier advanced biorefinery, which is designed to convert wood waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This collaboration underscores Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends—automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition.

Honeywell Experion® PKS will support the Texas Renewable Fuels plant’s central control and safety operations, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. The system’s real-time data acquisition, monitoring, and control capabilities can revolutionize the complex processes involved in converting wood waste into SAF. By integrating these functions, Honeywell is set to significantly enhance operational efficiency and help USA BioEnergy achieve its production targets with minimal downtime, ultimately leading to reduced airline emissions and more sustainable commercial flight.

“Our selection of Honeywell’s Experion® DCS and safety systems for our planned Bon Wier facility was a strategic decision to ensure we operate with the highest efficiency and safety standards,” said Nick Andrews, CEO of USA BioEnergy. “Honeywell’s proven expertise and innovative solutions will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of producing sustainable aviation fuel with the lowest carbon intensity score in the industry.”

Located in Bon Wier, Texas, the planned $2.8 billion greenfield facility aims to address airlines’ growing demand for SAF by converting sustainably sourced forest thinnings into SAF. In advance of the facility’s opening, USA BioEnergy recently signed a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines Co. (“Southwest”) under which Southwest may purchase up to 680 million gallons of neat – or unblended – SAF. Once blended with conventional jet fuel, the SAF could produce the equivalent of 2.59 billion gallons of net-zero fuel and avoid 30 million metric tons of CO2 over the offtake agreement term.

“Honeywell’s industry-leading automation and safety solutions will be at the forefront of USA BioEnergy’s SAF facility and will help play a meaningful role in advancing the future of aviation,” said Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “Our partnership not only reflects our vision of a sustainable future, but it also demonstrates our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency through intelligent operations.”

In addition to the DCS and safety systems, Honeywell will also implement the Experion Industrial Security system to bolster the facility’s integrated telecommunications infrastructure. This advanced security solution will safeguard the plant’s critical assets and ensure secure and reliable communications across the entire facility, mitigating potential cyber threats and enhancing overall operational resilience.

Honeywell helped pioneer SAF production with its EcofiningTM process, which has been used to produce the fuel commercially since 2016. The company now offers solutions across various feedstocks to meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels, including SAF. In addition to Honeywell Unicracking and Ecofining, Honeywell’s renewable fuels portfolio includes ethanol-to-jet technology and eFining™, which converts green hydrogen and carbon.

USABE’s Texas Renewable Fuels Bon Wier facility is in the detailed design and engineering stage. The Company is represented by Citi.

Honeywell plans to implement its Experion® PKS

AgroPolicy, India, Seeds, Textile industry

Given India’s target of $250 billion in textile production by 2030, FSII urges regulatory authorities to ensure a timely, science-based approval of this seed variety.

Giriraj Singh, Union Textiles Minister during his recent visit to Nagpur has indicated that a new variety of technologically advanced Bt cotton likely to be allowed soon for commercial cultivation to help Indian textile industry in a bigger way. He also stated that in order to overcome labour problem in this sector, efforts are on to utilise members of Self-Help Group (SHG) in a big way.

The seed industry welcomes the Union Textile Minister, Giriraj Singh’s emphasis on the timely approval of the Herbicide Tolerant Bt Cotton seed variety. This technology can address critical issues like weed management, enhance productivity, and improve farmers’ income. It holds immense potential to support the long-term aspirations of India’s textile industry, as the nation aims to establish itself as a global textile powerhouse.

Bt Cotton has already transformed India into a global leader, with production rising from 10 to nearly 40 million bales between the early 2000s and FY2014. However, stagnation since FY2015 due to pests, soil degradation, and climate variability signals an urgent need for innovation to revitalise the cotton industry.

Given India’s target of $250 billion in textile production by 2030, FSII urges regulatory authorities to ensure a timely, science-based approval of this seed variety. Effective public-private collaboration will be key to boosting yields and strengthening India’s cotton value chain.

Ajai Rana, Chairman FSII, CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds said, “We urge the regulatory authorities to facilitate a transparent, science-based, and expeditious approval process, in alignment with global standards. A proactive policy framework, with effective collaboration between government and private sectors, will play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable growth of the cotton industry and safeguarding the interests of farmers and stakeholders across the value chain.”

Given India’s target of $250 billion in

Acquaculture, Agro Universities, India

Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized to transform the waste into sustainable protein sources, offering an alternative to fish meal in mariculture feed.

 George Kurian, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs inaugurated the black soldier fly-based bio-waste conversion unit at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi. As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign led by ICAR-CMFRI, the newly established unit is designed to process vegetable and fishery-related biological waste, adhering to zero waste and circular economy principles. Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized to transform the waste into sustainable protein sources, offering an alternative to fish meal in mariculture feed.

Kurian stated that the Swachh Bharat initiative is dedicated to improve all facets of human life, from production and development to fisheries, agriculture, and the industrial sector. Prioritising cleanliness and sanitation will help create a healthier and more prosperous society, he added. The Minister also said that the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) programme aims to foster a behavioural change with a mindful and deliberate utilisation of natural resources. He also accentuated that efforts are underway to expand the installation of artificial reefs in the coastal waters of all maritime states, led by the Union Fisheries Department.

Kurian interacted with fish farmers and entrepreneurs in ornamental fisheries, fish seed production, integrated fish farming and fish vending.  He reviewed various facilities, ICAR-CMFRI including Science Technology and Innovation Hub, hatcheries, laboratories and library.

Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, emphasized that the Institute followed a scientific approach to swachhata initiatives, including eco-friendly and low carbon technologies in the marine fisheries sector. ICAR-CMFRI focuses on community-based awareness campaigns, especially among women entrepreneurs, helping them to take up these technologies”, he added.

Dr Kuldeep K Lal, Director, ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, also graced the occasion. A book titled ‘One Decade of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at ICAR-CMFRI’ and a brochure on BSFL based bio-waste conversion were released by the Minister on the occasion.

Black soldier fly larvae will be utilized

Agribusiness, Biofuel industry, Company News, India, Supply Chain

This expansion is aimed at streamlining biomass collection and enhancing rural entrepreneurship envisages a total investment of Rs 75 Crore in FY 2024-25.

BiofuelCircle, a leading digital platform for the bioenergy supply chain, is expanding its reach into rural India to build sustainable biomass aggregation infrastructure. The company plans to more than double its rural warehouses from 15 to 35, across key agricultural states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The company’s mobile platform will deploy GPS and Telematics based apps to promote rural biomass businesses.  This expansion is aimed at streamlining biomass collection and enhancing rural entrepreneurship envisages a total investment of Rs 75 Crore in FY 2024-25. BiofuelCircle successfully completed an equity round that raised Rs 45 crore, led by Spectrum Impact; and has signed a term loan agreement with Jio Finance for the balance investment.

The initiative addresses India’s paddy stubble burning issue and follows BiofuelCircle’s ‘Parali Se Ujjawal Bhavishya’ program in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The program has deployed over 40 advanced, digitally integrated machines to collect and process stubble, preventing approximately 30,000 MT of agricultural residue from being burned across 25,000 acres. The Ramnagar Biomass Bank™ will benefit more than 5,000 farmers across 30 villages.

Suhas Baxi, Co-Founder and CEO of BiofuelCircle, stated, “We aim to connect over 70,000 farmers and aggregate more than 250,000 metric tonnes of biomass by the end of FY 2024-25. Our platform provides farmers access to modern infrastructure, turning agricultural waste into a valuable resource and contributing to a circular economy.”

The company’s model supports rural entrepreneurship by engaging over 1,000 tractor-driving rural partners. Biomass aggregation is projected to triple from 232,000 MT in FY 2023-24 to more than 800,000 MT by FY 2024-25. BiofuelCircle plans to operate in 10 states by March 2025.

“We are creating a participatory ecosystem where rural communities can drive their economic growth,” added Baxi. “By providing farmers with easier market access for their biomass, we’re helping them turn waste into wealth while addressing a critical environmental challenge.”

BiofuelCircle’s digital platform also supplies Fermented Organic Manure to farmers, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and positioning the company as a leader in India’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.

BiofuelCircle is proud to be ranked 8th on LinkedIn’s 2024 list of India’s Top Startups, the first biofuel company to receive this honor. This recognition highlights our commitment to transforming the biofuel supply chain and driving sustainable energy solutions across India.

This expansion is aimed at streamlining biomass

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Digital Technologies, R&D

Cropwise AI is a cutting-edge GenAI system designed to increase the efficiency of agronomic advisors and growers to determine the best crop management practices.

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural innovation, announced the launch of Cropwise AI at the World AgriTech Innovation Summit in London. Cropwise AI is a cutting-edge GenAI system designed to increase the efficiency of agronomic advisors and growers to determine the best crop management practices. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics, Cropwise AI empowers growers with deep insights and enhanced decision-making capabilities to optimize crop yields, improve sustainability, and drive profitability.

Cropwise AI leverages the deep library of Agronomic Models housed within Cropwise Insight Engine, including over 20 years of weather history, soil conditions, more than 80,000 observations on crop growth stages, and historical yield data from R&D and on-farm trials.

This information is then integrated with Syngenta’s extensive agronomic expertise. Combined with a multi-lingual conversational LLM, the system provides growers with tailored recommendations for precise input applications, product placement, and strategies for pest and disease control in easy-to-understand natural language.

The unique combination of data and models helps farmers make better decisions. Utilizing Syngenta’s seed recommendation models, Cropwise AI helps growers increase yields by up to 5 per cent.

“Cropwise AI represents a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey,” said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group. “By combining our deep agronomic knowledge with cutting-edge AI capabilities, we are bringing the power of GenAI to agriculture and empowering growers to make data-driven decisions.”

Earlier this year, the launch of GHX 2.0 with Cropwise AI integration brought the full potential of farmer data to life. The updated GHX 2.0 app allows users to ask questions and get answers on products and agronomic challenges, to high-impacting diseases like Tar Spot.

Key features of Cropwise AI include:

Seeds recommendation and placement: providing insights on seed products and utilizing advanced predictive machine learning algorithms to deliver tailored seed recommendations.

Predictive Modeling: Leveraging machine learning algorithms to forecast crop growth, yield potential, and risk factors based on real-time and historical data.

Precision Agriculture: Providing site-specific recommendations for optimized input application, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

Looking ahead, Syngenta plans to expand Cropwise AI’s capabilities with innovative features that will further revolutionize agricultural practices:

Advanced Disease and Pest Management: Future iterations will leverage computer vision and image recognition to detect and identify pests and diseases early, for proactive and precise management strategies.

Sustainability Analytics: Syngenta will integrate sustainability analytics to quantify the environmental impact of farming practices and provide suggestions for reducing carbon footprint.

“Cropwise AI is an industry-leading example of how GenAI can address critical agricultural issues”, said Elizabeth Fastiggi, Global Head of Agriculture, AWS. “Syngenta has revolutionized decision support, giving farmers easy access to expert advice. We’re excited to partner with them to boost yields and optimize productivity across the agri-food system.”

Cropwise AI is currently available to selected groups of customers in the United States and Brazil, with plans to expand to Europe in the near futur

Cropwise AI is a cutting-edge GenAI system

Agro Universities, India

The conference primarily focused on the challenges faced by agricultural education and research, as well as their potential solutions.

The Indian Agricultural Economics Research Centre (IAERC) hosted the National Conference on Agricultural Education and Research Management in New Delhi on 25 September 2024. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Government of India, who emphasised the urgent need for a well-defined policy aimed at the sustainable development of farmers.

Dinesh Kulkarni, All India Organisation Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, highlighted that the lack of regular review of the policies of public-funded institutions such as universities and research centres has hindered their progress. In the closing session, Krishna Gopal, Joint General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stressed the importance of decoupling agricultural product prices from inflation to make them more profitable for farmers.

The conference primarily focused on the challenges faced by agricultural education and research, as well as their potential solutions. Key issues discussed included the declining interest of students in pursuing agriculture as a career, the shortage of financial resources for universities and institutions, inadequate training for educators and researchers, challenges related to human resource management, and the lack of essential infrastructure for research and marketing.

Also present on the occasion were IAERC Chairman Pramod Chaudhary, Vice Chairman Advocate Vilas Sonawane, and Secretary A. A. Murkute. Vice Chairman S. K. Dubey welcomed all the guests and moderated the two main sessions of the conference – one on agricultural education and the other on agricultural research. The event provided a platform for key figures from across the country involved in agricultural education and research to engage in discussions and develop strategies to strengthen these sectors.

The conference saw participation from 15 Vice-Chancellors and 20 Directors from various universities. Senior officials, including B. S. Dwivedi, Member of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), R. C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Education), U. S. Gautam, Deputy Director General (Extension), and S. K. Chaudhary, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), was also in attendance.

The conference primarily focused on the challenges

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Warehousing

These silo projects, built on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) basis, have been developed with private investment and are now fully operational.

As a part of 100 days achievements of Department of Food and Public Distribution under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has successfully developed several state-of-the-art silo projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These projects mark a significant step in modernizing India’s food grain supply chain, ensuring efficient and sustainable storage and movement of essential commodities.

The latest addition to FCI’s infrastructure includes six operational silos strategically located in different regions of the country. These silo projects, built on a Design, Build, Finance, Own & Operate (DBFOO) or Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) basis, have been developed with private investment and are now fully operational.

Key Highlights of the Silo Projects:

Darbhanga Silo Project (Bihar):

Developed under the DBFOO model by M/s Adani Agri Logistics (Darbhanga) Ltd., this project includes a 50,000 MT storage capacity and a dedicated railway siding. It was completed in Commissioned in April 2024 and is now fully operational.

Samastipur Silo Project (Bihar):

Similar to the Darbhanga project, this silo in Samastipur was developed by M/s Adani Agri Logistics (Samastipur) Ltd. with a 50,000 MT capacity. Completed in May 2024, the facility is now operational.

Sahnewal Silo Project (Punjab):

Developed under the DBFOT model by M/s Leap Agri Logistics (Ludhiana) Pvt. Ltd., this project features a 50,000 MT capacity and supports local farmers by improving grain procurement and storage efficiency in Punjab. The project was completed in May 2024.

Baroda Silo Project (Gujarat):

With a 50,000 MT storage capacity, the Baroda Silo was completed in May 2024 by M/s Leap Agri Logistics (Baroda) Pvt. Ltd. and is operational, enhancing grain storage capabilities in the region.

Chheheratta Silo Project (Punjab):

Located in Amritsar, this facility was developed by M/s NCML Chhehretta Pvt. Ltd. with a 50,000 MT storage capacity. Completed in May 2024, it now provides essential storage for grains procured from farmers in the region.

Batala Silo Project (Punjab):

Located in Gurdaspur, the Batala Silo project, developed by M/s NCML Batala Pvt. Ltd., was completed in June 2024. With a 50,000 MT capacity, it further enhances FCI’s storage infrastructure in the region, benefiting numerous local farmers.

These silos will significantly enhance the Food Corporation of India (FCI)’s ability to ensure food security in several critical ways:

  • Enhanced Storage Capacity
  • Better Preservation
  • Reduced Losses
  • Efficient Handling and Bulk Storage
  • Automated Systems
  • Enables better quality control of stored grains.
  • Built with integrated rail and road transportation links,
  • Facilities designed for mechanized bulk loading and unloading
  • Lower Operating Costs

These silo projects and transportation initiatives are part of FCI’s broader efforts to ensure food security and reduce losses by improving storage and transportation infrastructure. The silos are equipped with modern technology, ensuring better preservation of grains, reducing losses, and supporting farmers by providing improved procurement facilities.

These silo projects, built on a Design,

Agribusiness, Company News, Finance, India, Start ups, Supply Chain

The report highlights that 85 per cent of farmers accessed financial services through Arya.ag’s platform, and 87 per cent of MSMEs accessed working capital.

Arya.ag, India’s largest and only profitable grain commerce platform, has released its latest Impact Performance Report, showcasing its transformative impact on farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the agricultural sector. Conducted in collaboration with 60 Decibels and sponsored by Quona Capital, the report emphasises Arya.ag’s pivotal role in expanding access to financial services and reducing wastage in the agricultural landscape.

The report highlights that 85 per cent of farmers accessed financial services through Arya.ag’s platform, and 87 per cent of MSMEs accessed working capital, underlining Arya. ag’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion. The platform’s unique offerings were deemed irreplaceable by 60 per cent of farmers, who found it difficult to identify a suitable alternative to Arya.ag. Notably, 79 per cent of farmers reported an increase in their earnings due to Arya.ag’s services.

A key outcome of Arya.ag’s intervention is the significant reduction in farm produce wastage. 67 per cent of farmers reported a decrease in wastage, with 73 per cent of individual farmers noting a reduction compared to 58 per cent of farmers associated with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The reduction in wastage was more pronounced in South India, where 64 per cent of farmers reported a substantial decrease in farm produce wastage, compared to 35 per cent in the rest of India.

For MSMEs, Arya.ag’s impact was equally in-depth. 86 per cent of MSMEs reported an improved ability to plan and manage working capital, while 89 per cent experienced enhanced access to raw materials at the right time, demonstrating Arya.ag’s role in strengthening the agricultural supply chain.

Speaking about the report, Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-founder of Arya.ag, stated, “These results validate our mission of creating equitable value chains in agriculture. By bridging critical gaps in finance and market access, we’re not just improving businesses; we’re transforming lives and fostering inclusive growth across India’s agricultural landscape.”

Looking forward, Arya.ag is committed to refining its offerings based on these insights, with an ambitious goal to impact over 10 million farmers in the next 3-4 years. The company plans to facilitate over $3 billion in agri-loans and create commerce linkages of over $4 billion, while expanding its storage footprint by more than fourfold by 2028.

As Arya.ag continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and business growth within India’s agricultural sector, helping stakeholders across the value chain thrive in a more equitable and efficient market.

The report highlights that 85 per cent

AgroPolicy, India, Supply Chain, Transportation

Initiatives to empower local farmers through provision of advanced facilities, greater access to international markets.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has outlined several key initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of the Palghar District Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers Producers’ Association. During a meeting with the association, Chairman, JNPA and Managing Director, VPPL, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, proposed a world-class agro-processing unit like JNPA to enhance agricultural productivity and boost the region’s export potential. These initiatives will empower local farmers through the provision of advanced facilities, targeted training, and greater access to international markets.

Sharing details about the same, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, said, “Our goal is to empower the local farming community by equipping them with cutting-edge facilities and essential training, helping them tap into international markets and increase both productivity and earnings. As we advance with the development of the Vadhvan port, we are equally committed to the growth and prosperity of the surrounding communities. We are ensuring that everyone benefits from this project and no one is left behind.”

In line with JNPA’s vision to support local agriculture, a world-class agro-processing unit will be established, enabling farmers to export their produce globally while minimising wastage which is similarly being developed at JNPA. Additionally, VPPL will construct a headquarters building for the Palghar District Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers Producers’ Association, equipped with advanced facilities like soil testing labs. Farmers will also gain access to JNPA’s agro and cold storage facilities for skill development, with a detailed plan soon to be rolled out.

To further enhance farmer education, VPPL will collaborate with Konkan Krishi Vidyapith to explore setting up a local extension campus for training purposes. In a broader push for skill development, JNPA will work with the Directorate General of Shipping to create programs that equip local youth with the skills needed to become seafarers. A comprehensive action plan for these initiatives will be presented soon.

Representatives of the Association expressed their satisfaction and support for the development of the Vadhvan Port.

Initiatives to empower local farmers through provision

Agribusiness, Company News, India

By providing targeted support, tools, and resources, Corteva aims to enable women as farmers, researchers, and entrepreneur.

Corteva Agriscience, a global agriculture leader, is launching a comprehensive program to support two million women across India’s agri-value chain by 2030. By providing targeted support, tools, and resources, Corteva aims to enable women as farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The initiative promotes equitable access to resources and decision-making roles, enhancing productivity improvement techniques, and enhancing food security. This program goes beyond traditional corporate responsibility, driving a movement that integrates gender parity, sustainable development, and economic growth.

At the launch of this initiative, Subroto Geed- President South Asia, Corteva Agriscience, stated, “Women are the backbone of rural life and agriculture. Corteva is committed to improving their incomes and lives through access to better farming methods, education, and sustainable farming practices. We hope this focus will accelerate India’s path to becoming a developed nation. Proud to embrace this social responsibility, taking a step toward a Viksit Bharat.

Anuja Kadian – Government & Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific), Corteva Agriscience, highlighted, “Our 2 million initiative links gender equality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By equipping women with tools, knowledge, and resources, Corteva is paving the way for women to lead in sustainable development, supporting India’s goals of economic empowerment, food security, and sustainability.”

Our programs aim to enable women across the agri value chain:

Developing women led Farmer Producer Organizations and women farmers: Through women only Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives, Corteva aims to create an inclusive ecosystem integrating women across the agri-value chain. By promoting climate-smart practices like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), carbon sequestration, soil health management, and water conservation, Corteva is integrating environmental stewardship with economic growth of rural women.

Developing women in STEM: Corteva will provide capacity-building, and mentorship to female STEM students, cultivating future leaders and innovators for a more sustainable, inclusive agricultural sector.

Developing rural and ag communities: Corteva is investing in improved infrastructure such as clean water, and storage facilities. These initiatives boost agricultural productivity and ensure women farmers have the resources they need for success. Additionally, Corteva’s programs will prioritize health, wellness, financial literacy, and business skills by providing access to essential services, thereby supporting women farmers in leading healthier and more prosperous lives while driving sustainable agricultural growth.

Corteva’s 2 million initiative empowers women as drivers of agricultural growth and innovation. These efforts aim to advance innovation, economic development, food security, and create a more inclusive agricultural sector.

By providing targeted support, tools, and resources,

Agro chems – Fertilizers, Agro Universities, R&D

The experiments were held in farmers’ fields across India over 3,000 locations, led by a team of Agronomists who have studied the response of Gromor Nano DAP in a spectrum of crops.

Data from the field experiments conducted by several reputed Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes and state agricultural universities across the country’s diverse agro-climatic zones have demonstrated that Nano DAP can enhance the yield of crops to the tune of 2.4% to 27% when applied at a recommended dose. This data showcases the unique advantage of Nano DAP in comparison to conventional DAP.

The experiments were held in farmers’ fields across India over 3,000 locations, led by a team of Agronomists who have studied the response of Gromor Nano DAP in a spectrum of crops, including rice, wheat, maize, moong, chickpea, red gram, groundnut, cotton, potato, onion, bottle gourd and cabbage, covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab. The data depicted that farmers who have started using Nano DAP are convinced with the results and begin to benefit from the Nano fertilizers.

Gromor Nano DAP was tested across the country as part of the research, including several reputed Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes such as India Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – New Delhi, Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) – Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) – Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) – Kanpur, Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) – Nagpur, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) – Bengaluru and Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) – Varanasi. It was also tested at various state agricultural universities such as Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – Coimbatore, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) – Hyderabad, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) – Rahuri, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) – Akola and Punjab Agricultural University- Ludhiana besides unequivocally demonstrated in farmers’ fields.

The Indian agriculture faces a wide array of constraints such as decline in soil organic carbon, imbalanced fertilization, multi-nutrient deficiencies and less fertilizer response ratio besides impacts of climate change and huge sum of fertilizer subsidies. The scientists have started exploring cutting edge technologies like nanotechnology which enables atomic manipulation to achieve processes and products that are precise to deliver input without associated loss of nutrients synchronized with environmental issues. To resolve this, Coromandel International has been manufacturing Gromor Nano DAP since 2023.

In order to gain insights, rapid absorption of Nano DAP in comparison to conventional DAP was assessed using high resolution electron microscopy, quick assimilation and turnover of amino acids using enzyme assays besides internalization in crops as stated by Dr K S Subramanian, Scientific Advisor, Coromandel International Limited and Former Director of Research, TNAU. Gromor Nano DAP was designed, developed and notified by Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) in 2023, at a time when the country is facing a phosphatic fertilizer availability crisis.

The experiments were held in farmers’ fields

Agribusiness, Foodgrains, Industry Reports / Analysis

India’s maize exports have remained inconsistent over the years, fluctuating in between 4.75 million MT in 2013 to 2.31 million MT in 2023 due to changing production patterns and high domestic prices.

FICCI organised the 10th edition of ‘India Maize Summit 2024’, highlighting the role of maize in food, feed and industrial uses. Kaushal Jaiswal, Co-Chairman, FICCI National Agriculture Committee and Managing Director, Rivulis Irrigation India Pvt. Ltd. mentioned that Maize Summit is an effort to bring fore the global and domestic scenario of maize and issues confronting the maize supply chain.

FICCI-YES BANK knowledge report – ‘The Indian Maize Sector – Trends, Challenges & Imperatives for Sustainable Growth’, was released during the session.

Sunjay Vuppuluri, National Head-Food & Agribusiness Strategic Advisory & Research, YES BANK shared the insights on FICCI-YES BANK knowledge report.

Key highlights of the report:

The Indian Maize Sector – Trends, Challenges & Imperatives for Sustainable Growth

Maize is a multifaceted crop with a wide range of uses, including for food, feed, industrial applications, energy, and pharmaceuticals. As a food source, maize is consumed in various forms such as cornmeal, flour, and sweet corn. In addition to its food value, maize is an essential ingredient in animal feed, particularly for poultry and livestock. Its industrial applications are diverse, with maize starch, oil and other derivatives used in the production of food, biodegradable plastics, textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals. Maize is also used to produce ethanol, a biofuel that is blended with petrol.

In 2022, about 1.17 billion metric tons (MT) of maize was produced, which was 30.9 per cent higher than that of wheat (0.81 billion MT) and 33.8% higher than that of rice (0.78 billion MT). Global maize production has increased from 0.89 billion MT in 2012 to 1.17 billion MT in 2022, growing at a decadal CAGR of 2.9 per cent.

In 2022, USA was the largest producer of maize contributing about 30% of global production followed by China (24 per cent) and Brazil (9 per cent).

Global consumption of maize has grown at a CAGR of 2.3% over a period of 10 years increasing from 988.6 million MT in 2013 to 1236.8 million MT in 2023.

Global exports grew at a decadal CAGR (2013-2023) of 5.1%, increasing from 122.8 million MT in 2013 to 202.1 million MT in 2023.

In 2023, maize prices reached their lowest values since 2021 at USD 223 per MT. Ample supplies from Brazil and competition among exporters underpinned the downward trend.

In 2022, India ranked 4th in global maize acreage and 5th in global production contributing to about 4.9% of acreage and 2.9% of production respectively.

In India, about 22 per cent of maize is consumed directly as food while a major share of production is consumed for industrial usage mainly for animal feed and starch.

Maize productivity in India has increased from 2.6 MT/Ha to 3.5 MT/Ha growing at a decadal CAGR of 3.3 per cent (2012-13 to 2022-23).

Maize is principally grown in two seasons: kharif (75% area) and rabi (20 per cent area), with the average productivity of kharif maize being 2.94 MT/ha and rabi maize 5.36 MT/ha.

India’s maize exports have remained inconsistent over the years, fluctuating in between 4.75 million MT in 2013 to 2.31 million MT in 2023 due to changing production patterns and high domestic prices.

India imported USD 8.0 million worth of maize in 2023, primarily from South Africa (74%), the United States (15 per cent), and Argentina (6%).

The key factors driving the growth of the maize ecosystem include increasing demand from the poultry and livestock sectors as well as growing industrial uses such as ethanol production.

Challenges at the farm level include low adoption of hybrid seeds, with only about 30% of the cultivated area under Single Cross hybrids.

Post-harvest handling challenges include poor quality management, leading to moisture content as high as 18 per cent, making the produce susceptible to fungal infection and high aflatoxin levels.

Challenges in the maize processing industry include high raw material costs due to price fluctuations, varietal and quality mismatches, and restrictions on maize imports due to GM regulations.

Key imperatives for sustaining growth of maize sector identified in the report are listed below

  • Develop a roadmap to scale up maize production and acreage.
  • Ensure faster and broader adoption of new technologies.
  • Devise effective extension programs to promote adoption of good agricultural practices.
  • Strengthen post-harvest infrastructure for building a robust maize supply chain.
  • Facilitate maize supply security for diverse industry.
  • Promote private sector investment across the maize value chain through various incentives and schemes.

India's maize exports have remained inconsistent over

Agribusiness, Company News, Farm Mechanisation, Machinery - Pre-harvesting, Machinery – Post-harvesting

 The new 3-cylinder mZIP engine is designed to offer superior pulling power, ensuring that that the tractor can handle the most demanding farm tasks with ease.

Mahindra & Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, today launched the Mahindra 275 DI TU PP in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan. Developed to meet the growing demand for high-capacity, powerful tractors for farmers the new Mahindra 275 DI TU PP tractor is set to redefine efficiency and performance for farmers across the states.

Equipped with a robust 3-cylinder mZIP engine, the new tractor boasts an engine capacity of 2760 cc which delivers an impressive 180 Nm of maximum torque and 25 per cent back up torque, making it an unmatched choice for all agricultural applications in its class. The new 3-cylinder mZIP engine is designed to offer superior pulling power, ensuring that that the tractor can handle the most demanding farm tasks with ease.

A key highlight of the Mahindra 275 DI TU PP is the tractors long service interval of 400 hours, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs for farmers. The tractor also features an unmatched PTO (Power Take-Off) power of 35.5 HP (26.5 kW), which is complemented by its superior mileage, due to the lowest specific fuel consumption (SFC) in its category. This makes the 275 DI TU PP not just powerful, but highly fuel-efficient, providing farmers with substantial savings on operating costs.

In terms of transmission, the Mahindra 275 DI TU PP is equipped with a Partial Constant Mesh (PCM) system, featuring 8 forward and 2 reverse gears. This advanced transmission system ensures smoother operation and greater versatility in the field, allowing for easy manoeuvring and adaptability to various farming tasks.

 The new 3-cylinder mZIP engine is designed

Agro Universities, India, People

This prestigious distinction recognises Prof. Pingali’s significant contributions to global agricultural science and policy.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is proud to announce that Prof. Prabhu Pingali, Chair of the ICRISAT Governing Board, has been elected as a Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). This prestigious distinction recognises Prof. Pingali’s significant contributions to global agricultural science and policy.

Established in 1935, INSA is India’s premier scientific institution, dedicated to advancing scientific research and promoting knowledge across diverse disciplines.

Prof. Pingali, whose election to INSA places him among an elite group of 99 Foreign Fellows, is recognized for his influential contributions to agricultural development and food security.

Prof. Pingali’s comprehensive review of the Green Revolution (PNAS, 2012) is a cornerstone for scholars studying agricultural development.

His pioneering research on the harmful effects of pesticides has earned him multiple international accolades, shaping safer pesticide policies in the Philippines. In 1988, Prof. Pingali’s innovative work on agricultural mechanization and technology adoption in Africa earned him the prestigious Research Discovery Award from the American Association of Agricultural Economists.

ICRISAT extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Pingali on this well-deserved recognition, honoring his exceptional contributions to science and global development.

This prestigious distinction recognises Prof. Pingali’s significant